
Dr Algae AU
Research Assistant Professor
- +852 3400 8380
- algae-kit-yee.au@polyu.edu.hk
Biography
Dr Au’s research interests include psychological well-being; globalization and acculturation; and pro-environmental behaviors, with a special focus on sharing economy—especially freecycling and peer-to-peer food sharing. She employs a comprehensive approach to her research, including quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. Her scholarly contributions have been recognized through publication in top-tier international journals including Humanities & Social Sciences Communications and Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology, reflecting the high calibre of her work. She is an active member of several international psychological associations and a Registered Psychologist of the Hong Kong Psychological Society.
Education and Academic Qualifications
- PhD in Psychology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
Professional Qualifications
Teaching Area
Research Interests
- PI, PolyU RAP Start-up Fund (2024-2026), “Relationships between Ecological Self-construal, Pride, Guilt, and Freecycling: A 3-wave Cross-lagged Longitudinal Study”
- PI, PolyU APSS Departmental General Research Fund (2025-2027), “Who Participate in Peer-to-Peer Food Sharing, and Why: A Mixed-Methods Study in Hong Kong”
- Co-I, Faculty Development Scheme 2024/2025, University Grants Committee, “Motives for Constructing a Pro-Environmental Identity: A Mixed Methods Sequential Exploratory Investigation”
- Co-I, General Research Fund 2024/2025, Research Grants Council, “Prosociality as a Natural Sleeping Pill? Examining the Reciprocal Relationship between Acting Kindly and Sleeping Well”
- Co-I, Theme-based Exercise under Public Policy Research Funding Scheme (2025-2026), Chief Executive's Policy Unit, “Enhancing Cultural Integration for Non-Local Students in Hong Kong: A Multicultural Acquisition Approach to Policy Development”