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Summer Undergraduate Research Programme (SURP)
Research Projects
Over 70 research topics are offered by CUHK host supervisors. Applicants are recommended to choose more than one project in their applications to increase the chance of admission.
Please click onto the Faculty tab below for the details of the research projects.
(In alphabetical order of surname of supervisor)
| Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages | |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Gangyi FENG |
| Research Project: | Cognitive & Neural Mechanisms Underlying Second Language Learning & Speech Perception |
| Project Description: | This research project examines cognitive and neural mechanisms underlying foreign language learning success (especially learning new speech contrasts, word meanings, and grammar) and perceiving natural and experimentally controlled speech sounds. Students participating in this project will be involved in searching literature, writing a review essay, conducting experiments or meta-analyses, or analysing behavioural and neuroimaging data for drafting research papers. Relevant skills for this project, such as behavioural and neuroimaging data collection and analysis, will be taught. Students who are major in linguistics, psychology, computer science, statistics, and relevant fields of study are welcome. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Pik Ki Peggy MOK |
| Research Project: | Speech Production & Perception Research |
| Project Description: | Depending on students’ background and interests, there are various speech research projects available for students to participate on a variety of languages, e.g. voice quality and voicing contrast in Wu Chinese, tone sandhi in the Xiamen dialect, trilingual speech data in Cantonese, English and Mandarin. Students will be able to analyse real production and perception data. Students can also join the regular activities of the phonetics lab. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Chun Man Patrick WONG |
| Research Project (1): | Brain & Language |
| Project Description: | Using a team-science approach, this project examines the neural basis of language learning and processing. Students will work closely with researchers to conduct a literature review, brainstorm ideas for specific experiments, collect data for ongoing experiments, and/or analyse existing data.
For students who have a strong background in this area of research, additional responsibilities may be assigned such as participating in MRI and EEG experiments. Students with appropriate experience may also have the opportunity to work with special populations such as children with autism and dyslexia. Interested students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with journal papers published by the research group (brain.cuhk.edu.hk) and discuss specific project details at the first meeting with the host researchers considering students’ background and interests, as well as the lab’s latest focus. |
| Research Project (2): | Foreign Language Learning |
| Project Description: | The project concerns how foreign languages are learned and the factors that influence learning success by studying classroom learners and/or artificial language learning in the lab. Students will work closely with a member of the lab to conduct a literature review, brainstorm ideas for specific experiments, collect data of experiments that are ongoing, and/or analyze existing data. Students may also work with other members of the lab. Specific duties will be assigned at the first meeting after a discussion of the students’ background and interests, as well as the lab’s current needs. Students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with journal papers published by our group (brain.cuhk.edu.hk). |
| Research Project (3): | Infant Speech Perception & Language Development |
| Project Description: | In this project, students will participate in an ongoing cohort study to identify early predictors of language and cognitive development. 300 infants are being longitudinally studied for up to 5 years. Students will work closely with researchers to conduct a literature review, brainstorm ideas for specific experiments, collect data for ongoing experiments, and/or analyse existing data.
Interested students are encouraged to familiarise themselves with journal papers published by the research group (brain.cuhk.edu.hk) and discuss specific project details at the first meeting with the host researchers considering students’ background and interests, as well as the lab’s latest focus. |
(In alphabetical order of CUHK department and surname of supervisor)
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Wing Chee Catherine SO |
| Research Project: | Robot for Autism Behavioural Intervention |
| Project Description: | In this project, students will be involved in the intervention programme which aims to enhance social and communication skills of children with autism aged 3 to 18 through the application of social robots. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Wai Ho Savio WONG |
| Research Project (1): | Neural Mechanism of Emotion Regulation & Decision Making |
| Project Description: | In this project, we will examine the brain mechanism involved in emotion regulation and decision making and their interaction. Students with knowledge in psychology, physiology, or neuroscience are welcome to join the project. The selected candidates will have the opportunity to learn how to conduct fMRI and EEG experiments and analyse the collected data. |
| Research Project (2): | Understanding the Emotion of Students with Special Educational Needs (SEN) |
| Project Description: | In this project, we will examine the affective processing of SEN students using behavioural and psychophysiology experiments. Students with knowledge in psychology, physiology, education, neuroscience or signal processing are welcome to join the project. The selected candidates will have the opportunity to learn how to conduct the experiments in the laboratory and analyse the collected data. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Dr. John O’REILLY |
| Research Project (1): | An Assessment of Body Composition, Bone Health, Muscle Mass & Hydration Status of Professional Weight Making Athletes |
| Project Description: | Weight making athletes often compete in a dehydrated and under-fuelled condition. Within these unique circumstances, it has been well documented that such athletes may resort to prolonged fasting and severe dehydration to achieve the stipulated weights. Therefore, as assessment of relation physiological parameters such as bones health, body composition and hydration status is necessary to learn more about the effect of weight-making on performance and health outcomes. In this project, students will be involved in data collection and management at CUHK Department of Sports Science and Physical Education. |
| Research Project (2): | The Impact of a Nutritional Knowledge Intervention on School-Aged Children within Hong Kong |
| Project Description: | The research team is currently observing an increase in obesity and potentially cardiovascular risk factors amongst school-aged children in Hong Kong. A recent rapid growth in consumption of fast-food, high sugar, high fat and nutrient-light products is perhaps accelerating the current problem. In order to assess current knowledge of children and adolescents, action research is needed to deliver an intervention based around education and nutritional knowledge to enhance the long-term health outcomes and tackle issues related to obesity and pre-diabetes. Students participating in this project may be required to conduct field trips to venues such as Summer Camps, Youth Groups and similar adolescent settings. Students will be involved in data collection and management at CUHK Department of Sports Science and Physical Education. |
| Research Project (3): | Video & Data Analysis of Sports Performance & Practical Application of Data for Talent Identification & Training Load Management |
| Project Description: | In order to develop the professional pathway of youth football in Hong Kong, the assessment of physical match demands of youth football is necessary. A comparison between U14, U16, and U18 age groups, and between domestic and international levels will be conducted using video analysis, GPS and physiological tracking data to compare key metrics across all age groups and in comparison to match demands in other global leagues and competitions. In addition, data will be analysed to compare key metrics between domestic league and those games performed at international level.
