Helyn kim, phd

Dr. Helyn Kim is an Applied Developmental Scientist and Educational Psychologist with over 15 years of experience conducting and supporting domestic and international education and policy research on learning and development across the lifespan, and creating equitable systems. 

Coming to CLN from the U.S. Department of Education’s Institutes for Education Sciences (IES), and having also previously held roles at The Brookings Institution, Dr. Kim has had extensive involvement in multi-million dollar federal- and foundation-funded projects, including leading high-impact projects; developing and validating assessment tools; managing discretionary grant portfolios, national R&D centers, including one on using generative AI to support literacy learning, and federal contracts; working with policymakers to improve systems domestically and internationally; conducting high-quality impact research and working with marginalized communities and families; collaborating with funding partners; and disseminating evidence-based findings to guide decision-making. She has also worked with ministries of education to facilitate education systems change and improve assessment literacy, including building their capacity to develop assessment tools that capture 21st century skills, including critical thinking, problem solving, and collaboration.

Dr. Kim’s educational credentials and experiences include:

• Certificate, Artificial Intelligence & Career Empowerment - University of Maryland 
• PhD, Educational Psychology - University of Virginia (focus: Applied Developmental Science)
• MA, Applied Developmental Psychology - George Mason University
• MA, Teacher Education - University of Virginia (focus: Early Childhood Developmental Risk)
• BA, Psychology - University of Virginia 

Experienced in project leadership, goal-oriented strategic thinking and advising, stakeholder communication and knowledge brokering, and building networks within and across organizations to address significant education challenges in the U.S. and around the world, Dr. Kim provides actionable strategic guidance and thought leadership on establishing research agendas and system-level initiatives, as well as direct support on research strategy, design, data analysis, and dissemination efforts.  Helyn has lived in Virginia for 25 years and currently resides in Springfield, Virginia. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, traveling the world, and trying to live up to her reputation as a foodie.