Editor Spotlight

Editor of Asian American Journal of Psychology, Dr. June Kim is committed to delivering content that focuses on understanding the psychological needs and experiences of a traditionally underserved population.

Tell us a bit about your background: What is your area of research? What is your most recent journal-editing experience?

I received my PhD in personality / social psychology from the University of Illinois.

My research focuses on the effects of emotions across cultures. Specifically, I am interested in investigating the intersection of culture and well-being for Asian American populations.

Most recently, I served as an associate editor for Asian American Journal of Psychology.

Briefly, what are your main priorities? For example, how will you grow readership, what type of scholarship would you like to see in the journal, and what kind of content are you hoping to attract?

My main priority for the journal under my editorship is to make sure that the diverse range of experiences within Asian America are reflected in the journal.

Even though Asian Americans encompass a wide range of experiences, this diversity is not always reflected in the published research. I hope to see more submissions that represent underserved populations within Asian America.

Additional priorities include increasing the readership and reach of the journal.

Why is this journal important for the field? What is its relevance to society/public health? What are the hot issues in your area right now?

Asian American Journal of Psychology has an important role in the field of psychology because it is directly relevant to the well-being of Asian Americans.

Asian Americans are diverse in their nations of origin, ethnicity, socio-economic status, languages, generational status, immigration status, and more. Asian Americans are a fast-growing population, as well as a population that is underserved.

For these reasons, a journal that is dedicated to better understanding the psychological needs and experiences of this population is important.

What challenges, if any, lie ahead for the field?

Asian American Journal of Psychology is still evolving. We are in our 10th year, which is quite young for a journal.

The task ahead is to continue to grow the journal and firmly establish it as the go-to source for the psychology of Asian Americans.

Do you have plans for a special issue or changes to the editorial process? Are you making any changes?

I don't anticipate any changes in the editorial process. The previous editor, Dr. Bryan Kim, and the founding editor, Dr. Fred Leung, did a wonderful job of setting the course for Asian American Journal of Psychology.

I do have some special issues that are in the works. I am especially looking forward to our first special issue on displaced populations. Issues affecting refugees and other displaced populations are of importance to Asian Americans, and highlighting some of these experiences in the special issue will help guide mental health professional in better serving the needs of this population.

We are also anticipating special issues on underserved Asian American populations, including South Asian Americans and Filipino/a Americans.

I hope that through these special issues, the journal can continue to grow in its impact, readership, and submissions.

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