After completing combined degrees in Mechatronics and Biomedical Engineering at UNSW in 2003, Kim began her career as an engineering consultant at Human Impact Engineering in Sydney. Specialising in impact injury biomechanics in the areas of vehicle and transport safety, sporting activities, occupational hazards and forensics, she developed a special interest in the design and evaluation of personal protective equipment such as helmets and protective vests.

Kim recently commenced her PhD research with A/Prof. Andrew McIntosh in August 2007 as part of an Australian Research Council funded Linkage Project on the performance of pedal and motor cycle helmets. The project involves a prospective study of pedal and motorcycle crashes in NSW to look at real-world helmet impact attributes and the related injury outcomes, with aims to evaluate and improve the current Australian helmet test standards.