Yong Sang “Barry” Kim ,
Ph.D, ME, BS

  • Industry Professor

Civil, Urban, and Environmental Engineering

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Office
6 MetroTech Center, 4th Floor, JH421, Brooklyn, NY 11201

Barry Kim has joined NYU Tandon after serving as a tenured Associate Professor of Water Engineering at the University of Guam.

Research Interests
His research spans sustainable water reuse, deep learning–based groundwater salinity analysis, real-time surface water quality monitoring, and PFAS contaminant transport in aquifers — focusing on well-pumping dynamics and source attribution.
  • Research Contributions: Leads work on sustainable water use and reuse through resilience-based strategies, long-term groundwater salinity trends using deep learning, real-time monitoring of surface water quality, and fate/transport of PFAS in aquifers, with emphasis on well-pumping dynamics and source attribution.
  • Industry Experience: Spent approximately seven years in environmental consulting and IT prior to academia, rising from Senior to Principal Consultant at Samsung SDS, then serving as Director of the Institute of Safety & Environment at Samsung Global Research. Led environmental and engineering consulting projects across the United States, China, Vietnam, and South Korea.
  • Education: B.S. in Chemistry, Kyung Hee University (South Korea); M.E. in Environmental System Engineering, Korea University; Ph.D. in Civil Engineering, Purdue University.
  • Teaching Interests: Hydraulics, water resources engineering, and environmental engineering, with over seven years of teaching experience.
  • Areas of Expertise: Water pollution, water quality monitoring, environmental remediation, surface water–groundwater interaction, and hydrogeological risk assessment.
  • Recent Recognition: Published research in the Springer journal Water, Air & Soil Pollution and featured in the Guam Daily Post for work addressing water security through seawater-based solutions.

Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, 2008

Doctor of Philosophy, Civil Engineering

Korea University, 2001

Master of Engineering, Environmental System Engineering

Kyung Hee University, 1999

Bachelor of Science, Chemistry

 

Associate Professor of Water Engineering, University of Guam, 2023–present

Assistant Professor of Water Engineering, University of Guam, 2019–2023

GHS Research Affiliate, University of Guam, 2017–2018

Director, Samsung Economic Research Institute, 2014–2017

Principal Consultant, Samsung SDS, 2010–2014

Post-doctoral Research Associate, Purdue University, 2009–2010

Research Scientist, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 2002–2003

  1. Dougher, B., N.C. Habana, J.W. Jenson, M.A. Lander, and K. Ho. 2019. Dynamic Response of a Freshwater Lens to Natural Variations in Recharge", International Journal of Advances in Science Engineering and Technology, Vol. 7: 20-27.
  2. Denton, G.R.W., C.A. Emborski, N.C. Habana, and J.A. Starmer. 2014. Influence of urban runoff, inappropriate waste disposal practices and World War on the heavy metal status of sediments in the southern half of Saipan Lagoon, Saipan, CNMI. Marine Pollution Bulletin. 81(1): 276- 281.
  3. Habana, N.C., J.W.L. Salvacion, J.W. Jenson, J.D. Rouse. 2013. VADOCHARGE- N: a vadose flow and N-transport simulation model for the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer". International Journal of Engineering Science Technology and Research. Vol. 1(11):268-287.
  4. Habana, N.C., L.F. Heitz, A.E. Olsen, J.W. Jenson, J.W.L. Salvacion. 2013.
    VADOCHARGE: Groundwater Recharge Model for an Uplifted Island Karst Aquifer, Guam, USA. International Journal of Engineering Science Technology and Research. 1(8):141-164.