Students participating in this project may be required to conduct field trips to Hong Kong Football Association training venues and offices for data collection and analysis. Students will be involved in data collection and management at CUHK Department of Sports Science and Physical Education. |
(In alphabetical order of CUHK department and surname of supervisor)
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Zhaoli GAO |
| Research Project: | Development of Graphene Biosensors for DNA Detection |
| Project Description: | Graphene holds tremendous promise as a biosensor transduction element due to its high area-to-volume ratio, biocompatibility, and high carrier mobility. All-electronic biosensors based on graphene field effect transistors (GFETs) offer the prospect of simple and cost-effective diagnostics and the realisation of point-of-care testing in realistic clinical settings. Detecting the biomarkers in a physiological liquid in a realistic clinical setting is crucial to bridge the gap between lab and market. In this project, students will be involved in the investigation of the transport properties of graphene biosensors in complex physiological environments for biosensing purposes. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Kai Yu Raymond TONG |
| Research Project (1): | Augmented Reality Training Platform to Improve Brain Function |
| Project Description: | The aim of the project is to develop software on game/training interface to improve cognitive function for adults and kids. The students should have good development and debugging skills in using at least one of the following languages: C/C++, C#, Python and JAVA. Students with experience in machine learning, data analytics, and/or augmented reality (AR) application is preferred. |
| Research Project (2): | Design of Winding Machine for Soft Robotic System |
| Project Description: | A novel soft robotic system consisted of wires densely wound around soft materials has been designed by the research team. Currently the wires are wound on tubes manually. In this project, students will be involved in the design of a winding machine that can wind these numerous wires efficiently at one time to facilitate research. Students who are major in mechanical engineering, automation engineering, and related background are welcome to join. |
| Research Project (3): | Soft Robotic Design for Biomedical Engineering Applications |
| Project Description: | The aim of the project is to design and evaluate new type of soft robotic device for medical application, including rehabilitation and assistive technology. Students who have good drawing skill with software such as SolidWorks are preferred. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Hongliang REN |
| Research Project (1): | AI-Based Multimodal Guidance for Snake Robot in Confined Environments |
| Project Description: | Flexible snake robot, with multi-degree of freedom, can work inside the human body and carry out diagnostics and operations. A conventional rigid articulated robot system has limits in a confined and complicated area. In this study, one of the key challenges for the snake robotic intervention system: AI-based image guidance and motion control for deformable snake robots in confined deformable environments will be addressed. This will involve computer-based surgical simulation using existing medical images and motion planning, as well as hands-on experiments in collaboration with the robot developers. Students participating in this project will have the chance to work with a team and clinical collaborators. Students who are major in mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, computer science and/or robotics are welcome to join. |
| Research Project (2): | Deeply-Learned Programmable Robots with Mechanoelectrical Perceptions for Biomedical Applications |
| Project Description: | This research focuses on data-driven deep learning-based AI techniques for soft robotics with programmable metamorphic capabilities, endowing them with skin-like mechanoelectrical sensory capabilities to enhance their functionality. For example, in in-vivo medical procedure, the mechanoelectrical perception ability is essential for a reconfigurable robotic platform to adapt to the changing confined biological environments. The provided sensory feedback and AI-based perception can improve the efficacy and efficiency of in-vivo procedures and hence be of great aid to the interventionists.
Students who are major in mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, computer science and/or robotics are welcome to join. |
| Research Project (3): | Flexible & Stretchable Sensing Electrodes for Soft Robots |
| Project Description: | This project will attempt to explore the use of flexible and stretchable electrodes for soft biomedical robots. The properties of electrodes and the performance of the soft robots and sensors will be optimised. The static and dynamics performance of soft robots will be investigated.
Students who are major in mechanical engineering, electronic engineering, computer science and/or robotics are welcome to join. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Xiankai SUN |
| Research Project (1): | Novel Photonic Nanostructures for Integrated Photonics |
| Research Project (2): | Photonics Based on Two-Dimensional Nanomaterials |
| Research Project (3): | Physics & Applications of Nano-Optics & Nano-Optomechanics |
| Project Description: | Students will conduct research in a lab environment under the guidance of the supervisor. Knowledge in physics, optics, acoustics, electronics and/or material science will be an advantage. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Tat Ming Darwin LAU |
| Research Project (1): | Mixed Reality Telepresence Robot with Human-Intention Learning & Prediction |
| Project Description: | In this project, the goal is to develop upon the existing telepresence robot system to allow users to visit remote locations, such as company visits or visiting the museum while being at home. Through the robot with a 360-degree camera, the human operator wears a virtual reality glasses and can see the 360 environment. The user can then operate the robot through a joystick controller. All information are then transmitted through 5G communication network to ensure a smooth user experience. In this project, the students are expected to:
Students from mechanical engineering, electronics engineering or computer science with background and interest in control, human-robot collaboration, machine learning or computer vision are welcomed. |
| Research Project (2): | Soft Cable-Driven Orthotic & Super-Limb Devices |
| Project Description: | Superlimb (or supernumerary limb) devices refer to additional limbs and fingers that are attached onto humans, such as a sixth finger or a third arm. The goal of the device is to allow additional capabilities while assisting and working with the wearer. Superlimbs are typically complete hands or fingers. In this project the goal is to develop a modular system so that different assistive tools can be added to the system.
Existing superlimbs are typically rigid link nature and the use of direct motor drive increases the complexity and weight of the system. This project aims to develop a modular soft tool system that is actuated by cable-drive and pneumatics. Students participating in this project will be involved in tasks such as:
Students from mechanical engineering, electronics engineering or computer science with background and interest in mechanisms design, multi-sensor systems, control or human-robot collaboration are welcomed. |
| Research Project (3): | Soft Robot to Produce Human-Like Touch for Elderly Comfort |
| Project Description: | Human-like touch is very important within human-human interaction. Not only does it provide a sense of realism, but also can act as comfort for those who require it, such as elderly, children or those with psychological need. Human-like touch includes grasping of hands, stroking of the forearm, shoulders or even the back. The ability to understand how human touch feels ‘natural’ and how is created is useful for robots to reproduce human-like touch. This can enable robots, such as bio-inspired robots, care-taking robots or those for helping treatment, to produce human-like touch in order to produce comfort to the human.
The tasks of this project include:
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| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Bryan DRUZIN |
| Research Project (1): | The Future of International Law |
| Project Description: | This summer project aims at introducing the student to methods of research regarding the emergence of international law. Emphasis will be placed on data collection and analysis. This summer project will be conducted entirely in English. The key outcomes are for the students to:
(1) Develop the knowledge and understanding of the core principles of empirical legal research; |
| Research Project (2): | Understanding Globalisation |
| Project Description: | This summer project aims at introducing the student to core methods of empirical research regarding globalisation. Emphasis will be placed on data collection and methods of empirical analysis. The summer project will be conducted entirely in English. The key outcomes are for the students to:
(1) Develop the knowledge and understanding of the core principles of globalisation; |
(In alphabetical order of CUHK department/school and surname of supervisor.)
