Moving Forward Together: Women’s History Month 2025 – Dr. Sunny Jung Kim
In keeping with the theme of this year’s Women’s History Month, this series highlights the importance and impact of mentoring partnerships between department faculty and their mentees.
Sunny Jung Kim, Ph.D. is an e-health communication scholar specializing in theory-based social technologies for health promotion and their impact on the social and psychological mechanisms of behavior change. Her recent work has included interventions for cancer prevention and control, examination of public health issues though social technology-based epidemiological methods, and developing assessments to understand changes in health behavior. Most recently, she was involved in a systematic review of studies assessing the impact of AI-powered technologies in cancer prevention and control and substance abuse.
One thing that I have learned through working with Dr. Kim is to pursue opportunities that arise that may make you uncomfortable-as we seldom grow in comfort. Dr. Kim pushes me beyond my comfort zone by providing me with opportunities where I can grow in my skill sets, however she does not leave me to tackle obstacles on my own.
-Emily Edwards
Emily Edwards is an M.P.H. student who was paired with Kim as her mentor at the start of her program. Edwards has not only pursued academic excellence during her time in the program, but also taken on leadership roles. In the current academic year she serves as part of the Association of Schools and Programs of Public Health’s ‘This Is Public Health’ Ambassador program, and she is also Treasurer for the Public Health Student Association at VCU. Edwards describes her relationship with Kim as one that inspires growth: “She encourages me to do my best work by throwing me into the deep end – but still standing by the edge ready to assist me if I need. I find it encouraging that she has faith in me to do hard things and to do them well.”
One thing she says to me that inspires me is, ‘it’s okay to try to figure things out on your own and if you have any questions, I am here.’ I like this approach because she balances giving me autonomy while also giving me support and guidance. I think knowing that she trusts me to take the initiative and is always there to help, encourages me to put my best work forward.
-Farnese Edimo Motto, M.S.P.H., C.H.E.S.
Farnese Edimo Motto is a second year Ph.D. student in the Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences. Much like Edwards, she appreciates that her mentoring relationship with Kim allows room for independence and growth. “Dr. Kim always ensures that I have the space to provide my input for any project I support, and she thoughtfully considers my perspectives,” says Edimo Motto. “For instance, a few weeks ago, we held an internal meeting with Cancer Survivor Advocates, and she invited me to co-lead the presentation with her.” These moments offer mentees the opportunity to hone skills they will need in the future as independent researchers. “I really appreciate how she is always seeking ways to support my growth and development,” says Edimo Motto.
Categories Faculty News