Visiting Scholar Spotlight: Hua Kang
The Behavioral Health Wellness Environments for Living and Learning (BH WELL) International Visiting Scholars Spotlight is a platform dedicated to honoring the remarkable journeys and experiences of our visiting scholars. In this spotlight, we will introduce BH WELL’s distinguished visiting scholar from Chengdu, China, Hua Kang, M.S.
After obtaining a master’s degree in nursing in 2006, Kang joined the School of Nursing at Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, where she currently serves as an associate professor teaching surgical and emergency nursing. Kang served as a visiting scholar at the University of Kentucky’s BH WELL program from March 2023 through March 2024. Her tenure with the BH WELL research team has been marked by a profound dedication to advancing her growth in nursing education and her understanding of mental health and behavioral wellness.
When discussing her experience with BH WELL, she reflected on where her enthusiasm to become a visiting scholar began. A colleague and former visiting scholar, Dr. Jialin Wang, recommended the program and Dr. Okoli as a mentor. Kang shared a similar sentiment at the end of her visiting scholar experience. She emphasized Dr. Okoli's pivotal role in her journey, citing his kindness, patience, and diligence as qualities that inspired her, both as a researcher and as a compassionate nursing professional. Kang grew to understand the critical intersection of mental health and tobacco cessation under Dr. Okoli's mentorship. She acknowledged the transformative impact of the BH WELL research team, attributing her growth to their hard work and supportive environment. Additionally, Kang deeply appreciated the vibrant culture at the University of Kentucky, where faculty and students alike expressed profound admiration for their institution. She is fascinated to see students and faculty consistently wearing UK branded items.
In addition to experiencing the University of Kentucky culture, Kang was able to share pieces of her Chinese culture with BH WELL. She helped translate mental and behavioral health research-based comic books into Chinese with careful consideration of cultural nuances. Throughout the translation process, she meticulously considered cultural symbolism to ensure comprehension within the Chinese culture.
BH WELL Director and UK College of Nursing Professor, Dr. Zim Okoli, shares, “As a visiting scholar, Hua Kang demonstrated an incredible appetite for learning and effortless assimilation into the BHWELL team and University of Kentucky College of Nursing. She was engaged in observing several courses being delivered by faculty and engaging in activities involving students, faculty, and staff. In the BHWELL team, she was an important contributor to publications, assisting in translating mental health literacy materials, and supporting several community engagement activities. One of my highlights was attending a UK Women’s basketball game with Hua Kang and her son, Runan, and cheering on the Cats to a victory. Her kindness, warmth, and calm disposition made her very endearing to the team. We will miss her but look forward to continued collaborations in enhancing nursing student mental health and wellbeing.”
Kang also reflected on the challenges of language barriers and cultural immersion. She shared how initially, these hurdles felt daunting; but with time, she experienced significant improvement in navigating these challenges. Unlike her previous role in China, where language posed minimal barriers, her time at the University of Kentucky demanded extensive effort to overcome linguistic obstacles. Moreover, she observed nuanced cultural distinctions, including the balance offered in the BHWELL team to prioritize mental health while engaged in rigorous research activities.
In reflecting back on her time at the University of Kentucky, Kang's experience with the BH WELL research team embodies a transformative journey marked by academic growth, cultural immersion, and a commitment to enhancing access to mental health resources for all.
Housed within the University of Kentucky College of Nursing, BH WELL exists to promote behavioral health and wellness among individuals facing behavioral health challenges. The BH WELL research team members are experts in behavioral health integration and change. They provide the essentials of mental and behavioral health support: practice, research, education, scholarship and service.