Her research interests include popular music subcultures (specifically rockabilly, psychobilly, and punk) and cultural representation in world music ensembles (particularly steelbands). Kim is currently the President of the Southern Plains Chapter of SEM and has served previously as Secretary, Local Arrangements Chair, and Vice President. She also chairs the Committee on the Status of Popular Music Scholars in the Popular Music Section of SEM, has served on the SEM Local Arrangements Committee in 2014-2015, and has regularly presented on her research at SEM Annual Meetings since 2007.