About Me

Hi, I'm a 2nd-year PhD Student in Educational Technology at College of Education, University of Florida. I was born and raised in South Korea before I came here to pursue my Masters in Learning Sciences & Technologies at Penn GSE.

I'm interested in empowering learners in their moments of struggle as their presence grows in digital learning environments. Toward this broad goal, I primarily use quantitative methods (e.g., machine learning) while also leveraging the strengths of qualitative methods to promote a more nuanced understanding of how learning occurs in context. In particular, I look for ways to center learners in the design of advanced learning technologies with the belief that they are best positioned and equipped to catalyze change in their learning.

When I'm not doing research, I find significant fulfillment in making food that is not only Korean but also international (e.g., Kimchi and Yum Woon Sen) and baked goods (e.g., Earl Grey Bundt Cake), and I often feed and fatten my loved ones.

Education

Aug 2023 - Present

University of Florida

Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Educational Technology

Advisor: Dr. Anthony Botelho

Aug 2021 - Dec 2022

University of Pennsylvania

M.S.Ed., Learning Sciences and Technologies

Activities: Penn Center for Learning Analytics (Research Assistant), Penn GSE Student Government (co-VP of Communications), Penn Spark

Merit-based Scholarship

Mentors: Dr. Ryan S. Baker, Dr. Susan Yoon

Mar 2016 - Aug 2020

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

Bachelor of Arts - BA, English Linguistics

Activities: The Argus (Editor-in-Chief), Korea Unesco Student Association

Grade: 4.0 (Top 9%)

Teaching Certificate in Secondary English Education

Scholarships: Dean's Scholarship, Journalism Scholarship

Mar 2012 - Feb 2016

Daejeon Foreign Language High School

Major: English and French

Experience

Jul 2023 - Present

Graduate Assistant

University of Florida College of Education (Gainesville, FL)

Sep 2021 - Sep 2023

Research Intern

University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Philadelphia, PA)

@ Penn Center for Learning Analytics

Dec 2018 - Feb 2019

Researcher

Korea Educational Broadcasting System (EBS)

Mar 2016 - Jun 2018

Editor In Chief (The Argus)

Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (Seoul, South Korea)

  • Directed publishing process, led editorial meetings.
  • Organized recruitment, contests, and events.
  • Managed communication through social media.
  • Developed training materials for reporters.

Honors & Awards

  • Merit-Based Scholarship - University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education (Jan 2020)
  • Journalism Scholarship - Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (Multiple: Jun 2018, Dec 2017, Jun 2017, Dec 2016)
  • Department Chair's Scholarship (Dept. of English Linguistics) - Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (Mar 2018)
  • Dean's Scholarship (Dept. of English Linguistics) - Hankuk University of Foreign Studies (Multiple: Mar 2017, Sep 2016)

Languages

Korean: Native
English: Professional working proficiency
French: Limited working proficiency
Mandarin: Elementary proficiency

Beyond Research

When not immersed in research or data, I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, creating both traditional Korean dishes and exploring international recipes. Baking is another passion – ask me about my Earl Grey Bundt Cake!