Skip to main content

Gyudae "GD" Kim

Profile picture for Gyudae "GD" Kim

Contact Information

1054 Natural History Building
1301 W. Green St.
Urbana, IL 61801
Advisor: Dr. Brian Jefferson

Biography

My work focuses on the intersection of political geography, political theory, and the role of science, technology, and engineering in state restructuring and sovereignty. 

Research Interests

I focus on how technological advancements, particularly nuclear technology, actively shape geopolitical boundaries and state power. My research explores the historical and contemporary impacts of these technologies by employing GIS, archival research, and content analysis to analyze their effects on political spaces and global security. I also investigate the broader implications for nuclear deterrence policy, nuclear forces, and the future of nuclear arms control policy, aiming to contribute to the development of informed and effective policies in these critical areas.

Grants

  • Craig H. Neilsen Foundation Fellowship | 2023-2027 
  • Schlesinger Travel Grant | 2024
  • AAG Student Travel Grant | 2025

Awards and Honors

  • List of Teachers Ranked as Excellent | Fall 2023
  • Third Place Graduate Student Poster, West Lakes, American Association of Geographers | 2023
  • Outstanding Graduate Student Paper, West Lakes, American Association of Geographers | 2024

Courses Taught

Instructor

Teaching Assistant

Mentorship

  • Graduate Academy for College Teaching for New Graduate Students | Fall 2024 
  • Undergraduate Research Apprenticeship Program | 2024-2025

Professional

  • Conference Assistant, Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting | 2024
  • Member, Arrangements Committee, Association of American Geographers Annual Meeting | 2025
  • Member, Ethics Council, Korea-America Association for Geospatial and Environmental Sciences | 2024-2025
  • Treasurer, Geography Graduate Student Association, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 2023-2024
  • President, Geography Graduate Student Association, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign | 2024-2025

Additional Campus Affiliations

  • Graduate Student, The Program in Arms Control and Domestic and International Security
  • Graduate Student, Unit for Criticism and Interpretive Theory