Ph.D. in Social Work
Why did you choose graduate school at IUPUI?
As I worked as a researcher collaborating with scholars from diverse areas in Korea, I learned about the importance of having scientifically rigorous and integrative knowledge for social work scholars to advocate and help the underserved population. Additionally, it is pivotal to solve complicated social issues through our research. After becoming aware of the Indiana University School of Social Work (IUSSW) graduate program, which was highly ranked in U.S. News, I found that IUSSW Ph.D. program allows doctoral students to have interdisciplinary research experiences. Therefore, the course design and academic culture of this program perfectly met my desire. In this program, while minoring in economics, I could learn from and work with many valuable professors and colleagues not only in social work but also in different disciplines including philosophy, sociology, labor study, SPEA, nursing, medicine, and computing and informatics. Benefits of the University Fellowship, as well as grant opportunities in IUSSW, were also crucial factors for choosing this School. Thanks to the University Fellowship, I could focus on and enjoy my doctorate journey with little financial pressure. Generous travel grants from IUSSW doctoral program have helped me actively distribute my research findings at the national conferences as well.
What has been your favorite academic accomplishment since you’ve been here?
My most favorite and recent accomplishment is being awarded the Social Work HEALS Doctoral Fellow this year, funded by the National Association of Social Workers Foundation (NASW) and the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). This fellowship is one of the most remarkable and competitive awards in the social work area that supports selected doctoral students to accomplish their doctoral dissertation. Other academic achievements in this program are also meaningful. Based on my diverse research experience in multidisciplinary fields, I have published seven research articles in peer-reviewed journals, two manuscripts are under review, eleven studies were presented at the national professional conferences since I joined this program, and three are scheduled in 2018.
What do you enjoy most about life in Indianapolis?
Indianapolis, a state capital and growing city, is very well-planned and clean. I cannot forget my first time seeing the amazingly bright sky in this city right after I arrived at the Indy Airport. This city is calm enough to live and study in, but also provides many fun events. When I have free time, I especially like walking along the canal, having time at local coffee shops or restaurants, and enjoying music performed by the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO) at Hilbert Circle Theatre. In fact, a student discount is available for most ISO concerts with your student ID card.
Please provide some details about your work/research as a graduate student and/or any activities you are involved in.
My research has focused on the social and structural factors that cause economic and health disparities in older adults, women, ethnic minorities, and vulnerable families across their lifespans while developing and evaluating relevant policies that affect their quality of life. I am currently working on my dissertation research that aims to enhance the health and economic well-being of dementia caregivers using technology. Besides my dissertation, I currently work as a Research Associate for the Title IV-E Waiver Evaluation Project, a statewide program funded by the Indiana Department of Child Services. Regarding the service and activities on campus, I served the Underrepresented Professional and Graduate Student Organization (UPnGO) as a co-leader and treasurer to provide underrepresented students with academic support to promote their educational rights and equity. I also mentored new international graduate students at IUPUI by helping them adjust to new environments in the U.S.