I am an assistant professor and licensed social worker (with experience in rural and urban mental health and medical social work) who earned my Ph.D. and Master of Social Work (M.S.W.) degrees from the Ohio State University. My research focuses on holistic, accessible, and anti-oppressive approaches to address sexual violence and trauma among at-risk non-dominant populations, across the lifespan, including in later life. Such strategies include nature- and arts-based interventions, such as through care farms, gardens, and murals, to promote multi-dimensional wellness, and healing from trauma.

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My research has been informed by extensive interdisciplinary experience addressing social injustice through transformative mixed methods approaches to explore the lived experiences of Korean Comfort Women, sexual violence across the lifespan, gardens for mental health and trauma, horticulture therapy, and LGBTQ+ community needs, to address trauma and promote justice. Sample publications include "Societal, Organizational, Relational and Individual Perceptions of Sexual Violence Against Older Adults and its Prevention: A Systematic Scoping Review," “Korean Survivors of the Japanese ‘Comfort Women’ System: Understanding the Lifelong Consequences of Early Life Trauma” and “The Use of Autobiographical Poetry to Process Trauma, Promote Awareness and Shift Views on Sexual Violence: Exploring the ‘Against Our Will’ Campaign.” 

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Engaging with students and promoting their success has long been among my favorite aspects of work in higher education. I enjoy teaching trauma and recovery, generalist social work and gerontology courses, as well as lifespan development and have been thrilled to help