Senior Institutional Research Analyst
San Francisco State University
Cypress, California, United States
Jemma Kwon, Ph.D., is a lifelong educator and education researcher with a deep commitment to student success and equity in public education systems. Currently serving as an institutional researcher at San Francisco State University (SFSU), Dr. Kwon brings a rich and diverse background that spans K–12 teaching, academic research, data science, and faculty experience.
Dr. Kwon began her career as a public school teacher in South Korea, where she spent a decade in the classroom cultivating a passion for student engagement and inclusive learning. That early dedication to education laid the foundation for a broader journey into educational research, culminating in a Ph.D. from the University of Florida—proudly becoming a Gator.
Following doctoral work, she transitioned into roles at the intersection of education and data, working as a researcher and data scientist focused on online learning and data-driven decision-making. She later returned to the classroom as a faculty member at a California State University campus, where she deepened her understanding of teaching and learning in the public higher education sector.
Driven by a desire to create systemic impact, Dr. Kwon shifted back into research with a focus on institutional effectiveness and student success. Now at SFSU—their second “Gator” home—Dr. Kwon applies her analytical and pedagogical expertise to advance the university’s mission of social mobility and educational equity. Her work centers on uncovering meaningful patterns in student experiences and outcomes, ranging from engagement and mental health to retention, graduation, and post-college success. By connecting data with institutional practice, Dr. Kwon helps inform strategic decisions that strengthen student support systems and promote educational equity. Whether through rigorous analysis or collaborative inquiry, she remains guided by a core belief: when students thrive, institutions fulfill their highest mission.
Uncovering Paths From Engagement to Retention: Across Pandemic Phases
Thursday, May 22, 2025
4:30 PM – 5:15 PM East Coast USA Time