Ph.D. Candidate · Social Work · University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Sangmi Kim, MSW

Suicidality · Mental Health · Resilience · Digital Contexts · Data Justice

Interdisciplinary researcher at the intersection of social work, machine learning, and data justice. Focused on suicidality, mental health, and equity-informed AI for marginalized youth and immigrant communities.

skim153@vols.utk.edu Google Scholar

Stokely Management Center, 916 Volunteer Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37996

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8+Peer-Reviewed Publications

27+Conference Presentations

2Research Grants Funded

11Research Projects

Research Interests

About Me

I am Sangmi Kim, MSW, a Ph.D. candidate in Social Work at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. My scholarship bridges social work, computational methods, and data justice to address mental health disparities in at-risk communities.

With a multinational academic background spanning South Korea, Japan, and the United States, I bring a cross-cultural lens to research on suicidality, cyberbullying, and AI-informed intervention. I am committed to centering equity and justice in every stage of the research process.

Substantive Focus

Suicidality
Mental Health
Resilience
Digital Contexts
Data Justice

Populations

At-Risk and Marginalized Youth & Young Adults
Immigrant and Racial/Ethnic Minority Communities

Methodological Approaches

Machine Learning (ML)
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Multimodal Analysis
Psychometrics
Regression Modeling
Structural Equation Modeling (SEM)
Multilevel Modeling (MLM)
Mixed-Methods Research

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Academic Background

Education

Ph.D., Social Work(Expected Spring 2027)

8/2023–Present

University of Tennessee, Knoxville (TN, United States)

College of Social Work. Minor: Intercollegiate Graduate Statistics and Data Science Program (IGSDSP). Co-Chairs: Dr. Robert Lucio & Dr. Courtney Cronley.

Master of Social Work (MSW)(Accredited by CSWE)

3/2008–2/2013

Ewha Womans University (Seoul, Korea)

Graduate School of Social Welfare. Thesis: A Comparative Analysis of Child Welfare Budgets in Korea and Japan: A Study of Budgets from 2001–2010. Advisor: Dr. Ick-Joong Cheong.

Research Student (Graduate-Level Research Appointment, Sociology of Education)

9/2006–4/2008

University of Tsukuba (Tsukuba, Japan)

Graduate School of Human Sciences, Research Institute; Department of Symbiotic Pedagogy & Sociology of Education. Thesis: Comparative Study of Youth Volunteer Activities in Korea and Japan. Advisor: Dr. Hiroyuki Iida.

Exchange Student (Psychology)

4/2004–3/2005

Tsukuba Gakuin University (Tsukuba, Japan)

Department of Social Science.

B.A. (Japanese)

3/2001–8/2006

Sungshin Women's University (Seoul, Korea)

Department of Foreign Language Education.

Scholarship

Research

Grants

Funded

Graduate Student Research Award ($4,560)

2026 Spring

Interpreting Youth Distress with Multimodal Signals Using the Data Justice Framework: A Mixed-Methods Pilot Study on AI-Supported Gatekeeping in Korean Immigrant Families.

Role: Graduate Student Principal Investigator

Advisor: Dr. Robert Lucio & Dr. Courtney Cronley

Graduate School, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Community Engagement Academy Grant ($1,000)

2024 Fall

AI Digital Storytelling to Address Social Isolation and Prevent Suicide.

Role: Graduate Student Principal Investigator

Advisor: Dr. Robert Lucio

Community Engagement Academy, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Under Review

American Association of University Women (AAUW) American Dissertation Fellowship (ADF) (Under Review, $25,000)

2026 Spring

Three Studies on Data Justice in AI-Based Suicide Risk Prediction.

Role: Doctoral Fellowship Applicant (Dissertation Research Support)

Advisor: Dr. Robert Lucio & Dr. Courtney Cronley

American Association of University Women

Research Grants (Team Participation)

Andrew Carnegie Fellowship (Under Review, $200,000)

2026 Spring

Digital Harm and Polarization: Algorithmic Influence, Online Victimization, and Psychosocial and Behavioral Well-Being

Role: Research Assistant

Dr. J. M. Lee

Team: Kim, S.; Choi, H.; Lee, H.; Kwon, Y.; Yoon, H.-J.; & Kim, A. H.

