Naryeong Kim
Naryeong Kim is an undergraduate student (sophomore year) studying bioengineering and political science. She is fascinated by the intersections between law and neuroscience. She hopes to provide innovative and equitable treatments for mental health illnesses and to develop legal systems that better address neurological implications of trauma.
Can you tell us about your Asian heritage?
I am an international student from South Korea. I started at Stanford as a frosh in 2019.
What is your area of focus, and how did you gain interest in it?
I am interested in neuroscience and its clinical applications for therapeutics - and working in labs on that topic. I am also super interested in law -- in the area of informed care and neurological implications of trauma. For example, survivors of domestic violence may have neurological conditions that arise (like anxiety or PTSD), and as a result, their demeanor and visual cues may cause them to not be viewed as credible witnesses. The ways in which the legal system interacts with them is not the best, and there is a need to apply an understanding of trauma to legal settings.
I became interested in this area from my work at non-profits, where I worked as a legal intern at an immigration center. Survivors of domestic violence are very intimidated by the legal system, and have to testify in courts where trauma is not understood by the legal system.
This led me to start my own non-profit organization. ASSIST provides legal and mental health clinics for immigrants and returnee populations in South Korea, Japan, China, Thailand, Nepal, and the Phillipines.
Can you tell us about your thoughts on justice, equity, diversity and inclusion at Stanford?
I am a first generation college student and have found the resources at Stanford to be super helpful. When I first came to campus as a frosh, the FLI (First-Gen and/or Low Income) Office provided great support. The Asian American Theatre Project has also been super empowering to go to and watch. And, the HAAS Center, with its public service, has been welcoming of all backgrounds.
What’s one thing that people might not know about you?
I don’t drink coffee. I can’t stand the taste; it’s so bitter!
What milestones in your life are of particular significance to you?
I’ve just recently declared Bioengineering as my major so I think that’s a recent milestone in my life! After that, I think the next milestone will be after I graduate and have to decide if I am going to be a graduate student, go to law school, or work!