Researching Health Through
Data, Design, and Human Experience.
My Publication interests lie at the intersection of healthcare, social equity, and human-centered innovation. From examining socioeconomic disparities in dental patient experiences to exploring ergonomic solutions for adolescent posture, I am interested in understanding how research can address challenges that shape people's everyday lives.
Research Overview
Access to quality dental care is shaped by more than clinical treatment alone. Socioeconomic conditions, neighborhood resources, and differences in healthcare accessibility may all influence how patients experience dental services.
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This research examines the relationship between community-level socioeconomic characteristics and patient satisfaction with dental clinics across the United States. Using publicly available Yelp reviews alongside U.S. Census demographic data, I investigated whether factors such as household income, poverty, education, and employment were associated with differences in patient-reported experiences.
Methodology
The study analyzed 35,132 Yelp reviews, integrating patient ratings and clinic information with socioeconomic indicators from the American Community Survey. Through Python-based data analysis, I examined satisfaction patterns across income groups and used regression models to explore the relationships between neighborhood characteristics and patient ratings.
This project deepened my interest in the relationship between dentistry and public health. Beyond understanding how patients rate their experiences, I became interested in the broader structural factors that influence access to care and how data can help us ask more informed questions about healthcare equity.
Why This Research Matters
Research Overview
For many adolescents, prolonged sitting is an unavoidable part of everyday life. Yet conventional seating arrangements do not always accommodate differences in body proportions, posture, or individual comfort.
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This research explored the design of an adjustable, portable seat pan intended to support healthier sitting posture among adolescents. By considering ergonomic principles and the physical demands of prolonged sitting, the project investigated how an accessible seating solution could respond to an everyday health-related challenge.
Research Presentation
Sigma Xi International Research Presentation | Washington, D.C.
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Selected to present this research in Washington, D.C., sharing an ergonomic design concept focused on improving adolescent posture through a portable and adjustable seating solution.
This project introduced me to the connection between engineering and preventive health. It encouraged me to think about how seemingly small design decisions can shape physical comfort, accessibility, and long-term well-being.
Why This Research Matters
Publication Overview
The Path to Tomorrow: A Korean Immigrant's Journey of Self-Discovery explores the complexities of cultural identity, immigration, and belonging through the experience of navigating life between South Korea and the United States.
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Inspired by my experiences growing up between two cultures, this book reflects on the challenges of adapting to unfamiliar environments while maintaining a connection to one's roots. Through personal storytelling, I explore how cultural expectations, relationships, and new experiences shape our understanding of who we are and who we hope to become.
Book Publication
The Path to Tomorrow: A Korean Immigrant's Journey of Self-Discovery | Amazon Kindle
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Published on Amazon Kindle, this book explores themes of immigration, cultural identity, resilience, and personal growth. Through writing, I sought to share a perspective on the Korean immigrant experience while encouraging readers to reflect on their own journeys of belonging and self-discovery.
Writing this book allowed me to explore human experiences beyond scientific research and academic analysis. It taught me that storytelling can be just as powerful as data in helping us understand the world around us. More importantly, it reminded me that our identities are not defined solely by where we come from, but also by the experiences, relationships, and choices that shape who we become.
Why This Publication Matters