Transformative research rarely happens by itself. What begins with ideas, then can grow through collaboration, mentorship and connection. This spirit of interdisciplinary work is at the heart of The University of Alabama’s (UA) Transformative Human-centered Research for Impacting Vulnerabilities Everywhere (THRIVE) Initiative. Jihoon Kim, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Advertising and Public Relations, has been selected as one of only 10 faculty members across campus to serve as a 2025–2026 THRIVE Fellow.
Housed within UA’s Institute for Social Science Research (ISSR), the THRIVE Initiative unites scholars from various fields who share the goal of developing solutions that address social, economic and geographic vulnerabilities. For Kim, the fellowship is an opportunity to extend his research beyond the classroom and into communities that need it most.
“My research explores how audiences interpret messages in today’s highly mediated environment,” explained Kim. “That connects directly with THRIVE’s mission, because vulnerable populations, like those with limited digital literacy or access, are often the most affected by these shifts. I want to explore ways technology can empower, rather than marginalize, people.”
One example of this research is how communication and emerging technologies like virtual reality can help vulnerable populations like U.S. veterans. Kim’s current focus is to examine how immersive experiences can help veterans process their experiences and improve mental health. He says he is especially interested in how virtual reality programs can provide support and bridge understanding between veterans and other communities.
The fellowship emphasizes team-based research. Fellows meet regularly to exchange ideas and prepare grant proposals aimed at major funders like the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. Each team receives access to funding and the use of dedicated collaborative workspaces. The program’s emphasis on teamwork and partnership is one of its greatest strengths.
“Collaboration is what makes THRIVE truly transformative,” said Kim. “It brings together people who see problems differently, and that diversity of thought helps us generate more sustainable solutions.”
Kim’s work informs his teaching, and his students, in turn, inspires him to think about how public grants and initiatives like this can serve the public good.
“I want my students to see that our research has real social impact. What we do here can help make communities stronger,” said Kim. “I also hope to involve them in parts of the research process, so they can experience firsthand how communication connects people and drives change.”
Kim views his participation in THRIVE as both a personal milestone and an achievement for the college. “C&IS has been incredibly supportive of this initiative,” said Kim. “I’m proud to represent our college in a program that highlights the importance of communication in solving complex societal problems. I hope this opens the door for even more collaborations in the future.”
Although the fellowship is just in the beginning stages, Kim and his fellow researchers are already meeting regularly to identify and refine project ideas. By the end of 2025, the teams aim to develop two or three major proposals for national funding.
Kim sees the THRIVE Fellowship as a starting point for ongoing teamwork, not just a one-time project. He wants to use the relationships formed during this program to keep building bigger research efforts that bring together different fields and support vulnerable communities. His aim is to help make life safer and fairer for all people.