Dr. SUEN Ka Chun Principal

Education: Science Education and Gifted Education

Neuroscience: Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and Neuroprotection

Doctor of Philosophy (Field of Study: Neuroscience), Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) (Supervisors: Prof. Kwok-Fai SO, Prof. Jacques HUGON and Dr. Raymond Chuen-Chung CHANG)

Master of Arts (Liberal Studies), The Hong Kong University of Science and Technolog (HKUST)

Postgraduate Diploma in Education (Science Education, Secondary Programme), The Education University of Hong Kong (EdUHK)

Bachelor of Science in Applied Biology (First Class Honours), Hong Kong Baptist University (HKBU) (Final-year Project: Developmental expression of NMDA receptors in cultured striatal and nigral neurons. Supervisor: Prof. Ken Kin-Lam YUNG)

Professional Development Course for Secondary School Graduate Teachers, In-Service Teacher Education Programme, Faculty of Education, The University of Hong Kong

Certification for Principalship, Education Bureau

Healthy lifestyle in adolescents (Collaborative research projects with Dr. Janice Y.S. Ho, PolyU and Dr. Raymond C.C. Chang, HKU)

Project started in 2015: Investigation of sleep quality and executive functioning in Hong Kong adolescents

Output:

Suen K.C., Cheung T.W., Li L.M., Lo B.C.Y., Lam H.C. Wong Y.H., Yuen C.T., Chang R.C.C. (2008) Immediate night-time sleep helps memory consolidation in adolescents aged 13-14. Society for Neuroscience. No. 587.5/SS67 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online).

Suen K.C., Ho H.L., So C.Y., Ma K.M., Chang R.C.C. (2006) Doing physical exercise has no indication on learning and memory enhancement in children aged 13-15. Society for Neuroscience. No. 365.4/GG7 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online).

Sum C.M., Lui B., Sy L.H., Chan W.H., Wong C.H., Suen K.C., Chang R.C.C. (2006) Increment of sleeping time does not implicate enhancement on memory and learning in adolescents. Society for Neuroscience. No. 365.3/GG6 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online)

Drug discovery for treatment of neurodegenerative diseases (Collaborative research projects with Dr. Raymond C.C. Chang, HKU)

Output:

Project titled “金桔核提取物的脑神经保护作用” was awarded with The Best 10 Innovation Projects Award (十佳科技創意之星) and 1st Place Grand Award (一等獎) in 30th China Adolescent Science and Technology Innovation Contest (第三十屆全國青少年科技創新大賽)

Suen K.C., Tang W.S., Hau P.C., Ma H.H., Chow P.C., Hung Y.C., Shi P.L., Chau W.H., Chan W.K., Chang R.C.C. (2015) Differential effects of seed extracts of citrus fruits against hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Society for Neuroscience (Conference 2015)

Suen K.C., Chung H.L., Ma H.H., Ho P.K., Chow P.C., Tong J. T., Abbass G., Chung C.Y. and Chang R.C.C. (2013) Dendrobium huoshanense can reduce hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Society for Neuroscience (Conference 2013).

Development of neuroscience curriculum for scientifically gifted students (Collaborative research projects with Dr. Raymond C.C. Chang, HKU)

Output:

Suen K.C., Tang W.S., Chan W.K., Chang R.C.C. (2015) Evaluation of five learning activities associated with live-cell imaging microscopy in a high school neuroscience curriculum for scientifically gifted students. Society for Neuroscience (Conference 2015)

Suen K.C., Li M.H., Chan W.K., Chang R.C.C. (2013) A neuroscience pull-out gifted program in a high school in Hong Kong: Connection of neurodegenerative diseases and traditional Chinese medicine in research-based learning. Society for Neuroscience (Conference 2013).

Suen K.C., Chu K.Y., Chang R.C.C., Chan W.K. (2013) An example of a high school in Hong Kong to develop a school-based neuroscience curriculum as a pull-out program for scientifically gifted students. International Conference of East-Asian Association for Science Education 2013. Poster Presentation.

Development of high-school neuroscience curriculum (Collaborative research projects with Dr. Raymond C.C. Chang, HKU)

Output:

Suen K.C., Chan W.K., Chang R.C.C. (2010) Development of a school-based neuroscience curriculum in a high school in Hong Kong. Society for Neuroscience. No. 23.5/NNN44 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online).

