Pursuing her passion for chemistry, mathematics and environmental protection, Sally chose the Chemical and Environmental Engineering programme offered by The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology for her first degree. That was 20 years ago when the subject was still rather unfamiliar to the general public, so her parents and teachers were somewhat sceptical about her choice. Sally then wrote a letter to the chair of the department. The thoughtful and sincere reply she received encouraged her to keep following her passion and goals.

A Jockey Club Scholarship meant Sally had sufficient funds to pay the university fees, as well as more opportunities to explore the world. An exchange programme in the United States gave her the chance to attend one of the country's top chemical engineering department in Minnesota. Her exposure there sowed the seeds for her future as an atmospheric scientist. "That was one of the best things to happen in my life," she believes.

Sally has always been fascinated by the study of suspended particles. "Suspended particles play an important role in climate change and air pollution which causes the death of millions of people every year," she notes. Wanting to contribute to the world and inspire future generations, she decided to become a professor. "A professor is forever a teacher and student," Sally observes. She much enjoyed her teaching life, interacting with her students while pursuing her interest in research. Today, many of her students have become university professors themselves in Hong Kong or overseas, continuing to nurture new talent.

As a professor at the university, Sally fosters open communication and collaboration with students.

In 2021, the National Science Foundation in the US granted Sally funding of US$12 million to be the principal investigator leading a cross-university team to establish the Atmospheric Science and Chemistry Measurement Network (ASCENT). Aiming to find long-term solutions to air pollution and global warming, the team set up instruments in 12 locations in the country to monitor changes in suspended particles round the clock. Today, Sally and her team continue to make influential contributions to the academic field and human welfare.

Sally hopes to improve human health by studying suspended particles in air pollution.