Prof. HUANG Junjie Jason, who graduated from CUHK PhD in Public Health in 2021, was invited to share the story of his PhD journeys. He then joined the School as Post-Doctoral Fellow and, recently, became our Research Assistant Professor.
Prof. Huang was honored to be nominated by our School to be the recipient of the RGC Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme and the awardee of Yu To Sang and Yu Shing Keung Memorial Fund in 2021.
(1) Before you started PhD studies in our School, what did you do and what have you studied?
I was studying for an MSc in Clinical and Translational Research. Before that, I had a Bachelor's degree in Clinical Medicine with clinical training experience.
(2) Why did you decide to become a PhD student?
I became interested in research during my clinical training and MSc learning. I wanted to learn more about research methodology.
(3) Why did you pursue PhD at CUHK Public Health?
I was attracted by the idea of integration of public health, primary care and family medicine at CUHK Public Health. The courses are very comprehensive and useful for doing multidisciplinary research I am interested in, including non-communicable diseases and big data.
(4) Would you briefly describe what have you learned during your PhD journey and then becoming a Post-Doctoral Fellow and Research Assistant Professor?
I must mention my deep sense of appreciation for my supervisors and colleagues who provided continuous support during my research journey. I have learned to be a critical thinker, with the ability to think rationally about what to believe. Another concept I have learned is evidence-based, which uses the current best evidence in making decisions. Humanities are also important in research as it involves subjective and invisible experiences.
(5) What are your future plans? E.g. your plans in 5 years and 10 years?
I will focus on doing research in cancer epidemiology and prevention, health education and promotion, and other emerging public health issues. I will also be dedicated to transferring the knowledge gained from research into practice to make real social impacts.
(6) What would you do if you do not pursue PhD in our School?
I would probably be a clinician. I am delighted to have pursued such a wonderful programme in our school as it opened a challenging but fruitful journey for me.
CUHK Main Round for full time PhD/MPhil application 2023-24 has started and deadline will be on 1 December 2022.
Apply now and embark on your journey: https://www.sphpc.cuhk.edu.hk/post/mphil-phd-in-public-health-2023-24-open-for-application