Suen K.C., Chan W.K., Chang R.C.C. (2008) Brain cell culture is an effective learning activity for high school students to acquire diverse knowledge and skills about neuroscience. Society for Neuroscience. No. 222.17/UU5 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online).

Suen K.C., Chan W.K., Chang R.C.C. (2007) Research-based learning associated with an authentic topic can promote active learning in high school neuroscience lessons. Society for Neuroscience. No. 29.8/PPP29 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online).

A. Peer-reviewed Journal

1. Yu M.S., Suen K.C., Kwok N.S., So K.F., Hugon J., Chang R.C.C. (2006) Beta-amyloid peptides induces neuronal apoptosis via a mechanism independent of unfolded protein responses. Apoptosis 11(5): 687-700.
2. Lin K.F., Chang R.C.C., Suen K.C., So K.F., Hugon J. (2004) Modulation of calcium/calmodulin kinase-II provides partial neuroprotection against beta-amyloid peptide toxicity. Eur J Neurosci 19(8): 2047-55.
3. Suen K.C., Yu M.S., So K.F., Chang R.C.C., Hugon J. (2003) Upstream signaling pathways leading to the activation of double-stranded RNA-dependent serine/threonine protein kinase in beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. J Biol Chem 278(50): 49819 – 49827.
4. Suen K.C., Lin K.F., Elyaman W., So K.F., Chang R.C.C., Hugon J. (2003) Reduction of calcium release from the endoplasmic reticulum could only provide partial neuroprotection against beta-amyloid peptide toxicity. J Neurochem 87(6): 1413-1426. Erratum in: J Neurochem 88(4): 1040.
5. Lui P.W., Suen K.C., Chan Y.S., Yung W.H., Yung K.K.L. (2003) Striatal neurons but not nigral neurons in primary cell culture express endogenous functional N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Mol Brain Res 120: 9-21.
6. Chang R.C.C., Suen K.C., Ma C.H., Elyaman W., Ng H.K., Hugon J. (2002) Involvement of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase and phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor-2 alpha in neuronal degeneration. J Neurochem 83(5): 1215-1225.
7. Elyaman W., Terro F., Suen K.C., Yardin C., Chang R.C.C., Hugon J. (2002) BAD and Bcl-2 regulation are early events linking neuronal Golgi disassembly to mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. Mol Brain Res 109(1-2): 233-238.

B. Conference Poster, Abstract and Invited Presentation

(* correspondence author)

