Alex Lau-Zhu

Accepting DPhil applications for next academic cycle

Promoting Youth Mental Health with the Science of Imagination

I am a Medical Research Council Clinician Scientist Fellow at the Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford. Clinically, I work with complex trauma and sexual harm in young people at Oxford Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (Horizon). I also hold a scientific affiliation at Imperial College London and a Committee for Children Research Fellowship at Linacre College. 

My translational research program is deeply curious about emotional, imagery-based, autobiographical thinking as a key transdiagnostic mechanism shaping risk and resilience in youth mental health (ages 13-24), across typical and atypical development. This developmental period represents a key window for mental health vulnerability - and a powerful opportunity for early interventions. Despite its potential developmental salience and appeal, emotional imagery has been historically overlooked in adolescence - better understanding it offers novel scientific and clinical insights.

My team integrates cognitive psychology and clinical science to drive developmentally-informed, imagery-based intervention approaches in youth settings. 

Current research areas include:

(1) "Flashforward" imagery in anxiety;

(2) Intrusive sensory-based memories of trauma;

(3) Imagery in autism mental health (e.g. emotional dysregulation and traumatic stress).

We integrate a wide range of methodologies, including experimental psychopathology, cognitive paradigms, systematic reviews, qualitative research, single case designs, trial designs, longitudinal approaches and experience sampling. We strive to work closely with young people and other stakeholders, so that our research remains grounded in lived experience and real-world relevance.

I am also committed to supporting diversity in academic and clinical psychology careers.

Our research has been supported by the Medical Research Council, Oxford University Press John Fell Funds, National Institute of Health Research Biomedical Research Centers (Imperial and Oxford Health), Economic and Social Research Council, Oxford Hospital Charities, NHS Health Education England, Cambridge International Trust, and philanthropic funding for autism research.

Brief Bio & Previous Appointments

My clinical-academic career is UK-based, though I grew up between Peru and China, giving me a cross-cultural perspective that informs both my research and clinical work.

2023-24: Research Tutor and Clinical Psychologist, OXICPT, Oxford Health NHS

2019-22: Clinical Psychologist in training (BABCP accreditation), University of Oxford

2016-18: Postdoctoral Research Associate, SGDP IOPPN, King’s College London

2013-16: Cambridge International Scholar, MRC CBU, University of Cambridge

2012-13: Low-Intensity Therapist, Sutton & Merton IAPT, London

2011-12: Assistant Psychologist, Traumatic Stress Clinic, London

2008-11: BSc (Hons) Psychology, University College London (Global Excellence & Ernest Hecht Scholar)

2007-8: General Studies in Liberal Arts, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Peru

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