Research
Research Interests and Experiences
My academic journey is driven by a passion for uncovering insights that make meaningful contributions to psychology, health sciences, and societal well-being. Over the years, I have had the privilege to engage in diverse research areas that reflect my dedication to advancing knowledge and improving lives. Here is how the dots get connected:
Psychometric Validation: My First Spark
My journey into research was ignited by a fascination with psychometric validation—the science of developing tools to measure the intangible aspects of human behavior and health. This passion led me to explore how we can create assessment tools that are scientifically robust, culturally relevant, and meaningful in practice. From patient-reported outcome measures for chronic kidney disease to adapting health literacy scales for diverse populations, my work focuses on creating tools that empower individuals and enhance research accuracy.
This area of research is deeply intertwined with advanced statistical methodologies that allow for precise measurement and deeper insights. My expertise includes Generalized Linear Mixed-Effects Modeling, Structural Equation Modeling, Factor Analysis, Growth Curve Modeling, Latent Profile Analysis, and Random-Intercepts Cross-Lagged Panel Modeling. These techniques enable me to unravel the complexities of data, ensuring that measurement tools are not only accurate but also adaptable to varied contexts. Psychometric validation remains a cornerstone of my research, fueling my broader interest in advancing human understanding.
Intervention Studies For Families
My research is grounded in the belief that targeted interventions can make a tangible difference in people’s lives. I have explored how preoperative education and ICU tours can alleviate anxiety and improve satisfaction for patients and their families. These studies underscore the importance of addressing psychological well-being alongside physical health in clinical settings.
Through this psychoeducation intervention study, I have developed a deeper appreciation for the rigorous methodologies required to assess their effectiveness. With more randomized controlled trials (RCTs) conducted, I extended my interest to systematic reviews—a natural evolution of my work. RCTs and systematic reviews together represent the gold standard in evidence-based research. My goal is to integrate findings from these methodologies to identify and promote the best solutions for pressing healthcare and societal challenges, contributing to a robust evidence base for effective practices.
Systematic Reviews
Systematic reviews are vital for synthesizing existing knowledge and guiding evidence-based practice. My contributions in this area have provided critical insights into healthcare methods and interventions. For example, I have examined practice variations in urine collection methods for young children with suspected urinary tract infections, highlighting the need for standardized approaches that ensure accurate diagnosis and better patient outcomes. Similarly, my work on fast-track cardiac care models has informed clinical decision-making for post-surgical recovery, offering pathways to optimize both efficiency and patient satisfaction.
These reviews reflect my dedication to rigorous analysis and a commitment to uncovering actionable insights that benefit practitioners, policymakers, and patients. Systematic reviews, alongside RCTs, form the backbone of my research ethos, as I strive to contribute to the broader evidence base that informs clinical and societal advancements.
Youth and Adolescent Development
The formative years of youth and adolescence are critical for shaping future well-being and success. My work in this area delves into the cognitive, social, and emotional development of young people, addressing both opportunities and challenges. For instance, I have studied the interplay between music and language in bilingual children, revealing how artistic and linguistic skills interact to enhance cognitive abilities. This research not only deepens our understanding of child development but also highlights the importance of fostering creative expression in educational settings.
Additionally, I have investigated the feasibility of providing CPR and AED training to secondary school students, emphasizing the value of equipping younger generations with essential life-saving skills.
Besides, I have explored materialistic happiness and its impact on life meaning, offering insights into how values shape the aspirations and mental well-being of young individuals. My research also addresses contemporary issues such as gender differences in problematic mobile phone use and the balance between teaching risk-taking and risk-aversion in education.
By focusing on these critical topics, I aim to equip educators, parents, and policymakers with evidence-based strategies to support the holistic development of future generations.
