Please welcome the New NACDA Director – Dr. Seoyoun Kim!

Dr. Kim’s Director’s note about joining NACDA:

Hello aging research colleagues,

As a former NACDA data user, I understand firsthand the value that high-quality, accessible datasets bring to our community. It is a true privilege to transition from using NACDA resources in my own work to now supporting the broader aging research community through NACDA itself.

My research centers on prosocial engagement and health in later life, with a particular focus on cardiometabolic health. I employ longitudinal research approaches and complex methodological techniques to strengthen causal inference using observational survey data, exploring how positive social connections and engagement shape health outcomes as people age. The creativity and rigor of this community have continually inspired me, both in my own scholarship and now in my current role. 

I am excited to connect with data users and providers at upcoming conferences like the Population Association of America conference, Asian Conference on Aging and Gerontology, and Gerontological Society of America annual meetings. These gatherings never fail to spark new ideas and forge meaningful collaborations across our field. 

Looking ahead, I am enthusiastic about the innovations happening within NACDA. We’re exploring new ways to enhance data access, strengthen partnerships, and support cutting-edge research on aging. I welcome your feedback and thoughts on how we can continue to evolve to meet the needs of investigators tackling the important questions about aging.

Thank you for making NACDA a central hub for impactful research. I look forward to what we will achieve together in the coming years! 

Warm Regards,

Seoyoun Kim, Ph.D.

Director, NACDA