K.W. (Kathleen) Guan

K.W. (Kathleen) Guan

Profile

Chronic health conditions are leading causes of death globally (over 70%) and encompass severe conditions such as cancer, stroke, diabetes, and depression. Risk factors for chronic diseases are complex and multifaceted, but their onset commonly occur in adolescence — a pivotal developmental stage for establishing healthy behaviours and lifestyle habits across the lifespan. To mitigate risk factors, facilitate preventative programming, and reduce the global burden of chronic diseases, Kathleen's research focuses on co-designing adaptive digital interventions (e.g., health chatbots, mobile apps) for health behaviour change with adolescents of diverse backgrounds. This work critically investigates participatory implementation of personalised health technology with young people and community stakeholders. It is informed by principles of precision medicine, child development, participatory design, health equity, and implementation science.

Read more

Academic background

Kathleen Guan is a PhD candidate in Digital Health at the Faculty of Technology, Policy, and Management, supervised by Dr. Caroline Figueroa and Dr.ir. Mark de Reuver. Her work is supported through 4TU Federation's High Tech for a Sustainable Future programme.

Kathleen holds a Bachelor's in International Politics (Law, Institutions and Ethics) from Georgetown University and a Master of Research in Developmental Neuroscience and Psychopathology from University College London, with thesis work at Yale School of Medicine. She trained in public health at Johns Hopkins and the World Health Organization and collaborated in user design research with the Qatar Computing Research Institute.

Kathleen has industry experience consulting start-ups in digital health research, and mentors master's students in health systems management and technology service design.

More academic background

Expertise

Publications

Media

More media

Ancillary activities