LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 18, 2026) — The University of Kentucky College of Social Work (CoSW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Yein Yoon as an assistant professor in the regular title series. Yoon’s research focuses on behavioral and mental health, particularly sleep health, and examines how social, structural and community environments shape health and well-being. Her work aims to inform interventions, programs, and policies that address health disparities and improve well-being.
Originally from South Korea, Yoon came to the United States to pursue her doctoral studies at the University of Georgia. Before beginning her Ph.D. program, she worked for two years at the Seoul Institute, a government research institution in Korea, where she served as a community organizer and researcher focused on community-based programs and social policy implementation.
Yoon earned her Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in social work in 2026. She earned both her Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Social Work from the University of Seoul in South Korea. Her research draws on advanced quantitative, mixed-methods and community-engaged approaches to better understand how social conditions shape individual and community health.
“I am honored to join the CoSW,” Yoon said. “My work has always been guided by the belief that research should be connected to communities and used to strengthen programs, policies and practice. I look forward to working with students as they develop their own skills as social workers, researchers and community partners.”
Yoon is a licensed social worker in South Korea and holds a survey analyst certification issued by Statistics Korea. She also earned a teaching certificate during her doctoral studies.
“Yein brings a global perspective and strong research foundation to our faculty,” Jackie Duron, Ph.D., associate dean of faculty advancement, said. “Her background in community organizing, social policy and social work education will support students as they learn to connect research with meaningful practice.”
Outside of work, Yoon is an amateur radio operator in the United States and enjoys connecting with people. She also enjoys fishing and spending time in nature, both in real life and in video games.
Please join us in welcoming Yein Yoon to the College of Social Work faculty.