1. Suen K.C.*, Li M.H., Li M.H., Lin M.Y., Tang W.S., Cheung H.M., Chan W.K., and Chang R.C.C. (2019) Development of a novel science curriculum about neural stem cells for high-school students in Hong Kong. Program No. 022.01SA. 2019 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Chicago, IL: Society for Neuroscience, 2019 (Conference 2019).
2. Suen K.C.*, Cheung Y.Y., Hsu T.H., Wong S.W., Chan S.T., Cheng H.L., Law S.Y., Chong Y.Y., Hung K.C., Wong H.N., Wan K.Y., Leung H.Y., Liu K.C., Li T.Y., Tang W.S., Lin M.Y., Cheung H.M., and Chang R.C.C. (2019) The effects of different combinations of plant extracts and traditional Chinese medicine on hydrogen peroxide- and thapsigargin-induced neurotoxicity. Program No. 022.01SA. 2019 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Chicago, IL: Society for Neuroscience, 2019 (Conference 2019).
3. Suen K.C.*, Li M.H., Lin M.Y., Chang R.C.C., and Chan W.K. (2019) Evaluation of a research-based learning neuroscience curriculum for scientific gifted students: implications for nurturing future scientists. European Science Education Research Association Conference 2019.
4. Li M.H., Suen K.C., Lin M.Y. and Chan, W.K. (2019) Maximizing intrinsic interest and potential of science gifted students through 'structured school-based science gifted education framework' in a through-train school in Hong Kong. European Science Education Research Association Conference 2019.
5. Lin M.Y., Li M.H., Suen K.C. and Chan W.K. (2019) Promoting students' interest in science education through school-based biotechnology curriculumEuropean Science Education Research Association Conference 2019.
6. Suen K.C. (2018) Learning and Teaching Strategies Series for Biology and Combined Science (Biology Part): Practical Work in Biology. Invited presentation on June 15, 2018 by Education Bureau, HKSAR.
7. Suen K.C., Lin M.Y. and Li M.H. (2017) Highlights on POE (Predict-Observe-Explain) Teaching Strategy, Biotechnology Curriculum, Science Gifted Education and Neuroscience Curriculum, Presentation in Chief Executive’s Award for Teaching Excellence Showcase on Nov 25, 2017 by Education Bureau, HKSAR.
8. Suen K.C., Lin M.Y., Tang W.S. and Chang R.C.C. (2017) Evaluation of a pull-out neuroscience curriculum for high-school gifted students in science. Society for Neuroscience (Conference 2017).
9. Suen K.C.*, Lee T.H., Cheung Y.Y., Cheung C.K.Y., Wong K.C., Chan S.T., Law C.Y., Chau C.L., Wong S.W., Mok C.C., Tsui W.Y., Wan K.Y., Wong J.S.M., Hsu T.H., Tang W.S., Lin M.Y. and Chang R.C.C. (2017) The individual and multiple effects of Caulis Spatholobi, Salvia officinalis and Mentha citrata in hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity.Society for Neuroscience (Conference 2017).
10. Suen K.C. (2015) Teaching Strategies in Biology. An Invited Presentation of Understanding and Interpreting the Biology and Combined Science (Biology Part) Curricula (Refreshed) organized by Curriculum Development Institute on December 18, 2015.
11. Suen K.C.*, Tang W.S., Chan W.K., Chang R.C.C. (2015) Evaluation of five learning activities associated with live-cell imaging microscopy in a high school neuroscience curriculum for scientifically gifted students. Society for Neuroscience (Conference 2015).
12. Suen K.C.*, Tang W.S., Hau P.C., Ma H.H., Chow P.C., Hung Y.C., Shi P.L., Chau W.H., Chan W.K., Chang R.C.C. (2015) Differential effects of seed extracts of citrus fruits against hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Society for Neuroscience (Conference 2015).
13. Chu K.Y., Lam S.M., Suen K.C. (2014) Students’ Motivation to Produce Mobile-learning (M-learning) Materials.GCIN (Global Curriculum & Instruction Network) Conference 2014. Poster Presentation.
14. Suen K.C.*, Li M.H., Chan W.K., Chang R.C.C. (2013) A neuroscience pull-out gifted program in a high school in Hong Kong : Connection of neurodegenerative diseases and traditional Chinese medicine in research-based learning. Society for Neuroscience (Conference 2013).
15. Suen K.C.*, Chung H.L., Ma H.H., Ho P.K., Chow P.C., Tong J. T., Abbass G., Chung C.Y. and Chang R.C.C. (2013) Dendrobium huoshanensecan reduce hydrogen peroxide-induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells. Society for Neuroscience (Conference 2013).
16. Chu K.Y., Lin M.Y., Suen K.C. and Chan W.K. (2013) Effectiveness of the school-based Biotechnology curriculum – a science gifted programme for all. International Conference of East-Asian Association for Science Education 2013. Poster Presentation.