Other Publications Including Conference Papers, Scientific Reports

  1. Kim, Y.S., M.N. Duenas, N.C. Habana, R. Lohmann, and J. Becanova. 2019. Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Concentrations in Water Resources of Guam, International Conference on Geological and Environmental Sustainability, Seoul, December 21, 2019.
  2. Dougher, B., N.C. Habana, J.W. Jenson, and M.A. Lander. 2019. Dynamic response of a freshwater lens to natural variations in recharge. Proceedings of 186th International Academy of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Management – International Conference on Environment and Natural Science, Seoul, 4-5 July. IASTEM, http://iastem.org.
  3. Denton, G.R.W., C.M. Sian Denton, Y.S. Kim, J.W. Jenson, N.C. Habana, and M.A. Lander. 2018. Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (PFOS): a contaminant of emerging concern in Guam’s groundwater, Proceedings of the 125th The Institute of Research Engineers and Scientists (The IRES) International Conference, Beijing, 29-30 June. The IRES, http://theires.org
  4. Habana, N.C., J.W.L. Salvacion, J.W. Jenson, J.D. Rouse. 2013. VADOCHARGE- N: a vadose flow and N-transport simulation model for the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer. International Conference on Sustainable Environmental Technologies, Pasay City, 30 September to 01 October.
    Intramuros, ICSET.
  5. Habana, N.C., L.F. Heitz, A.E. Olsen, J.W. Jenson, and J.W.L. Salvacion. 2012. AQUA CHARGE: a model for estimating groundwater recharge in an uplifted island karst aquifer, Guam, USA. International Water Association: World Water Congress, Busan, 16-21 September.
    Habana, N.C., J.W. Jenson, and L.F. Heitz. 2021. Surface Hydrology of the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer, International Tropical Islands Water Conference (Tropical Island Water Futures: Water for People and Ecosystems in the Face of Change), Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, via Zoom Online.
  6. Bulaklak, J.Y., N.C. Habana, and J.W. Jenson. 2021. Production Well Nitrate-N Trends of the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer. International Tropical Islands Water Conference (Tropical Island Water Futures: Water for People and Ecosystems in the Face of Change), Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, via Zoom Online.
  7. Dueñas, M.N.C., Y.S. Kim, M. Vuki, N.C. Habana, and J.W. Jenson. 2021. Investigation of Potentially Perflouroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) Impacted Sites in Guam. International Tropical Islands Water Conference (Tropical Island Water Futures: Water for People and Ecosystems in the Face of Change), Water Resources Research Center, University of Hawai’i at Manoa, via Zoom Online.
  8. Jenson, J.W. and N.C. Habana. 2019. Toward a Sustainable Management Concept for Coastal and Island Aquifers. National Groundwater Association (NGWA), Groundwater Week, Summit Conference Sessions: Sustainability and Planning Session, Las Vegas Convention Center, 3-5 December. NGWA: https://ngwa.confex.com/ngwa/gw19/meetingapp.cgi/ Paper/12869.
  9. Bourke, P., J.W. Jenson, N.C. Habana, and M.A. Lander. 2019.
    Hydrogeologic Survey of Santa Rita Spring, Guam: Determination of its Natural Capacity and Development Options. NGWA, Groundwater Week, Summit Conference Sessions: Sustainability and Planning Session, Las Vegas Convention Center, 3-5 December. NGWA: https://ngwa.confex.com/ngwa/ gw19/meetingapp.cgi/Paper/12886.
  10. Kim, Y.S., M.A. Duenas, N.C. Habana, G.R.W. Denton, J.W. Jenson, and M.A. Lander. 2019. Groundwater contamination by polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in Guam. Proceedings of 186th IASTEM International Conference, Seoul, 4-5 July. IASTEM, http://iastem.org.
  11. Dougher, B., N.C. Habana, J.W. Jenson, M.A. Lander, and K. Ho. 2018. Dynamic response of the freshwater lens to natural variations in recharge, Northern Guam Lens Aquifer, Yigo-Tumon Basin. NGWA, Groundwater Week, Poster Sessions, Las Vegas, 3-6 December. NGWA: https://ngwa.confex.com/ngwa/gw18/webprogram/Paper12197.html.
  12. Superales, D.G., N.C. Habana, J.W. Jenson, and S.B. Gingerich. 2018. Defining and Evaluating Groundwater Production Capacity for an Island Aquifer: Production Well System in the Parabasal Zone, Northern Guam Lens Aquifer. NGWA, Groundwater Week, Poster Sessions, Las Vegas, 3-6 December. NGWA: https://ngwa.confex.com/ngwa/gw18/webprogram
    /Paper12153.html.
  13. Kim, Y.S., J.W. Jenson, and N.C. Habana. 2018. Consideration Factors of Production-Well Rehabilitation Assessment on Guam. NGWA, Groundwater Week, Poster Sessions, Las Vegas, 3-6 December. NGWA: https://ngwa. confex.com/ngwa/gw18/webprogram/Paper12160.html.
  14. Bautista, K., J.W. Jenson, N.C. Habana, and Y.S. Kim. 2018. Guam Water Resources Monitoring Program. NGWA, Groundwater Week, Poster Sessions, Las Vegas, 3-6 December. NGWA: https://ngwa.confex.com/ ngwa/gw18/webprogram/Paper12199.html.
