Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Research & Publications
Projects & Achievements
Certifications & Licenses
References
Timeline
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Yitong (Emma) Liu

Takapuna, Auckland,New Zealand

Summary

Highly motivated and detail-oriented PhD candidate with extensive experience in educational psychology, clinical research, and academic administration. Proficient in mixed-methods research, data management, and project coordination, with a strong track record of managing large-scale longitudinal studies and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Skilled in qualitative and quantitative data analysis, cross-cultural communication, and compliance with clinical research protocols. Seeking opportunities in academic, administrative, or clinical research roles where I can leverage my research expertise, organizational skills, and passion for improving student and/or patient outcomes.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Research Assistant

Orthopaedic Clinic, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
Takapuna, Auckland
03.2024 - Current
  • Assisted in three clinical research projects focused on knee replacement surgery and robotic knee alignment (CAMELOT, KNEE FIX, and CORI studies).
  • Collaborated with Clinical Research Associates (CRAs) to ensure study monitoring and compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Coordinated patient follow-up appointments, managed research documentation, and ensured compliance with funder requirements.
  • Collected and analyzed data, contributing to high-quality research outcomes.
  • Demonstrated strong teamwork and communication skills by working closely with interdisciplinary teams, including surgeons, nurses, and researchers.
  • Managed and monitored Adverse Events (AE) and Serious Adverse Events (SAE), ensuring proper documentation and reporting.
  • Identified, monitored, and filed protocol deviations to maintain regulatory compliance and study integrity.

Teaching Assistant

Auckland University of Technology
North Shore Hospital, Auckland
01.2023 - Current
  • Graded assignments and exams, providing constructive feedback to students.
  • Facilitated academic discussions and supported students in understanding course materials.
  • Recognized by professors for attention to detail and efficiency in managing large grading workloads.
  • Maintained strong knowledge of academic writing.

Pharmacy Assistant

Pharmville Pharmacy
Auckland CBD
08.2019 - 08.2020
  • Dispensed medications accurately and processed insurance claims.
  • Provided excellent customer service, particularly to elderly clients, ensuring their medication needs were met.

Volunteer

A Better Chance Charitable Trust
West Auckland
07.2019 - 07.2020
  • Assisted older Chinese migrants with smartphone usage and app downloads, promoting better integration into New Zealand society.
  • Received positive feedback for outstanding communication and interpersonal skills.

Education

Ph.D. - Clinical Sciences

Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, NZ
11-2025

Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) - Health Sciences

Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, NZ
02-2021

Bachelor of Health Science - Health Sciences

Auckland University of Technology
Auckland, NZ
07-2019

University Entrance -

Northcote College
Auckland
07-2014

Skills

  • Academic Writing: Published peer-reviewed articles and book chapters; Experienced in manuscript preparation, grant writing, and ethics applications
  • Proficient in both qualitative and quantitative research design, with hands-on experience in conducting interviews, thematic analysis, survey design, statistical analysis (eg, SPSS), and mixed-methods approaches
  • Research Skills: Proficient in NVivo, SPSS, and R for qualitative and quantitative data analysis
  • Technical Skills: Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and both Windows and MacOS operating systems
  • Languages: Fluent in English and Mandarin
  • Certifications: ICH Good Clinical Practice E6 (R2) certification
  • Soft Skills: Strong analytical, problem-solving, and time management skills; excellent communication and teamwork abilities

Research & Publications

Liu, E. (2023, September 8). Exploring Social Connectedness and its Impact on University Adjustment and Well-being: A Mixed-Methods Study in New Zealand [Poster presentation]. Auckland University of Technology Postgraduate Research Symposium, Auckland, New Zealand.

Book Chapter
International Handbook of Behavioral Health Assessment [In Press]

  • Contributed a reference book chapter of international studies validating the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire (reference book)

Pending Publications

  • Qualitative Study on University Adjustment Experiences: Analyzed interview data from diverse student populations to understand the role of social connectedness in university adjustment.
  • Validation of a Local Adaptation of the Student Adaptation to College Questionnaire: Conducted psychometric validation of a widely used questionnaire in a New Zealand context.
  • The Impact of Social Connectedness on Psychosocial Well-being in University Students: Explored the relationship between social connectedness and mental health outcomes using longitudinal data..

Projects & Achievements

Health Promotion Project: Obesity in New Zealand

  • Developed a health promotion plan targeting university students, incorporating the Maori health model and Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles.
  • Completed on time with high satisfaction from lecturers.

Wellness Enhancement through Cultural Art for Over 65s

  • Designed and implemented a wellness program for culturally diverse communities, completed within budget and with 100% satisfaction.

Research on Time Management and Academic Stress

  • Investigated the impact of time management skills on academic stress among first-year university students.
  • Gained deep insights into the challenges faced by students transitioning to university life.

Certifications & Licenses

  • ICH Good Clinical Practice E6 (R2) Certification
  • New Zealand Full Driver’s License

References

  • Available upon request.

Timeline

Research Assistant

Orthopaedic Clinic, Te Whatu Ora Health New Zealand
03.2024 - Current

Teaching Assistant

Auckland University of Technology
01.2023 - Current

Pharmacy Assistant

Pharmville Pharmacy
08.2019 - 08.2020

Volunteer

A Better Chance Charitable Trust
07.2019 - 07.2020

Ph.D. - Clinical Sciences

Auckland University of Technology

Bachelor of Health Science (Honours) - Health Sciences

Auckland University of Technology

Bachelor of Health Science - Health Sciences

Auckland University of Technology

University Entrance -

Northcote College
Yitong (Emma) Liu