Singapore
• Khoo Postdoctoral Fellowship Award (KPFA) 2020
• Team member of Singapore Oral Microbiomics Initiative (SOMI), National Dental Research Institute of Singapore (NDRIS). • Collaborated with a team of A*STAR scientists on discovery of novel drug targets to manage Candida albicans infections. Served as key project contact and managed timelines to ensure smooth collaboration and knowledge acquisition between both companies. • Optimized biofilm screening assays for Candida albicans haploid library. • Employed molecular genetics approaches to characterize novel genes in C. albicans. • Studied the association between novel genes and its virulence factors (eg: biofilm formation). • Monitored and managed research budget to ensure smooth delivery of project goals.
• Featured in The Business Times as part of a local disruptive food biotechnology start-up company – From cell to table: the evolution of food. • Simultaneously headed multiple projects and collaborated with a team of A*STAR scientists on flavonoid profiling. Served as key project contact and managed timelines to ensure smooth collaboration and knowledge acquisition between both companies. • Led a team of junior scientists on their respective research projects. Mentored them through the thinking process and experimental designs. Directed problem solving and resolution efforts based on each member’s strengths and capabilities. • Strategized and executed contingency plans to mitigate experimental risks. • Responsible for the lab’s communication materials and documentation for both internal and external audiences. • Facilitated the procurement process and secured approvals for funding in a timely manner. • Optimised HPLC running conditions for vitamin K2 (Menaquinone-7) analysis. • Developed screening assays for quantification of total flavonoid content and antioxidant properties.
• Co-founded an actinomycete culture collection (~200 strains) from various natural habitats in Singapore and characterised strains using 16S rRNA PCR. • Mentored a total of 17 attachment students (Junior College and Polytechnic) and Final Year Project students in bioprospecting environmental actinomycetes for natural product discovery. Ensured tight communication among students in various project groups and that project schedules are adhered to. • Appointed as safety representative and led safety training of lab members. • Initiated sample collection strategies and methodologies for effective isolation of actinomycetes from mangroves and marine environment. • Isolated and identified secondary metabolites produced by actinomycetes with anti-bacterial activities against Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and anti-fungal activities against Candida albicans.
• Performed hemolysis assay for determining the hemolytic activity of α-mangostin analogues on fresh rabbit red blood cells. • Carried out biophysical studies (Calcein leakage, SYTOX green, EtBr uptake, BacLight assays) to investigate the effect of α-mangostin analogues on Staphylococcus aureus bacterial membrane to confirm the mechanism of action (MOA). • Synthesised new analogues of α-mangostin analogues to improve the efficacy against bacteria and reduce toxicity against mammalian cells. • Mentored 2 Final Year Project students in anti-bacterial action of α-mangostin analogues determined through biophysical studies.