Tong Jin Kim is an Associate Professor of Industrial Design at Purdue University, also a founder of “Wonder Makerspace.” “Wonder Makerspace” is a design tech lab for communities and schools, offering the technology-based maker tools to be Accessible, Adaptable, and Approachable for the creators of the future. Now, the makerspace is moving to the next level of the maker movement, Micro Manufacturing, and Maker Education.

He received his M.S. in Engineering, Design, and Innovation from Northwestern University in 2010 and his B.A. in Industrial Design from the University of Bridgeport in 1998. Before joining Academia, he has also worked at consultancy and corporate for more than 18 years as a design leader, delivering leading-edge products and business solutions. His works have won many design awards and holds more than 50 US patents. He has been involved with various universities and design communities, giving lectures on design thinking and coordinating creative workshops for non-designers and community organizations. TJ"s research interest is the commercialization of design and building design platforms and communities that help students to develop their products and establish a company in collaboration with others, allowing students to gain real industry experience and knowledge by practicing design as a part of a business solution.

·        Developed more than 200 products

·        Holds 55 US Design Patents, 4 US Utility Patents

·        Worked on projects for Global companies, such as Google, LG, Sony, Motorola, Sharp, etc.

·        Won 15 International Design Awards and 14 National Design Awards