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Pik Shan Alice KONG |
| Research Project: | Lifestyle Factors & Team-Based Care in the Management of People with Diabetes |
| Project Description: | The project will focus on Hong Kong adult patients with type 2 diabetes. The attachment aims to inspire the students regarding the importance of team-based care and expose them to clinical research related to the examination of lifestyle factors, including sleep, physical activity, diet and their impact on physical health of patients with diabetes.
Through the project, students are expected to gain a better understanding on published evidence relating to various lifestyle factors and physical health in type 2 diabetes patients; study research methodology relating to lifestyle factors and health; analyse descriptive statistics data; learn fundamental principals in statistical analysis to examine correlations; and write up short conclusion report. Students participating in this project will be required to conduct research at the Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Koon Chi Christopher LAI |
| Research Project (1): | Improving the Management of Bloodstream Infections with Machine Learning |
| Project Description: | Bloodstream infection (BSI) is a life-threatening condition that causes significant morbidity and mortality. Despite the advance in antimicrobial therapy, the attributable mortality for bacteraemia and fungaemia remained as high as 12%. Recovery of microbial organisms in blood can represent simple uncomplicated infections, or complicated infections that affect organ systems. Comprehensive investigation for all BSI patients for complications is unnecessary, costly, and not without harm. Students participating in the project will learn the basics of blood stream infections. They will learn the important organisms responsible for blood stream infections and the clinical features, the basics as well as novel laboratory methods to diagnose bloodstream infections, and how to utilise machine learning in stratifying risk and giving accurate prognostic information for BSI patients. Senior year undergraduate students with background knowledge on biological science, medical science, bioinformatics or other relevant subjects are welcomed. Students will work under supervision, but an introductory concept of laboratory safety including chemical and biological safety is preferable. Students participating in this project will be required to conduct research at the Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| Research Project (2): | Rapid Detection of Antimicrobial Resistance & its Clinical Implications |
| Project Description: | Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health threat. Patients suffering from infections due to AMR organisms often have high morbidity and mortality and a limited choice of effective antimicrobial therapy. Empirical broad-spectrum antimicrobial use for all patients will result in the selection of more AMR organisms and hence undesirable. Hence, rapid detection of AMR in clinical isolates is of utmost importance and will allow early targeted antimicrobial therapy that could save lives without excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics.Students participating in the project will learn the different laboratory methods to detect and analyse the patterns of antimicrobial resistance, the mechanisms underlying such resistance, explore novel rapid AMR detection methods, and testing strategies to maximise clinical impact. Senior year undergraduate students with background knowledge on biological science or medical science, or other relevant subjects are welcomed. Students will work under supervision, but an introductory concept of laboratory safety including chemical and biological safety is preferable. Students participating in this project will be required to conduct research at the Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| Research Project (3): | The Basics of the Human Microbiome & its Role in Health & Disease |
| Project Description: | Our understanding of the human gut microbiota as an indicator of health and disease has increased exponentially in the last few years. The imbalance of microbiome, also known as dysbiosis, is linked with chronic suboptimal health and disease. Apart from the gastrointestinal tract, the importance of microbiome in other body sites are also beginning to be appreciated.
Students participating in the project will learn the basics of human microbiome studies. They will learn the characteristics of microbiome of different body sites, the basics of laboratory methods to analyse the human microbiome, and basic bioinformatics for analysing the dysbiosis in various health and disease conditions. Senior year undergraduate students with background knowledge on biological science, medical science, bioinformatics or other relevant subjects are welcomed. Students will work under supervision, but an introductory concept of laboratory safety including chemical and biological safety is preferable. Students participating in this project will be required to conduct research at the Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Hoi Yee Iris NG |
| Research Project: | Community Capacity Building for Hearing Health: The Future of Better Hearing |
| Project Description: | Hearing is a key component of human intrinsic ability; it is the sense most relied upon to communicate and engage with others. Any decline in hearing ability at any point during the life course, if not addressed in a timely manner, can adversely affect day-to-day functioning. Awareness of the importance of hearing health, both in the local general community and the community of healthcare workers, are however relatively low.
This project will feature a participative action research design. Action research is aimed at solving practical concrete problems, enhancing knowledge and skills of healthcare workers, empowering the persons with hearing loss and their family members, and improving the quality of ear and hearing care for the local community. The action research design features five cyclical and iterative phases: (1) Problem identification: identify and define the problem of low awareness of hearing health in the local community; Students participating in the project may be required to conduct the research at CUHK Medical Centre, Prince of Wales Hospital, and other community settings. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Wan Yi CHAN |
| Research Project (1): | Cell Secretome from Rhinovirus-Infected Primary Epithelial Cells as Suppressor of Subsequent Viral Infections |
| Project Description: | This project aims to characterise the secretome of primary human epithelial cells that were exposed to rhinovirus (RV) in protein level, and assess the specific enzymes, cytokines, extracellular vesicles and other soluble mediators which are fundamental to the limitation of other respiratory virus replication. The possible drawback of its modulation in the immune responses and potential tissue damage will also be assessed. The use of defined secretome may serve as novel prophylactics against broad range of respiratory virus infections during the emerging outbreaks when specific therapy was not yet available. The primary objective is to validate the use of virus-free conditioned medium from a rhinovirus infected respiratory culture for the transient inhibition of respiratory syncytial virus, influenza A virus and influenza B virus infection.
It is a laboratory-based research. The candidate will handle respiratory virus at BSL-2 level, perform experiment in laboratory, and conduct RNAseq analysis. Students participating in the project may be required to conduct the research at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital. |
| Research Project (2): | The Immune Debt against Respiratory Viral Infection in Children |
| Project Description: | Due to the pandemic of COVID-19, and all the infection control measures, respiratory viral infection has disappeared for almost three years. For children that were born within these three years, they have not been exposed to any natural infection of influenza virus. While for those pre-school children, they might be exposed to natural infection in their younger age, for the time that their immune system was rapidly developing. For school age children, they had around 4-6 years exposure, but then non-infected for these recent years.
