Boah Kim

Gerontology doctoral student in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

I am a Ph.D. student in the Gerontology program. I am from South Korea, one of the fastest aging countries in the world. Growing up in a rapidly aging society, I became deeply interested in the aging study to improve the quality of life of older adults. I completed my master’s degree at Seoul National University and undergraduate degree at Yonsei University with high honors majoring in public health. I also worked as a scientific researcher at the Institute of Dementia in National Medical Center (NMC) in South Korea after my master’s studies and participated in several national research projects including the Developing a National Dementia Strategy 2021-2025 Project and the Global Trends in Dementia Policy Project, which helped me advance my research capabilities and field experience, in addition to broadening my views.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

Two key factors influenced my decision to come to SFU. First, I was eager to work with my current supervisor, Andrew Wister, who has a wide range of research experience in aging studies while making extensive and active contributions to the field. Particularly, my research interests focus on community-based integrated care and older adults with complex needs. And his research area was a perfect fit for my interests. I believed that I can improve my research abilities and expertise under his supervision and insight. Second, I was highly impressed by the abundant infrastructure of the Gerontology department, which allows students to conduct aging studies more deeply with professional insight. The SFU offers competent faculties and diverse seminars and programs that support students’ growth. I am excited to study and have diverse experiences here.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

My main research interest is community-based integrated care for older adults with complex needs. During my master’s studies, I realized that the current healthcare system is having difficulty in meeting the needs of older adults, which can cause care gaps. The physical, psychological, social, and economic issues that older adults have require particularly long-term, continuous care. Management of these issues can be best served by multidisciplinary and integrated care. Based on this motivation, I would like to study the integrated care assuming that it can give a positive impact on the elderly by providing seamless care.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I particularly enjoy the courses offered by the department. They are superbly useful and insightful, allowing me to expand my capabilities and knowledge. I also enjoy that I can learn a wide range of research skills such as quantitative and qualitative methodology, evaluation of health promotion programs for the elderly, theories in aging studies from the courses. I am very satisfied with these resources in the department. Second, the faculty and colleagues in the department give me valuable inspiration and motivation. Every member of the community is brilliant and caring, allowing me to enjoy my life in Vancouver.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

I am the recipient of the Graduate Dean Entrance Scholarship (GDES) and Isabel Dawson Memorial Scholarship in Gerontology, which enabled me to continue on the study at SFU where I can be inspired in a new way and learn various things. I hope this can be a cornerstone in my research life.

Contact : bka56@sfu.ca

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