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Seungju Kim

Graduate Research Assistant

Biography

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.

 

Research Interests

  • Religious/spiritual resilience
  • Religiously motivated discrimination/prejudice
  • LGBTQ+ communities of color
  • Structural equation modeling
  • Psychometrics

Education

2024- Anticipated 2031
Ph.D. in Clinical/Community Psychology,
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
APA/PCSAS Accredited
Advisor: Nathan Todd, Ph.D.

2020-2023
B.A. in Psychology, magna cum laude

Wheaton College

Honors Thesis: Exploring the Relationship Between Sexual Attraction and Psychological Well-being of Religious Spouses in Mixed-Orientation Marriages
Chair: Mark Yarhouse, Psy.D.

Grants

2024-2029
Graduate Research Fellowship, National Science Foundation
Amount: $159,000

2024
Presentation Travel Grant, Minority Health Disparity Initiative

Amount: $1,000

Awards and Honors

2024
Doctoral Merit Fellowship Nominee, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign

Highlighted Publications

2. Kim, S., Lefevor, G.T. & Skidmore, S.J. (2024) Mitigating the Impact of Religiously Based Family Expectations on Depression among Sexual and Gender Minorities: The Role of Authenticity. Journal of Homosexuality. [Advance Online Publication] 10.1080/00918369.2024.2378745

1. Lefevor, G.T., Kim, S., & Perez-Figueroa, A. M. (2024). How does religiousness influence health among sexual and gender minorities? Evaluating the propositions of the religious/spiritual stress and resilience model. Psychology of Sexual Orientation and Gender Diversity. [Advance Online Publication] 10.1037/sgd0000749