Amy Cheung

Hi everyone! I’m Amy (she/her). I was born and raised on Long Island, New York. I’m the sister of two older brothers and proud daughter of immigrant parents who work in the food service industry. It wasn’t until I was an undergraduate student at Stony Brook University that I first thought about medicine as a career (thanks to the encouragement of my now spouse). There, I joined a basic behavioral neuroscience lab which sparked my journey into the world of research. I began my MD/PhD training at UMass Chan in 2015 which allowed me to combine my passion for behavioral research into a thesis project studying how the synaptic protein neurexin is involved in serotonin signaling. I was fortunate to receive the support of the NIMH through an F30 fellowship. During my time at UMass, I co-founded UMass MIND’s community outreach program called CIP (Community Intervention Program). Working alongside community members with serious mental illness, local mental health organizations, and academic institutions, we developed interventions including the Food4Thought nutrition program and drama therapy program, both supported by Remillard Family Community Service Fund grants. I aim to continue collaborating with the community to develop sustainable interventions focused on whole health and reducing stigma. I am someone who believes in the value of learning about the diverse experiences of everyone we meet as well as paying forward the support we receive. Outside of work, I love all things food (cooking, eating spicy food, trying new restaurants), staying active, and spending time with friends and family.