In this project, we would like to measure their mucosal and systemic immunity against influenza and other respiratory viruses and compare their immune profile and disease severity upon acute respiratory viral infection. The primary objective is to collect and measure the baseline mucosal and circulating antibody levels against different respiratory viruses at the time of admission, and a record of their vaccination history. It is a clinical research with laboratory component. The candidate will handle respiratory samples at BSL-2 laboratory, perform experiment in laboratory, and conduct statistical analysis under supervision. Students participating in the project may be required to conduct the research at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital and the Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| Research Project (3): | The Role of Biomarkers & Clinical Parameters in Acute Kidney Injury among Critically Ill Children |
| Project Description: | Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common condition among hospitalised patients and is associated with both short- and long-term adverse outcomes. It is an independent predictor of mortality among critically ill children. Children with a history of AKI have a higher chance of developing chronic kidney disease. In this project, the primary objective is to study the performance of different urinary biomarkers, either alone or in combination with clinical parameters, for the early diagnosis of AKI among critically ill children. The secondary objectives are to identify clinical risk factors and evaluate the ability of biomarkers for prediction of short-term outcomes at PICU discharge among children who acquire acute kidney injury and to explore the role of urinary bulk RNA sequencing in AKI diagnosis. It is a laboratory and clinical research, the candidate will spend his/her time in the laboratory and process clinical samples, measure biomarker levels and perform statistical analysis under supervision. Students participating in the project may be required to conduct the research at the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Dr. Sze Yin Agnes LEUNG |
| Research Project: | Oral Immunotherapy for Treatment of Food Allergy in Children |
| Project Description: | The rising trend of food allergy prevalence, often described as the ‘second wave’ of the allergy epidemic, is a significant health problem across the globe, affecting both the developed and developing world. Local food-induced anaphylaxis admission rates similarly reflected a rising trend of food allergy burden in Hong Kong. Food allergies can persist for life but there are currently limited treatment options for food allergies. The mainstay of treatment lies on avoidance of the index food and prompt treatment of allergic symptoms upon accidental exposure. Hence, the quality of life (QoL) of patients and families is significantly impacted consequent to the need for constant vigilance. Overall, food allergy is a chronic illness that poses substantial burden to the healthcare system and to our patients, both physically and psychologically.
Allergy CUHK is dedicated in the development of novel therapeutic options for food-allergic patients. The host research team has commenced Hong Kong’s first randomised controlled trial with probiotic-primed peanut oral immunotherapy (OIT) for peanut-allergic children. They have also just commenced one of the world’s first phase II oral immunotherapy trial for fish-allergic patients and a phase I DNA vaccine trial for shellfish-allergic individuals. The aim is to provide safe and effective treatment options for food-allergic patients, which can ultimately increase patients’ threshold of reactivity while improving their health-related quality of life, by reducing the rate of adverse reactions during OIT, alleviating the constant fear of accidental food allergen ingestion and the overall risk of potentially life-threatening allergic reactions. Such an approach, as opposed to the standard avoidance measure, will fundamentally change the worldwide approach to food allergy management. Students participating in this project will be required to conduct research at the Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Dr. Ngan Yin Rachel CHAN |
| Research Project (1): | Culturally Tailored, Internet-Delivered Sleep Intervention for South Asian Ethnic Minority in Hong Kong |
| Project Description: | This project aims to develop a culturally adapted, internet-delivered cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia to improve sleep and mental health in South Asian Ethnic Minority adults. Phase I will focus on the development of an English version and cultural adapted online cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) using a participatory approach with involvement of stakeholders including English-speaking Indian, Nepalese and Pakistani EM communities, healthcare workers who provide service to EM groups, and sleep experts. Phase II involves training healthcare workers in the EM communities to deliver sleep education workshops, promote and disseminate the culturally adapted CBT-I to South Asian EM groups.
Students involved in this project will be assisted in data collection, development and delivery of digital intervention, data analysis. Proficiency in English is required and knowledge in Chinese is preferred. Students participating in the project may be required to conduct the research at Shatin Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| Research Project (2): | Prevention of Insomnia in At-Risk Youth: A Randomised Controlled Trial Comparing Cognitive Behavioural Prevention Programme for Insomnia with Active Control Condition |
| Project Description: | Adolescence is a vulnerable period for the emergence of insomnia, which affects more than 10% of the youths (approximately 40% if based on symptoms). Insomnia in youths tends to run a protracted course and is associated with numerous negative outcomes including poor quality of life, cognitive and academic impairment, and predisposing to development of depression and anxiety. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behavioural programme in preventing insomnia incidence in at-risk youths.
Students involved in this project will be assisted in data collection, group therapy, data entry and analysis. Proficiency in English is required and knowledge in Chinese is preferred. Students participating in the project may be required to conduct the research at Shatin Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| Research Project (3): | Smartphone-Based Mood-Enhanced Sleep Intervention for Adolescents at Risk of Depression |
| Project Description: | Insomnia and depression are common and highly comorbid. Evidence shows that 35-47% of individuals with sleep disturbance having clinically significant depression and 60-84% of people with major depressive disorder reported sleep complaints. In addition, adolescents with insomnia are at 4-5 times greater risk for experiencing depression, and those with depression are also at 2-3 times greater risk for developing insomnia. In particular, adolescent concurrently experiencing sleep and mood problems are typically at a higher risk of adverse health outcomes. This particular group is usually much more difficult to treat, with a poorer prognosis, suggesting that this group maybe in particular need for effective treatment.
This study aims to further examine the efficacy of mood-enhanced sleep intervention to address the specific need of mood components in the adolescent population using digital format. Students involved in this project will be assisted in data collection, development and delivery of digital intervention, data analysis. Proficiency in English is required and knowledge in Chinese is preferred. Students participating in the project may be required to conduct the research at Shatin Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Dr. Man Ho LI |
| Research Project (1): | Developing a Chatbot for Structural Interview of Depression |
| Project Description: | Clinical assessments have been increasingly digitalised and automated (e.g., chatbot-based interviews), in order to address some of the shortcomings in the delivery of in-person assessment such as clinician shortage, limited accessibility, high cost, and stigma of mental illness. The project aims to develop a chatbot for structural interview of depression.
Students will assist in data collection, development and delivery of digital assessment, and data analysis. Proficiency in Chinese is required. Students participating in the project may be required to conduct the research at Shatin Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| Research Project (2): | Evaluation of Chatbot-Based Sleep-Focused Intervention |
| Project Description: | Insomnia is a common sleep problem in Hong Kong people. Insomnia is associated with impaired quality of life and decreased economic productivity. It is also closely related to depression and other psychiatric problems, leading to substantial mental health burdens. The project aims to evaluate a psychotherapy chatbot on enhancing people’s sleep quality and knowledge on sleep and insomnia perspectives.
Students will assist in data collection, development and delivery of digital intervention, and data analysis. Proficiency in Chinese is required. Students participating in the project may be required to conduct the research at Shatin Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| Research Project (3): | Text Analysis for Suicide Ideation Detection Using Artificial Intelligence |
| Project Description: | Suicidal ideation, as a significant risk factor for suicidal death, becomes an important clinical concern. This study aims to analyse clinical interviews of depression and identify suicidal ideation from people based on their language use in the interviews. The findings will provide us initial evidence for understanding the underlying language features of suicidality.
