Professor
Sangmyung University, Republic of Korea
I am a nutrition epidemiologist, with specific expertise in nutrition policy, theory- and evidence-based nutrition education, development of knowledge for interventions to improve nutrition of the underprivileged using epidemiology and qualitative methods, and evaluation of effectiveness of nutrition programs and policies. I received my Bachelor and Master of Science from Ewha Womans University and a Ph.D. in International Nutrition (Minors in Applied Economics and Epidemiology) from Cornell University. My research interests relate to the formulation, implementation and evaluation of nutrition policy using a transdisciplinary and problem-oriented approach, in which the key research questions and choice of methodologies emerges in the path of engaging with policy and program actors at global, national or community levels. My approach is directed by robust theoretical frameworks and warrants that the research is responsive to real-world problems and more likely to be understood and used by those responsible for programs and policies. I participate in research on evaluating the effectiveness of nutrition education in Lao PDR, Pakistan, multicultural families in Korea. I have been involved with developing the dietary guidelines, dietary reference intakes, healthy eating index, and nutrition quotient in Korea. My research has been recognized by multiple awards and honors, including the SNEB-KSCN Professional Award, Excellent Young Scientist Award from American Society for Nutrition, Frontier Award from the Federation of Women’s Science and Technology Associations.