Singapore
Research Interests: My research explores the biological dynamics that drive fungal disease—from onset to outcome. For 10+ years, I’ve focused on uncovering how fungal pathogens adapt to the dynamic and hostile environment within the human body to establish and sustain infection. Expertise & Approach: Trained in multidisciplinary research, I integrate genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry and cell biology, to investigate the mechanisms of fungal pathogenesis. This cross-functional approach allows me to uncover new insights into how fungal pathogens evolve and persist, with the goal of advancing diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive strategies.
With 10+ years of experience, I integrate genetics, molecular biology, biochemistry, and cell biology to uncover how fungi drive disease. I’m driven to advance our understanding of fungal diseases and turning discoveries into meaningful advances in diagnostics, treatment, and prevention. I’m now charting an exciting new path— investigating fungal interspecies interactions and fungal–bacterial dynamics in chronic lung disease, a critical yet largely unexplored frontier of the pulmonary microbiome.
Understanding how cells navigate their surroundings and adapt is crucial, especially when combating drug resistance in fungal infections. Fungi present intricate challenges, and unraveling their resistance mechanisms could pave the way for innovative treatments. The quest to decode their adaptive strategies promises to redefine our approach in fighting emerging fungal threats.
I am interested in understanding how cells sense and respond to their environment. In the Wang lab, I use functional genomics approaches to investigate mechanisms through which Candida albicans respond to the varied microbial population in the host environment. I also investigate mechanisms through which Candida glabrata and Candida auris, an emerging fungal pathogen, develop drug resistance.
♦ Investigating the calcineurin signaling pathway in the clinically relevant fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans. Calcineurin is a serine/theronine phosphatase that has been shown to play a role in stress response in the yeast model Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and contributes to fungal virulence in various phytopathogenic fungi. My research seeks to elucidate the role that calcineurin signaling plays and characterizing its downstream targets. Findings from my research would contribute in developing new anitfungal therapies to tackle current and emerging fungal pathogens. ♦ Trained and supervised B.Sc. Honours undergraduate student
♦ As head tutor, supervised classes of ~90 students and ~5 tutors at a time. ♦ Supervised undergraduate students in molecular biology and genetic techniques, and bioformatics for laboratory components. ♦ Worked with academic and laboratory staff to improve coursework.