Dr. Guoyan (Emily) Yang is a Research Support Program Fellow in Healthy Ageing at NICM Health Research Institute (NICM HRI), Western Sydney University. Her research focuses on evaluating complementary and integrative medicine interventions for chronic disease prevention and management, with a particular emphasis on Tai Chi for heart and mental health. She has extensive experience in designing and conducting Tai Chi clinical trials and specialises in intervention development and adaptation for chronic disease management. Her research examines physiological, psychosocial, and behavioural outcomes such as exercise capacity, cardiorespiratory efficiency, physical activity, quality of life, mood, and self-efficacy.

Dr. Yang has published over 80 peer-reviewed research papers and has presented at numerous domestic and international conferences. Recognised among the prestigious Stanford University and Elsevier's World's Top 2% Scientists, her research maintains a strong impact. She serves on the editorial board of three peer-reviewed journals and reviews for several Q1 medical journals. In 2023, she was appointed NICM HRI’s HDR Coordinator, where she worked closely with the HDR Director to streamline candidature processes and cultivate a support environment for over 40 HDR students. Dr. Yang has built a strong network of national and international collaborations, partnering with 24 prestigious organisations worldwide. Over 50% of her publications are co-authored with researchers from global institutions, reflecting the breadth of her collaborative research efforts.

In addition to her research, Dr. Yang is an experienced Tai Chi instructor. Since 2006, she has trained under Beijing Chen-style Tai Chi Grant Master Tian Qiutian and Zhang Peijun in Beijing, continuing her lifelong pursuit of Tai Chi journey. She teaches Tai Chi at the Next Practice Western Sydney Integrative Health clinic at Western Sydney University and the Boyuan Tai Chi for Health Association Australia, promoting evidence-based practice. Passionate about community engagement, she has delivered over 30 health talks and workshops on Tai Chi for heart and mental health at local libraries and community organisations.