17. Chu K.Y., Lin M.Y., Suen K.C. and Chan W.K. (2013) How Nature of Science (NOS) can be infused to students through “Grassroom” in the sky? International Conference of East-Asian Association for Science Education 2013. Poster Presentation.
18. Suen K.C.*, Chu K.Y., Chang R.C.C., Chan W.K. (2013) An example of a high school in Hong Kong to develop a school-based neuroscience curriculum as a pull-out program for scientifically gifted students. International Conference of East-Asian Association for Science Education 2013. Poster Presentation.
19. Suen K.C.*, Chan W.K., Chang R.C.C. (2010) Development of a school-based neuroscience curriculum in a high school in Hong Kong . Society for Neuroscience. No. 23.5/NNN44 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online).
20. Suen K.C.*, Wong Y.H., Yuen C.T., Lam N.H., Ho H.Y., Lau Y.T., Cheng C.K., Lam H.C., Tam D.H.F., Lau S.P., Chang R.C.C.C. (2010) Elicitation of a pungent sensation does not implicate memory modulation in adolescents aged 14-16. Society for Neuroscience. No. 701.12/KKK33 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online).
21. Suen K.C.*, Chan W.K., Chang R.C.C. (2008) Brain cell culture is an effective learning activity for high school students to acquire diverse knowledge and skills about neuroscience. Society for Neuroscience. No. 222.17/UU5 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online).
22. Suen K.C.*, Cheung T.W., Li L.M., Lo B.C.Y., Lam H.C. Wong Y.H., Yuen C.T., Chang R.C.C. (2008) Immediate night-time sleep helps memory consolidation in adolescents aged 13-14. Society for Neuroscience. No. 587.5/SS67 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online).
23. Suen K.C.*, Chan W.K., Chang R.C.C. (2007) Research-based learning associated with an authentic topic can promote active learning in high school neuroscience lessons. Society for Neuroscience. No. 29.8/PPP29 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online).
24. Chan W.K. and Suen K.C. (2007) The Development of a School-Based Science Curriculum - Biotechnology: Let us work together to make a difference. An Invited Presentation of iLongman’s Integrated Seminar on March 24, 2007 .
25. Chang R.C.C., Suen K.C., Yu M.S., Lai S.W., Cheung Y.T. and Hugon J. (2006) Roles of protein translation control in neurodegeneration of Alzheimer’s Disease. The 4th Congress of Federation of Asian-Oceanian Neuroscience Societies (FAONS) & Annual Meeting of the Hong Kong Society of Neuroscience.
26. Suen K.C.*, Ho H.L., So C.Y., Ma K.M., Chang R.C.C. (2006) Doing physical exercise has no indication on learning and memory enhancement in children aged 13-15. Society for Neuroscience. No. 365.4/GG7 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online).
27. Sum C.M., Lui B., Sy L.H., Chan W.H., Wong C.H., Suen K.C.*, Chang R.C.C. (2006) Increment of sleeping time does not implicate enhancement on memory and learning in adolescents. Society for Neuroscience. No. 365.3/GG6 (Neuroscience Meeting Planner, Online)
28. Yu M.S., Lai S.W., Suen K.C., So K.F., Hugon J., Chang R.C.C. (2005) Beta-amyloid peptide-induced neuronal apoptosis is independent of unfolded protein responses. Society for Neuroscience. No. 786.5.
29. Chang R.C.C.,Suen K.C., Yu M.S., Lin K.F. and Hugon J. (2004) Molecular signaling of double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) in beta-amyloid peptide-induced neuronal death. J Neurochem (Suppl. 1) p20.
30. Chang R.C.C., Yu M.S., Suen K.C., Lai S.W., Kwok N.S. , Hugon J. (2004) Differential signaling of unfolded protein responses (UPR) and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in neurons exposed to b-amyloid peptide. Society for Neuroscience. No. 1000.22.
31. Yu M.S., Suen K.C., Kwok N.S. , So K.F. and Chang R.C.C. (2004) Lack of early activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress in beta-amyloid neurotoxicity. J Neurochem88 (Suppl. 1) p52.
32. Suen K.C., Hugon J., So K.F., Chang R.C.C. (2003) Reducing calcium-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress could attenuate beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. The 8th Medical Research Conference. Hong Kong .
33. Suen K.C., Hugon J., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C. (2003) Reduction of intracellular calcium increase provides partial protection against beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. J Neurochem87 (Suppl. 1) p96.
