Sunu (Isabel) Kim
Why did you decide to pursue a graduate degree?
I chose to pursue a graduate degree to further my learning in human genetics and expand my expertise in patient-oriented and children's health services research. I'm passionate about advancing evidence-based care and aim to build experience through independent research that will prepare me for an academic career where I can contribute meaningfully to both science and clinical practice.
Why did you decide to study at UBC?
I chose to study at UBC because I was inspired by my current supervisor's research at BC Children's Hospital — a place I've admired since visiting and seeing the strong connection between families and healthcare. UBC's beautiful, nature-filled campus, its supportive environment for students, and proximity to my home and family made it the ideal place to pursue graduate studies.
What is it specifically, that your program offers, that attracted you?
What attracted me to the Medical Genetics program is its unique blend of research opportunities, including both wet lab and health services research, which aligns closely with my interests. I was especially drawn to the opportunity to work with my supervisor, whose strong focus on patient-oriented research and belief that “research is care” deeply resonates with my own values. The program also offers access to a network of highly accomplished experts in the field, providing a rich environment for mentorship, inspiration and professional growth.
What was the best surprise about UBC or life in Vancouver?
The best surprise about UBC was the availability of various workshops geared towards graduate students. There are instructor skills workshops, writing workshops and more that allow graduate students to increase multiple skills throughout their MSc/PhD.
What aspect of your graduate program do you enjoy the most or are looking forward to with the greatest curiosity?
What I enjoy the most about my graduate program is the chance to engage in research that can meaningfully improve patient care — primarily through a patient and family-centred lens. I’m particularly excited to work under a supervisor who believes that research is care and prioritizes patient-oriented research. I’m drawn to projects that go beyond the bench, exploring how genetic research can inform changes in healthcare systems. Specifically, I’m passionate about contributing to research that supports family-centred care in intensive care environments, where communication, emotional support and systems-level improvements can have a profound impact. I’m also inspired by the strong network of experts in the program, and I look forward to learning from leaders in the field who are driving real-world change.
What do you see as your biggest challenge(s) in your future career?
One of the biggest challenges I anticipate in my future career is navigating the gap between research and its implementation in clinical practice, particularly in advocating for systemic change in complex environments like intensive care. It is essential to consider translating the findings of my evidence-based research to reach the appropriate audience.
The program allows me to connect with various audiences/learners/experts around the world to disseminate my findings. Additionally, I am able to focus on a sub-study developing a tool to implement my findings in clinical practice for routine evaluation of parental empowerment in neonatal and pediatric intensive care units.
What aspects of your life or career before now have best prepared you for your UBC graduate program?
Several mentors have played an instrumental role in preparing me for graduate studies, but none more so than my current mentor, Dr. Alison Elliott. Her unwavering support and genuine investment in both my academic and personal growth have profoundly shaped my development as a researcher. Through her mentorship, I’ve gained not only the technical skills necessary for success in graduate-level research, but also the confidence, curiosity and reflective mindset that drive meaningful inquiry. Being surrounded by mentors who genuinely care has helped me find my voice and solidify my identity as someone committed to research that has real-world impact.
What do you like to do for fun or relaxation?
For fun and relaxation, I love engaging in creative activities. I sing in a choir and have been a Soprano 1 for almost 10 years. I also enjoy pottery — making pieces like ramen bowls, mugs and even custom bowls for my dogs. Painting, both in watercolor and acrylic, gives me another outlet for creative expression. To stay active, I regularly do pilates.
What advice do you have for new graduate students?
The best advice I could give is not to be afraid of meeting new people in your program or other academic disciplines, as we never know who will inspire us one day. New graduate students should immerse themselves in events/organizations with other mentors and students.
Learn more about Sunu (Isabel)'s research
My research focuses on identifying more effective methods to implement genetic tools in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) and pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). There are various layers to implementing genetic testing in intensive care environments, which are places of stress and overwhelm for parents. The findings of my research present novel factors of communication gaps when ordering genetic tests and delivering results in the NICU and the PICU. I also exhibit demographic identifiers of NICU/PICU parents that affect satisfaction and empowerment with genetic testing. To reduce parental distress, it is significant for a multidisciplinary effort to provide comprehensive information in neutral language.