Jihye Baek’s research revolves around investigating the factors influencing loneliness and social isolation in vulnerable older populations, such as solo agers and minority older adults. Originally from South Korea, she moved to the U.S. in 2017 to pursue a master’s degree in social work. During her studies, she served as a research coordinator, gathering primary data from multi-racial, government-subsidized senior housing facilities. She conducted individual interviews with older adults from diverse cultural backgrounds, gaining valuable insights into their unique histories and life experiences. After graduation, Jihye worked at a social service agency dedicated to serving older immigrants. In this role, she identified service gaps and accessibility issues related to essential social services. Currently, as a gerontology researcher collaborating with international and interdisciplinary scholars, her research interests lie in examining protective/risk factors of loneliness among vulnerable older populations, focusing on the role of social service and technology. Also, she is interested in integrating social and health services and providing seamless community or housing-based services to older adults to support their independent and healthy living.