Andrew Carnegie Fellowship Program

Publications

Peer-Reviewed Journal Articles

Kim, S., Ahn, S. K., Yang, E. S., Kim, S., & Chung, I.-J. (in press). The evolution of cyberbullying definitions: A systematic review of redefining attributes in the digital age. Journal of Technology in Human Services.
Lee, J. M., Choi, H., Lee, S., Lee, J., Kim, J., & Kim, S. (2026). Anxiety and aggressive behaviors among college students with high-risk adverse childhood experiences: The role of bullying perpetration. Behavioral Sciences and the Law. http://doi.org/10.1002/bsl.70057
Cronley, C., Ravi, K., Lawler, A., Leat, S., Conway, A., & Kim, S. (2026). Surveillance or support? Mothers' experiences of parenting in U.S. intimate partner violence shelters. Journal of Family Violence. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10896-025-01025-6
Nugent, W., Moulick, A., Mukherjee, N., Kim, S., & Kim, J. (2025). Measurement equivalence and convergent validity study of the Family Bondedness Scale. Research on Social Work Practice. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/10497315251396802
Kim, A. H., Lee, U., Cho, Y., Kim, S., & Shah, V. B. (2025). Conceptually informed AI/ML for South Korean adolescent smartphone overdependency: Low-risk screening, construct exploration, and place-based policy implication profiles. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 22, 1515. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph22101515
Nugent, W. R., Clayton, H., Moulick, A., Mukherjee, N., Kim, S., & Fiddler, M. (2025). The relationship between violent political rhetoric and non-suicide, non-external cause (natural) death rates in the United States. Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1086/738618
Kim, S. (2024). A conceptual framework for mobile-based cyberbullying-related youth suicide risk screening and intervention. Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment, 34, 1–23. https://doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2024.2318447
Kim, S., Cho, L. L., Cheong, I., & Lim, B. R. (2011). The effect of internet usage types on adolescent depression and aggression mediated by school maladjustment and academic achievement: Focusing on gender difference. Journal of School Social Work, 20(20), 175–195. https://kiss.kstudy.com/thesis/thesis-view.asp?key=3579304

Manuscripts Under Review

Kim, S., Ahn, S.-K., Lee, J. M., Cronley, C., Cerel, J., & Chung, I.-J. (under review). Bullying and cyberbullying in distinct routine contexts: A dual-mediation model of adolescent mental health. International Journal of Bullying Prevention.
Kim, S., Lee, S., McClernon-Chaffin, K., Lucio, R., & Kim, J. W. (under review). Artificial intelligence and algorithmic decision-making in social work education: A scoping review and EPAS-aligned framework for social and data justice. Social Work Education.
Kim, S., Ryu, S., Park, C., & Lee, H. Y. (under review). Artificial intelligence applications in physical activity and mental health: A scoping review with a focus on adolescents and young adults. Mental Health and Physical Activity.
Kim, S., Lucio, R., Cronley, C., Ravi, K., & Yoon, H.-J. (under review). Data justice and social justice in AI-based suicide risk prediction: A scoping review. American Journal of Public Health.
Kim, S., Wang, F., Bornheimer, L. A., & Nugent, W. R. (under review). Stigma and suicidality among U.S. college students: Differential indirect effects across racial and ethnic groups. Journal of College Student Mental Health.
Ahn, S.-K., Chung, I.-J., Kim, S., Kim, S., Nho, C. R., & Kim, S. (under review). Transitions of adverse life experiences from pre- to post-adulthood among isolated and reclusive young adults in South Korea. Health and Social Welfare Review.
Lee, J. M., Choi, H. H., Lee, Y.-E., Kim, J., Lee, J., & Kim, S. (under review). Exploring the role of disturbances in self-organization and substance use in the relationship between PTSD and suicidal thoughts/behaviors among cyberbullied young adults. Journal of Interpersonal Violence.
Cronley, C., Kim, S., Zhou, H. N., & Mi, L. (under review). Enhancing energy security for low-income households: The impact of housing retrofits and policy frameworks. International Journal of Housing Policy.
Chen, Z., Livermore, M., & Kim, S. (under review). Fintech and the fringe economy: Investigating variations by ZIP code poverty and racial composition. Journal of Urban Affairs.
Kapur, I., Sharkey, C. N., & Kim, S. (under review). Application of information and communication technology (ICT) in social work: A scoping review. Journal of Social Work.
Cronley, C., Mattingly, S. P., Fields, N., Iroz-Elardo, N., Gudipati, N., & Kim, S. (under review). Gender comparisons within a transportation-disadvantaged sample: A mixed-methods analysis based on Maslow's hierarchy of need and social exclusion. Transportation Research Record.
Chen, Z., White, K., Sneed, C. T., & Kim, S. (under review). Racial difference in financial socialization: The role of financial experiences.

