Croucher Science Week: Dr Rosa Chan
Dr Rosa Chan Ho Man (Croucher Scholarship 2004) is an associate professor in the Department of Electronic Engineering at the City University of Hong Kong.
Chan’s work includes modelling, developing new hardware, modifying existing hardware to collect multi-sensory data, and creating software platforms to analyse neural and behavioural data collected about how our neural system works.
One of the projects Chan is involved in, alongside Dr Vincent Cheung of Chinese University of Hong Kong, studies how the elderly, children, stroke survivors, athletes and musicians differ in the ways they control their muscles. Their aim is to understand what constitutes good muscle movement and how they can apply this to assist those who suffer from loss of muscle control.
In 2017, Chan volunteered to become a presenter at Croucher Science Week. Following an intensive training programme in science communication, Chan and her co-performers joined the Croucher Science Week school tour and performed in more than 20 primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong.
Chan found it challenging at first to think about how her complex research could be easily communicated to an audience who did not have the same background knowledge in engineering.
“I really put a lot of pressure on myself, hoping that the audience will understand what I’m trying to convey. I was quite worried at the beginning but practice makes perfect.”
Chan believes that finding ways to explain her research to young students has benefited herself as much as it benefited her audience.
“I now know to start with the basics when sharing something new or teaching something difficult. It has helped me explain my work — even to family. Engineers also have to work with other businesses and knowing how to communicate with my current and future collaborators is very important.”
Now, in her teaching practice, she has noticed that her students are most involved when demonstrating hand robotics and often draws from science fiction to further engage them.
“It’s important for my students to understand the impact of what they are learning.”