This is part of a series of Q&As introducing faculty who have joined the College of Health Sciences for the 2023–24 academic year. Meet all of our new faculty members.

Min Soon Kim

Assistant research professor, Department of Health Sciences

What classes are you teaching this semester?

• HMI 8435: Information Security, Evaluation and Policy
• Patient-Based Learning (PBL)

Tell us about yourself. What is your background?

I have a background in biomedical engineering and specialized in biomedical informatics during my doctoral training. This means I have a deep understanding of how technology and health information intersect.

As a passionate researcher in this field, my main goal is to create and test practical solutions in health information technology (HIT). These solutions include electronic health records systems, clinical decision support systems and mobile health apps. I focus on how well these solutions work, and how easy they are to use.

My research particularly looks at how these technologies can help older adults with chronic and acute health conditions — and the health care providers who work with them. I’m passionate about using technology to improve health care, and I’m dedicated to making sure the tools we create really work for the people who use them.

What brought you to Mizzou? To your field?

I was drawn to Mizzou by its reputation as a leading institution that values interdisciplinary collaboration and innovative research. The university’s commitment to excellence in both education and research aligns well with my own professional aspirations. The opportunity to contribute to the Department of Health Sciences and engage with a diverse community of students and colleagues was an exciting prospect.

What is your favorite thing about your job?

My favorite aspect of my job is the ability to make a tangible impact on both the field of health informatics and the lives of individuals within the health care system. It’s truly rewarding to develop and evaluate health information technology solutions that enhance patient care, improve clinical decision-making and empower individuals to manage their health. Witnessing the practical application of the technologies I work on and knowing that they contribute to better health outcomes brings a sense of fulfillment. Additionally, I greatly enjoy the opportunity to collaborate with students, researchers and health care professionals while fostering a rich environment for learning and innovation.

What has you excited for this semester?

This semester, I’m particularly excited to engage with my students in the graduate-level classes that I teach. Their curiosity and enthusiasm always bring a fresh perspective to the subjects we explore. In addition to teaching, I’m eagerly looking forward to our ongoing research projects.

Notably, we’re working on developing and testing a personalized educational decision support system for senior diabetes patients. Witnessing how our efforts could potentially improve diabetes management and enhance the well-being of these individuals is both motivating and inspiring. This semester’s mix of teaching and research holds great promise and excitement.

What is a fun hobby or activity that you enjoy outside of work?

I find great enjoyment in outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and camping. It’s a source of pride for me that I’ve managed to explore every single trail in Columbia. Whenever my family plans vacations, our top priority is to choose destinations that offer exciting trails for us to explore.