Katie Koo, assistant professor in the Department of Counseling and Human Development Services at the University of Georgia, will be the featured speaker at a Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development Dean’s Diversity Lecture on Thursday, Feb. 16. Koo’s talk is titled “Demystifying the International Student Experience and Mental Health: Understanding Needs and Supports.”
Guests are encouraged to register in advance.
Koo’s research and practice focus on underrepresented students’ collegiate experiences, mental health issues and adjustment, including international students’ psychological well-being and racially minoritized students’ unique experiences and challenges. As a former international student, herself, Koo, who was also a licensed professional counselor, is passionate about supporting international students’ adjustment and mental health through her research and practice.
Koo is the 2020 American College Personnel Association Emerging Scholar Award recipient in recognition of her longitudinal research on campus climate and psychological well-being among international students.
By describing her research on diverse students’ mental health and well-being through her clinical cases, Koo will demystify the challenges that traditionally marginalized student groups and international students face in U.S. higher education. Koo will suggest culturally sensitive support that faculty and administrators can provide for international students and traditionally marginalized students.
The free lecture will take place in the Wyatt Center Rotunda at 4:30 p.m. The event is open to the Vanderbilt community as well as to the public. Please register to reserve a spot or obtain a link to view a livestream of the lecture.
Student lunch with Professor Koo
Vanderbilt students are also invited to lunch with Koo on Friday, Feb. 17, to learn more about her work in an informal, conversational setting. Space is limited, so RSVP is required.