I am an authority on virtual reality and cybersickness, multi-sensory integration and why we see materials as we do (e.g., gloss, colour shape, transparency), including visual illusions.
My research is concerned with understanding how we perceive real-world and virtual environments. Our brain infers information about the physical properties of objects in the environment through neural signals it receives from our six senses. I seek to identify specific patterns in sensory information that are critically important for explaining optimal perception and action in real-world scenarios. I have particular strengths in research...view more
My research is concerned with understanding how we perceive real-world and virtual environments. Our brain infers information about the physical properties of objects in the environment through neural signals it receives from our six senses. I seek to identify specific patterns in sensory information that are critically important for explaining optimal perception and action in real-world scenarios. I have particular strengths in research topics on visual and vestibular neurophysiology, including the development of future technologies in head-mounted display virtual reality (HMD VR) for interactive entertainment and gamification in health.
My Grants
- 2023 Kim J., Palmisano, S., Iwasaki, S. Enhancing sensory perception and balance control in HMD-based VR. ARC Discovery Project (DP230100303)
- 2021 Palmisano, S., Kim, J. Unleashing the potential of VR: reducing sickness in head-mounted displays. ARC Discovery Project (DP210101475)
- 2014 Kim, J. Image constraints on the perception of surfaces and materials. ARC Future Fellowship (FT140100535)
- 2010 Anderson, B.L., Kim, J., Fleming, R. The perception of surfaces and materials. ARC Discovery Project (DP1097229)
My Qualifications
- 2005 PhD in Psychology at the University of Sydney
- 1998 BSc (Honours-I) at the University of Sydney
- 1997 BSc studies in Computer Science, Psychology and Mathematical Statistics at the University of Sydney
My Awards
2022 Educational Excellence Award - Faculty of Medicine and Health
My Research Activities
- Explain / predict the experience of cybersickness in HMD VR.
- Determine the image properties for the perception of surfaces and materials.
- Understand multi-sensory mechanisms for the perception of self-motion.
- Explore the role of eye movements and retinal motion in perception of form and motion.
- Develop psychophysical approaches for artificial intelligence to automatically assess morphological structures seen in ophthalmic images.
Find out more on our research laboratory webpage: Sensory Processes Research Laboratory
My Research Supervision
Areas of supervision
- Vestibular neurophysiology
- Human movement
- Material and surface perception
- Virtual Reality
- Perception of self-motion
Currently supervising
- Perception of surface shape and translucency in natural scenes.
- Perception of shape and materials in virtual environments.
- The illusory experience of self-motion perception (vection).
- Improving the perception of corneal nerve morphology in ophthalmology and clinical optometry.
- Galvanic Vestibular Stimulation (GVS) for HMD VR.
- Using HMD VR to understand multisensory integration during standing and walking.
My Engagement
I regularly engage with key industry partners, the following being only a few examples:
- Bandicoot Imaging Sciences Australia
- Video Games Deluxe
- Canon Inc
- NATO (HFM-MSG-346)
My Teaching
Courses I teach
- VISN1101 Vision Science Perspectives (Term 1)
- OPTM3201 Ocular Imaging and Applied Vision Science (Term 1)
- VISN5512 Sensory Processes and Movement (Term 1)
- OPTM7218 Research Project (Term 1, 2, 3)
Educational outreach
I also actively engage in educational outreach activities, which you can read about in the public MyEducation portfolio:
https://myeducationportfolio.unsw.edu.au/profile/888
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1300-9875