ES 4114A
902 W. New York Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
902 W. New York Street
Indianapolis, IN 46202
Education
- Ph.D., Educational Psychology: Learning & Cognition (emphasis on special education)
University of Minnesota — December 2005
Professional Summary
Dr. Hong’s research intersects artificial intelligence, computational social science, and humanistic inquiry into mental health and substance use disorder data. He develops interpretable machine learning and natural language processing methods to analyze large-scale textual discourse. These sources include clinical documentation, treatment records, and online peer-support narratives.
His work focuses on developing theory-informed AI systems that support socially, culturally, and contextually situated decision-making.
By prioritizing evolving narratives over static clinical indicators, Dr. Hong analyzes large behavioral health datasets and narrative corpora. These systems identify latent patterns in treatment trajectories, cultural disparities in service use, and signals of resilience and recovery.
Academic & Professional Portfolio
- Associate Research Professor
Indiana University Indianapolis, School of Social Work — 2025 – Present - Assistant Research Professor
Indiana University Indianapolis, School of Social Work — 2019 – 2025 - Senior Minn-LInK Researcher
University of Minnesota, Center for Advanced Studies in Child Welfare, College of Education & Human Development — 2011 – 2019 - Research Professor
Kongju National University, Department of Special Education (South Korea) — 2009 – 2010 - Evaluation Specialist II
Minnesota Department of Education, Division of School Improvement — 2006 – 2009 - Postdoctoral Research Specialist
University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration, Minnesota University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) — 2006 - Graduate Research Assistant
University of Minnesota, Institute on Community Integration, Minnesota University Center for Excellence in Developmental Disabilities (UCEDD) — 2000 – 2005
- PI. (2025, July). FitMindMove: A personalized, AI-supported recovery companion for adults with substance use disorders [Sponsored project, $276,708]. Intrepid Phoenix Ventures.
- PI. (2025, June). FitMindMove: A personalized, AI-supported recovery companion for adults with substance use disorders [Innovation Voucher Grant Program, $100,000]. Applied Research Institute, Inc.
- PI. (2025, April 17). Ontology-based collective AI for behavioral health: Encoding case notes to support person-centered clinical decisions [Pilot Research Grant, $14,800]. IU Indianapolis Informatics Consortium.
- Co-PI (PI: Larry Smith). (2025, April 18). SBIR Phase 1 – Generative AI for addiction recovery: Enhancing personalized engagement, outcomes, and predictive relapse prevention [Department of Defense Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office grant, $176,000].
- PI. (2024). Measuring mental health provider accountability: Value-added models[Research grant, $50,000]. Indiana University.
- PI. (2022–2023). Predicting young adults’ completion of substance use treatment by race and ethnicity: A machine learning approach[IU Research Grant, $24,500]. Indiana University Grand Challenges: Responding to the Addiction Crisis.
- PI. (2021–2022). Racial and ethnic disparities in prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of mental illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic[Research grant, $14,552]. Indiana University Racial Justice Research Fund.
- Co-PI (PI: Kristine Piescher). (2013–2016). Minnesota linking information for kids: Creating capacity for data-intensive research [National Science Foundation grant, $489,119].
- Na, H., Hong, S., Kim, H., & Lyons, J. S. (n.d.). Benchmarking large language models for CANS scoring from clinical notes: Accuracy and stability. [Manuscript submitted for publication].
- Hong, S., & Na, H. (n.d.). Generative AI for clinical decision support using clinical notes: A systematic review. [Manuscript submitted for publication].
- Hong, S., Kyere, E., Walton, B., & Kim, H. (n.d.). A latent profile transition analysis of strength development, treatment duration, and social support in mitigating adolescent suicide risk. [Manuscript submitted for publication].
- Hong, S., Ryoo, J., Walton, B., & Kim, H. (n.d.). A systematic review of advanced prediction modeling in psychiatric services: Synthesizing value-added models with graph neural networks. [Manuscript submitted for publication].
- Hong, S., Ryoo, J., Walton, B., Kim, H., Jung, Y., & Lee, H. (n.d.). Extending value-added models with graph neural networks: Predicting behavioral health treatment outcomes. [Manuscript submitted for publication].
- Hong, S., Walton, B., & Kim, H. (n.d.). Strengths-based value-added models to measure behavioral health provider effectiveness. [Manuscript submitted for publication].
- Hong, S., Walton, B., Kim, H., Lipsey, A., & Harrold, W. A. (n.d.). Measuring mental health provider effectiveness: Value-added models. [Manuscript submitted for publication].
