Eun-Ok Im

It’s hard to imagine not using internet-based surveys in research today, explains Eun-Ok Im, PhD ‘97, MPH, FAAN, but it was not so long ago that the technology was new, and people were skeptical.

Im, who earned her master’s and PhD degrees from the UCSF School of Nursing and is the newly appointed dean of the University of Texas at Austin’s School of Nursing, is a pioneer of internet-based research.

In the early 2000s, Im designed the first National Institute of Nursing Research-funded study that used online surveys. She went on to publish prolifically about internet-based research methodologies, shaping many of the protocols we use today.  

Im’s lifelong interest in technology stems from a commitment to advance cross-cultural nursing. “Technology enables researchers to engage ethnic minorities across the nation and the globe,” she says. 

Her current projects in advancing culturally competent and gender-sensitive care utilize today’s cutting-edge technology: artificial intelligence (AI), virtual reality, web applications and social media.  

She received $5.1 million from the National Cancer Institute to develop an AI-based pain management program to address pain and depression in Asian American breast cancer survivors. 

To support caregivers of people living with Alzheimer’s disease, Im is developing the first technology-based program that provides information and support specifically tailored to Asian American midlife women who are family caregivers of people living with the disease. The study, funded by the National Institute of Aging, features a web application and virtual reality. 

She is also studying the effectiveness of a web application to promote physical activity among Korean American women experiencing depressive symptoms during menopause. The study is funded by the National Institute of Nursing Research and includes virtual coaching, social media and digital education resources – all available in English and Korean. 

Although innovative technology is interesting, Im says it’s the desire to help people that drives her. “Using state-of-the-art science, knowledge and technology can meet people’s needs and improve their quality of life.”

Im received the 2023 Helen Nahm Research Lecture Award from the UCSF School of Nursing in honor of her outstanding contributions to nursing science and research. On May 25, 2023, school leaders presented Im with the award at the UCSF School of Nursing and Im gave a lecture titled, "Midlife Women's Health Research to Reduce Gender and Ethnic Disparities."