Advancements in Health Science
Health science offers endless opportunities for innovation, and I am passionate about exploring solutions that address complex health challenges. One key area of my research involves applying machine learning techniques to predict glucose levels in diabetes patients. This work represents a leap toward personalized medicine, where data-driven insights enable tailored interventions. In addition, I have investigated how health literacy—an often overlooked factor—can improve patient outcomes in gastroenterology, empowering individuals to take an active role in managing their health. Beyond clinical applications, I have delved into occupational health, exploring how environmental and social factors influence quality of life. For example, my research on occupational cadmium poisoning has shed light on the long-term health impacts faced by workers, providing insights that can inform workplace policies and interventions. These projects exemplify my commitment to advancing health science through innovative, multidisciplinary approaches that push the boundaries of traditional research.
Consensus Statements and Delphi Methods
Collaborating with international experts to develop consensus statements has been a rewarding aspect of my research journey. These projects focus on creating ethical and evidence-based guidelines for critical care triage and resource allocation. Addressing some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, such as equitable access to intensive care resources, these collaborations ensure that clinical practices are informed by shared expertise and the latest evidence.
One of the highlights of my work in this area has been participating in Delphi methods, which bring together diverse perspectives to achieve consensus on complex issues. These efforts not only contribute to the development of practical guidelines but also underscore the power of collaboration in driving progress. By working alongside global experts, I strive to shape policies and practices that are grounded in both ethics and evidence, ensuring better outcomes for patients and healthcare systems alike.
Popular Psychology Writing
Making psychology accessible and relatable is one of my greatest passions. Through my popular psychology books (written in Chinese), I strive to bridge the gap between academic research and everyday understanding. By demystifying complex concepts and challenging misconceptions, my writing empowers readers to apply psychological principles to their own lives. Whether exploring the psychology of happiness, decision-making, or personal growth, my books are designed to inspire curiosity and self-reflection in a wide audience.
In my writing, I aim to translate rigorous academic research into stories and insights that resonate with readers from all walks of life. From uncovering the science of human behavior to providing practical tips for navigating life’s challenges, my books reflect my belief that psychology is not just an academic discipline but a tool for enhancing the human experience. Sharing this knowledge with the public continues to be one of the most fulfilling aspects of my career.
Lifelong Learning: Expanding My Horizons
The pursuit of knowledge never stops, and I take pride in being a lifelong learner. Throughout my career, I’ve sought opportunities to grow and explore new fields, enriching my expertise and broadening my perspective. Here are a few areas I’m currently diving into:
Deepening Qualitative Research Skills
As part of my postdoctoral fellowship with TREKK (Translating Emergency Knowledge for Kids), I’ve been honing my qualitative research skills. This work has involved exploring the nuanced experiences and perspectives of healthcare providers and families, aiming to bridge the gap between research evidence and practical applications in pediatric emergency care. Through this project, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the power of qualitative methods in uncovering insights that quantitative approaches may overlook. It has been an incredibly rewarding journey that underscores the importance of listening to voices and stories that shape meaningful change.
Text Mining for Systematic Reviews
In an era of information overload, automation is key to advancing research efficiency. I’m currently working on a text-mining project aimed at building an automated approach for assessing the risk of bias in systematic reviews. By leveraging computational tools and machine learning techniques, this project seeks to streamline the process of identifying and evaluating bias, making systematic reviews faster and more reliable. It’s exciting to be at the intersection of technology and research, where innovation has the potential to revolutionize traditional methodologies.
Bayesian Statistics
Statistics has always been a passion of mine, and I’ve recently embarked on a journey into Bayesian methods. After completing a summer course on Bayesian Adaptive Trials at the Bloomberg School of Public Health at The Johns Hopkins University, I’ve been inspired by the flexibility and depth that Bayesian statistics offers. This approach allows for incorporating prior knowledge and adapting analyses as data accumulates—a game-changer in clinical trials and beyond. It has opened up new possibilities for tackling complex problems with nuanced, data-driven insights.
Every step in these learning endeavors reaffirms my belief in the value of curiosity and adaptability. As I continue to explore new fields, I’m reminded that growth comes not just from mastering what we know, but from venturing into the unknown with an open mind and a willingness to learn. Being a lifelong learner keeps my work dynamic, my perspective fresh, and my passion for discovery alive.
Let’s connect and explore how these new areas of learning can inspire collaboration and innovation!