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Lab Director:
Shinye Kim, Ph.D., is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and a licensed psychologist. I completed my doctoral training in Counseling Psychology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (APA-accredited) with a minor in Educational Statistics and Measurement and an APA-accredited internship at NYC Health + Hospitals|Kings County, part of the largest public health care system in the United States. She also has an M.Ed. in Prevention Science and Practice from Harvard University. Dr. Kim has broad experience working with underserved and underrepresented populations across diverse healthcare settings, spanning urban and rural areas in Massachusetts, Wisconsin, New York, and Texas. Her clinical expertise ranges from inpatient to outpatient care, addressing psychological adjustment challenges to severe mental health issues, and temporary to chronic and terminal illnesses. As a scientist-practitioner, Dr. Kim's clinical work in health psychology—particularly in consultation-liaison psychiatry and pain psychology—has profoundly shaped her research. Her scholarship focuses on the contextual understanding of chronic pain and opioid use, emphasizing how social, cultural, linguistic, and psychological factors shape the pain experiences of diverse populations, including ethnic and linguistic minorities. She collaborates with multidisciplinary teams in family medicine and surgery departments, where she provides behavioral pain interventions for trauma patients to prevent opioid misuse. Dr. Kim's research is use-inspired and translational, focusing on the development of a comprehensive pain algorithm and a digital tool for integrated pain assessment to reduce health disparities. By leveraging her clinical expertise and research, she aims to address the complex interplay of bio-psycho-socio-cultural factors influencing pain and to advance health equity in pain management.
My primary focus of my research examines cultural, psychological and social aspects of chronic pain and opioid use. As a scientist-practitioner, I developed a research interest in pain during my advanced health psychology clinical training (pain management & consultation-liaison psychiatry) where I witnessed how chronic pain patients are marginalized, ignored, and blamed for their pain conditions. Many pain patients are marginalized by health care professionals, as well as their own social circles. My view on pain is grounded in two key values: 1) it is strength-based. I examine the influence of chronic pain on both absence of illness and the presence of human thriving (Kim et al., 2019); and 2) it is context-driven. Using social cognitive theory as a conceptual underpinning contributes to the current biopsychosocial understanding of chronic pain, which often fails to consider the importance of contextual factors such as cultural orientation, language barriers and work-family management. To date, my research has demonstrated chronic pain’s influence on eudaimonic and subjective wellbeing (Kim, et al., 2020), the roles of various types of social support (e.g., family, friends, coworkers, and supervisor) on chronic pain comorbidities (Kim, Lee, & Boone, 2022) and work-family enrichment as a protective factor in pain outcome (Kim et al., under review). I have also examined the relations among pain specific social supports on pain experience and opioid use in the context of cultural orientation of individualism and collectivism (Kim, et al., 2022). My research embraces an ecological systems perspective, where family--as a key microsystem--is considered a critical factor in exacerbating (Boone & Kim, 2019) or buffering (Nguyen, Kim et al., 2020) the stress associated with having chronic pain.
Using my recent NSF grant, my research team interviewed more than one hundred health care providers and chronic pain patients in order to examine the cultural and socio-cognitive factors influencing how members of ethnic and linguistic minority groups experiencing chronic pain communicate with their healthcare providers (as well as the experience of healthcare providers working with these populations). I am using the results from these interviews to develop a digital health technology for chronic pain patients with ethnic and linguistic minority backgrounds; the purpose of which is to substantially improve pain communication with their healthcare providers by incorporating cultural and linguistic norms and patterns that affect the pain experience. The ultimate goal of my research is to better analyze and form policies that will improve not only our understanding, but also improve equity in the delivery of pain health care.
My clinical work has focused on serving underserved and underrepresented individuals with histories of severe mental health issues as well as chronic pain conditions through a psychodynamic orientation. My doctoral clinical training was completed at academic medical centers, public and community hospitals in three different cities in Wisconsin–Milwaukee, Madison and Racine. My master’s clinical training was at an urban high school in Boston. Additional work fundamental to my identity as a clinician is the four years of psychoanalytic training at the Wisconsin and Michigan Psychoanalytic Institute during my doctoral training. I am excited to bring the depth and breadth of my clinical experience to the next generations of psychologists.
Beyond my work as an instructor, mentoring students has become extremely important to me. I run an active research team consisting of several doctoral and undergraduate students, who have broad aspirations, including becoming psychologists, pathologists, oncologists, psychiatrists, pharmacists, dentists and health care researchers. I am proud to say that this is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my job. I feel strongly about the importance of collaborating with students as well as scholars in diverse disciplines. I involve graduate students in research early in their training using both the “apprentice model” and “junior colleague model” based on their developmental level. I have received excellent mentorship, understand its importance, and I am committed to “paying it forward.”
