RISA People

Dr Lu Hua CHEN (Pearl) is a registered medical practitioner who had received training and practiced at an affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-sen University in Guangdong, China before pursuing her postgraduate study in Hong Kong. The clinical training experience has aroused her passion for conducting research in neuropsychiatric disorders ranging from early neurodevelopment to late-life neurodegeneration. After graduating with a PhD degree from the Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine of the University of Hong Kong, she received her postdoctoral training in clinical neuroscience at the Department of Psychology of The University of Hong Kong and The Chinese University of Hong Kong respectively. 

Dr Chen’s research interests currently focus on understanding how the interplay of genetic risk factors, environmental risk factors, and gene-environment drive the development and/or exacerbation of dementia and cognitive impairment among the older adults. Her research is accredited by obtaining the awards included but not limited to the Best Poster Presentation Award at the International Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics (IAGG) Master Class on Ageing (MCA), Best Free Paper Award at The Hong Kong College of Psychiatrists (HKCPsych) International Mental Health Congress

Recently, Dr Chen is investigating the downstream consequence of genetic polymorphisms on cognitive functions with using clinical measurements, she aims to achieve the research transition from “bench to bedside”. By joining RISA, she endeavors to develop interdisciplinary research and benefit the ageing population through using smart technology.

• Bachelor of Medicine (Clinical), China Three Gorges University
• Master of Medical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong
• Doctor of Philosophy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong