Eddy Wong

Senior Research Engineer | Microbiology & Protein Engineering | R&D Project Coordination | Research Operations & Programme Support

Singapore, Singapore

About

I am a passionate researcher with a background in semiconductor engineering, microbiology, and biochemical research, beginning during my bachelor’s and master’s studies. In my current role in microbiology, I have contributed to significant advancements, including multiple patents and peer-reviewed publications. I am particularly interested in exploring RNA biology, antimicrobial, and antiviral research. I thrive in collaborative environments and am eager to apply my skills and enthusiasm to innovative projects that drive scientific discovery.

Experience

  • Senior Research Engineer at A*STAR Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy & Environment (ISCE2)
    Nov 2022 - Present · 3 yrs 9 mos

    Key Responsibilities and Achievements: • Lead AI-driven enzyme engineering projects, utilizing molecular cloning techniques such as mutagenesis, PCR, Golden Gate cloning, and high-throughput screening methods. • Conduct large-scale mutant screening (2,500+ variants) using automated systems and advanced analytical methods. • Manage laboratory operations, including maintenance of equipment, inventory control, and procurement of supplies. • Oversee project budgets and resource allocation, ensuring cost-effective research execution. • Train and mentor junior researchers and interns in advanced microbiological techniques. • Collaborate with researchers from various institutes on translational research projects. • Author scientific reports and present findings at team meetings. Technical Skills: • Protein engineering, mutagenesis, PCR, enzyme assays, high-throughput screening, bacterial culture, gel electrophoresis, spectrophotometry, data analysis. Notable Outcomes: • Contributed significantly to the company's intellectual property portfolio by developing novel approaches in enzyme engineering and protein immobilization, resulting in multiple patent applications and potential advancements in point-of-care diagnostics and therapeutic applications within the first 2 years in the field Lab Management Responsibilities: • Manage laboratory inventory, equipment maintenance, and procurement of scientific supplies to support ongoing research activities. • Mentor interns and new hires, providing comprehensive training in advanced microbiological techniques and laboratory protocols. • Develop individualized guidance strategies to support junior researchers' skill development and professional growth. • Fostering collaborative research culture by promoting open communication, mutual respect, and shared scientific goals. • Develop strong interpersonal skills to build trust and rapport with colleagues across different disciplines.

  • Education Mentor at THAT TUITION CAFÉ
    Nov 2021 - Oct 2022 · 1 yr

    • Leveraged 15 years of teaching experience to drive expansion and innovation at the tuition centre, significantly improving student engagement and learning outcomes. • Established a strategic partnership with psychological experts to design personalized learning strategies for students with special needs, effectively bridging academic instruction with behavioural intervention. • Designed and implemented innovative, multi-faceted learning curricula that sparked curiosity and improved subject interest, resulting in significant academic improvements. Notable outcomes include consistently elevated student performance from failing to A-grade level within one academic year • Pioneered a holistic approach to education by incorporating neuro-linguistic programming techniques, fostering both academic excellence and personal growth in students. • Led targeted marketing initiatives and fostered strategic external collaborations, contributing to a significant boost in student enrolment. Key achievements include: • Increased student base from 15 to 50 over a 3-month period • Orchestrated three successful marketing events, each driving substantial sign-ups • Achieved a consistent month-over-month growth rate, exceeding initial projection • Continuously refined teaching methodologies to cater to diverse learning styles, demonstrating a deep commitment to student success and educational innovation. • Mentored and guided a growing team of educators, sharing best practices and fostering a culture of continuous improvement and student-centric learning.

  • Senior Development Engineer at HOYA Electronics
    Jul 2018 - Nov 2021 · 3 yrs 5 mos

    • Led the setup of a new Ion Beam Deposition (IBD) production line, completing the project ahead of schedule and contributing to significant revenue growth. • Designed and optimized processes for new film development, enhancing production throughput and improving quality yield through data-driven experiments and cross-disciplinary collaboration. • Developed and implemented comprehensive training programs for engineers, fostering knowledge transfer from Japan to Singapore operations and enhancing team productivity. • Initiated and led cross-departmental task forces to troubleshoot complex issues, significantly reducing machine downtime and demonstrating adaptability in a new technical environment. • Ensured compliance with ISO 9001 standards while managing patent documentation, applying meticulous attention to detail from previous research experiences. • Provided technical solutions to key customers in the USA, showcasing expertise in semiconductor applications and contributing to the development of innovative quality solutions.

  • Associate Researcher at Nanyang Technological University Singapore
    Aug 2013 - May 2018 · 4 yrs 10 mos

    • Conducted comprehensive research on polymer-mesoporous silica nanoparticle (MSN) hybrids for targeted drug delivery, advancing scientific understanding from undergraduate through Masters-level investigations. • Engineered and optimized MSNs with advanced surface modifications, enhancing drug loading capacity and enabling controlled release mechanisms targeted at cancer cells. • Conducted comprehensive material characterization using cutting-edge techniques including BET, NMR, and Mass Spectroscopy, while also applying biological assays to validate novel drug delivery carriers in cellular environments. • Designed and executed sophisticated in vitro and in vivo analyses, including cell culture techniques, flow cytometry, and confocal microscopy, to demonstrate nanoparticle cellular uptake, intracellular trafficking, and drug delivery system performance in cancer cell lines. • Focused on developing biocompatible nanocarriers for sustained drug release exclusively within cancer cells, employing techniques from both chemistry and cell biology to minimize toxicity to healthy cells and reduce side effects in cancer patients. • Bridged chemistry and biology by applying principles of molecular biology and cell signaling to optimize nanoparticle design for enhanced interaction with cellular components and improved drug delivery efficiency. • Contributed to collaborative research projects, including: o "Dual-responsive liposome as an efficient vehicle": Assisted in developing liposomes sensitive to pH and light stimuli for targeted drug delivery. o "Redox and pH Dual Responsive Polymer Based Nanoparticles": Supported the design of nanoparticles that respond to both redox conditions and pH changes in tumor microenvironments.