Manuscripts In Progress (Full Draft Stage)

Kim, S., Cha, G. E., Jeong, S., & Lucio, R. (in preparation). Community-based AI digital storytelling for mental health support: A pilot study with Korean and Korean American adults.
Kim, S., Kim, A. H., Cha, G.-E., Jeong, S., & Yoon, H.-J. (in preparation). The algorithmic gaze: A scoping review of multimodal AI approaches to identifying suicide risk in social media contexts.
Kim, S., Jeong, H., Gitau, M., Kim, Y., & Nugent, W. R. (in preparation). Exploring cognitive reappraisal as a mechanism of resilience: The role of anti-racism engagement in mitigating suicidal ideation in the campus context.
Kim, S., Lee, J.-M., Kim, A., Ahn, S.-K., & Park, C.-R. (in preparation). Aggression on online platforms: A conceptually grounded review of digital interaction and social harm.
Cronley, C., & Kim, S. (in preparation). Artificial intelligence applications and health disparities: A scoping review of equity-focused outcomes in AI and health.
Held, M., & Parra-Cardona, J. R., Kim, S. (in preparation). Family well-being in community-based interventions: A preliminary scoping review for the Together Podemos project. (summer)

Book Chapters

Lee, O., & Kim, S. (in press). AI for children and family practice. In Social work practice and AI for the common good: Ethics, equity, and innovation in human services. Taylor & Francis.

Government-Funded Research Reports

Cheong, I., Park, H., Oh, S., Im, J., Shin, E., & Kim, S. (2008). A study on the development of an operational model for local children's centers. Ministry of Health and Welfare (MOHW), Republic of Korea, Welfare and Family Affairs Central Support Center for Child Welfare Teachers. (Government-funded technical report, 260 pp.).

Peer-Reviewed

Presentations

First-Author Presentations

Kim, S., & Nugent, W. (2026). Breaking the spiral of silence: Addressing suicide item non-response through equity-informed mental health policy [E-poster presentation]. 30th Annual Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, DC, United States (January 14–18).
Kim, S., Jung, G. S., & Kim, A. (2026). From thoughts to actions: Predicting suicidal ideation and attempts in youth using sex-based machine learning models [E-poster presentation]. 30th Annual Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, DC, United States (January 14–18).
Kim, S., Lee, J. M., Lee, U., & Cho, Y. (2026). Digital silence in cyberbullying among college students: Discrimination, non-response, and structural barriers [E-poster presentation]. 30th Annual Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, DC, United States (January 14–18).
Kim, S., & Wang, F. (2026). The contextual weight of mental health stigma: Its role in suicidal ideation, planning, and attempts [E-poster presentation]. 30th Annual Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, DC, United States (January 14–18).
Kim, S., Ryu, S., Park, C., & Lee, H. Y. (2026). The role of AI in physical activity research addressing mental health in adolescents and young adults: A scoping review [E-poster presentation]. 30th Annual Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, DC, United States (January 14–18).
Kim, S., Jeong, H., Kim, Y., & Gitau, M. (2026). Exploring cognitive reappraisal as a mechanism of resilience: The role of anti-racism engagement in mitigating suicidal ideation in the campus context [E-poster presentation]. 30th Annual Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, DC, United States (January 14–18).
Kim, S., & Nugent, W. (2025). Exploring discrimination and racial identity's impact on suicidal ideation in U.S. college students [E-poster presentation]. Council on Social Work Education Annual Conference, Denver, CO, United States (October 23–26).
Kim, S., Jung, G., Cerel, J., & Kim, D. (2025). Machine learning analysis of sex differences in adolescent suicide risk [E-poster presentation]. Council on Social Work Education Annual Conference, Denver, CO, United States (October 23–26).
Kim, S., & Wang, F. (2025). The moderating role of race in the relationship between stigma and suicidal ideation [E-poster presentation]. Council on Social Work Education Annual Conference, Denver, CO, United States (October 23–26).
Kim, S., Lee, S., McClernon-Chaffin, K., Lucio, R., & Kim, J. W. (2025). Inclusive transformation with AI in social work education: Intersecting ethical approaches and digital literacy [E-poster presentation]. Council on Social Work Education Annual Conference, Denver, CO, United States (October 23–26).
Kim, S., Cha, G. E., Won, C. C., Jeong, S., & Lucio, R. (2025). Community-based AI digital storytelling for mental health support: A pilot study for Korean and Korean American adults [Poster presentation]. 8th Annual Engagement and Outreach Conference, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States (October 1–2).
Kim, S., Jung, G. S., & Yoon, H.-J. (2025). The role of physical activity in adolescent suicidal ideation and attempts: A machine learning analysis [Poster presentation]. Connecting Across Disciplines: Access and Advocacy for Mental Health in East Tennessee, University of Tennessee, TN, United States (April 4).
Kim, S., & Lee, S. (2025). AI integration and ethical challenges in social work practice [Workshop]. Annual eVOLve Conference, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States.
Kim, S., Jung, G., & Yoon, H.-J. (2024). Predicting adolescent suicidal ideation: The role of physical activity evaluated through machine learning models [E-poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, Seattle, WA, United States (January).
Kim, S., Yoon, H.-J., Jung, G. S., & Coatsworth, J. D. (2024). Analyzing three decades of youth suicidality trends: A meta-analysis of YRBS data [E-poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, Seattle, WA, United States (January).
Kim, S., Ahn, S. K., & Chung, I.-J. (2024). Digital escapism: Mental health's effect on teen suicidal ideation—Physical activity and screen time mediation [E-poster presentation]. APPAM Fall Research Conference, National Harbor, MD, United States (November 22).
Kim, S., Ahn, S. K., Cronley, C., Cerel, J., & Chung, I.-J. (2024). Physical activity's effect on teen suicidal ideation: Cyberbullying and screen time mediation [E-poster presentation]. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Kansas City, MO, United States (October 24–27).
Kim, S., & Held, M. L. (2024). The evolution of cyberbullying definitions [E-poster presentation]. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Kansas City, MO, United States (October 24–27).
Kim, S., Jung, G. S., & Yoon, H.-J. (2024). Predicting adolescent suicidal ideation: The role of physical activity evaluated through machine learning models [Poster presentation]. SMART Summit, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, United States (May).
Kim, S., Cho, L. L., & Cheong, I. (2010). The impact of internet usage type on adolescent depression and aggression: A study on gender differences [Poster presentation]. International Consortium for Social Development Asia Pacific Branch Conference, Seoul, South Korea (November).
Kim, S., & Cheong, I. (2010). A comparative analysis of child welfare budgets in Korea and Japan: Budgets from 2001–2010 [Poster presentation]. Korean Society for Social Welfare Autumn Conference, Seoul, South Korea (October).
Kim, S., Cho, L. L., Lee, W. K., Lee, E., & Lee, H. (2010). Development and effectiveness of collective programs for promoting resilience in abandoned mine areas [Poster presentation]. Korean Society for Child Welfare Conference, Seoul, South Korea (September).

