Meet The Team
Xiaojing Ren (Lily)
Research Assistant
Hi, I’m Lily. I hold a master's degree in data science from the University of Sydney and a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of California, Los Angeles. I contribute to the just-in-time adaptive intervention project, developing AI-based interventions that integrate technology and clinical psychology. Previously, I worked as a software development engineer for Huawei, and I contributed to AI applications in insomnia research at USYD. My research interests focus on leveraging AI to support mental health and well-being, and I aspire to pursue a PhD in the future.
Xi Chen (Aurelia)
PhD Student
Hi, I am Aurelia, a PhD student supervised by Dr. Chan. I received my bachelor’s degree from Columbia University in 2023 and subsequently worked at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai before joining HKU. My research and clinical interests center on women’s mental health, with a specific focus on eating disorders and the interplay between hormonal changes and psychological well-being. Through my doctoral work, I aim to understand the dynamics between hormones, sleep, eating, and mood. Ultimately, my goal is to design and deliver more low-cost, accessible interventions for the prevention and treatment of eating disorders and beyond. Outside of the lab, I enjoy outdoor activities, creative writing, and baking pastries to share!
Wing Yee Cheng (Sandy)
PhD Student
I am a third-year PhD student investigating how partial sleep deprivation affects eating behavior in individuals who engage in emotional eating. My research examines the connections among sleep, emotion regulation, and health behaviors, and utilizes both experimental methods and ecological momentary assessment. Prior to joining this lab, I contributed to projects on family dynamics, mindfulness, and mental health. My long-term goal is to apply my research findings to develop strategies that enhance well-being.
Zhang Zi (Kate)
PhD Student
I am a recent PhD graduate supervised by Professor Chan. I hold a master’s degree in psychology from University College London and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Birmingham. My research focuses on mental disorders, sleep, and women’s health, with a particular emphasis on the relationship between disturbed sleep and depression in perinatal women. My dissertation examined the longitudinal relationship between sleep disturbances and depression during the perinatal period. Currently, I am interested in exploring how artificial intelligence (AI) can be integrated into the development of scalable and personalized interventions to improve quality of life and mental health.
Ng Sin Ying (Albe)
PhD Graduate. Research Assistant Professor at Hong Kong Polytechnic University
I am Albe, a former PhD student supervised by Dr. Wai Sze Chan. I earned both my bachelor’s and PhD degrees from the Department of Psychology at HKU. My research in clinical and health psychology focuses on the impact of complex developmental trauma on sleep and physiological regulation. Through my research, I strive to advance trauma-informed interventions for survivors of complex trauma, fostering post-traumatic growth and resilience within the community.
Undergraduate Student
Ashlyn Cheng
Hi, I’m Ashlyn, a final year BPsych student under the thesis supervision of Dr. Chan. My thesis focuses on exploring the effects of a just-in-time self-compassion writing intervention on momentary self-criticism and disordered eating symptoms. I aspire to become a clinical psychologist in the future. I enjoy photography, field hockey, and skateboarding outside of research.
Masters Student
Howard
Hi, I am Howard, a master student supervised by Dr. Chan. I am currently enrolled in the MSocSc (Psychology) program, with the goal of becoming a clinical psychologist. I am contributing to projects on behavioral therapy for emotional eating. Outside of the lab, I enjoy photography and football.
Undergraduate Student
Rebecca Ren
Hi, I'm a final-year student at HKU supervised by Dr. Chan. My thesis investigates how impulsivity moderates the relationship between negative emotions and binge-purge cycles in Bulimia Nervosa. Using smartphone-based Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA), I capture these psychological processes as they naturally occur in daily life. I hope my research will ultimately contribute to developing more personalized intervention strategies. Outside of research, I love exploring bakeries and traveling to new places where I can take photographs.
Undergraduate Student
Victoria Lam
Hi, I'm Victoria, a final-year undergraduate student completing my thesis under the supervision of Dr. Chan. My current project specifically investigates how sleep quality and eating behaviors are linked through impulsivity. I enjoy looking into the mechanisms of these dynamics to explore ways to foster mental health in everyday life.