Seungju Kim

Seungju Kim (he/him) is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and a first-year graduate student in the Clinical/Community PhD program under the mentorship of Dr. Nathan Todd. His research focuses on modeling the effect of religion and religiousness/spirituality on the well-being of marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ and BIPOC populations. Using advanced statistical techniques such as general linear and structural equation modeling, Seungju aims to uncover insights that can inform both clinical practice and community interventions. His work explores the complex interplay between faith, identity, and psychological well-being, contributing to a deeper understanding of these critical issues.

Prior to his graduate studies, Seungju gained research experience across multiple institutions. He collaborated with Dr. Mark Yarhouse at Wheaton College and Dr. Tyler Lefevor at Utah State University, investigating the effects of religiousness and spirituality on LGBTQ+ mental health. At the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, he contributed to federally funded projects (R36/R01) led by Dr. Katie Edwards and Dr. Lorey Wheeler, examining interpersonal partner violence among LGBTQ youth and adults. Additionally, Seungju worked with Dr. David Wang at Fuller Theological Seminary, exploring the connections between spirituality, Christian nationalism, and narcissism. These diverse experiences have shaped Seungju's unique perspective and driven his commitment to fostering greater understanding and support for marginalized communities through rigorous, impactful research.