Co-Author Presentations

Ahn, S.-K., Chung, I.-J., Kim, S., Kim, S., Nho, C. R., & Kim, S. (2026). Transitions of adverse life experiences from pre- to post-adulthood among isolated and reclusive young adults in South Korea [E-poster presentation]. 30th Annual Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, DC, United States (January 14–18).
Cronley, C., Kim, S., Zhou, N., & Li, M. (2025). Place-based energy justice: Evaluating housing retrofit interventions and policy solutions for low-income communities [Oral presentation]. ENHR Grand Paris 2025 Conference, Paris, France (June 30–July 4).
Wang, F., Huh, Y., & Kim, S. (2024). Role overload and sleep outcomes among caregivers of older adults with Alzheimer's disease and related dementias: Examining the mediating role of secondary stressor [Oral presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference, Seattle, WA, United States (January).
Ahn, S. K., Kim, S., Son, L. S., & Farmer, G. L. (2024). Does social support enhance career maturity in Korean foster children? [E-poster presentation]. Council on Social Work Education Annual Program Meeting, Kansas City, MO, United States (October 24–27).
Kim, H., Kim, S., Kwak, S. H., & Cheong, I. (2010). Is self-control theory still valid in the cyber age? Comparing effects on traditional juvenile delinquency and cyber delinquency [Oral presentation]. IASSW/ICSW/IFSW Joint Conference, Hong Kong (June).

Recognition

Fellowships & Awards

Selected Fellowships

CSWE Doctoral Student Policy Fellowship 2025-2027

8/2025

Selected as a National 2025-2027 CSWE Doctoral Student Policy Fellow, recognizing excellence in social work policy research and commitment to evidence-based advocacy.

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

Tier One Graduate Fellow, Carnegie Elective Classifications

2025-2026

Engaged in the 2026 Community Engagement Classification process through reviewer training, interdisciplinary assessment, and community engagement research; participation deferred to the 2029 cycle in alignment with institutional policies.

American Council on Education (ACE)

Community Engagement Academy (CEA), Graduate Student Fellow

Fall/2024

As a Graduate Student Principal Investigator (with Dr. Robert Lucio as Faculty Advisor). Focused on interdisciplinary professional development in community engagement and scholarship. Participated in seminars and developed partnerships for community-based research initiatives.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Winner of Fellowship for Academic Excellence

8/2023 - present

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Ewha Alumni Association Fellowship

9/2009 - 7/2010

Awarded in recognition of leadership as Graduate Student Council President in the MSW program, supporting student advocacy and academic community engagement.

Graduate School of Social Welfare, Ewha Womans University

Winner of Fellowship for Academic Excellence in Japanese Language and Literature

3/2003 - 8/2006

Competitively awarded to the highest achieving student in the cohort.

Sungshin Women's University

Winner of Fellowship for Academic Excellence of Exchange Student

4/2005 - 3/2006

Tsukuba Gakuin University & Sungshin Women's University

Selected Scholarships, Honor & Awards

Student Champion Award, It Takes a Volunteer Campaign

04/2026

Selected by the University of Tennessee Division of Student Life for leadership, campus engagement, and Volunteer spirit within the university community.

University of Tennessee Division of Student Life for leadership

Morton M. Silverman Student Award

05/2026

Competitively selected for outstanding student paper in suicidology, recognizing scholarly contribution to suicide prevention research.

