Department Faculty
Jihyun Kim, Ph.D.
Dr. Jihyun Kim joined the faculty in 2012. Dr. Kim earned her Ph.D. in Communication from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and her dissertation explored the effects of feedback and avatar similarity on exergame experiences and the role of presence in virtual environments.
Dr. Kim's primary research interests are located at the intersection of new media/communication technology and health communication. Particularly, she is interested in ways that new media/communication technology (e.g., video games, Internet) can influence health outcomes including attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and knowledge acquisition. Also, she has developed her interest in the use of technology and para-social relationships. Further, Dr. Kim has a particular interest in the theoretical concept of 'presence' (i.e., social presence, telepresence) in technology user experiences in a variety of technology domains (i.e., virtual reality, computer-mediated communication, human-computer interaction). Dr. Kim's research has been published in a variety of peer-reviewed journals (e.g., Communication Monographs, Communication Studies, Social Influence, Journal of Intercultural Communication Research), book chapters, and proceedings. Also, she has presented her research at international and national conferences and earned top papers for some of her work.
Dr. Kim has a variety of teaching interests. Particularly, she is interested in teaching subjects in her primary research program such as New Media/Communication Technology, Technology for Health Communication, Health Communication, Computer-Mediated Communication, and Communication Research Methods. In addition, Dr. Kim has taught Interpersonal Communication and Business and Professional Communication using a variety of instructional format (e.g., hybrid course: online + face-to-face).
In addition to her research and teaching, Dr. Kim is active in areas of service. She has served the discipline as an editorial assistant at Communication Monographs, and as a research paper reviewer at international and national conferences. At Bloomsburg University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Kim is involved in several committees as a member and department representative.













