Dr. Jihyun Kim, NSCM Associate Professor, recently received the prestigious Excellence in Graduate Teaching Award from the College of Sciences. This award recognizes her outstanding dedication to graduate education, innovative teaching methods, and commitment to student success. “I appreciated that others saw value in my effort toward research-based teaching and its impact on student learning,” Kim said.
When asked how she would describe her teaching philosophy, Dr. Kim responded that being a research-focused faculty has helped her see teaching as scholarly conversations with students about research findings and implications. “My teaching philosophy and approach are grounded in research-based instruction. Especially for graduate education, my philosophy is heavily focused on building a strong foundation in research,” expressed Dr. Kim. An analogy that she often references with her graduate students for conducting research is to ‘build a house on a firm foundation.’ “If students have a deep understanding of core concepts, methodologies, and theories, they’ll be better prepared to apply them in meaningful ways, whether they pursue careers in academia or industry. That’s why I prioritize foundational learning,” said Dr. Kim.
Although there have been many rewarding parts of her teaching experience, she highlighted that the most fulfilling moment is when she sees students discover the true joy of learning and advancing in their careers. “Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of mentoring many graduate students, both at UCF and other universities in the discipline. Watching them progress in their education and grow from learning the research process to leading their own projects is incredibly rewarding.” A specific moment that Dr. Kim reminisces about is when a student who once co-authored a project with her stepped up as the lead author. “Seeing their confidence grow and knowing I played a small role in their learning journey makes all the hard work worthwhile.”
As an educator and mentor, Dr. Kim has made a lasting impact on her students by fostering an engaging and supportive learning environment. She hopes to continue having a positive influence on students just like her former professors were for her. She states that, “as a research faculty member at UCF, I believe that to give students the best possible knowledge and training, I have to keep learning and growing as well. As UCF moves toward becoming a top 25 public research university, I hope to contribute by sharing my expertise and supporting students in their learning journey.” Dr. Kim’s recognition for this award is a testament to her exceptional contributions to UCF’s academic community.
Written by Majdulina Hamed.
Published to Nicholson News on April 1, 2025.
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