Students will assist in data collection, development of artificial intelligence for text analysis, and data analysis. Proficiency in Chinese is required. Students participating in the project may be required to conduct the research at Shatin Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Wai Lung Billy NG |
| Research Project: | Anti-cancer Drug Discovery |
| Project Description: | Lung cancer is among the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. Approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases are non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), and this subset commonly harbours mutations in the Kirsten Rat Sarcoma Viral Oncogene Homolog (KRAS). KRAS-mutant NSCLCs are often unresponsive to existing treatments such as targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Hence, there is an urgent need to identify new drug targets and to develop novel therapeutic compounds that will benefit patients with KRAS-mutant NSCLCs.
Students participating in this project will join an international team of researchers to create preclinical drug candidates for the effective treatment of NSCLCs. Students with a background in chemistry, pharmacy, biomedicine, genome, molecular biology or pharmacology are welcomed. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Junjie HUANG |
| Research Project (1): | Cancer Burden in Low- & Middle-Income Countries |
| Project Description: | Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally. This project aims to evaluate the burden of cancer in low- and middle-income countries using publicly available databases. Students participating in this project will learn how to collect data, generate descriptive results, perform minimal statistical analysis, and interpret the results in the format of a presentation or report using global databases with the team. The applicants do not necessarily need to be from low- & middle-income countries. Students who are interested in global health or non-communicable diseases are welcome to apply. They should have a good command of both speaking and written English (Chinese not required). Experience in academic writing would be an advantage. Filed works will not be required. |
| Research Project (2): | Dietary Risk Factors in Low- & Middle-Income Countries |
| Project Description: | Suboptimal diet is an important preventable risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This project aims to evaluate the dietary risk factors in low- and middle-income countries using publicly available databases. Students participating in this project will learn how to collect data, generate descriptive results, perform minimal statistical analysis, and interpret the results in the format of a presentation or report using global databases with the team. The applicants do not necessarily need to be from low- & middle-income countries. Students who are interested in global health or non-communicable diseases are welcome to apply. They should have a good command of both speaking and written English (Chinese not required). Experience in academic writing would be an advantage. Filed works will not be required. |
| Research Project (3): | Mental Disorders in Low- & Middle-Income Countries |
| Project Description: | A mental disorder is a behavioural or mental pattern that causes significant distress or impairment of personal functioning. This project aims to evaluate mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries using publicly available databases. Students participating in this project will learn how to collect data, generate descriptive results, perform minimal statistical analysis, and interpret the results in the format of a presentation or report using global databases with the team. The applicants do not necessarily need to be from low- & middle-income countries. Students who are interested in global health or non-communicable diseases are welcome to apply. They should have a good command of both speaking and written English (Chinese not required). Experience in academic writing would be an advantage. Filed works will not be required. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Kin On KWOK |
| Research Project (1): | Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance with Multidisciplinary Thinking in Behavioural Science in Hong Kong |
| Project Description: | Antimicrobial resistance refers to the failure of medicines in treating infections as the evolvement of microorganisms render drug resistance. Selected candidates will work on projects that address this public health problem from the perspective of behavioural science, for example the perceived risk of AMR acquisition, through field studies and literature reviews. Students participating in this project are expected to perform field study, data collection, systematic review and data analysis. Proficiency in Chinese or English will be an advantage. Students participating in this project will be required to conduct research at the Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| Research Project (2): | Tackling Antimicrobial Resistance with Multidisciplinary Thinking in Infectious Disease Epidemiology in Hong Kong |
| Project Description: | Antimicrobial resistance renders antimicrobials ineffective for treatment. This study explores the determinants for the emergence of antimicrobial resistance in different settings in the population. By the end of the project, students should be able to gain specific domain knowledge in antimicrobial resistance and build up skills in performing systematic review/data analysis, gain hands-on experience with empirical data collection (if any), and build up skills in analysing empirical data. Students participating in this project will be required to conduct research at the Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Lap Ah Shelly TSE |
| Research Project (1): | Cancer Screening by Epidemiological Risk Assessment Model |
| Project Description: | This is a new project which reflects a multidisciplinary collaboration between epidemiologists, clinical oncologists, radiologists, laboratory scientists and economists. It is a further study of the host research team’s past case-control study for cancer. SURP students taking part in the project may have a chance to participate in the recruitment of high risk cases for cancer during the screening session. In addition, the students will have an opportunity to expose to big data study and learn skills in handling big data for research analysis.
Students participating in the project may need to conduct literature review and fieldwork, and assist in data collection, input and handling. They may also be involved in studying subject interviews. Proficiency in both Chinese and English will be an advantage. Students may be required to conduct the research at the Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| Research Project (2): | Identifying Risks of Outbreaks in Work Settings & the Implications for Control Measures |
| Project Description: | The five-year project aims to identify core and cross-time workplace hazards and worker’s exposure prevention profile towards outbreaks in three non-healthcare work settings; to evaluate effectiveness of a theory-based educational programme on improving attitude to vaccination and virus testing in workplace; and to longitudinally compare attitude of willingness to vaccination, testing of SARS-CoV-2 and changes of risk profile towards outbreaks among workers. The project comprises four parts, including a randomised controlled trial (RCT) and three parallel longitudinal studies with baseline and follow-up repeated measurements. SURP students taking part in the project will participate in the implementation of Part II & III: A two-year prospective cohort study with mixed methods including both qualitative and quantitative approaches.
Students participating in the project may need to conduct literature review and fieldwork, and assist in data collection, input and handling. They may also be involved in studying subject interviews. Proficiency in both Chinese and English will be an advantage. Students may be required to conduct the research at the Prince of Wales Hospital. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Yeung Shan Samuel WONG |
| Research Project: | Effects of Mindfulness-Based Interventions on Health-Related Outcomes |
| Project Description: | Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) have become popular and been applied across many populations in the recent years. The research team has developed a couple of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) testing the effectiveness of MBI in reducing 1) loneliness among older adults, and 2) post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms among adults in Hong Kong. Students participating in the project should have good command of both speaking and written English and Chinese (Cantonese), and may need to work irregular hours. Students will be involved in assisting the delivery of mindfulness programmes, constructing project materials with the team, as well as data collection and data entry. Knowledge in mindfulness-based intervention would be an advantage. Students participating in this project will be required to conduct research at the Prince of Wales Hospital. |
(In alphabetical order of CUHK department/school and surname of supervisor.)