  15. Habana, N.C., and J.W. Jenson. 2018. The Northern Guam Lens Aquifer Map. NGWA, Groundwater Week, Poster Sessions, Las Vegas, 3-6 December. NGWA: https://ngwa.confex.com/ngwa/gw18/webprogram/Paper12200.html.
  16. Habana, N.C., J.W. Jenson, and S.B. Gingerich. 2017. Evaluating Best- Practice Capacities for a Carbonate Island Karst Aquifer, Northern Guam Lens Aquifer, Guam, USA. NGWA Groundwater Summit 2017, Nashville, 4-7 December. NGWA: https://ngwa.confex.com/ngwa/ 2017gws/webprogram/ Session12289.html.
  17. Simard, C., J.W. Jenson, M.A. Lander, M.Q. McDonald, and N.C. Habana.
    2016. Salinity in the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer: Natural and Human Factors. American Water Works Association, Hawaii Section, Western Pacific Subsection (AWWA-HIWPS) Annual Conference, Tumon and Hagåtña, 11-12 April. AWWA-HIWPS: https://www.awwahiwps.org/2016- conference. html.
  18. Habana, N.C., J.W. Jenson, and S.B. Gingerich. 2015. Exploring Best- Practice Capacities in the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer. 2nd Conference on Water Resource Sustainability Issues on Tropical Islands, Honolulu, 1-3 December. Water Resources Research Center (WRRI), University of Hawaii at Manoa: http://www.wrrc.hawaii.edu/2015conference/Program 11315.pdf.
  19. Denton, G.R.W., C. Sian Denton, and N.C. Habana. 2015. Dieldrin: An Unregulated Drinking Water Contaminant of Potential Concern in Guam’s Groundwater. 2nd Conference on Water Resource Sustainability Issues on Tropical Islands, Honolulu, 1-3 December. Water Resources Research Center (WRRI), University of Hawaii at Manoa: http://www.wrrc.hawaii. edu/2015conference/Program11315.pdf.
  20. Habana, N.C., Jenson, J.W., and Gingerich, S.B. 2015. Exploring Best- Practice Capacities in the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer. AWWA-HIWPS Water and Wastewater Conference, Tumon, 13-14 April. AWWA-HIWPS: https://www.awwahiwps.org/2015-conference.html.
  21. Habana, N.C., J.W.L. Salvacion, J.W. Jenson, J.D. Rouse, and L.F. Heitz.
    2013. VADOCHARGE-N: Deep Karst Vadose Flow and N Transport Simulation Model for the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer. 27th Pacific Islands Environment Conference, Tumon, 26-28 June. Guam EPA: https://issuu. com/guamepa/docs/piec_conferencebrochure/17.
  22. Jenson, J.W., M.H. Yeo, and N.C. Habana. 2022. Hydrogeologic assessment of areas A, B, D, F and Sinkholes in the J-100B Finegayan Utilities and Site Improvements Project, Phase 1, Marine Corps Activity Guam, Final Report. Research Corporation University of Guam (RCUOG) WERI Scientific Advisory Report (SAR) for Granite- Obayashi a Joint Venture (GOJV): 165 pp.
  23. Bulaklak, J., N.C. Habana, and J.W. Jenson. 2020. Nitrate occurrence and trends in the Northern Guam Lens Aquifer: observations and findings to date, WERI Scientific Advisory Paper. The Guam Daily Post: 5 pp.
  24. Jenson, J.W., Y.S. Kim, and N.C. Habana. 2020. Hydrogeological assessment of the Urban Combat Training Project Site, Anderson AFB, Guam, Final. RCUOG, WERI Scientific Advisory Report (SAR) for Merrick and Company:
    227 pp.
  25. Jenson, J.W., Y.S. Kim, and N.C. Habana. 2019. Hydrogeologic assessment for closed-contour depressions identified in the J-0001B Finegayan Utilities and site improvements project. RCUOG WERI SAR for (GOJV):
    200 pp.
  26. Jenson, J.W., Y.S. Kim, and N.C. Habana. 2019. Geotechnical assessment of the NSSAR Site, Live-Fire Training Range Complex, Northwest Field, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. RCUOG WERI SAR for Black Construction Corporation: 108 pp.
  27. Jenson, J.W., Y.S. Kim, and N.C. Habana. 2019. Hydrogeologic assessment of the suspect sinkhole area at AC15 NIC Site: J-001B Finegayan Utilities and Site Improvements Project, Phase 1, Marine Corps Activity Guam.
    RCUOG WERI SAR for GOJV: 74 pp.
  28. Jenson, J.W., Y.S. Kim, and N.C. Habana. 2018. Hydrogeological assessment: Live-Fire Training Range Complex, sinkhole, Northwest Field, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. West Pacific Geoscience Consulting (WPGC) SAR for Black Construction Corporation 2018: 98 pp.
  29. Jenson, J.W., Y.S. Kim, and N.C. Habana. 2018. Terrain analysis and sinkhole reconnaissance: planned firing range, Northwest Field, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam (P735 Firing Range). WPGC SAR for Duenas Camacho and Associates (DCA): 66 Pp.
  30. Jenson, J.W., and N.C. Habana. 2015. Terrain analysis and sinkhole reconnaissance: planned firing range area Northwest Field, Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, WPGC SAR for DCA.
  31. Jenson, J.W., and N.C. Habana. 2015. Guam International Airport, Stormwater infiltration analysis and recommendations in support of design of stormwater system improvements, WPGC and Allied Pacific Environmental Consulting SAR for Gutteridge Haskins & Davey: 46 pp.