- Gentle-Genitty, C., Janssen, C. M., Hong, S., Bowen, F., & Jackson, M. (2026). A factor analysis of neighborhood factors and their impact on educational outcomes. Education and Urban Society, 58(1), 57–99.
- Hong, S., Walton, B., Kim, H., & Lipsey, A. (2024). Improving treatment completion for young adults with substance use disorder: Machine learning-based prediction algorithms. Journal of Psychiatric Research. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.07.043
- Hong, S., Kim, H., Walton, B., & Kaboi, M. (2024). The intersectionality of factors predicting co-occurring disorders: A decision tree model. The International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 1–24. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-024-01358-1
- Hong, S., Walton, B., Kim, H., & Rhee, T. (2023). Predicting behavioral health needs of Asian Americans in publicly funded statewide behavioral health services: A classification tree approach. Administration and Policy in Mental Health and Mental Health Services Research, 50(4), 630–643. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-023-01266-x
- Kyere, E., Hong, S., & Gentle-Genitty, C. (2023). Mediational effect of teacher-based discrimination on academic performance: An intersectional analysis of race, gender, and income. Education Sciences, 13(4), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13040387
- Kyere, E., Hong, S., & Gentle-Genitty, C. (2023). Effect of racial discrimination activated at teacher-student interaction context on academic self-efficacy: A latent transition analysis. Families in Society: The Journal of Contemporary Social Services, 1–16. https://doi.org/10.1177/10443894231163968
- Hong, S., Walton, B., Kim, H., Kaboi, M., Moynihan, S., & Rhee, T. (2023). Exploring disparities in behavioral health service use in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. International Journal of Behavioral Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12529-023-10192-z
- Park, S., Hong, S., & Yoon, C. (2022). Analysis of mothers' perceptions affecting eating habits of young children with/without disabilities: A machine learning method. Korean Journal of Early Childhood Special Education, 22(1), 1–25.
- Hong, S., Kim, E., Sung, J., & Kweon, O. (2021). Exploring ecological factors associated with at-risk students with suicidal ideation: A decision tree algorithm. Journal of Behavior Analysis and Supports, 8(3), 17–35. https://doi.org/10.22874/kaba.2021.8.3.17
- Lee, M. H., Hong, S., & Merighi, J. R. (2021). The association between fatalism and mammography use in Korean American immigrant women. Health Education & Behavior. https://doi.org/10.1177/10901981211029253
- Hong, S., Walton, B., Kim, H., Lee, S., & Rhee, T. (2021). Longitudinal patterns of strengths among youth with psychiatric disorders: A latent profile transition analysis. Child Psychiatry & Human Development. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10578-021-01217-3
- Gentle-Genitty, C., Kyere, E., & Hong, S. (2021). Teacher role in absenteeism: Discrimination, identity, and intersectionality. In M. Gren Landell (Ed.), Anthology on school attendance problems: A research update and where to go (pp. 99–106). Jerringfonden. https://doi.org/10.7912/ew9x-et58
- Hong, S., Ryoo, J. H., Lee, M., Noh, J., & Shin, J. (2020). The mediation effect of preservice teacher attitude toward inclusion for students with autism in South Korea: A structural equation modelling approach. International Journal of Inclusive Education, 24(1), 15–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/13603116.2018.1449021
- Park, S., Baek, J., Hong, S., Lee, J., & Back, S. (2020). The support needs of the parents on strengthen the compulsory education right for young children with special education needs. Journal of Special Education for Curriculum and Instruction, 13(3), 249–267. https://doi.org/10.24005/seci.2020.13.3.249
- Hong, S., Choi, W. S., Piescher, K. N., Zhang, Y., & Rhee, T. G. (2020). Does open enrollment policy improve academic performance among students involved with child protective service? Findings from Minnesota-linking information for kids. Children and Youth Services Review, 108, 104653. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.childyouth.2019.104653
- Hong, S., Ryoo, J. H., Walton, B., Kim, H., Jung, Y., & Lee, H. (2025, October). Predicting treatment completion in substance use disorder using graph neural networks [Poster presentation]. TCOM Conference, Chicago, IL.
- Hong, S. (2025, March 29). Generative AI and its application in social science: Transforming research, analysis, and decision making [Invited session]. Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association Midwest Regional Conference, Urbana, IL.
- Hong, S., Walton, B., & Kim, H. (2025, January). The role of trajectories of strength changes in predicting SUD treatment completion [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research Conference.
- Hong, S., Walton, B., & Kim, H. (2024, October). Mental health provider accountability: Lessons from school accountability. TCOM Conference.