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Jianfang WANG |
| Research Project (1): | Plasmon-Enhanced Nitrogen Photofixation |
| Project Description: | Plasmonic nanoparticles can interact strongly with light, efficiently converting light into heat and generating hot charge carriers. Nitrogen is an essential element for all living organisms. However, nitrogen gas is nutritionally inaccessible to most organisms. It needs to be fixed into ammonia and/or nitrate. The industrial fixation of nitrogen to ammonia is accomplished through the Haber–Bosch process. The Haber–Bosch process consumes about 2% of the total energy and produces about 1% of the total CO2 emission on the world.
Catalytic processes that can fix N2 under ambient conditions are therefore highly desired. Students participating in this project will be involved in developing different nanostructures as photocatalysts for nitrogen photofixation. The fixation mechanism will be studied and the fixation performance will be evaluated to achieve world-record-high efficiencies. Students who have academic background in photonics and chemistry, and who are good at reading and writing in English are preferred. |
| Research Project (2): | Plasmonic Manipulation of Two-Dimensional Excitons |
| Project Description: | Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) monolayer offers a platform for both optoelectronics and valleytronics. It is important to develop new approaches for accessing and controlling the spin and valley information in TMDC monolayer. Plasmonic nanostructures can interact strongly with light. They are excellent candidates for realising such control. Students participating in this project will be involved in constructing hybrid nanostructures out of plasmonic nanoparticles and 2D TMDC monolayer, investigating the interaction between plasmons and 2D excitons, and developing new approaches for the control of the spin and valley information in 2D TMDC materials.
Students who have academic background in photonics and nanomaterials, and who are good at reading and writing in English are preferred. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Yangqian YAN |
| Research Project: | Special Topic in Ultracold Atomic Gases |
| Project Description: | In this project, students will be involved in performing Gross-Pitaevskii equations simulation using knowledge of quantum mechanics and computational physics. Experience in Python and PyTorch (GPU) will be an advantage. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Ting Fung Philos CHAN |
| Research Project (1): | Identifying Fusion Transcripts in Colorectal Carcinoma by Long-Read Direct RNA-Sequencing |
| Project Description: | Colorectal carcinoma (CRC) is the second leading cause of cancer death in Hong Kong. Although successful efforts have been made to the early detection of CRC, and treatment options are actively under development, there is still a general lack of molecular biomarkers for the prognosis and treatment outcome. Fusion transcripts, arisen as the results of defects in the transcriptional and splicing regulation in cancer cells, could be used for the said purposes. In this project, nanopore direct RNA-sequencing on colorectal carcinoma tissues will be employed for the identification of fusion transcripts. Students working on this project will assist in the molecular and experimental validation of the findings. |
| Research Project (2): | Investigating the Possible Role of Structural Variation in Autism Spectrum Disorder Using Optical Genome Mapping |
| Project Description: | Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder that affects roughly 1 in 44 children. There have been many large-scale genetic studies attempted to elucidate the genetic mechanisms underlying this broad spectrum, highly heterogeneous disorder, and came up with many associated genetic variants. In this study, a group of ASD children that have previously undergone whole-exome sequencing with negative findings will be subjected to optical genome mapping for the identification of structural variation in the genome that could help explain the clinical outcomes. Students working on this project will assist in data analysis and downstream experimental validation of the findings. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Laura FALKENBERG |
| Research Project: | Effects of Future Climates on Marine Organisms |
| Project Description: | This research project will focus on studying climate change effects (e.g. ocean warming, ocean acidification, pollution, or invasive species, etc.) on marine organisms and ecosystems. The research will consider marine organisms (e.g. gastropod, mollusc, etc.) with a view to understand how they, and the ecosystems they are found in, may operate in the future. The project will measure the responses observed within a wider context that encompasses physiology (e.g. growth, metabolism), behaviour (e.g. feeding, competence), and ecology (e.g. habitat use, competition, trophic cascades). To explore these organism responses, the student(s) will use tank experiments within which organisms are held, and conditions manipulated. The experimental work will, therefore, include establishing the experimental set-up (with organisms), measuring and maintaining experimental treatments, and quantifying organism responses. The student(s) who conducts the project will have a background in ecology and/or biology (preferably in marine). The project will be completed in English, with experimental work conducted at the Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Jerome Ho Lam HUI |
| Research Project (1): | Insects & Soil Biodiversity in Hong Kong |
| Project Description: | The importance of insects and soil biodiversity in nature is undoubted, but our understanding on the species and population structure of them are nevertheless poorly studied/known in Hong Kong. In this project, the student will be carrying out field collection and species identification using both morphological and molecular methods. In addition, depending on the student’s preference, it is also possible to carry out population genetics study on certain chosen species. We hope that this project will be able to reveal the hidden insect and soil biodiversity in Hong Kong, as well as equipping the student with necessary skills to study similar issues elsewhere. |
| Research Project (2): | Marine Animals in Hong Kong |
| Project Description: | Climate change alters the viability of species and could result in biodiversity loss. In this project, the student will be studying the biological responses of chitons under different environmental conditions. This includes collecting different population of chitons in Hong Kong, as well as investigating their physiological and molecular responses mimicking changes in the environment. If time allows, the student may also study the content of their gut microbiome at different conditions. We hope that this project will be able to allow better understanding of relationship between climate change and marine animals in Hong Kong, as well as equipping the student with necessary skills to study similar issues elsewhere. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Liwen JIANG |
| Research Project: | Organelle Biogenesis & Function |
| Project Description: | The host research lab focuses on understanding the underlying mechanisms of protein trafficking, organelle biogenesis and function in eukaryotic cells (e.g. plants) using a combination of imaging, cellular, molecular, biochemical and genetic approaches. Students participating in this project will have the opportunity to learn and be involved in a specific project while working together with senior researchers. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Byung Ho KANG |
| Research Project (1): | Autophagic Recycling of Damaged Mitochondria in Model Organisms |
| Project Description: | Mitochondria are essential for cellular energy production and signal transduction. Malfunctioning of mitochondria results in neurodegenerative diseases or cancer. To maintain a healthy mitochondria population, eukaryotes have evolved a multi-layered quality control system to eliminate defective or superfluous mitochondria. Mitophagy is an autophagic recycling of such mitochondria. The host lab studies mitophagy using a combination of biochemical and microscopic approaches. Students participating in this project will work on the characterisation of mitochondrial structures and their dynamic behaviours in mutant cells where autophagic factors are inactivated in comparison with wild-type cells. Students interested in cell biology or medicine are welcome to join. No language fluency is required as long as one can communicate in English, Chinese or Korean. |
| Research Project (2): | Three-Dimension (3D) Electron Microscopic Analysis of Membrane-Bound Organelles |
| Project Description: | Students participating in this project will be involved in 3D electron microscopy research to elucidate high-resolution structures of organelles in eukaryotic cells including mitochondria, Golgi stacks, chloroplasts, and so on. They will learn cryofixation techniques to preserve subcellular components close to their native states and morphometric analysis using image processing software. Students interested in cell biology, electron microscopy, or image analysis are welcome to join. No language fluency is required as long as one can communicate in English, Chinese or Korean. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Kin Ming KWAN |
| Research Project (1): | Genetic Control of Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier Development & Functioning in the Brain |
| Project Description: | The project aims to use mouse as the model to study how the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier is developed in our brain.
