The University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing welcomes Linda Kim, PhD, MSN, RN, a distinguished nurse scientist, educator and global health leader, as a new faculty member and director of the Center for Global Nursing and Health (CGNH). Joining the UT Austin School of Nursing in May 2025, Kim brings a wealth of experience in international health care delivery and a deep commitment to improving health worldwide.
Drawn to UT Austin by its culture of innovation and the School of Nursing’s strong reputation for excellence in research and education, Kim is eager to build upon the CGNH’s mission of tackling pressing global health concerns.
“I was inspired to lead the CGNH because of the opportunity to make a real impact on global health through nursing leadership,” Kim said. “Nurses are uniquely positioned to drive change by empowering communities and shaping health systems. UT Austin’s commitment to that vision—and the CGNH’s potential to connect research, education and practice—made this an exciting opportunity to help prepare the next generation of global nurse leaders.”
Kim brings with her a National Institute of Mental Health-funded R01 study, titled “SARS-CoV-2 and Social Determinants of Health Impact on Inflammation Associated Depression Risk (SSIDR).” The study explores how repeated COVID-19 infections and social determinants influence immune-inflammatory pathways linked to depression risk, particularly among diverse populations and health care workers.
This project builds on her prior work at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and utilizes the data from the Emerging Beyond Acquired Risks in Communities study—an interprofessional, community-engaged research effort that investigates long-term health outcomes in vulnerable populations.
As she steps into her new leadership role, Kim envisions the CGNH becoming a global hub for innovation, research and meaningful change in nursing and health care delivery. Her goals include expanding the Center’s research portfolio, deepening international collaborations and creating more opportunities for students and faculty to engage in global health initiatives that create measurable impact.
Under Kim’s leadership, the CGNH is entering a new chapter—one focused on expanding its global reach and advancing meaningful solutions for health equity.
“Joining the faculty at the School of Nursing and leading the CGNH is a tremendous opportunity to work with talented colleagues and students who are passionate about making a difference in the world,” Kim concluded. “I am excited to contribute to the School's legacy of excellence and to help shape the future of global nursing and health.”