FACULTY

MATTHEW KIM, PhD

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF PSYCHOLOGY

Faculty Website | Google Scholar | OSF Page

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Matt has been a member of the UK Psychology faculty since 2020. His research examines the nature and development of executive functions and motivation in early childhood through adolescence—with a special focus on school transitions—and how these cognitive processes relate to the student success of diverse learners. 

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In his spare time, Matt enjoys playing chess (poorly), watching University of Michigan sports (Go Blue!) and Formula 1 auto racing, and eating thin-crust New York style pizza. He lives in Lexington with his wife and two children. 

GRADUATE STUDENTS

KRISTEN BUFORD

DOCTORAL STUDENT

Kristen Buford is a Developmental Psychology Ph.D. student. She hopes to make a profound impact on children, families, and society by transforming education through marrying educational concepts, developmental psychology, and neuroscience. She desires to develop and provide transformative learning methods and tools that will impact students and their educators. In her free time, she enjoys gardening, nature, and quality time with people. 

UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS

CHELLAM ANTONY

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

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Chellam Antony is a psychology major, and she is a part of the Psychology Scholars Program. She hopes to get her Ph.D and be involved with developmental therapy or family counseling. On campus, Chellam is involved with Greek life, Leadership Developmental Program, and Junior Panhellenic. 

CLAIRE BRAUN

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Claire Braun is a psychology major in the Psychology Scholars program. She loves working with kids and is very interested in researching how our minds develop. After she graduates she is going to pursue a PhD in Clinical Psychology.

TABETHA HURST

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

Tabetha Hurst is a Social Work major in her junior year working towards obtaining her LCSW. She enjoys working with children and wants to further her knowledge in child development. Tabetha is currently part of the Citizen Foster Care Review Board (CFCRB) here in Fayette County. After graduating she wants to pursue a clinical career with adolescents.

JULIA TODD

RESEARCH ASSISTANT

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Julia Todd is a sophomore psychology major in the Psychology Scholars program and the Lewis Honors College at the University of Kentucky. She has a passion for working with school-aged children and intends to focus in child psychology for her future career. She loves listening to music, reading a good book, and hanging out with her friends.