Singapore
Scientist with molecular and data science skills acquired over 7 years of PhD/Postdoc research in Academia, mostly working on omics projects independently and collaboratively. I have adapted to several research areas (developmental biology, ageing and epitranscriptomics) with different model systems implementing a variety of molecular and sequencing technologies. In complement, I have developed the ability to effectively interrogate various sequencing data (Sanger/NGS/Nanopore) using custom BASH/Python/R scripting to produce publication level outputs. I can work locally or remotely on UNIX-based machines and HPC clusters (SLURM). I am passionate about scientific and technological developments and their potential to benefit the human condition with a special focus on sequencing and genetics. I continuously evolve my knowledge and technical skills to stay on the edge of innovation and inspire my own ideas. I also enjoy sharing my passion with peers and students; providing advice, supervision, lectures, presentations with an optimistic and friendly approach. Looking at the wider picture of my work and actions is an integral part of my person. Science is a crucial component of society that needs nurturing to inform and improve future society. To facilitate this I have led and contributed to local and national initiatives that: 1) seek to enhance scientific research culture 2) seek to enhance society by engaging with scientists 3) seek to develop the public image of science Member of the Genetics Society UK http://www.genetics.org.uk Recent activity: Currently developing Machine Learning skills.
Research (Hussain Lab.) - Investigating RNA modifications using sequencing techniques and bioinformatics: • First study profiling m5U RNA modifications at single nucleotide resolution across the human transcriptome, using novel NGS-based CLIP techniques: Performed experiments, analyses (bash/R) and co-authored manuscript. Initial data processed in collaboration with the Francis Crick Institute (Üle). • First study benchmarking direct human genome sequencing with Oxford Nanopore Tech. (ONT) MinION: Performed all analyses independently (bash, various tools and R) and co-authored manuscript. • Created pipelines to detect m6A RNA modifications in MinION data from novel CLIP-based experiments: Tested and troubleshooted different pipeline configurations and tools (bash/Python). • Benchmarking m5C identification from direct RNA sequencing using MinION: Performing all analyses independently using tombo, Python, bash and R (in preparation) • Supervised BSc, MSc experimental and bioinformatic student projects: Mostly teaching bioinformatics but also genotyping and characterising Zebrafish mutants. Teaching, Public Engagement & Other Activities: - Delivered lectures on Sequencing Technologies & Bioinformatics to the Intellectual Property Office (10/05/2017). - Delivered lecture on applying for postgraduate education to prospective international students (18/07/2017). - Founded the Postdoctoral Society for the Dept. of Biology & Biochemistry in October 2018. Chairing the organising committee. - Active Committee Member of Bath Science in Policy since September 2017. Helped organise 10+ events including chairing a panel discussion on AI & Policy (13/11/2018), attending an APPG on Chemical Weapons (19/01/2018) and networking with policy stakeholders. - Supervised 5 Undergraduate Project Students & 2 MRes Project Students - Entered the Royal Society "The Pitch" Competition for Research Culture: Changing Expectations Conference.
Research (Aboobaker Lab.) - Investigating stem cells, regeneration and ageing using Planarian flatworms • Identified telomerase isoforms by integrating NGS and RACE data: Designed and performed experiments (RACE) and sequence analyses (bash). • Characterised the role of JNK signaling in posterior regeneration of a flatworm (S. med): Performed revision experiments (RNAi, drug treatment, FISH) and co-authored paper. • Established a 3-year fellowship proposal to investigate RNA methylation in S. med: Designed, performed pilot experiments (RNAi, sequence analyses) and authored proposal. Teaching, Public Engagement and other Activities: - Oxford Stem Cell Institute Annual Symposium Delegate (2015) - International Symposium of Flatworm Biology Delegate (2015) - Big Data Science in Medicine 2014 (2014 Sep. & Dec. Symposiums) Delegate
Research (Ferguson Lab. & Breuker Lab.) - Pilot postdoctoral project with Dr Laura Ferguson. • Characterised the molecular expression of a large gene family: Performed experiments and bioinformatics (WMISH, sequence analyses) with pilot funding and supervision from Dr Laura Ferguson.
NERC Internship at the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) assisting Prof. Robert D. Possee with baculovirus research. • Classified hyper variable DNA regions and discovered a novel transposon: Generated and analysed baculovirus sequencing data in a Linux environment. • Identified new conditions for induction of cytopathic effects: Performed experiments recombineering baculoviruses and transfecting insect cell lines.