Shirley is an Assistant Professor and the Departmental Research Postgraduate Committee Chairperson in the Institute of Human Performance at the University of Hong Kong. She is also an Adjunct Associate Professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education at the Hong Kong Institute of Education and an Honorary Fellow (Physiotherapy) in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Before joining the University of Hong Kong, Shirley worked as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Health and Physical Education at the Hong Kong Institute of Education and was a Clinical Associate (Physiotherapy) in the Department of Rehabilitation Sciences at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. She also worked as a physiotherapist for over 13 years and gained extensive clinical experience in pediatric, orthopedic and geriatric settings. She is licensed to practise acupuncture and is a certified Clinical Densitometrist (ISCD), Health Fitness Specialist (ACSM), Personal Trainer (NSCA, ACSM, IPTFA and ATFP), Tai Chi Qigong instructor (HK Wushu and Art Service Centre) and Ving Tsun martial art instructor (VTAA and HKWCU).

Being an allied health professional and a recreational martial art coach, Shirley is particularly interested in research related to sports science and rehabilitation, complementary and alternative medicine and rehabilitation for children with disabilities. Her research has produced a number of publications in highly-rated journals and she has published over 60 scientific articles and edited one book. Shirley also works closely with frontline clinicians and the mass media to translate her research findings into clinical practice and to benefit the community.

Shirley is also an educator and has over 8 years of teaching experience at the tertiary level. She received teaching award from the Hong Kong Professional Teachers' Union and a MEd degree from the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Currently, she teaches in the areas of research design and analysis and physical activity measurement.

Shirley is a specialist (medicine, health sciences, education and sports science) of the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic and Vocational Qualifications and was the public relations manager of the Hong Kong Physiotherapy Association (a member organization of the World Confederation for Physical Therapy). She sits on the editorial committee of a number of journals such as Medicine and BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation.