Academic Trajectory & Research Interests

My academic trajectory has taken me across three countries and multiple institutions: from UC Berkeley for my undergraduate studies, to Boston University for my master's degree, then to the University of Hong Kong for my PhD in psychiatric epidemiology, and now to the University of Toronto for my postdoctoral fellowship.

My research is grounded in a population-level approach—understanding how major population events like pandemics, conflicts, and social upheaval affect entire communities' mental health and well-being. This work is complemented by my keen interest in advanced quantitative methodologies, using large-scale studies and real-time surveillance to generate evidence that can inform policy and intervention strategies at a societal level. Along a similar vein, I am also passionate about studying youth mental health and well-being, particularly how these are shaped by factors often beyond young people's control, such as family dynamics and societal structures.

You can learn more about my academic trajectory from my CV here.

Beyond the lab and university campus, you'll often find me cycling around downtown Toronto and hiking local trails. As an avid photogrpaher, I love capturing the beauty of our surroundings. It's something that help restore my sense of balance. I'm also a novice plant parent to a growing collection of houseplants, and I enjoy learning Spanish at my own pace. These hobbies teach me to appreciate the tenacity of nature and the joy of staying curious.

In my spare time, I also find deep meaning through my volunteer work as a crisis responder with Kids Help Phone, a Canadian charitable organization providing 24/7 mental health support to young people in crisis. This work keeps me grounded and reminds me how important it is to support one another in times of need.

Outside of Academia