Singapore, Singapore
I am interested in understanding how genetic and non-genetic factors shape human immune responses to infections and vaccines, with a particular emphasis on how immunity evolves across the lifespan. My research focuses on dissecting host determinants of immune function, developing clinically practical methods to assess immune status, and uncovering the mechanisms driving age-related immune changes—such as the decline in naïve T cell populations and reduced vaccine responsiveness in older adults. By identifying key molecular and cellular pathways underlying these changes, I aim to reveal actionable targets to enhance immune function, particularly in aging populations. Ultimately, my work aspires to inform strategies that strengthen immunity, improve infection control, and optimize vaccine efficacy across both general and older populations.
Initiated and currently leading the development of methods that assess individual immune status --- a novel metric that predicts both infection outcomes and vaccine responsiveness
Uncovered mechanisms underlying GATA3 regulation by allergy-associated genetic variants in human T cells, advisor: Graham McVicker
Systematically dissected the roles of chromatin regulators in the regulation of gene expression during a yeast stress response, advisor: Oliver J. Rando.
Discovered the role of nuclear tyrosine receptor, ErbB-2, in rRNA biogenesis in breast cancer cells, in the laboratory of Long-Yuan Li and Mien-Chie Hung.