Welcome

I’m Winkey Cheng, a Year 1 Biomedical Engineering undergraduate at City University of Hong Kong with a minor in Neuroscience. My research focuses on understanding memory mechanisms and neurodegenerative diseases through computational and experimental approaches. I’m particularly interested in bridging artificial neural networks with clinical applications to develop improved diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies for Alzheimer’s disease.

Current Research

I am conducting research with Professor Qihong Lu in the Department of Neuroscience, where we apply artificial neural networks to enhance early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease. Professor Lu’s laboratory uses ANNs as computational models to investigate the principles of learning and memory, integrating neural network modeling with behavioral experiments and neuroimaging analysis. This approach allows us to reverse-engineer memory processes while developing practical clinical applications for neurodegenerative disease detection.

Working on AI-driven diagnostic tools has provided me with hands-on experience in how computational neuroscience can address critical clinical challenges in neurodegeneration.

Research Interests

My research interests center on three interconnected areas:

1. Neurodegenerative Diseases (Alzheimer’s Disease Focus)
I am investigating early diagnostic markers for Alzheimer’s disease and therapeutic approaches targeting pathological mechanisms including oligomers, Tau protein aggregation, and amyloid-beta plaques. My focus is on interventions that can slow or prevent neurodegeneration before irreversible cognitive decline occurs.

2. Memory Formation & Consolidation
Understanding how transient neural activity patterns become stable long-term memories remains a fundamental challenge in neuroscience. I am particularly interested in the synaptic plasticity mechanisms and molecular pathways underlying memory consolidation, which may inform therapeutic strategies for memory-related disorders.

3. Circadian Rhythm & Neurological Function
I am exploring the intersection of circadian biology and neurological health, particularly pharmacological interventions targeting MT2 melatonin receptors. Emerging evidence suggests that circadian disruption plays significant roles in memory consolidation deficits and neurodegenerative progression, representing a promising therapeutic target.

Technical Skills

My research approach integrates computational methods with experimental neuroscience:

Programming & Data Analysis

• Python (proficient): Primary language for data analysis and modeling
• R (intermediate): Statistical analysis and visualization

Research Methods

• Computational modeling and neural network implementation
• Quantitative data analysis and statistical inference
• Cellular signaling pathway analysis
• Neuroimaging and microscopy analysis

Bioinformatics Tools

• Biopython: Sequence analysis and biological computation
• Galaxy: Workflow-based bioinformatics platform
• CellProfiler: Automated image analysis for cellular phenotyping

Laboratory Experience
Currently developing experimental skills in cellular and molecular neuroscience techniques through coursework and research training.

I am actively expanding my methodological expertise in advanced imaging techniques, machine learning applications in neuroimaging, and electrophysiological recording methods.

Career Trajectory

My long-term goal is to pursue clinical medicine followed by a PhD in Neuroscience, enabling me to conduct translational research that bridges computational discoveries with clinical applications. I aim to contribute to the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutic interventions that directly improve outcomes for patients with neurological disorders.

Currently, I am actively seeking research opportunities in Hong Kong in the following areas:

• Memory and learning mechanisms
• Neurodegenerative disease pathology and therapeutics
• Computational neuroscience and neural network modeling
• Translational neuroscience and clinical applications

I welcome opportunities to collaborate with researchers working at the intersection of computational approaches and experimental neuroscience.

Additional Interests

Beyond my primary research focus, I maintain interests in pharmacology, behavioral psychology, organic chemistry, and bioinformatics. I also practice musical instruments, which has given me an appreciation for temporal patterns and rhythmic structures—concepts that translate surprisingly well to understanding neural oscillations and circuit dynamics.

Connect With Me

I am always interested in discussing research collaborations, learning about new opportunities, or exchanging ideas about current developments in neuroscience. Please feel free to contact me via email or through the professional networks listed in the sidebar.

For updates on my research activities and publications, visit my ORCID profile or Google Scholar page.