Naeun Kim

Naeun Kim ’25 is a dentist in the making. From an early age, she felt particularly interested in learning about the microbiome of the mouth. Dentistry combines her love for the sciences, arts, and technology while providing people with the care they need. “I like to see progress, to see the smiles on people’s faces,” she said. 

Kim works closely with Lisa Harris, director of the Gerald and Carol Vovis Center for Research and Advanced Study and health professions advisor, to secure internship opportunities across the country. She started by shadowing local dentists with The Dental Group of Galesburg to better understand a typical day in the life of a dentist. Over the summer of 2023, Kim worked as a dental researcher in Houston, Texas, where she learned how to manipulate the genetic makeup of the mouth to make it healthier while continuing to shadow. She also had the opportunity to connect with other dental students who helped her with the logistics of applying to dental school. Kim volunteers as a dental assistant in Monmouth during the academic year.

Around campus, Kim is a multi-faceted student leader. As a duty resident assistant, Kim is responsible for harboring a safe community in her resident hall, while also managing conflicts when they arise. Kim also serves as co-president of International Club, where she hopes to connect international and domestic students and provide a way for international students, like herself, to find a community at Knox.

As vice president of the Pre-health Club, Kim hopes to “add some fun to the tough academic journey,” by organizing study groups, game night sessions, and programs to help students succeed. 

As she finishes her education, Kim says it will be important to lead a balanced and healthy lifestyle to achieve her dream, while keeping her career goals in mind fuels her motivation. “Small things lead to big things. Every day I am closer and closer to where I want to be,” she said.