This is a copy of UCSD Student Spotlight published in 2023.

Meet Junghwan Park

Tell us a bit about your background: 

I majored in bioinformatics during my undergraduate studies. A curious student at heart, I had a passion for computer coding and have always been intrigued by protein folding and the complex networks within living organisms. I studied at KAIST in South Korea. However, during two of my breaks, I interned at Trey Ideker's lab at UCSD and got to experience the refreshing ambiance of San Diego, which further nurtured my aspirations to become a professional scientist. After completing my undergraduate studies, I served in the South Korean Army as a software development special agent. It was during this period of mandatory service that I became interested in pursuing a career that serves the public. In 2011, I joined the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea as a civil servant with a specialization in computer engineering and dedicated a decade of my career to serving the South Korean government. Throughout these years, I strived to craft policies that utilized information technology in the fields of health and welfare. Some of the key policies I was involved in encompassed population genomics, medical informatics, and health information privacy. As I journeyed through my career, I felt an urge to further enhance my skills and wanted to strengthen my professional capability to support my personal value: "Creating a healthier society through technology." Fortunate to be awarded a fellowship for government officials in South Korea, I joined the doctoral program at UCSD's Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science in 2020.

Describe your area of research at UC San Diego:

Under the guidance of my doctoral advisor, Dr. Eric Hekler, I am actively involved in research across three distinct domains: 1. Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) in Mobile Health: I am focused on the development of mobile health interventions that leverage real-time data to tailor individual behavior patterns. This is commonly referred to as "Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions" or JITAIs. By employing Fitbit and machine learning algorithms, I aim to measure and predict health behavior patterns. My goal is to determine which interventions are most effective and timely in supporting individuals' health needs. In this endeavor, I collaborate closely with Predrag Klasnja, Ph.D. at the University of Michigan and Daniel E Rivera, Ph.D. at Arizona State University. 2. Addressing Representation Bias in Health Behavior Research through Machine Learning: I'm exploring the potential of machine learning-based generative models to mitigate the longstanding issue of representation bias in health behavior research. My efforts in this area aim to ensure that mobile health interventions and Digital Therapeutics (DTx) are equitable, both in terms of accessibility and performance across diverse populations. 3. Energy Modeling for Residential Buildings: Another facet of my research pertains to modeling the energy characteristics of residential buildings. The goal here is to assist homeowners in their decision-making processes when considering the integration of home electrification. Predictive algorithms are used to guide them in evaluating their home upgrade options. It's essential to recognize that this research area is a profound embodiment of "public health", given its direct implications for addressing climate change. Furthermore, it serves as an excellent bridge, drawing on behavioral psychology to effectively support homeowners in their decisions. I am proud to collaborate with multiple companies in this area and am a founding student member of a dedicated research group, "Agile Electrification," which drives advancements in this domain. (https://agileelectrification.org)

Describe your involvement in the UC San Diego community:

Throughout my time at UCSD, I have deeply committed myself to enriching the academic community, especially in nurturing the next generation of scholars. I've had the privilege of mentoring several undergraduate interns, with some of them being partly supported by the MADURA program, as well as master's students as part of my research endeavors. While these students undoubtedly gained valuable insights into our shared research subjects and acquired practical skills under my guidance, their fresh perspectives and inquisitiveness also provided me with invaluable insights. This mutual learning experience enabled them to hone their programming abilities and project management skills, while enriching my own understanding and approach to our shared goals. In addition to mentoring, I am currently working on curating a new series of seminars slated for Spring quarter of 2024, focusing on public health informatics using large language models. In this initiative, I am collaborating with David Strong, Ph.D. Through these educational endeavors and partnerships, I am dedicated to ensuring that our UCSD community remains at the forefront of academic and technological advancements, promoting continuous learning and growth.

Why UC San Diego?

Choosing UC San Diego was a confluence of both personal aspirations and the unique offerings of the institution. Firstly, the university's renowned reputation in the fields of bioinformatics, health informatics, and public health was a significant draw. UCSD is known for its interdisciplinary approach, fostering collaboration between different departments and encouraging innovative research. This environment was ideal for someone like me, who wanted to merge the worlds of technology, health, and public service. Secondly, having had prior experience in San Diego during my internship at UCSD's Trey Ideker Lab, I was already familiar with the invigorating academic atmosphere and the beauty of the region. The campus's proximity to numerous biotech companies and research institutions offers unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and real-world applications of our work. Lastly, the faculty at UCSD, especially in my field of interest, are world-class. The chance to work and learn from pioneers in health informatics and behavioral medicine was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. The mentorship and guidance I knew I'd receive here were unmatched.

Have you been awarded any fellowships or grants during graduate school?

I have been privileged to receive significant support throughout my academic journey. Firstly, I was awarded a full scholarship by the Korean Government to pursue my doctoral studies at UC San Diego, a testament to the importance of international academic collaboration. In addition to this, I am also part of a research team that was granted the Google Health Equity Research initiative. Under the leadership of the principal investigator, Dr. Steven De La Torre, our team is committed to making meaningful strides in health research.

What has been your favorite part about your graduate student experience at UC San Diego?

At UC San Diego, the moments that have stayed with me the most are those rooted in collaboration and discovery. Being a part of transformative projects showcased the power of interdisciplinary teamwork in driving change. This experience, combined with the guidance I received from thought leaders like Eric Hekler, Ph.D. deepened my passion for public health informatics. Lastly, the dynamic UCSD community, with its vibrant academic discussions and unwavering commitment to progress, is making my graduate journey memorable. The campus pulse, filled with innovation and a shared drive to make a positive global impact, constantly inspires me.

Any final thoughts?

I am profoundly reminded of someone without whom this journey might not have been possible. My dear wife's unwavering support, dedication, and tireless efforts behind the scenes have been pivotal. The graduate school presented its myriad challenges, and had it not been for her steadfast love and belief, navigating through them would have been far more arduous. For that, heartfelt thanks are in order. Additionally, deep gratitude is extended to the Ministry of Personnel Management and the Ministry of Health and Welfare, as well as the entire Korean government and the taxpayers of Korea. The invaluable financial and administrative support provided throughout my graduate journey has significantly facilitated my academic pursuits. For the record, Junghwan Park is an employee of the Ministry of Health and Welfare, Korean Government.