Scholarship Stories: Yuki Chan
Inspired by her parents’ dedication as teachers, Yuki Chan, a second-year PhD student, made the bold decision to leave the comfort of her home in Hong Kong and embark on an academic journey through a global lens.
Her passion for economics, developed during her A-levels, led her to Warwick where, as an undergraduate, she wrote her dissertation on the impact of maternal education on child mortality. That deceptively niche research sparked a broader curiosity about the complex relationships between economics and fields like psychology, public health, and mathematical epidemiology.
Yuki has continued to follow that intellectual thread into her PhD study where, having received funding through the Institute of Global Pandemic Planning (IGPP) Scholarship, Yuki spent the first six months of the programme attending a variety of taught courses, designed to complement and widen her expertise across disciplines. Here, she reflects on her time at Warwick so far, and how the scholarship is aiding her in the pursuit of original research.
What is your research about, and what do you hope its impact will be?
I’m studying public health from a behavioural science perspective, specifically exploring methods to prevent or alleviate the impact of pandemics. In the first chapter of my dissertation, I examine how people’s behaviour changes when observed – such as encouraging actions like handwashing. These behaviours might seem like common sense but promoting them on a wide scale requires significant effort from governments and organisations. Even though the pandemic may seem distant to some, I hope my research will help people understand the importance of small actions like this in improving societal well-being and demonstrate the need to work together and stay proactive to prevent the spread of infections.
The IGPP is a global institute of students and researchers from many countries. Why do you think it's important for the institute to capture international perspectives on pandemic planning?
As we saw with Covid-19, pandemic responses vary by country due to cultural differences. Since pandemic issues require everyone’s effort on a global scale, having students from all over the world allows us to gather a wide range of ideas to create better solutions for these challenges.
We have a diverse group of PhD students here, each focusing on different areas like behavioural science, mathematical epidemiology, pandemic planning, and pathogen diagnostics. While our research areas vary, we all work towards a common goal of improving public health. It’s inspiring to hear about other students’ work, as it encourages us to think beyond our own fields and embrace an interdisciplinary perspective.
What does your IGPP scholarship mean to you and what difference has it made?
The scholarship covers my tuition fees, provides a monthly stipend, and includes a grant for research and training expenses. It’s been helpful as costs can add up quickly, and this financial support allows me to focus on my studies and provides reassurance that I can continue my work, even if unexpected challenges arise. It has also opened doors for networking and research experience that would have been difficult to access without this support. I’m truly grateful to anyone who donates and supports in this way – their generosity helps create a better future for students like me.
How does the scholarship help you achieve your goals?
The interdisciplinary nature of the scholarship allows me to collaborate with experts from different departments and broaden my perspectives. It also supports data collection, attending conferences, and maintaining my well-being during my PhD journey.
Why did you choose Warwick for your studies?
I completed my undergraduate degree in economics at Warwick and stayed here for my Master’s and PhD because of the university’s supportive and collaborative atmosphere. The well-connected departments and approachable staff make it easy to seek academic support, and my supervisors have helped me connect with other researchers, which has been invaluable for my research.
Have you got involved in any extracurricular activities or societies during your time here?
I am mentoring students through the Widening Participation programme and was an ambassador for the Sutton Trust Summer School. Also, I volunteered as a Mandarin tutor at a local primary school with Warwick Volunteers, which was a rewarding experience, and joined two Hong Kong societies, which helped me connect with people from similar backgrounds.
I’m aiming for a career in academia, as an assistant professor, or post-doctoral researcher, focusing on public health, behavioural science, or pandemic planning. The work I’m doing is valuable for both research and teaching, so it will help me no matter which direction I choose.
Do you see yourself giving back to Warwick?
Yes, I’d love to give back by giving talks or hosting online chats to support students. I’d also consider donating, as my scholarship has been a huge help, and I’d love to support future students in the same way. I think when you benefit from support as a student it’s easy to see how paying it forward in the future can have such a positive impact.
Thinking about your life and education so far, what are you most proud of?
Although my mom is a teacher with experience of studying abroad, I’m the first in my family to study in the UK for my bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD degrees. It was a big decision that has helped me grow in independence and resilience. With my PhD scholarship, I can support myself, while pursuing my academic goals, and that’s something I’m very proud of.
Your continued generosity plays a crucial role in driving groundbreaking research at Warwick and bringing the brightest minds together to solve some of the world’s most pressing problems. By supporting our scholarship programme, you create opportunities for students like Yuki to unlock their potential and make a meaningful difference in the world.
Discover more about giving to Warwick.
If you want to know more about the IGPP PhD Programme, please see our information pages.