American Association of Suicidology (AAS) Annual Conference, St. Louis, MO.

2026 SSWR R.I.S.E. Seminar Travel Stipend & Registration Award

1/2026

Awarded travel stipend and full conference registration upon competitive selection into the 2026 SSWR R.I.S.E. Seminar for emerging scholars.

Society for Social Work and Research 30th Annual Conference, Washington, D.C.

Graduate Student Senate (GSS) Travel Award

Fall/2025

As a First Authors Presenter. Competitive award supporting national conference travel (Denver, Colorado).

The Graduate School, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

TSHCSW Mid East Council Scholarship Award

09/2025

Selected scholarship Awardee. Recognized for academic excellence and contributions to the field of health care social work. Honored at the Annual Ethics Conference 2025.

Tennessee Society of Health Care Social Workers (TSHCSW), Mid East Council

Certificate of Excellence in Scholarship

Spring/2025

As a First Author. Awarded for the regional presentation: AI Integration & Ethical Challenges in Social Work Practice.

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Graduate Student Senate (GSS) Travel Award

Fall/2024

As a First Authors Presenter. Competitive award supporting national conference travel (Kansas City, MD).

The Graduate School, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Best Poster Award, SMART AI Workshop Graduate Student Poster Contest

05/2024

As a First Author. Poster title: Predicting Adolescent Suicidal Ideation: The Role of Physical Activity Evaluated Through Machine Learning Models.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

"Shining Myself, Shining My Neighborhood" Resilience Program Contest

08/2010

As a Team Leader. Winner Project: The Building Resilience Program for Children in Abandoned Mines.

Casino of Gangwon Land & Seoul National University

Career

Experience

Research Experiences

Research Fellow – Leveraging State Administrative Data and AI to Forecast Child Care Subsidy Demand, Supply, and Utilization

01/2026– Present

PI: Dr. Yoonsook Ha; Co-PI: Dr. Hee Yun Lee

Coordinated a multi-institutional policy research project using Massachusetts state administrative data and conducted data integration and analysis across CCFA, LEAD, KinderWait, and ACS datasets. Contributed to policy report drafts and academic manuscript drafts.

Boston University

Research Assistant – Rooted Innovation Project

08/2025– Present

Co-PI: Dr. Courtney Cronley

Drafting IRB application in iMedRIS for the Rooted Innovation Project. Preparing study protocol to include two community partner feedback sessions as core research activities.

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Research Assistant – AI and Health Disparities

08/2025– Present

Co-PI: Dr. Courtney Cronley

Conducting a scoping review on artificial intelligence applications and health disparities. Assisting with data organization, synthesis, and academic manuscript drafts.

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Research Assistant – Together Podemos Project

08/2025– Present

PI: Dr. Mary Held, Dr. Parra-Cardona

Partner with Together Podemos (Oak Ridge) to support development of a community-engaged family well-being study; conduct literature screening and data extraction for a scoping review informing manuscript drafting.

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Research Assistant – NSF Smart & Connected Communities Project

08/2024–Present

PI: Dr. Zhenbo Wang; Co-PIs: Dr. Liem Tran, Dr. Laurie Meschke, Dr. Courtney Cronley, Dr. Jennifer Tourville

Led survey development on public perceptions of behavioral health technology. Contributed to academic manuscript drafts.

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Research Assistant – Energy Justice in Low-Income Housing (DOE)

08/2024–8/2025

Co-PI: Dr. Courtney Cronley

Investigated barriers to energy equity in affordable housing. Contributed to academic manuscript drafts.

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Research Assistant – Parenting in IPV Shelters

08/2024–5/2025

Co-PI: Dr. Courtney Cronley

Contributed to academic manuscript drafts.

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Research Assistant – Transportation Disparities and Gender

11/2024–5/2025

Co-PI: Dr. Courtney Cronley

Contributed to academic manuscript drafts to Transportation Research Record.

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Research Assistant – Violent Political Rhetoric and Suicide

12/2024–5/2025

PI: Dr. Bill Nugent

Conducted conceptual synthesis and examined public health implications. Serving as co-author on manuscript drafts.

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Research Assistant – Financial Socialization by Race

08/2023–5/2025

PI: Dr. Zibei Chen

Assisted in the interpretation of survey findings across racial groups. Co-author on manuscript submitted to Sociological Inquiry.

