I was born in Anyang, South Korea, and was raised in Calgary, Canada. After living in Calgary for 11 years, I later moved back to South Korea together with my family, where I obtained my Bachelor's degree in Social Work at Sungshin Women's University and Master's degree in International Studies at Korea University. 

I identify myself as a 1.5 generation (Korean-Canadian), which is why I have diverse experience both linguistically and culturally. My experiences in South Korea, Canada (a few months in Thailand), and now in the United States extend to my research interests, mostly in attempting to measure social equity through representative bureaucracy and citizen satisfaction. Although I am not as invested currently, I always have a special place in my heart for enhancing child welfare and policy.

Outside of research, I enjoy spending family time with my husband and our dog, Lucky. We like going on hikes, playing golf and tennis, and snowboarding (skiing for my husband). Lucky is a sweetheart Golden-Aussie, and she is 4 years old (her picture is on the Contact page).