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DUNWOODY, Ga. — Dr. Andrew Kim doesn’t wonder why he developed such an early interest in engineering. He knows why. The thanks go to his parents.
“From an early age, my father nurtured my engineering curiosity by explaining everything from how to use various tools to the principles behind rocket launches,” Kim said, “while my mother inspired me with her calligraphy and craftwork, showcasing how to beautify our home with handmade creations.”
Kim, Perimeter College’s 2025 Outstanding Senior Faculty Award recipient, now pays that encouragement forward, inspiring his students to discover their own passion for engineering.
“Students all talk about his superior teaching methods, knowledge of the subject and his friendly, helping attitude to students,” said Dr. Anant G. Honkan, a professor at Perimeter for three decades. Honkan, who led the development of Perimeter’s engineering program , said Kim also supports students through his open-door policy, meeting students at their convenience.
By using a “flipped classroom approach,” providing pre-recorded lectures and interactive online materials ahead of time so students can learn foundational concepts at their own pace, Kim said he “frees up class time for in-depth discussions, problem-solving sessions and collaborative activities.”
“By actively engaging students in these activities, I aim to foster a deeper understanding of complex engineering principles,” he said.
Born in South Korea, Kim came to the United States to pursue his Ph.D. at The Georgia Institute of Technology. He has been an engineering professor at Perimeter College’s Dunwoody campus since 2016.
His contributions do not stop there. He is the advisor for the Dunwoody Engineering Club and the Dunwoody Korean Culture Club. He is advisor for the REP, a special transfer program for engineering students, and he takes an active role in helping students transfer to top-tier universities once they have completed their time at Perimeter College.
Kim’s “exceptional instruction and unwavering support, both in and outside the classroom, have had a profound impact on me and my peers,” said Mensur Muzyin, a former student. “He not only helped us excel academically, but also inspired us to aim higher, planting the seeds of ambition and encouraging us to push beyond our limits.”
Kim’s love of engineering extends past the classroom.
“In my spare time, I enjoy tackling various home improvement projects by purchasing materials and fixing things myself,” he said, “or automating repetitive tasks to make them more convenient, like experimenting with different weed killers, installing an automatic fish feeder in my aquarium, or 3D printing a support to prevent soap dishes from loosening.”
“Engineering,” Kim explained, “is fundamentally about applying principles discovered in natural science to real-world applications. While I find the fast-paced, competitive environment of developing cutting-edge technologies appealing, I also cherish the opportunity to revisit and apply established, yet often overlooked, useful techniques with students, enhancing our daily lives.”
Story by Christy Petterson
Photo by Bill Roa