Professors Kim Jihyun, Chae Yeoju, and Park Seojin of Gwangju University Selected for 'First Research Project in Life'

From the left, Professors Kim Ji-hyun, Chae Yeo-joo, and Park Seo-jin.

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Yoon Jamin] Professors Kim Jihyun, Chae Yeoju, and Park Seojin from the Department of Nursing at Gwangju University have been finally selected as recipients of the ‘2022 Second Half First Career Research Project’ supported by the Ministry of Science and ICT and the National Research Foundation of Korea.

According to Gwangju University on the 11th, the ‘First Career Research Project’ is a government initiative designed to provide research opportunities to capable early-career researchers and to support their early establishment in research.

They will each receive research funding of 75 million KRW until February 2025.

Professor Kim Jihyun is researching the project titled ‘Development and Application of an Ontact Positive Psychology Capacity Enhancement Program for Nurses Returning from Parental Leave.’

Through this research, Professor Kim plans to develop an Ontact (online contact) positive psychology enhancement program that transcends time and space, tailored for nurses returning from parental leave who face difficulties balancing work and family.

Professor Kim stated, “At this time when chronic staff shortages are exacerbating difficulties in nursing clinical settings, I aim to contribute to balancing work and family life for experienced nurses returning from parental leave through this research.”

Professor Chae Yeoju is researching the project titled ‘Development and Effect Verification of a Digital Health-Based Wellness Program for Community-Dwelling Elderly with Diabetes Using Mentoring: Based on Self-Efficacy Theory.’

Through this research, a digital health-based wellness program utilizing mentoring will be developed for elderly diabetic patients, and its effectiveness will be verified.

Professor Chae explained, “We will establish a foundation to implement efficient digital healthcare for community elderly who require continuous self-health management and contribute to enhancing wellness.”

Professor Park Seojin, researching the project titled ‘Development and Effect of an Interactive AI Chatbot App for Pregnant Women with Gestational Diabetes,’ is developing an interactive AI chatbot app using a convenient and highly accessible smartphone application.

The interactive AI chatbot app will provide health management and educational programs for pregnant women with gestational diabetes. Additionally, plans include researching ways to enhance maternal identity.

Professor Park stated, “Based on the research results, we will verify positive effects by improving self-management abilities including blood sugar control for pregnant women with gestational diabetes, thereby contributing to the improvement of maternal health during pregnancy, postpartum, and neonatal health.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.