overview

• Dr. Jaehyun (Jay) Kim earned his Ph.D. in Recreation, Park, and Tourism Management from Pennsylvania State University, with a focus on Leisure, Health, and Wellness. After completing his Ph.D., Dr. Kim pursued a second master's degree in Therapeutic Recreation at Texas State University, becoming a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. His overarching mission as a professional is to design and implement effective therapeutic interventions for diverse, often underserved groups, including people with disabilities, immigrants, and older adults. Dr. Kim's research focuses on the efficacy of technology-based interventions, such as nature-based virtual reality and virtual reality Tai Chi programs, for older adults with dementia and individuals with physical disabilities. He engages both graduate and undergraduate students in his projects, providing them with valuable hands-on experience in the recreation therapy field. Dr. Kim actively collaborates with colleagues in the Department of Recreation Sciences and the College of Health and Human Performance, as well as with institutions in the US and South Korea, to further his research. He is a member of the American Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) and the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), and he regularly presents his research at state, national, and international conferences.