34. Suen K.C., Lin K.F., Hugon J., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C. (2003) Reducing calcium-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress could attenuate beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. Neurosci Lett Supp 349: Supp 1.
35. Suen K.C., Yu M.S., Hugon J., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C. (2003) Involvement of PKR in mediating the activation of caspases in beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. J Neurochem87 (Suppl. 1) p96.
36. Suen K.C., Yu M.S., Hugon J., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C. (2003) PERK might not be involved in beta-amyloid peptide-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in neurons. J Neurochem87 (Suppl. 1) p96.
37. Suen K.C., Yu M.S., Hugon J., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C. (2003) Activation of the PKR-eIF2a pathway is mediated by caspase-3 activation. Neurosci Lett Supp 349: Supp 1.
38. Chang R.C.C., Suen K.C., Yu M.S., So K.F. and Hugon J. (2003) Upstream signaling of PKR in Beta-Amyloid Peptide Neurotoxicity. Society for Neuroscience. No. 210.16.
39. Lin K.F., Suen K.C., Hugon J., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C. (2003) Roles of calcium / calmodulin kinase-II attenuates beta-amyloid peptide-mediated neurotoxicity. Neurosci Lett Supp 349: Supp 1.
40. Suen K.C., Chang R.C.C., Lin K.F. and Hugon J. (2002) Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor modulators protect neurons against beta-amyloid peptides (25-35 and 1-42)-induced toxicity. Society for Neuroscience. No. 892.1.
41. Suen K.C., Chang R.C.C., Elyaman W. and Hugon J. (2002) Inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor antagonists attenuate beta-amyloid peptide-induced neurotoxicity. Neurosci Lett Supp 331: Supp 1.
42. Suen K.C., Hugon J., So K.F. and Chang R.C.C. (2002) Modulation of Calcium-Mediated Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Attenuates Beta-Amyloid Peptide Neurotoxicity. 7th Research Postgraduate Symposium. Hong Kong .
43. Chang R.C.C., Suen K.C., Lin K.F. and Hugon J. (2002) Early activation of caspase-3 by beta-amyloid peptides (25-35, 1-42) stimulates the activation of double-stranded RNA-regulated protein kinase and cleavage of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha. Society for Neuroscience. No. 91.18.
44. Chang R.C.C., Suen K.C., Ma C.H., Elyaman W., Ng H.K. and Hugon J. (2002) Involvement of phosphorylation of eukaryotic factor 2a (EIF2a) and double-stranded RNA-dependent protein kinase (PKR) in neuronal apoptosis. Neurosci Lett Supp 331: Supp 1.
45. Lin K.F., Chang R.C.C., Suen K.C., Hugon J. (2002) Calcium/calmodulin dependent protein kinase-II inhibition attenuates beta-amyloid induced neurotoxicity. Society for Neuroscience. No. 91.13.
46. Elyaman W., Chang R.C.C., Suen K.C. and Hugon J. (2002) A novel mechanism of neuroprotection mediated by lithium and valproate: inhibition of eukaryotic initiation factor-2a phosphorylation induced by apoptotic stimuli in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Neurosci Lett Supp 331: Supp 1.
47. Lin K.F., Chang R.C.C., Suen K.C. and Hugon J. (2002) Calcium/Calmodulin kinase II inhibitor antagonists attenuate beta-amyloid induced neurotoxicity. Neurosci Lett Supp 331: Supp 1.
48. Suen K.C., Yu M.S., Hugon J., So K.F., Chang R.C.C. (2002) Activation of the PKR-eIF2a pathway is mediated by caspase-3 activation. Abstract. The Hong Kong Society of Neurosciences, Hong Kong
49. Suen K.C., Lim K.F., Hugon J., So K.F., Chang R.C.C. (2002) Reducing calcium-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress could attenuate beta-amyloid peptide neurotoxicity. The Hong Kong Society of Neurosciences, Hong Kong
50. Lim K.F., Suen K.C., Hugon J., So K.F., Chang R.C.C. (2002) Roles of calcium / calmodulin kinase-II attenuates beta-amyloid peptide-mediated neurotoxicity. The Hong Kong Society of Neurosciences, Hong Kong.
51. Suen K.C., Chang R.C.C., Ma C.H., Elyaman W. and Hugon J. (2001) Calcium could mediate the hyperphosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha in neurons induced by beta-amyloid peptide 25-35. Society for Neuroscience. No. 428.9.
52. Suen K.C., Lui P.W. and Yung K.K.L. (2001) Cellular expression of NMDA receptors in striatal and nigral neurons in culture. Neurosci Lett Supp 313: Supp 1.
53. Chang R.C.C., Suen K.C., Ma C.H. and Hugon J. (2001) Expression of phosphorylated eukaryotic initiation factor 2 alpha in neuronal apoptosis beta-amyloid toxicity. Society for Neuroscience. No. 772.12.