Curriculum Vitae

Dr. Ellie Chee Shi Yin is a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Faculty of Sciences and Leisure Management and a member of the Active Ageing Impact Lab at Taylor’s University, Malaysia. She completed her Bachelor of Environment (Architecture) and Master of Architecture at the esteemed University of Melbourne, Australia. She further expanded her academic pursuits, earning a Ph.D. in Hospitality and Tourism in 2021. Though in the early stages of her research career, she has already developed a distinct research interest at the intersection of active ageing, hospitality for seniors, and senior living environment. By harmoniously combining elements of architecture, environmental design, and gerontology, she provides fresh insights that significantly contribute to understanding and improving older adults' well-being. She has published articles in top journals such as the International Journal of Hospitality Management, Aging and Mental Health, Tourism Recreation Research, Journal of Gerontological Social Work, and the Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics.

Ellie’s journey into researching senior living and well-being has been largely shaped by her personal experiences. As a young girl, she was raised without the presence of her grandparents, except for a single grandmother who endured a decade-long battle with ovarian cancer and severe dementia. Living with her grandmother and serving as her primary caregiver gave Dr. Chee a deeply personal insight into the everyday realities of living with, caring for, and loving someone with advancing dementia. These early experiences fostered an acute understanding of the multifaceted challenges associated with ageing and healthcare. Her professional journey was also significantly influenced by the late renowned architect Dr. Brian Kidd, her mentor and thesis supervisor during her time at the University of Melbourne. Dr. Brian Kidd, a Senior Research Fellow with a specialized focus on designing for dementia, recognized her unique sensitivity and understanding of the elderly. He nurtured her potential, instilling in her a profound respect for older adults and a burning desire to make meaningful contributions in their lives. Under Dr. Kidd's guidance, the seed was planted for what would become her career's defining focus: creating senior-friendly environments. 

These personal experiences and early professional influences have inspired her research journey, a testament to her commitment to enhancing the lived experiences of older adults in our society. By leveraging phenomenological research methods, she unearths personal narratives and perceptions that offer invaluable insights into the ageing process. Her mission continues to be centered around enhancing the lived experiences of older adults in our society, bridging the gap between theory and practice with her unique blend of personal empathy, academic rigour, and architectural acumen.