Professors 101: Meet Our Newest Faculty (Part 2)
Each year Seattle Pacific welcomes new faculty members to our learning community. From respected scholars to emerging experts in their chosen academic fields, they bring rich ideas and experiences from around the world. But who are they?
Over the next several weeks, we'll introduce you to these stellar members of our community. Next up are three professors who bring the world to SPU — from the Philippines, New Zealand, and China.
Check out Part 1 in our series and meet our two newest business professors .
Dr. Paul Youngbin Kim
Assistant Professor of Psychology
Born in Korea, Paul Youngbin Kim grew up in the Philippines, where his parents were missionaries. He first came to the U.S. in 2000 to attend college. He believes these numerous cross-cultural experiences have prepared him well for a career focused on the intersection of culture and psychology. Kim says the most fulfilling "cross-cultural" interaction has been with meeting his wife. The couple have a 1-year-old daughter.
Why did you select SPU?
I wanted to be at a place where I can freely integrate my faith and discipline in the classroom, so that students are also critically thinking about these issues. I also wanted to be in an environment where I could engage with other Christian scholars, in an institution that lived out the belief that all things in this world belong to Him. And I wanted to be in an environment that produced quality scholarship that was recognized in respective subfields.
What is your faith journey?
I remember accepting Christ as my savior during a retreat at a young age [in the Philippines] ... This Spirit-led decision was only the beginning of an exciting journey. One thing I'm reminded of constantly is God's grace, and its amazing ability to transform me and others around me. I hope to reflect His grace through not only my teaching and research, but also my daily interaction with members of SPU's community.
What are you working on currently in your discipline?
My research interests are in multicultural psychology. In particular, I'm interested in the help-seeking attitudes of Asian Americans, especially ones that arise from cultural values. I hope to contribute to reducing the underutilization of mental health services among Asian Americans.
Dr. Daniel Schofield
Assistant Professor of Chemistry
Daniel Schofield, originally from New Zealand, comes to SPU from the University of Pittsburgh. He's interested in the application of molecular modeling to problems in energy storage. Such multidisciplinary research exposes SPU students to physical, theoretical, and materials chemistry. Schofield says he's guided in his Christian service and academic goals by the Apostle Paul's injunction, "… look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Why did you select SPU
Since I started at graduate school, I've wanted to carry on in academia to teach and carry out research in chemistry. To do so in an environment where I'm actively encouraged to incorporate my Christian faith in the classroom was an opportunity too good to pass up.
What is your faith journey?
I grew up in a Christian home, and professed faith in Christ as a child. Since then, I've been actively involved in my home church in New Zealand, and in two churches in Pittsburgh before moving to Seattle. My wife and I stay involved with bible study and prayer groups, and we mentor youth groups.
What are you working on currently in your discipline?
In my research, I use theoretical approaches to study molecular interactions. At present I'm interested in the interaction between gas molecules such as carbonic dioxide and hydrogen, and metal-organic frameworks — interesting compounds that show potential for energy storage.
Dr. Zhiguo Ye
Assistant Professor of History
Born and raised in China, Zhiguo Ye brings an inherent understanding of Asia/Pacific Rim studies to SPU, which is invaluable in expanding the University's commitment to global engagement. Eager to mentor female students, Ye says she most wants to link her faith with her work as a historian. As she settles into Seattle, she looks forward to volunteering in local Chinese churches.
Why did you select SPU?
As a Christian, I see the ultimate goal of education is to inspire people to pursue truth, wisdom, and virtue. SPU works with me to achieve that goal by encouraging me to combine the knowledge-seeking mind and the spirit-seeking heart in my teaching and research.
What is your faith journey?
As someone who grew up in China's reform era, I witnessed that the zeal for communism was replaced by a single-minded pursuit of economic development. However, neither the communist dream nor the rapid economic growth brought us happiness. When my own search for the meaning of life and the world turned out to be unsatisfying, God guided me to find Him after I came to the U.S.
What are you working on currently in your discipline?
My two main scholarly interests are Chinese urbanization and women in China. I'm currently teaching an East Asian history class and a class on the West and the World. I'll also offer a course in my specialty, which is about Chinese urban history, technology, and society.