Singapore
Interdisciplinary researcher with a strong foundation in biology and a current PhD focus in materials science, specializing in nanotoxicology. I bring a unique perspective at the intersection of biology, nanotechnology, and materials research. I hold an MRes in Experimental Neuroscience (Distinction) from Imperial College London, and have over three years of hands-on research experience in a stem cell-based neurotherapeutics lab at A*STAR. My academic and professional journey spans neuroscience, cell biology, and nanomaterials, equipping me to tackle complex challenges in both fundamental science and applied innovation. I'm particularly passionate about leveraging nanotechnology to advance skincare and cosmetic formulations, with a strong interest in understanding how nanomaterials interact with skin biology at the cellular level.
• Project lead for international collaboration under JSPS with Tohoku University, focusing on the toxicological assessment of nanoplastics and their impact on human health. • Consultant for mineral analysis in the Israel–Singapore Urban Farm (iSURF) project, supporting the initiative “Data-Intensive Autonomous Intelligent Urban Farming for Whole-Plant Yield Optimization.” Responsible for managing a 5-member team, ensuring timely and cost-effective completion of mineral analyses. • Providing mentorship to both local and international undergraduate students, supporting their academic development through guidance in experimental techniques, data interpretation, and research communication.
• Published PhD research on the effects of metal oxide nanoparticles on healthy and psoriasis-like human epidermal keratinocytes in vitro (DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03848-6) in Archives of Toxicology, contributing to the understanding of nanoparticle–skin interactions in both healthy and diseased states. • Collaborated with the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) on a multidisciplinary research project, contributing to the publication "Assessing nanotoxicity of food-relevant particles: A comparative analysis of cellular responses in cell monolayers versus 3D gut epithelial cultures" (DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.115055) in Food and Chemical Toxicology. • Presented PhD research at local and international conferences, including the IUPESM World Congress 2022 in Singapore and the ESTIV Congress 2024 in Prague, showcasing work at the intersection of nanotoxicology and materials science • Provided teaching support and mentorship to undergraduate final-year project students, guiding experimental design, data analysis, and scientific communication. • Lab skills - Nanoparticles characterisation (DLS, TEM, ICP-OES, dosimetry), confocal microscopy, western blot, molecular assays, cell culture, histology
• Independent research on the effects of nanoplastics on neurons • Recruited as one of the three procurement leads for A*STAR’s Stronghold Diagnostics Lab (SDL) to ensure smooth running of COVID-19 testing operations: • Managed project budgets, coordinated the writing and submission of tenders, optimising resource allocation • Managed a team of 6 procurement staff • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to gather project requirements and create comprehensive proposals • Planned and executed item deliveries, overseeing logistical processes to optimise efficiency
• Established protocols to obtain brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) and lentivirus-induced motor neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) • Pivotal role in transforming an industrial collaboration into a service agreement; collaborated closely with company to accomplish monthly deliverables • Managed end-to-end procurement processes and coordinated lab duties to ensure a safe and conducive working environment
3 month-long internship with the Department of Anatomy in NUS • Research work under the mentor of A/P S Thameem Dheen • Worked to determine the effect of microRNA-101 over expression on specific inflammation markers in microglia cells Lab skills - Cell culture, quantitative PCR
4 month internship under Combat Care Laboratory Defence Medical & Environmental Research Institute • Focussed on a project on the Effect Of Modulation On Microenvironment And Functional Outcome After Traumatic Blast Injury (TBI) Of Varying Severity Laboratory skills - protein analysis experiment (western blot, multiplex, ELISA) Animal work - handled albino rats (feeding/injections/dissection) Outfield work - data collection