Outside of Academia, I love being in nature, from small adventures exploring local parks to longer voyages to state and national parks. Recently, I have gotten back into playing piano and enjoy listening to the works of Chopin and Rachmaninoff, whose work impresses me every time I hear it. The intersection of quantum physics, psychotherapy and Buddhism is also an subject of my musings, and I hope to write a piece on this subject when I get closer to retirement. I practice Seon Meditation and love reading and discussing anything about it.
~ Graduate Team Members ~
Hannah Swick
Hannah Swick is a first-year graduate student in the Counseling Psychology master’s program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Prior to this, she completed a BS in Family and Consumer Sciences at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and was a high school teacher. It was during her time as a teacher that she became more reflective of her experiences as a Southeast Asian woman and transracial adoptee and realized a passion for supporting individuals’ wellbeing and advocating for the marginalized. Upon this realization, she wasn’t sure how that passion necessarily translated to a profession but is confident combining her lived experience with the knowledge and skills gained through training to be a counselor and getting involved in research will provide direction. She’s excited to be a part of the impact the Pain, Context, and Innovation Lab will have on care quality and access, especially for those who are underserved and underrepresented.
Self-care for Hannah looks like baking her favorite desserts, getting brunch with a friend, and checking out new zoos, museums, and parks with her two children.
Ryan Davis
I am currently a Master’s student in the Counseling program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, originally from Fredericksburg, Texas. I completed my undergraduate degree at Ripon College, where I earned BA’s in Psychology and Business Management with a minor in Economics. With a strong background in sports, including collegiate basketball, I bring a unique perspective on discipline, resilience, and teamwork to my work in counseling and research.
My primary interests lie in holistic and integrative approaches to mental health, particularly those that draw upon mindfulness, meditation, and other healing modalities that emphasize the mind-body connection and somatic awareness. I am also deeply committed to promoting equity and cultural humility in therapeutic practice. My future plans include obtaining my Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) credential, with the goal of working as a clinician in the mental health field.
Outside of my academic and professional pursuits, I enjoy weightlifting, playing basketball, watching sports, meditating, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Dylan Tyler Coe
I am a second year graduate student, currently working as a data analyst at a civil engineering firm while pursuing my MS in Information. Research-wise, I'm broadly interested in mental health and online communities, especially concerning young adults trying to find their place in the world and how technology use and media consumption influences that journey.
These interests stem from my own journey as a formerly-lost 20-something. Earning a BA in Geography, Certificate in Computer Science, and now studying for an MS in Information, I hopped across fields, careers, and locations for years wondering where I belonged until I found a calling as a teacher at UW’s Software Training for Students. By teaching computer science to non-majors, I hope to show people it’s never too late to change and start something new. In the future, I wish to leverage my industry and academic experience as a professor of practice.
Outside of work, I play bass guitar in a band that performs around Madison, and enjoy songwriting, video games, martial arts, and other generally nerdy things.
Sabine LaLiberte
Sabine is a graduate student pursuing a master's degree in counseling psychology at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. Prior to starting graduate school, Sabine gained clinical experience as a behavior specialist working in a partial hospitalization program for adults with OCD and Anxiety where she received specialized training in Exposure-Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and other mindfulness-based modalities. It was here she found her passion for patient care, psychoeducation, and advocacy. Her areas of interest span across perinatal mental health, OCD/Anxiety disorders, generational trauma, and culture focused experiential therapies for multiracial people. As a biracial Korean American, Sabine is interested in research surrounding the experiences of Asian populations and how to better health and wellness outcomes. After graduation, Sabine hopes to obtain a professional counseling license and practice in an outpatient setting. Sabine holds her BS in psychology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
In her free time, Sabine enjoys cooking for friends and family, going on nature hikes around Madison, and watching all the latest tv shows. As a self-proclaimed foodie, she loves to try new restaurants and is always looking for recommendations!
Madeline Darling
Madeline Darling is currently pursuing her M.S. in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Wisconsin Madison. Throughout her time as a student, she has been interested in the various effects of mental health disorders on an individual’s social, physical, developmental, behavioral, and emotional aspects. Madeline earned her B.S. in Psychology with certificates in Disability Rights and Services and Promoting Activities for Diverse Abilities. This has brought in an interest in creating adaptable and inclusive physical activities and various ways of bringing that to the broader community. Additionally, she is currently interested in how chronic pain and disability can impact an individual’s lived-experiences in the health-care system or the community and how than that can have an impact on their mental health. She is also interested in the role nutrition plays in various aspects of individuals’ lives. Madeline’s clinical interests include working with children with various disabilities in inpatient or outpatient settings, with the intention to create a safe environment for children to express themselves.
Min Xu
Min Xu is an international student from China. She is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Demonstrating dedication to her academic and professional aspirations, Min is committed to advocating for the holistic well-being of individuals with disabilities through the application of her clinical expertise and research endeavors. Min's research primarily centered around comprehending the complexities of social adjustment among Asians with disabilities. The overarching objective of her work is to effectuate a tangible enhancement in the overall quality of life for Asians with disabilities. Min is concerned with cultural disparities in research and clinical work. She aspires to promote culturally sensitive and equitable mental health and medical services for Asians through her multifaceted approach encompassing research, clinical interventions, and advocacy efforts. Min earned her B.S. degree in Psychology at Utah Valley University.