Students with experience in lab techniques will have advantage. |
| Research Project (2): | Genetic Control of Neuronal Cell Development in the Brain |
| Project Description: | The project aims to use mouse as the model to study how the neurons are developed in our brain.
Students with experience in lab techniques will have advantage. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Chi Ki Jacky NGO |
| Research Project (1): | Structural Study of a Spicing Kinase in Complex with Viral Protein |
| Project Description: | Serine-arginine protein kinases (SRPKs) are a family of kinase that plays critical roles in RNA metabolisms and viral infection. They have been found to govern the life cycles of different viruses including HBV, HSV, SARS-CoV and SAR-CoV2 by interacting and phosphorylating their viral proteins. In this study, student will be involved in applying recombinant technology, protein biochemistry, and x-ray crystallography to investigate how SPRK1 interacts with some of these viral proteins. Students who are major in biological or biomedical sciences are welcome to join. |
| Research Project (2): | X-Ray Crystallography Study of a Splicing Kinase in Complex with a Covalent Inhibitor |
| Project Description: | The host research lab has recently developed a covalent inhibitor that targets a family of kinases to inhibit angiogenesis and metastasis. In this project, student will be involved in investigating how this inhibitor interacts with the kinase by studying the complex structure by x-ray crystallography. Students who are major in biological or biomedical sciences are welcome to join. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Benoit THIBODEAU |
| Research Project (1): | Ecosystem Services Provided by Hong Kong Wetlands: Blue Carbon & Nitrogen Retention |
| Project Description: | In this lab- and field-based project, students will be involved in conducting sampling in the mangroves within Hong Kong and the sample preparation and analysis in the lab. Students who are major in biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, and geology/geography are welcome to join. Students participating in this project will be required to conduct research at the Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory. |
| Research Project (2): | Foodweb Analysis of Mangroves Crabs |
| Project Description: | In this lab- and field-based project, students will be involved in conducting sampling in the mangroves within Hong Kong and the sample preparation and analysis in the lab. This project requires students to catch crabs with their hands in the field, so students should not be afraid of animals. Students who are major in biology, chemistry, earth and environmental sciences are welcome to join. Students participating in this project will be required to conduct research at the Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory. |
| Research Project (3): | Nutrient Pollution & its Link to Oxygen Depletion in Hong Kong Waters |
| Project Description: | In this lab- and field-based project, students will be involved in conducting sampling on a boat within Hong Kong waters and the nutrient analysis in the lab. Students who are major in chemistry, earth and environmental sciences, geology/geography and biology are welcome to join. Students participating in this project will be required to conduct research at the Simon F.S. Li Marine Science Laboratory. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Xiaohong ZHUANG |
| Research Project: | Molecular Mechanism of Membrane Trafficking in Plant Autophagy |
| Project Description: | Derived from the Greek word meaning ‘self-eating’, autophagy acts as a cleaning-up process by breaking down damaged or unwanted proteins/cellular structures, thereby balancing cellular homeostasis in almost all eukaryotes. The research team works to unveil molecular mechanisms of autophagy as potential targets for future application in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy production. The project will focus on developing tools such as gene editing, organelle fractionation, biochemical assays and confocal/electron microscopy to investigate the mechanism of the autophagosome formation at both molecular and cellular levels. Students will work with graduate students on a specific project. |
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(In alphabetical order of CUHK department/school and surname of supervisor.)
| CUHK Supervisor: | Dr. Cheuk Yin HO |
| Research Project: | Predictive Analytics of Cryptocurrencies |
| Project Description:
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This project is to apply time-series methods and machine-learning models to predict cryptocurrencies. For example, ARMA, VAR, logistic regressions, random forests, support vector machines, etc. Students are expected to collect data, develop statistical models, write computer programmes, and evaluate model performances. Students are expected to be familiar with statistics and econometrics. Programming experiences in R or Python are preferred. Proficiency in English is required. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Chung Shing CHAN |
| Research Project (1): | Community-Based Narratives & Public Experiential Engagement for Cultural & Historical Heritage Conservation & Revitalisation of Yim Tin Tsai, Sai Kung |
| Project Description: | Village and rural environments are changing cultural landscapes providing tangible heritage and hidden values for conservation and revitalisation. Based on community-based storytelling and narratives approach and public experiential engagement, this research project aims to generate valuable records and information about the culture and history of Yim Tin Tsai, Sai Kung. The academic research will be supported by literature review, records and materials provided by the villagers and local stakeholders, and primary and secondary information in the project activities conducted by the Project Team and collaborators. Outdoor and onsite activities in Yim Tin Tsai will be arranged and conducted regularly with narrative collection, story-telling and sharing among villagers and participants. There will be tour guiding experience and assistance required.
Students who are major in tourism, geography, cultural studies, or related fields in social science and language studies are welcome. Proficiency in English and Chinese (Cantonese preferred) is required. Student participating in this project will be involved in field work in Sai Kung, tour guiding, literature review, data collection and analysis in Hong Kong. |
| Research Project (2): | Enhancing the Experience of Visitors with Impairment through Virtual Technology & Smart Devices: A Study of Visitors with Hearing Impairment (HI) on Yim Tin Tsai Island in Hong Kong |
| Project Description: | This research aims to assess the influence of Virtual-Reality (VR) and information and communication technology (ICT) on the experiences of visitors with hearing impairment (HI) in outdoor destination environments, using the case of Yim Tin Tsai (YTT), a unique religious-cultural-natural island in Hong Kong.