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Research Assistant – $50 Cash Transfer Study

08/2023–5/2025

PIs: Dr. Sarah West, Dr. Zibei Chen, Dr. Jay Halder

Supported participant retention and logistics. Contributed to dissemination of findings from the largest cash transfer study for high schoolers.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville / University of Pennsylvania / Rooted School Foundation

Teaching Interests

Core Curriculum

Social Work Research Methods; Applied Social Statistics; Human Behavior in the Social Environment (HBSE); Social Welfare Policy; Introduction to Social Work; International Social Work

Advanced Methods & Computational Approaches

Data-Informed Social Work Research and Policy (AI/ML applications); Text and Language Analysis in Mental Health Research (Natural Language Processing, NLP); AI-Supported Evidence Use in Social Work Research (AI-assisted evidence synthesis); AI Simulation in Social Work Education

Mental Health & Digital Practice

Suicidality in Social Work; Mental Health and Crisis Intervention in Digital Environments; Technology-Enhanced Social Work Practice and Education

Teaching Experiences

SOWK 550 – Clinical Seminar (MSW Program, Online)

Summer 2026 [Expected]

Role: Co-Instructor

Co-designed course structure and learning activities with the lead instructor, integrating AI-informed tools; co-led instruction; facilitated case-based discussions; evaluated assignments; and provided feedback to support students' clinical reasoning.

Advisor: Dr. Mary Held

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Social Work

SOWK 602 – Research for Social Work Practice II (Ph.D. Program, Online)

Spring/2025

Role: Teaching Assistant

Assisted with course coordination and instruction; guided students in research design and methodology; evaluated assignments; and provided individualized feedback to support the application of research methods to social work research.

Advisor: Dr. Bill Nugent

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Social Work

SOWK 628 – Critical Review of Research Literature (Ph.D. Program, Online)

Fall/2024

Role: Teaching Assistant & Lecturer

Delivered two mini-lectures on systematic review and meta-analysis; evaluated final projects; and assisted with course content adaptation in consultation under the instructor.

Advisor: Dr. Mary Held

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Social Work

SOWK 540 – Social Welfare Advocacy and Action (MSW Program, Online)

Summer/2024

Role: Teaching Assistant & Lecturer

Evaluated quizzes and final assignments; delivered mini-lectures on applied policy analysis; and guided students' engagement with advocacy strategies.

Advisor: Dr. Robert Lucio

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Social Work

SOWK 315 – Introduction to Macro Social Work Practice (BA Program, In-Person)

Fall/2023

Role: Teaching Assistant

Assisted with course coordination; evaluated quizzes and final assignments; and assessed student work.

Advisor: Dr. Jennifer First

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Social Work

Guest Speaker

SW633 – Professional Development for Social Work Scholars, Panel Discuss (Ph.D. Program, In-person)

Fall/2024

Conference professionalism and networking

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Social Work

Workshop - The Evolution of Cyberbullying Definitions (Ph.D. Program, Online)

Fall/2024

A Systematic Review of Redefining Attributes in the Digital Age

Ewha Womans University, Graduate School of Social Welfare

SW626 - Critical Thinking for Science and Research (Ph.D. Program, In-person)

Fall/2024

University of Tennessee, Knoxville, College of Social Work

Professional Development

Facilitating Undergraduate Evidence-Based Learning (FUEL), UT CIRTL

Enhances faculty skills in evidence-based undergraduate teaching strategies. June 2024.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Course-Based Assessment Certificate

Focuses on assessment design and planning, equitability, and student-directed assessments. December 2023.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Fostering the Volunteer Experience Certificate

Focuses on well-being pedagogy, particularly the PERMA model. December 2023.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

CIRTL Associate Level Certification

Emphasizes evidence-based teaching practices. December 2023.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Inclusive Teaching Certification

Prepares educators to create and manage inclusive learning environments. December 2023.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Social Work Ethics Certification

5 CE Credit Hours in Social Work Ethics. Ethics Conference 2025. September 12, 2025.

Tennessee Society of Healthcare Social Workers

Community

Service

Service to the University

PhD Ambassador. Doctoral Student Representative

8/2025 - 5/2026

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Graduate Student Council President [Ph.D Program]

6/2023 - 5/2024

College of Social Work, University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Graduate Student Council President [MSW Program]

3/2009 - 2/2010

Graduate School of Social Welfare, Ewha Womans University

Service to the Profession

EUReCA Undergraduate Research Fair

4/2026

Role: Judge

Evaluated undergraduate research presentations.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

2026 SSWR R.I.S.E. Seminar (Research, Inspire, Support, and Excel)

1/2026

Role: Selected Participant

Competitively selected for early-career research development seminar sponsored by the Research Capacity Development Committee (RCDC).

Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), Washington, DC.

KASWEA Doctoral Student Representative

11/2025–Present

Role: Elected Representative

Serve as liaison between doctoral students and executive board; support cross-institutional collaboration.

Korean American Social Work Educators Association (KASWEA).

IREAAMU REU Summer Program (NSF-funded)

5–7/2025

Role: Graduate Mentor

Mentored undergraduate researchers from underrepresented backgrounds in research design and interdisciplinary collaboration.

Tickle College of Engineering, University of Tennessee.