Patrina Wong
Patrina Wong is an international student from Hong Kong who is currently pursuing her M.S in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. During the course of her studies, her interest in mental health and its intersection with one’s sociocultural background continues to grow, especially when she realizes how much of psychology’s foundations are built upon traditionally white, Euro- or US-centric perspectives. Patrina is particularly interested in understanding how Asian’s understanding of shame may impact their various health-related experiences, whether that be health-seeking behaviors, pain, illness trajectory, or seeking social support. Patrina’s clinical interests lie in collaborating with individuals diagnosed with terminal illnesses and those experiencing bereavement; she hopes to incorporate her research experiences into her clinical practice, bringing forth a more culturally aware and person-centered approach to her clients. Patrina earned her undergraduate degree in Social Sciences at the University of Hong Kong.
~ Undergraduate Team Members ~
Cassie Yu
I am a first year undergraduate student at UW-Madison, majoring in Computer Science with a certificate in Psychology. My academic interests focus on the intersections of machine learning, UI/UX design, and psychology, where I aim to bridge technology and human-centered design. With experience in UI/UX design and using machine learning to develop serious games, I want to bring a hands on approach to projects that address real-world challenges.
Driven by personal experiences with healthcare neglect, I am passionate about enhancing healthcare inclusivity for Asians in the U.S. I hope to leverage machine learning and psychological insights in projects that promote visiblity and equity for Asians in the healthcare system, especially through the work at the Pain, Context, and Innovation Lab.
In my free time I like reading, exploring different cultures of foods with friends, swimming, and exploring different types of skincare.
Junfeng Ma
Junfeng Ma is a sophomore undergraduate student at UW-Madison, majoring in psychology. With strong skills in Excel and marketing, Junfeng is currently assisting Dr. Kim as a research assistant on a project that focuses on pain expression across various ethnic and linguistic minority groups. He also serves as a campus agent for the Ucircle app, where he applies his marketing skills practically. Junfeng plans to pursue a graduate or doctoral degree in counseling psychology to further his expertise in the field.
Rita Dinh
Rita Dinh is a first-generation Vietnamese-American from Chicago, IL. She's a first-year undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin-Madison majoring in Biology on a pre-medicine track and working towards certificates in Athlete Healthcare, Leadership, and Southeast Asian Studies. Rita hopes to become a doctor and is interested in specialties like sports medicine, psychiatry, and family medicine. Her goal is to help marginalized communities, like Asian minority groups, access reliable healthcare. Outside of her studies, Rita is a member of UW-Madison's Vietnamese Student Association and Vietnamese Traditional Dance. She enjoys swimming, crocheting, and exploring new food spots in Madison with her friends.
Sisi Li
I’m an international student from China and currently in my second year at UW-Madison majoring in Psychology. My academic and professional interests lie at the intersection of Counseling Psychology and UI/UX design, with a focus on integrating AI into the field of psychology to help individuals address challenges in daily life. Specifically, I am passionate about supporting Asian immigrants who face unique challenges in cultural adaptation and benefit from counselors who understand their cultural backgrounds. I am also deeply interested in understanding how children experience, process, and overcome adversity and trauma. Childhood trauma not only affects individuals but also has a lasting impact on communities and society as a whole. My career goal is to become a counselor who understands the distinctive challenges and concerns of underrepresented groups, providing them with the support they need to thrive in difficult circumstances. I am excited to contribute to Dr. Kim’s lab by researching the barriers Asian immigrants face in obtaining accurate assessments and treatments, as well as identifying effective interventions to address these disparities.
Luxuan(Lucent) Chang
I am Luxuan Chang, an international student from Beijing, China. I am currently a second-year student at Pitzer College in Claremont, California. My major is psychology, and my minor is data science. My future goal is to use the skills and techniques that I learned in school to help Chinese students pursue better mental well-being.
Chao Xiong
I am Chao Xiong, and I'm from Milwaukee, WI. I'm a 4th year student at UW-Madison, majoring in Global Health with a certificate in Entrepreneurship. My ultimate goal is to work in the healthcare & health system business and policy side, focusing on making healthcare more affordable and accessible. To pursue this passion, I co-founded a Non-Profit organization called Health Entrepreneurs and Leaders (HEAL) with some colleagues. HEAL aims to support and serve all students who are on the pre-health track. I am proud to be a founding member of the Bridging Wisconsin Project, initiated as a Wisconsin Idea fellowship project via the UW-Madison Morgridge Center for Public Services. Our mission is to offer resources, exposure, and exploration opportunities to Wisconsin scholars starting from elementary and high school through college with an emphasis on the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I am committed to serving the Wisconsin community through leadership, public service, and education.
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