I am currently a Ph.D. student at the University of Southern California (USC) Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, where I focus on the intersection of health communication, virtual reality (VR), and mental health. My current research explores social virtual reality (SVR) to alleviate social isolation, as well as depressive and anxiety symptoms among older adults, dementia caregivers, and people in the early stages of dementia.

I am interested not only in addressing older adults’ social relationships in online settings, but also in expanding these connections to the community level—bridging them to real-world relationships and using online tools to strengthen offline social ties. While my primary research is centered in this area, my broader interests, shaped by my diverse background, span wellbeing, health, XR, games, media, physiological data, and art. If you are working on related topics and are interested in collaboration, please feel free to reach out.

With six years of experience as a Virtual Reality Director and 3D Graphic Designer, I have a strong foundation in VR innovation and immersive technology. I hold both a B.A. and M.F.A. in Multimedia from Korea National University of Arts, where I honed my skills in 3D design and interactive experiences.

Previously, I was a researcher and contributed to the Digital Convergence and Social Psychiatry Lab (DCSP) at Korea University Anam Hospital in collaboration with Kakao Healthcare, utilizing personal digital logs to develop metaverse-based interventions for mental health support.

I am passionate about creating innovative solutions at the intersection of technology, communication, and healthcare, with the goal of enhancing mental wellness and improving lives.

Click here to see my Curriculum Vitae(CV)