EUReCA Undergraduate Research Fair

4/2025

Role: Judge

Evaluated undergraduate research and creative scholarship presentations.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

EUReCA Undergraduate Research Fair

4/2024

Role: Judge

Evaluated undergraduate research presentations.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

Reviewer

Journal of the Society for Social Work and Research (JSSWR): 2026 - Present
The Journal of Doctoral Research in Psychiatry and Social Sciences: 2025 - Present

Ad-Hoc Reviewer

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) Annual Conference: 2026
Engagement Scholarship Consortium (ESC) Conference: 2026
Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR) Annual Conference: 2024
Engagement Scholarship Consortium (ESC) Conference: 2025

Selected Practice Experience (US & Abroad)

While residing in the United States and Japan, visa status restricted legal employment; as a result, engagement continued through sustained volunteer-based academic, community, and research activities.

"Internet Shoot Gol!" Youth Internet Addiction Prevention Program (Seoul, Korea)

7/2010–7/2011

Role: Counselor & Program Staff

Provided group counseling and psychoeducation to promote self-regulation and reduce problematic internet use.

Seodaemun-gu Healthy Family & Multicultural Support Center.

Community Child Center Youth Festival: "The Fancy Festival" (Seoul, Korea)

8/2010–12/2010

Role: Social Worker & Simultaneous Interpreter (Korean–Japanese)

Supported youth programming across fifteen national Community Child Centers through cross-national collaboration.

National Community Child Centers Consortium; Foundation for the Promotion of Children's Health (Japan); Love Sharing Club 1318 Happy Zone Business Support Team (Korea).

Korea–Japan Child Welfare Research Support Project (Seoul, Korea)

5/2010–7/2010

Role: Social Worker & Research Assistant

Contributed to comparative child welfare research and international collaboration.

Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA).

Married Migrant Women's Mentoring Program (Seoul, Korea)

3/2008–12/2008

Role: Mentor & Research Assistant

Provided mentoring and psychosocial support to Vietnamese immigrant women through a university–community partnership.

Ewha Womans University Graduate School of Social Welfare.

Mental Health Support Program for Elderly Living Alone (Seoul, Korea)

1/2008–2/2008

Role: Social Work Intern

Conducted outreach, emotional support, and needs assessment for socially isolated older adults.

Seongsan Social Welfare Center (affiliated with Ewha Womans University).

Community Engagement & Presentations

Life-Changing Early Morning Rising (United States)

10/2021–Present

Role: Founder & Organizer

Lead an online self-development community for Korean women in the U.S., organizing early-morning routines, TED-focused discussions, book clubs, and volunteer-led wellness activities.

KakaoTalk Online Community.

ASD-Diagnosed Mothers' Self-Help Group (United States)

4/2019–5/2020

Role: Co-Founder & Coordinator

Organized and facilitated a peer-led support group for mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), focusing on emotional support and family resilience.

KakaoTalk Online Community & Cambridge Korean Church.

Korean Language Instruction (United States)

1/2018–12/2019

Role: Instructor

Provided heritage language instruction to K–12 students, emphasizing culturally grounded communication.

Northern Boston Korean School.

Spring Conference of the Korean Society for Social Welfare (Seoul, Korea)

4/2011

Role: Social Worker & Simultaneous Interpreter

Provided academic interpretation support for social work scholars.

Korea Human Resource Development Institute for Health & Welfare.

Community Child Center Youth Festival: "The Fancy Festival" (Seoul, Korea)

7/2010–12/2010

Role: Social Worker & Simultaneous Interpreter (Korean–Japanese)

Provided on-site social work support and cross-national interpretation for collaborative child welfare initiatives.

National Community Child Centers Consortium.

Japanese Child Welfare Conference (Seoul, Korea)

6/2010–7/2010

Role: Research Assistant & Simultaneous Interpreter

Supported research coordination and academic exchange.

Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, Welfare Service Laboratory.

Corporate Social Welfare Contributions in Japan (Seoul, Korea)

9/2010

Role: Research Assistant & Simultaneous Interpreter (Korean–Japanese)

Supported academic exchange on corporate social responsibility in social welfare.

Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs; Ewha Womans University.

Conference between South Korean and North Korean Children in Japan (Tokyo, Japan)

9/2007

Role: Research Assistant & Simultaneous Interpreter (Korean–Japanese)

Supported cross-national academic exchange.

Japan NPO Association.

Samsung 10th Anniversary Symposium & Seoul National University (Seoul, Korea)

6/2006–10/2006

Role: Research Assistant, Simultaneous Interpreter & Symposium Coordinator

Coordinated academic symposium on psychological challenges among Japanese children.

Samsung Life Insurance Foundation, Social Mental Health Institute.

International Service

Cambodia Disciple Training School (DTS) Theological Seminary (Cambodia)

12/2025–Present

Role: ESL Course Instructor & Program Leader

Lead and deliver academic English instruction for graduate-level seminary students to support English.