Through a series of quasi-experimental study and action-based visits to YTT, this study aims to investigate how sensory experience creation process on the island is portrayed by the participating HI in the presence or absence of: (1) pre-trip VR experience and (2) smart devices and mobile apps during the visit. This study will elucidate the participants’ self-reported experience and their sensory experience creation process. Key research methods include systematic experience-prototype mapping, self-administered questionnaire, and focus-group discussion, targeting a sample of 160 (general and hearing impairment) participants in four groups of prescribed experimental conditions. Specific research objectives are: Students who are major in tourism, geography, sociology, psychology, or related fields in social science are welcome. Proficiency in English and Chinese (Cantonese preferred) is required. Knowledge in GIS mapping and statistical analysis will be an advantage. Student participating in this project will be involved in field work in Sai Kung, data collection and analysis in Hong Kong. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Yuk Fo LAI |
| Research Project (1): | Carbon & Greenhouse Gas Dynamics in Subtropical Coastal Mangroves |
| Project Description: | In this project, students will conduct field and/or lab measurements to investigate the effects of human disturbances on the biogeochemical processes of carbon cycling and greenhouse gas exchange in coastal mangroves. |
| Research Project (2): | Effect on Wetland Restoration on Carbon Balance & Greenhouse Gas Fluxes |
| Project Description: | In this project, students will conduct field measurements to investigate the effects of ecological restoration on the carbon balance and greenhouse gas fluxes in coastal wetlands. |
| Research Project (3): | Microplastic Contamination in Terrestrial Ecosystems |
| Project Description: | In this project, students will conduct field sample collection and lab analysis to investigate the extent of microplastic contamination in terrestrial ecosystems. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Minseop KIM |
| Research Project: | Blurred Boundaries: How Work-from-Home Arrangements Influence Parenting & Child Outcomes during the Pandemic |
| Project Description:
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This research project will examine whether and how work-from-home arrangements during the COVID-19 pandemic influence parenting, which may in turn affect young children’s developmental outcomes. Survey data collected from a sample of Hong Kong parents with young children during the pandemic outbreak will be used. Students are expected to conduct literature reviews on relevant theories and previous empirical studies. They will also have an opportunity to manage and analyse the survey data. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Kar Him MO |
| Research Project (1): | Impacts of the Design of In-Between Spaces in High-Density Living Environment on Older Adults’ Activities & Social Health: A Case Study of Tailor-Designed Elderly Housing Estate in Hong Kong |
| Project Description: | In a high-density city like Hong Kong, dwelling units are often cramped and crowded. In-between spaces in housings, such as lobbies, circulation and platforms, have been designed or appropriated as places for residents’ social and physical activities, enabling the spillover of domestic lives. By considering the social dimension, this study aims to understand the significance of the design of in-between spaces in high-density housings for promoting older adults’ social activities and social health. The findings will provide insights into how public/communal spaces in high-density housings should be designed for supportive and healthy neighbourhoods.
Under such sub-standard living conditions, careful design of the in-between spaces for older adults is crucial due to three main reasons: (1) older adults with declined mobility and cognitive function often use in-between spaces as the immediate activity space due to its proximity and sense of familiarity; (2) forming supportive social relationships and networks require natural interactions with neighbours that can be encouraged and facilitated by appropriate planning and design of in-between spaces; and (3) the network of in-between spaces largely determines the physical and social relationships of households, which is a built configuration that will be difficult to be re-structured at post-occupancy stages. By taking tailor-designed residence (i.e., elderly residence) as cases, the proposed study aims to contribute by (1) establishing an empirical link between the design of in-between spaces, older adults’ social and physical activities in in-between spaces, and older adults’ social health; (2) synthesising existing architectural parameters to document and categorise the multilevel in-between spaces into place-types; and (3) mapping older adults’ behaviour and activity patterns in each place-type. Many studies have explored relationships between older adults’ wellbeing and the built environment in macro-meso scales (e.g., city, district, neighbourhood, green space). However, limited studies have investigated the empirical significance of the design of microscale living environments (i.e., place and building) on their social health. As an interface between private and public domains, multilevel in-between spaces are essential for shaping vertical communities. The lack of relevant studies results in inadequate guidelines on how public/communal spaces should be designed for healthy ageing. The findings will provide evidence to renew elderly-friendly housing design guidelines, promoting older adults’ active lifestyle and healthy ageing. The outcome can provide a framework for evaluating property management practice for a more user-centred, community-based and collective management approach that could develop and strengthen social networks in housing estates. Students participating in this project will be required to conduct fieldtrips at selected housing estate. |
| Research Project (2): | Study of Housing Models for an Ageing Population: Case Study of Housing Projects & Programmes in Singapore |
| Project Description: | Service integration, strong community networks, inclusive environment and adaptable design are critical factors commonly found in international specialist housing projects that determine the success of ageing-in-place and healthy ageing. While some residential projects in Hong Kong have attempted to fully or partially enable a safe and accessible home environment (i.e., unit) for seniors, most local mainstream housings have not explored dimensions other than inclusivity in its most physical sense. The research project pushes the boundary of mainstream design by exploring different models of service integrated housing (SIH), including (I) lifestyle/recreation-oriented model, (II) support service ready model, and (III) care service enabled model, through case study of housing projects/programmes in Singapore. The study will synthesize publicly available drawings, documents and literatures to document, analyze, and evaluate the cases for potential industrial adaptation in the context of Hong Kong. Research findings will be compiled in the form of an open-source database and case study booklet available online to promote knowledge-transfer of specialist housing. All materials produced will be graphically illustrated and narrated in both English and Chinese. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Dr. Liang Leon XU |
| Research Project: | The Extreme Corners – Post-War Hong Kong Corner Buildings |
| Project Description: | The project aims to develop an in-depth understanding of Hong Kong’s architectural heritage and everyday cityscape by investigating the ‘composite buildings’ defined by the Buildings Ordinance. Specifically, students will study the post-war Hong Kong corner buildings by focusing on certain extreme conditions, e.g., super large-scale (a single building mass occupied the whole urban block), sharp corner angles and extreme plot proportions. In this project, students will conduct local field trips; select representative cases with the assistance of the digital building records archive; identify the typological characteristics through a specific case study approach; and associate the case study findings with the literature reviews on the urban development of Hong Kong.
Students who are major in architecture and architectural studies are welcome to join. Proficiency in using Rhino, Adobe Suite (Illustrator, lnDesign, Photoshop) and AutoCAD will be an advantage. |
| CUHK Supervisor: | Prof. Kecheng FANG |
| Research Project: | Journalistic Sourcing in Chinese Media |
| Project Description:
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This project aims to use computational social science methods including natural language processing, network analysis, and data visualisation to analyse how Chinese media use sources in their reporting. Students will work with the supervisor to conduct data analysis and write reports. Students from social science majors as well as computer science are welcome. Proficiency in Chinese and English are required. Knowledge in computational methods as well as Chinese media landscape is preferred. |
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