- Walton, B., Kim, H., Hong, S., & Moynihan, S. (2024, October). Concurrent implementation of revised TCOM tools and the CCBHC model. TCOM Conference, San Francisco, CA.
- Lipsey, A., Hong, S., Walton, B., & Nandi, R. (2024, October). Scoping review of machine learning approaches to predict completion of substance use treatment. TCOM Conference.
- Lipsey, A., Hong, S., Walton, B., & Nandi, R. (2024, October). Assessing machine learning approaches to predict completion of substance use disorder treatment [Poster presentation]. TCOM Conference.
- Hong, S., Walton, B., & Kim, H. (2024, October). A social theory-driven machine learning approach to improve SUD treatment completion for young adults with opioid use disorder. American Public Health Association Conference.
- Walton, B., Moynihan, S., Hong, S., & Kwon, H. (2024, August). CANS and ANSA outcome reports reference guide, v. 3. Indiana University School of Social Work.
- Walton, B., & Hong, S. (2024, March). Exploring cultural identity from a strengths perspective: Implications for social work practice [Workshop]. Social Work: A Celebration of Diversity Conference, Evansville, IN.
- Hong, S., Walton, B., & Kim, H. (2024, January). The mediating roles of psycho-social strengths in substance use disorder treatment completion. Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, DC.
- Hong, S., Walton, B., & Kim, H. (2023, October). Combining ANSA with other administrative data to predict treatment completion for young adults who use opioids: A CHAID analysis. TCOM Conference, Lexington, KY.
- Lipsey, A., Hong, S., & Walton, B. (2023, October). Machine learning-informed young adult substance use treatment outcomes by race and ethnicity [Poster presentation]. TCOM Conference, Lexington, KY.
- Hong, S., Walton, B., & Kim, H. (2023, November). The impact of faith-driven substance use disorder treatment on treatment completion success [Poster presentation]. American Public Health Association Annual Meeting and Expo, Atlanta, GA.
- Hong, S., Yi, E., Walton, B., & Kim, H. (2023, January). Behavioral health needs of older adults living in poverty: Machine learning-based predictive models [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Phoenix, AZ.
- Hong, S. (2023, January). The intersection of disability, school climate, and school violence in inclusive settings [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Phoenix, AZ.
- Hong, S., Walton, B., Kim, H., & Moynihan, S. (2023, January). Young adults with mental health and criminal justice system involvement: A preliminary study. Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Phoenix, AZ.
- Hong, S. (2022, September). Young adults with behavioral health services and justice system involvement. TCOM Conference, New Orleans, LA.
- Hong, S., & Walton, B. (2022, September). Managing recovery with adults involved in behavioral health and criminal justice systems [Poster presentation]. TCOM Conference, New Orleans, LA.
- Hong, S., Walton, B., Kim, H., & Moynihan, S. (2022, January). The intersectionality of gambling addiction recovery and mental illness: A machine learning approach [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, DC.
- Kyere, E., Hong, S., & Gentle-Genitty, C. (2022, January). Understanding academic outcomes: Mediational effect of teacher-based discrimination. Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, DC.
- Lee, J., Hong, S., & Brodzinsky, D. (2022, January). Parental gender identity and its relationships to racial socialization self-efficacy, beliefs, and perceptions in transracial adoption: Using a machine learning decision tree model [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, DC.
- Lee, M., Hong, S., & Merighi, J. (2022, January). Using machine learning to identify factors associated with mammography adherence in Korean American immigrant women [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research Conference, Washington, DC.
- Walton, B., Kim, H., & Hong, S. (2021, October). Once TCOM is running—consider program evaluation. TCOM Conference.
- Hong, S., Walton, B., & Kim, H. (2021, October). Examining the intersection of mental illness and suicidal risk in the shadow of a pandemic: A machine learning approach. TCOM Conference.
- Kim, H., Walton, B., & Hong, S. (2021, January). Utilizing the adult needs and strengths assessment (ANSA) with young adults: Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. Society for Social Work and Research Conference.
- Kyere, E., & Hong, S. (2021, January). Examination of associations among depression, academic self-concept, and racial stress in African American middle scholars: Implications for school social work. Society for Social Work and Research Conference.
- Hong, S., Walton, B., Rhee, G., & Kim, H. (2021, January). Patterns of child and adolescent needs and strengths among youth at risk for suicide attempt [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research Conference.
- Hong, S., Walton, B., Kim, H., & Rhee, G. (2021, January). A structural equation model of risk behaviors and the length of behavioral health services among youth at risk for suicidal behaviors [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research Conference.