Discipleship Training School Theological Seminary & Knoxville Korean Presbyterian Church.

Summer Volunteer Program Abroad (Thailand & Cambodia)

7/2004–8/2004

Role: Korean Education Team Leader; Children's Choir Conductor; Taekwondo Team Leader

Led education and youth engagement activities in orphanages and AIDS hospitals.

AAR-JAPAN; L-CDI; Sungshin Women's University.

Overseas Disciple Training School, Osaka (Japan, Laos, Thailand & Cambodia)

4/2003–3/2004

Role: Team Leader

Participated in cross-cultural discipleship training and community outreach in orphanages, AIDS hospitals, and night schools; provided mentorship to peers and supported youth and families through education and care initiatives.

Youth With A Mission (YWAM).

Expertise

Skills & Credentials

Research-Relevant Skills

* Advanced: Independent methodological design, implementation, and leadership capacity.

AI & Computational Methods

Machine Learning (ML)*; Natural Language Processing (NLP); Multimodal Modeling; Imbalance- and Rare-Event Modeling

Quantitative Methods

Generalized Linear Models (GLM); Count Data Models (Poisson, Negative Binomial); Multilevel/Hierarchical Modeling (MLM, GLMM); Structural Equation Modeling (SEM); Mediation and Moderation Analysis (PROCESS Macro)

Evidence Synthesis

Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR)*; Systematic Review; Meta-Analysis

Mixed Methods

Qualitative Interviews; Mixed-Methods Research (MMR)

Software

Python*; R; SPSS/AMOS; ATLAS.ti; Qualtrics

Languages

Korean (Native)*; Japanese* (Top-Level Certification; Simultaneous Interpreter); English (Academic Proficiency)

Professional Memberships

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE), Member

Society for Social Work and Research (SSWR), Member

Association for Public Policy Analysis & Management (APPAM), Member

American Association of Suicidology (AAS), Member

Licenses

Licensed Social Worker, South Korea

Social Worker Level 1 (top level) Certificate (#1-111367), South Korea, 2013

Ministry of Health and Welfare of South Korea

Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

Arizona State University, 4/2021

Japanese-Language Proficiency Test (JLPT), Level N1 (the top level of proficiency)

Japan International Education Association, 2003

Selected Training

MNCS (MacArthur Narrative Coding System)

9/2011

Training workshop for MSSB coding

Korea Research Society for Inner World of Young Children

Quantitative Research Methodology Training

2/2011

HLM, Structural Equation, Potential Growth Model, Panel Model.

Korean Society for Social Welfare

Dale Carnegie Leadership Training

3/2003 - 9/2003

Successful completion.

Dale Carnegie Korea & Sungshin Women's University

In the News

Media Coverage

Featured in SSWR RCDC R.I.S.E. Seminar Cohort Announcement

April/ 2026

Competitively selected for the inaugural SSWR RCDC R.I.S.E. Seminar cohort, highlighting research potential, faculty mentorship engagement, and scholarly development at the Society for Social Work and Research Annual Conference.

University of Tennessee College of Social Work Student News

Featured in SSWR Doctoral Student Committee Monthly Monitor

January/ 2026

Recognized in the Social Work Doctoral Student Accomplishments series for contributions to AI-focused research and demonstrated scholarly impact.

SSWR Doctoral Student Committee Monthly Monitor (January 2025 Issue)

Graduate Student Spotlight

Fall / 2025

Featured in the Teaching & Learning Innovation (TLI) series by the Division of Faculty Affairs, University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Highlighted interdisciplinary research on AI-based suicide prediction, inclusive teaching, and culturally responsive pedagogy.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Doctoral Student Policy Fellowship Directory

Fall / 2025

Featured in the official 2025–2026 CSWE Doctoral Student Policy Fellowship Directory, highlighting nationally selected policy fellows in social work doctoral programs [Sangmi Kim, MSW, University of Tennessee].

Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)

National Fellowship Selection

March / 2025

Featured in a UTCSW news article recognizing selection for a prestigious national fellowship.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Featured in SSWR Doctoral Student Committee Monthly Monitor

January 2025

Recognized for social work doctoral student accomplishments and recent publications.

SSWR Doctoral Student Committee Monthly Monitor (January 2025 Issue)

Fellowship, Community Engagement Academy

Fall /2024

Completed fellowship with a final presentation, recognized by university leaders.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

University of Tennessee College of Social Work Feature

Aug /2024

Recognized for a published article in Journal of Human Behavior in the Social Environment and for delivering a guest lecture on the publication process in SW 626.

University of Tennessee College of Social Work

Get in Touch

Let's Connect

I welcome collaboration on research projects, speaking invitations, and connections with scholars working at the intersection of social work, AI, and equity. Feel free to reach out.

skim153@vols.utk.edu

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Stokely Management Center, 916 Volunteer Blvd, Knoxville, TN 37996

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