RESEARCHER.
PROFESSOR.
Dr. Su Yeong Kim is a Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin. A trailblazing expert in immigrant family and adolescent development. Renowned for her groundbreaking research on bilingualism and cultural identity, her influential work is nationally celebrated and continues to inspire future leaders in the field.
18+
Years of Experience
160+
Publications authored
23+
Mentored
Dr. Su Yeong Kim is a notable Professor of Human Development and Family Sciences at the University of Texas at Austin and the current Editor of the Journal of Research on Adolescence
A leading authority on immigrant family psychology in the U.S., Dr. Kim has over 160 published articles and research funded by prestigious organizations, including the NIH, NSF, Russell Sage Foundation, and Spencer Foundation.
Her groundbreaking research centers on child development and cultural influences within immigrant families, focusing especially on Chinese and Mexican-American youth. Dr. Kim is renowned for pioneering studies on language brokering, having developed a foundational tripartite framework on bilingualism in immigrant contexts.
Beyond research, Dr. Kim is a passionate mentor who has guided numerous students to achieve national awards, prestigious doctoral placements, and co-authorship in top publications.
Her work has earned her the APA Distinguished Career Contributions to Research Award (Division 45) and membership in UT Austin’s Provost’s Distinguished Leadership Service Academy.
Insights Published
Exploring identity, culture, and family through research, thought leadership, and personal reflection.
Transactional Experiences of Discrimination, Depressive Symptoms, and Ethnoracial Socialization in Mexican-Origin Families
2025
Transactional Experiences of Discrimination, Depressive Symptoms, and Ethnoracial Socialization in Mexican-Origin Families
This study looked at how discrimination affects mental health in Mexican-origin families and how parents’ cultural teachings (ethnoracial socialization) can help or hurt. It found that family members’ experiences of discrimination are deeply connected, and how parents talk about culture and racism can either protect or worsen depression risks for themselves and their children.
Read MoreStress Spillover Among Mother-Adolescent Dyads in Mexican Immigrant Families: How It Varies from Early to Late Adolescence
2025
Stress Spillover Among Mother-Adolescent Dyads in Mexican Immigrant Families: How It Varies from Early to Late Adolescence
Using a five-year study, this research showed that adolescents' stress from discrimination or feeling like outsiders can impact their mothers’ mental health—especially in early adolescence. Surprisingly, mothers’ stress had less impact on teens, showing how youth experiences can deeply shape family wellbeing.
Read MoreCultural Stress, Parenting Practices, and Mental Health Among Mexican-Origin Mothers and Adolescents: A Dyadic Approach
2025
Cultural Stress, Parenting Practices, and Mental Health Among Mexican-Origin Mothers and Adolescents: A Dyadic Approach
This study explored how cultural stress affects both Mexican-origin mothers and adolescents over time. It found that stress impacts mental health through changes in parenting, and these effects go both ways—kids’ stress can affect parents, and vice versa.
Read More
Featured Interviews
Insights from the Frontlines of Research, Education, and Representation
Interview Highlights
Interview Highlights
Interview Highlights
I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.
– Maya Angelou
Recommended Reads
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are Dr. Su Yeong Kim’s research interests?
Dr. Kim’s research focuses on how family and cultural environments play a role in shaping the well-being of children in immigrant families, including topics such as bilingualism, familial upbringing in adolescent development, and culture.
- What awards has Dr. Su Yeong Kim received?
Dr. Su Yeong Kim has earned national recognition for her research, including the Distinguished Career Contributions to Research Award from the APA’s Division 45, and Fellow status in several APA divisions. She has also been recognized as a leader at the Society for Research in Child Development and Society for Research on Adolescence. Dr. Kim has also been honored with a membership in the Provost’s Distinguished Leadership Service Academy, recognizing her excellence in leadership, mentoring, and service.
- What are some of Dr. Su Yeong Kim’s contributions and past roles?
Dr. Su Yeong Kim served as an Editor for the Cultural Diversity and Ethnic Minority Psychology journal, an Associate Editor for the Development Psychology journal, and serves on the editorial board of the Journal of Family Psychology, Journal of Youth and Adolescence, Adolescent Research Review, and the Asian American Journal of Psychology.
- Is Dr. Su Yeong Kim involved in any community service projects?
Yes, Dr. Kim leads an after-school program at Ojeda Middle School to support language brokering among bilingual students.