Prof. Yuan Cao (Sally)’s research focuses on social cognition (i.e., the ability to understand and relate to other people’s thoughts and emotions) and mental health (e.g., emotion regulation, anxiety/intolerance of uncertainty). She has used a combination of behavioural tasks (e.g., computer-based games, questionnaires) and brain-imaging techniques (e.g., fMRI), and both quantitative and qualitative methods to better understand social cognition and social affect across the lifespan. Prof. Cao worked as a practising psychologist at a community health clinic and a researcher at an NGO in Australia, before returning to Hong Kong to work in academia. Such work experiences across the different settings have inspired her to conduct basic research with the potential of improving practice. She is the principal and co-investigator on multiple external competitive research grants, including those funded by the Health Bureau, the Research Grants Council and The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust.

Prof. Cao welcomes enquiries about possible PhD studies, research assistant positions and/or teaching opportunities. Please email her with an updated CV for such enquiry/application.