- Lee, M., Hong, S., & Merighi, J. R. (2021, January). Breast cancer screening behaviors in Korean American immigrant women: Does fatalism matter? [Poster presentation]. Society for Social Work and Research Conference.
- Cross-system research on outcome-oriented decision making for children and adults with serious emotional/behavioral disturbance
Research on decision-making systems for individuals with psychiatric or behavioral disorders — 2019 – Present - Effects of poverty on child well-being and cross-system child welfare research
Research on poverty, child well-being, educational policy analysis, comprehensive school reform, and accountability for students experiencing poverty — 2009 – 2019 - Quality compensation for teaching and statewide school improvement support
Work on teacher compensation systems, AYP school and district support models, teacher induction, and staff development — 2006 – 2009 - Student Success = School Success (SSESS)
Demonstrating success for all youth using a data-based schoolwide improvement model and the Minnesota paraprofessional training project — 2001 – 2006 - Minnesota Paraprofessional Training Project and Para eLink
Development of paraprofessional training modules aligned with core and specialized competencies established by the Minnesota Paraprofessional Consortium — 2003 – 2005 - Research Institute on Progress Monitoring
Development of a system for monitoring student progress and evaluating the effects of individualized instruction within the general education curriculum — 2004 - Demonstrating Success: Students with Disabilities in Secondary Education
Research on improving outcomes for students with disabilities in secondary education — 2000 – 2001 - Beacons of Excellence: Achieving exemplary results for students with disabilities in secondary education
Research examining exemplary programs and outcomes for students with disabilities in secondary education — 2000 – 2002
- Highest Impact Project Award
21st Annual TCOM Conference — 2025 - TCOM System Champion Award
19th Annual TCOM Conference — 2023 - Research Affairs Committee Member
Indiana University — 2023 – Present - Editorial Board Member
Frontiers in Public Health, Frontiers in Psychiatry, and Frontiers in Sociology — 2023 – Present - Editorial Board Member
The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship — 2023 – Present - Board of Advisors Member
Pivot Attendance Solutions (PAS), Indianapolis, IN — 2021 – Present - Diversity Committee Member
Indiana University School of Social Work — 2019 – Present - Editorial Board Member
Journal of Behavior Analysis and Support — 2019 – Present - Vice President (President in 2022)
Korean-American Educational Researchers Association — 2021 – 2023 - Board of Advisors Member
Korean Alliance on Mental Health, Seoul, South Korea — 2021 – 2023 - Editorial Board Member
The Education Research for Tomorrow, Seoul, South Korea — 2019 – 2022 - Board of Directors Member
Korean Association for Applied Behavior Analysis — 2015 – 2024 - Invited Speaker: “Establishing National Standards for Korean Behavior Analysis”
Korean Association for Behavior Analysis Conference, Seoul, South Korea — 2020 - Invited Speaker: “Community-Based Interagency Collaboration for Students with EBD”
Korean Association for Behavior Analysis Conference, Seoul, South Korea — 2020 - Invited Speaker: “Head Start and Early Head Start in Minnesota: Implications for Policy and Practice”
Korean Society of Child Welfare Spring Conference, Seoul, South Korea — 2017 - Technology & Innovation Category Winner
University of Minnesota CEHD Research Day — 2014 - Co-Principal Investigator, Minnesota Linking Information for Kids: Creating Capacity for Data-Intensive Research
National Science Foundation — $489,119 — 2013 - Invited Speaker: “Student Behaviors and School Violence: Searching for Interventions”
KEDI-KAERA Education Joint International Symposium, Korean Educational Development Institute — 2012 - Emerging Scholar
Administration for Children and Families Welfare Research and Evaluation Conference, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services — 2012 - Invited Speaker: “The Effect of Performance Pay on School Performance in Mathematics and Reading”
KEDI-KAERA Education Joint International Symposium, Korean Educational Development Institute — 2010 - Graduate School Tuition Fellowship
University of Minnesota — 2000 – 2005 - Graduate School Block Grant
University of Minnesota — 1999 – 2000 - International Student Tuition Fellowship
University of Idaho — 1998
- Substance Use Disorder, Serious Emotional Disturbance/Mental Illness, & Co-Occurring Disorders
- Generative AI-driven progress monitoring/Ontology-Based Causal Machine Learning in Academic, Social, Mental Health, and SUD Recovery Outcomes
- Data Mining/Quantitative Research Methods: Machine Learning Algorithms
- Program Evaluation/Policy Analysis/Value-Added Model
- Racial Disparity & Education/Health Equity