Dr. Joanna H. Hong

Joanna Hong, Ph.D., is a Senior Scientist at HMI, where she leads efforts to translate cutting-edge scientific insights into real-world tools that promote wellbeing. Drawing on her expertise in psychological science, behavioral health, and technology, Dr. Hong leverages AI and digital platforms to create scalable solutions for emotional and social well-being. Her work spans research and product development, supporting collaborations across education, healthcare, corporate, and non-profit sectors.

Dr. Hong brings extensive cross-sector leadership experience to her role, including previous work as Chief Operating Officer at Linq, a generative AI startup. She also served as a Researcher-in-Residence at Thrive Health and as a subject-matter expert in health psychology and social relationships for both AARP and UnitedHealthcare. In these roles, she led the development of strategic, evidence-based initiatives and authored frameworks such as the Model of Friendship: Prototype Roadmap for Health System Action, addressing key public health issues like loneliness and social isolation. She has also contributed as a health psychology advisor to IDEO, applying science to innovative, human-centered design.

Her academic background spans leading institutions and interdisciplinary research programs. She completed a Pathways T32 Postdoctoral Fellowship in the biological sciences of aging at The Pennsylvania State University’s Center for Healthy Aging. Prior to that, she was the John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Fellow at Harvard University’s Human Flourishing Program and a Postdoctoral Researcher at the University of British Columbia. She earned her Ph.D. in Psychological Science from the University of California, Irvine, with specializations in health psychology, developmental psychology, quantitative methods, and aging.

Outside of her work, Dr. Hong balances professional rigor with personal vitality—thriving on outdoor adventures, strength training, and discovering new food experiences.

Education

• Pathways T32 Postdoctoral Fellow, Center for Healthy Aging, with training in Biological Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University
• John and Daria Barry Postdoctoral Fellow, The Human Flourishing Program, Harvard University
• Postdoctoral Researcher, Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia
• Ph.D., Psychological Science (specializations in Health Psychology, Quantitative Methods, Aging); Pedagogical Fellow, University of California, Irvine