Research Mentors

Yujun Liu is an Associate Professor in the School of Clinical and Developmental Sciences at Northern Illinois University. Dr. Liu’s work focuses on advancing understanding of aging and health, with particular emphasis on cognitive function and family caregiving. 

Professional Service:

Associate Editor, Journal of Aging and Physical Activity

Hongdao Meng is a Professor in the School of Aging Studies at the University of South Florida’s College of Behavioral and Community Sciences. Dr. Meng  leads the Positive Aging Lab, where his research focuses on improving health outcomes for individuals with chronic conditions through integrative healthcare approaches. 

Professional Service:

Editor, Home Health Care Services Quarterly, 2016-2023

Associate Editor, Journal of Applied Gerontology, 2024-present

Editorial Board Member, American Journal of Health Promotion, 2013-present

Dr. Sylvia Wang, DMA, is an internationally acclaimed pianist and educator who serves as Associate Professor of Piano at the Northwestern University Bienen School of Music. She earned her M.M., D.M.A., and Performer’s Certificate from the Eastman School of Music.

An active soloist and chamber musician, Dr. Wang has performed throughout the United States, Europe, Asia, Central America, Australia, Argentina, and Lebanon, appearing at distinguished venues including Queen Elizabeth Hall, St Martin-in-the-Fields, Teatro Nacional de Costa Rica, The Phillips Collection, and Symphony Center. A prizewinner and finalist in numerous international competitions, her honors include recognition from the Royal Overseas League Music Festival, the AVANTI Award, the Chamber Music Yellow Springs Competition, and the J.S. Bach International Piano Competition.

In addition to her performing career, Dr. Wang is a respected teacher, lecturer, and author who has served as adjudicator and presenter for leading institutions worldwide. She is the author of the e-book Memorization and the Pianist and creator of Fugaleze, an interactive educational resource devoted to the contrapuntal works of Johann Sebastian Bach. Through her teaching, international masterclasses, and innovative educational initiatives, Dr. Wang is committed to inspiring and mentoring the next generation of musicians.

 Dr. Yumy Lee Kim, DMA, is a Korean pianist and dedicated educator on the faculty of the DePaul University School of Music and the Music Institute of Chicago. Born and raised in Germany, she made her orchestral debut at age 15 with the Hamburger Sinfonietta at the Laeiszhalle in Hamburg and has since performed as a soloist and chamber musician throughout Europe, South Korea, and the United States. A graduate of Northwestern University, she earned her Doctor of Musical Arts degree in Piano Performance. An accomplished teacher and mentor, Dr. Kim is committed to nurturing and inspiring the next generation of musicians through her teaching and leadership as President of the Chicago Area Music Teachers Association (CAMTA).  

 Dr. Jue He, DMA, is an accomplished pianist and educator on the faculty at Benedictine University. She has performed and presented lecture recitals as a soloist and chamber musician in over 60 cities across the United States and China. A graduate of Northwestern University, she is co-founder of the Liang-He Duo and a recipient of honors including induction into the Steinway Hall of Fame (2023) and recognition as a Top Piano Teacher by Steinway Piano Gallery Chicago (2022). Through her work, she is dedicated to inspiring and mentoring emerging artists. 

Coming soon.