“I feel blessed to work with students who know what they want to do and bring passion to it.”
Quick Facts About Dr. Kim:
| Name | Jieun Kim, Ph.D. |
|---|---|
| Title | Associate Professor |
| College | College of Graduate Studies |
| Campus | Downers Grove |
| Joined Midwestern University | 2021 |
What is Dr. Kim’s role at Midwestern University?
I teach anatomy with a full-body dissection lab to medical and physical therapy students in the Department of Anatomy. I joined the faculty in Summer 2021.
What drew Dr. Kim to anatomy education?
I trained as a biological anthropologist with a focus on human osteology and anatomy, which have always been my first love. So, once I completed my postdoc training, it was natural to transition into an anatomy educator path.
What are Dr. Kim’s research interests in human anatomy and bone aging?
I study how human bone changes with age and how we can use those changes to help identify people from skeletal remains in (bio)archaeological or forensic contexts. I was trained in classic anthropological methods based on bone surface shape, and I am currently exploring non-traditional biomarkers, such as bone microarchitecture, as new age indicators. The goal is to find biomarkers that keep telling us something about age from young to late adulthood so we can build more reliable prediction models.
What does Dr. Kim find most rewarding about teaching and mentoring Midwestern University students?
I feel blessed to work with students who know what they want to do and bring passion to it, whether that’s becoming a physician or a physical therapist. I value having a purpose and direction in my life, so I appreciate the same drive and maturity in my students. I truly enjoy sharing what I know with them. Interacting with students helps me realize my blind spots (and sometimes even weird habits!), and I get to learn something new because of them.
What advice does Dr. Kim hope students carry into their healthcare careers?
Be kind and stay curious rather than being cynical. I know it’s easier said than done, but I think it applies to many situations, when you are frustrated with yourself or others, pushing through hardship, or working through conflict… Life is short, so try to enjoy it!
What does Dr. Kim wish more people understood about anatomy education?
Anatomy education is quite a comprehensive field, and there is always more to learn, from the subject itself and the theory of teaching, to new technologies and the logistics of anatomical donor management. I always say it takes an entire village to run an anatomy course, and I am very thankful to work with such capable colleagues at MWU.
What does Dr. Kim enjoy doing outside of Midwestern University?
I hang out with the funniest husband and two bird children (Haneul and Genki) as much as I can when I’m not working.
