Team Members

 Yi Shen 

PhD student

I love working with children! During my MEd, I worked as a research assistant (part-time) in the Laboratory for Early Childhood Research at the University of Hong Kong. My research interests are extensive. Currently, my research mainly focuses on children’s mathematical thinking and learning, cognitive development, educational technologies, and learning sciences. I have also performed studies related to computational thinking and language development. Additionally, I have teaching qualifications and have worked as a teacher intern in several kindergartens while working as a research assistant in my undergraduate.

Shirley  Yuen-Man Tsang 

Senior Research Assistant

My research interests include examining the use of various games and pedagogies to support young children's mathematical learning across contexts. I am also an experienced teacher in Hong Kong kindergartens and tertiary institutions of early childhood education. 

My teaching perspectives and experiences contribute to research through data collection and analysis. I collaborate with local kindergarten principals and teachers to support children's mathematical learning and to explore the boundaries around applying supportive teaching methods in the local context. 

Valerie Yi-Jie He

Research Assistant

Working with children presents a unique opportunity to have a profound and lasting impact on their lives. The formative years are critical in shaping a child's future, and the experiences, guidance, and love they receive during this time can greatly influence their development.

As an experienced research assistant, my work has involved organizing participatory design workshops with parents and teachers to develop educational games, designing surveys and play-based experiments, analyzing data, and drafting reports and manuscripts. With a strong interest in SFON (Spontaneous Focusing on Numerosity) and picture book reading, I am dedicated to exploring innovative teaching strategies to support children's math learning.

 Winnie Yan-Ping Chan

Research Assistant 

Working with children brings immense joy and fulfillment. Witnessing the progress and growth that children make, seeing their faces light up when they grasp a new concept, and knowing that I played a part in their journey is incredibly rewarding.  

Cherry Wing-Ha Chong

Research Assistant  

I am an SEN student counselor who is responsible for organizing training groups and individual sessions to improve SEN children’s self-care and social skills.  

Rachel Wing-Tao Kwan 

Research Assistant 

As someone who loves being with kids, I want to know more about child development and learning and work with children. I believe children are unique and capable.  

Mandy Pui-Man Chan

Student Assistant 

I love being with kids because I believe that children are the living messages we send to a time we will not see. 

Katie Leung

Student Assistant

I am passionate about understanding early childhood development and how young children interact with their surroundings. My background in visual arts education enriches my approach to fostering creativity and curiosity in young minds.

Mia
Ko

Research Assistant


Wendy Chan

Teaching Assistant


Ruru
Peng

Student Assistant


Charlie Chan

Student Assistant


Jolene Deng

Student Assistant


Dickson Cheung

Student Assistant


Honorary Members

Pinky Lau

Teaching Assistant

My goal is to provide children with a joyful childhood and give them the 'best.' To ensure that young children achieve optimal development, we need to employ various teaching methods. Therefore, even with extensive frontline experience, we should strive for progress and change. Research is essential in helping us benefit both children and their parents.

Di Zhang

Postdoctoral Fellow

I am currently a postdoctoral researcher specializing in the field of early childhood mathematics education. My research interests encompass various aspects of mathematics education, including assessment in mathematics education, mathematical learning motivation, mathematical reasoning, and proof, as well as the relationship between mathematics and reading. At present, I am conducting a longitudinal project that explores the developmental trajectories of children's spatial abilities, numeracy skills, and mathematical problem-solving, along with their relationship to family environment. 

Alumni

Hailey Hoi-Lam Cheng

Student Assistant 

I enjoy playing with kids. Gaining happiness and being a witness to children's growth keeps reminding me of my educational philosophy which is to construct knowledge by thinking out side the box.  

 Yi-Qi Mai

Student Assistant 

I enjoy working with children. My undergraduate major is Early Childhood Education. I am pursuing a master's degree in Positive Psychology in Education at the Education University of Hong Kong. I hope to continue to learn more about education awareness and methods that can promote education development. 

Angel  On-Ki Wan  

Student Assistant 

I have been a kindergarten teacher for 5 years. I am currently studying for a master's degree in educational counseling. 

 Hermione Tsang Cheng

Research Assistant 

I have always wanted to work with kids and am interested in knowing more about how they learn and acquire knowledge as they grow up. I would like to gain more research and hands-on experiences to explore the field of child development and math learning.