PhD candidate | Loyola University Chicago | United States
Evaluation for Research for Best Researcher Award
Strengths for the Award
Sungsim Lee’s candidacy for the Research for Best Researcher Award is distinguished by several notable strengths. Lee’s research expertise lies in the intersection of spirituality, health, and aging, with a particular focus on culturally responsive, spiritually sensitive social work. This unique interdisciplinary approach positions Lee at the forefront of innovative social work practices, especially in the context of ecospiritual social work and gerontology. Lee’s dissertation, “A Qualitative Study of Gratitude Practice among Won Buddhist Older Adults and Implications for Gerontological Social Work,” exemplifies an advanced and nuanced understanding of how spiritually based practices can enhance the mental health and well-being of older adults.
Additionally, Lee’s academic achievements are underscored by several prestigious awards, such as the 2023 Outstanding Dissertation Proposal Award and the John Hope Franklin Combating American Racism Award. These honors reflect Lee’s significant contributions to the field and his commitment to integrating spirituality and social justice into social work education and practice. The successful completion of multiple research projects and peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals further attests to Lee’s rigorous research capabilities and scholarly impact.
Areas for Improvement
While Lee’s accomplishments are impressive, there are areas for potential improvement. Expanding research to include more diverse populations and settings could enhance the generalizability of Lee’s findings. For example, incorporating a wider range of cultural and spiritual backgrounds in future studies could offer a more comprehensive view of spiritually based interventions across different communities.
Additionally, while Lee has demonstrated significant expertise in ecospiritual social work, there is an opportunity to develop and disseminate practical frameworks or guidelines for implementing these practices in various social work settings. Bridging the gap between theoretical research and practical application would provide valuable resources for practitioners and enhance the impact of Lee’s work in real-world contexts.
Conclusion
Sungsim Lee is a highly qualified candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award, given the depth and breadth of his research contributions to spirituality and social work. His innovative approach, supported by a strong record of awards and publications, positions him as a leading scholar in his field. Addressing the noted areas for improvement could further strengthen his impact and visibility within the social work community. Overall, Lee’s work exemplifies a commitment to advancing knowledge and practice at the intersection of spirituality, health, and aging, making him a deserving nominee for this prestigious award.
📜 Short Bio
Sungsim Lee is a dedicated researcher and scholar in social work with a profound focus on spirituality, health, and aging. Currently pursuing a Ph.D. at Loyola University Chicago, Lee’s work emphasizes culturally responsive and spiritually sensitive practices in social work, with a special interest in ecospiritual approaches. Lee’s career blends academic achievements with practical experience in spiritual and social work settings.
Profile
ORCID
🎓 Education
- 2024 (expected): Ph.D. in Social Work, Loyola University Chicago
Dissertation: “A Qualitative Study of Gratitude Practice among Won Buddhist Older Adults and Implications for Gerontological Social Work”
Committee: Terry B. Northcut (Chair), Edward R. Canda (Methodologist), and Holly Nelson-Becker
- 2015: M.S.W., School of Social Policy & Practice, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
- 2008: M.A., Won Buddhist Studies, Won Institute of Graduate Studies, Glenside, PA
- 2005: B.A., Won Buddhist Studies, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea
- 2000: B.A., Vocational Rehabilitation, Special Education, Daegu University, Daegu, Korea
- 9/2021-4/2022: Spirituality and Social Work Certificate Program, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, NY
💼 Experience
- 2023-2025: Visiting Scholar, The Research Institute of Won Buddhist Thought, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Korea
Focus: Bridging Eastern & Western social work scholarships, research, and practice.
- 2017-2019: Lead Minister, Won Buddhism of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Led meditation services, facilitated retreats, and engaged with a multicultural congregation.
- 2013-2016: Lead Minister, Won Buddhism of Philadelphia, Glenside, PA
Oversaw congregation ministry, led Dharma services, and taught Korean language and mindfulness practices.
🔬 Research Interests
- Spirituality, Health, Aging
- Culturally Responsive Spiritually Sensitive Social Work, Ecospiritual Social Work
- Gerontology, Aging Well, Caregiving, Older Adults’ Mental Health and Well-Being
- Spiritually Based Practices/Interventions Development (e.g., Mindfulness, Gratitude)
- Cultural Diversity, Social Justice
🏆 Awards
- 2023: Outstanding Dissertation Proposal Award, Korean American Social Work Educators Association (KASWEA)
- 2021: Passed Comprehensive Exam with Distinction, School of Social Work, Loyola University Chicago
- 2015: John Hope Franklin Combating American Racism Award, University of Pennsylvania
- 2013-2015: Donald J. Deutsch Endowed Graduate Fellowship, University of Pennsylvania
📚 Publications
Lee, S. (2020). Supporting Caregivers of Older Adults Through Education in Mindful Gratitude Practice. Innovation in Aging, 4(Supplement_1), 16.
Lee, S., & Northcut, T. B. (2024). The ecospiritual approach for the advancement of social work: a concept and practice of ‘interconnectedness’ in Won Buddhism. Journal of Religion & Spirituality in Social Work: Social Thought, 1–21.
Lee, S., Tyson, K. M, Sorenson, B., Wynn, N., & Miller, K. (2024) (accepted). “Towards a Theory of Resistance for an Emancipatory Social Work.” Journal of Progressive Human Service [Special Issue: Radical Thought and Praxis, “Stories of Resistance”].
📝 Book Chapters
Lee, S. (2024). Won Buddhist and Ecospiritual Social Work. In Fujimori, Y., & Gohori, J. (Eds.), Buddhist social work in East Asia: South Korea and Japan (Research Series No. 10, pp. 31-42). ARIISW- Shukutoku, Gakubunsha.
Lee, S. (2024). (In press). Spiritually Sensitive Social Work and Social Justice for Inclusive and Holistic Approach in Social Work Education and Practice throughout the Lifespan. In Aguilar, J.P. & Counselfman-Carpenter, E. (Eds.), Multidimensional Human Behavior in the Complex Social Environment Decolonizing Theories for Social Work Practice (Second Edition). Cognella.