Passionate about finding efficient and effective care pathways for communities in need through applied research, Shua Kim 鈥23 strives to be a 鈥渃hangemaker and strategist鈥 for 鈥渘eglected voices.鈥
Majoring in psychology and politics and international studies, Kim was drawn to research and public health, and sensed a calling to support cognitively declining seniors and their caregivers.
After graduation, Kim began working in a long-term care setting. However, her self-described 鈥渨ide-eyed, entrepreneurial and creative approach to solving challenges鈥 and her deepening trust in God led this Faculty Award recipient to involvement in a unique study, which culminated in co-authoring a research paper.
A Career Opportunity
Kim encountered Prescribing Virtual Reality (VRx) at a virtual reality (VR) event hosted by the Alzheimer Society of Toronto. Attendees with dementia were provided with VR headsets, which allowed them to revisit locations they had travelled to, attend concerts, see wild animals, and even mountain bike at 360 degrees.
After witnessing it firsthand, Kim believed the program would be a 鈥渃onvenient way for people who can鈥檛 ambulate or who are bedridden,鈥 like many at the long-term care home where she works, to 鈥渉ave new and meaningful experiences鈥 and participate in activities.
… I鈥檝e come to admire good researchers who question assumptions, overcome limitations and think beyond conventions. This dedication to uncover truth is deeply aligned with the Christian pursuit of wisdom and justice.
After sharing this idea with organizers, they introduced her to project lead, Dr. Lora Appel of the University Health Network鈥檚 OpenLab.
Joining Appel in the lab as a research trainee, Kim discovered VR鈥檚 promising therapeutic possibilities for those with dementia and mental health difficulties, as well as the necessity of extensive clinical trials, infrastructure and community level involvement to ensure 鈥渄esigns and implementations remain grounded and practical.鈥
Kim was entrusted to edit parts of the research paper and eventually invited to work on the discussion section. Here she recorded results and considered the project鈥檚 implications and further steps.
The study, completed in partnership with the mental health team at Toronto鈥檚 Michael Garron Hospital, introduced the concept of SafeVRwards, assessing the practicality of VR in healthcare and implementation strategies.
Pursuing Knowledge for God
Kim鈥檚 experience in the lab co-authoring a paper, refining research protocols, drafting ethics applications and conducting community-based trials helped her identify parts of research that captivated her. Working directly to impact communities she seeks to serve further fuelled her enthusiasm to connect with changemakers and pursue knowledge in healthcare.
鈥淲itnessing the researchers鈥 altruistic mindsets, driven by genuine desire to address real problems and deliver tangible solutions, made me fall in love with research on innovations and health interventions,鈥 says Kim.
Lessons from professional and academic experiences have deepened Kim鈥檚 love for applied science, and reinforced her desire to conduct research with a heart for God.
Christianity and Science
Kim鈥檚 undergraduate experience at Redeemer taught her that Christians should pursue science, and doing so has strengthened her faith. She credits Redeemer鈥檚 ability to weave ideas from Scripture鈥攍ike the pursuit of understanding creation, praising God鈥檚 awe-inspiring creativity, and discerning callings and gifts鈥攊nto its curriculum.
鈥淚t is wrong to idolize science, but I鈥檝e come to admire good researchers who question assumptions, overcome limitations and think beyond conventions. This dedication to uncover truth is deeply aligned with the Christian pursuit of wisdom and justice.鈥
鈥 I鈥檓 taking things step by step and focusing on obeying God and discerning opportunities.
Kim believes her curiosity, empathy and desire for meaning will be used by God to uplift communities in need through research. She feels purpose when uncovering problems, questioning existing systems and searching for solutions to improve people’s lives.
Obedience to God in Vocation
Kim鈥檚 confirmation of her vocation in applied science and research beyond purely theoretical work came largely through extensive prayer.
鈥淢y desire to discern my strengths and where I can best contribute has helped me develop the habit of asking for God鈥檚 wisdom and listening to and trusting him with everything, including my career.鈥
Stepping into new experiences, especially those outside her comfort zone, has become an act of obedience.
鈥淚鈥檝e learned the hard way that it is crucial to seek God every step of the way. Now, I鈥檓 taking things step by step and focusing on obeying God and discerning opportunities.鈥 With Christ as her 鈥渟teady compass,鈥 Kim has reshaped her approach to challenges.
鈥淚 don鈥檛 have everything worked out, but that鈥檚 not the point. Each new decision made in obedience affirms that I鈥檓 moving in God鈥檚 intended direction. That gives me profound peace, and ultimately, that鈥檚 what will lead me to the people I am meant to support.鈥