I grew up in Changwon, South Korea. I attended public schools in a working-class community, all within walking distance of traditional markets. I spent my childhood and youth surrounded by friends and neighbors from diverse social class backgrounds. From my vibrant neighborhood upbringing, I learned to appreciate and embrace the sweat, tears, and laughter that embody the dignity of hard work and everyday life.

• Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, The University of Iowa

• M.A. in Educational Measurement and Statistics, The University of Iowa

• M.A. in Psychology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea

• B.B.A. in Business Administration, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea

I joined the Bates College faculty in 2020, where I have deepened my theoretical and practical understanding of community engagement. With support from Bates College and the Harward Center, I have enjoyed my role and working with community partners in Maine. As the Faculty Fellow for the Harward Center in the 2024-2025 academic year, I am closely working with the Bates and the Lewiston/Auburn community in Maine to further this work, especially resilience and joy among change-makers.

I tend to draw perspectives from Counseling, Multicultural, Vocational, and Liberation psychology, Feminist Theory, Critical Race Theory, and creative approaches. My specific areas of interest include:

• Myth of meritocracy

• Community-engaged methodologies

• Immigrant/refugee psychological and vocational well-being

• Korean psychology (e.g., hakbeol, nunchi)

• Clinical and professional development of psychologists of color.

To learn more, explore {the calm lab} page.

I regularly teach Community-Based Research Methods (PSY262) and advise senior psychology thesis students. I developed two new courses at Bates College, namely Psychology of Oppression and Liberation (AMPY377) and Counseling Psychology (PSY323). In the future, I plan to teach Asian American Psychology. 

I am also a licensed psychologist in Maine, offering telehealth services in up to 42 states. I work with individuals, couples, and groups. If you are interested in learning more about my clinical role, please visit Psychotherapy on this webpage. 

• American Psychological Association

• The Society of Counseling Psychology

• Society for the Advancement of Psychotherapy

• Asian American Psychological Association

• Society for the Study of Psychiatry and Culture

• Society for the Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity

• Society of Vocational Psychology

• Korean Psychology Network

• Psychologist, State of Maine (PS2385)

• PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact) Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT 15040)

In my free time, I love watching outside the window, especially birds and squirrels, immersing myself in nature, meditating, pottery, and spending quality time with family and friends. I have a deep love for Asian foods, especially Sundubu-jjigae (Korean spicy soft tofu soup), Phở, Tom yum, sushi, and Korean BBQ—each bite brings me nostalgia for my everyday life in Korea.