As the coronavirus pandemic is sweeping across the world, Kammy Chan (a PhD student in Division of Speech and Hearing Sciences) is researching alone in a laboratory at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF). Earlier, she received the Fulbright-Lee Hysan Hong Kong Research Scholar Award 2019-2020, which supports young scholars from Hong Kong and Macau to undertake research initiatives in America.

Kammy’s research focuses on patients who underwent total laryngectomy, a surgery to remove the larynx. In particular, she investigates how Cantonese speakers’ alaryngeal speech after the surgeries affects their quality of life. Upon data collection in Hong Kong, data analysis is conducted in UCSF under the supervision of Prof. Schneider from the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery.

To be shortlisted for the award, Kammy went through a competitive selection process along with other outstanding scholars. In a nerve-racking interview, she needed to present her research project to a group of judges. At last, a considerable amount of subsidy to research in America was granted to her.

“I can meet with scholars who share similar academic experiences and exchange research insights.''

Comparing with research experience in Hong Kong, Kammy reckons the U.S. has a more communicative aura. “In Hong Kong, researches are barely overlapped. It could be difficult when you want others to understand the bittersweet of your research,” explained Kammy. “Researchers in the States are greater in numbers and come from more diverse research backgrounds. I can meet with scholars who share similar academic experiences and exchange research insights.

Despite the pandemic, Kammy said she would continue her research. “Even after coming back to Hong Kong, I will keep in touch with scholars in the U.S.,” she said. 

Written by:
Clare Wong
Year 4, Faculty of Arts
April 2020