Biography

Dr. Hyunjin Kim is an associate professor at the University of Rhode Island, where she plays a pivotal role as the program coordinator of the Early Childhood Education program and the program director for Accelerated Online Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Pathways. She is recognized for her deep passion for refining and enhancing early education, as demonstrated through her extensive research and policy development. Recently, she has focused her attention on the newly designed ECCE Pathways at URI, a program she has successfully secured funding for from the Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE). Her scholarly pursuits primarily concentrate on early childhood workforce development, early learning standards, and program quality improvement. As part of her current research, she is exploring the impacts of professional development and learning environments on children’s cognitive and socio-emotional development. This important work has served as a catalyst for transformative changes in early childhood education and care policies and practices.

In addition to her academic research, Dr. Kim equally values her role as an educator and mentor. She has had the privilege of designing and teaching a myriad of courses, fostering a culture of questioning and critical thinking among her students. Her approachability has led to many seeking her guidance outside the classroom, a part of her role she finds incredibly rewarding. Beyond her research and teaching, Dr. Kim also actively contributes to the University of Rhode Island’s community through various service missions and community engagement initiatives. She believes in the importance of bridging the gap between academia and the wider community, and her efforts continually underscore the University’s commitment to education and community service.