Yee Hoon Foong

UPenn PhD | Computational Biology Postdoc in Cancer Immunology | Bioinformatics | Project Manager | Consultant | VP of Operations

New York, New York, United States

About

• Over 8 years of research experience in the cutting-edge, innovative fields of genetics/epigenetics, molecular biology, immuno-oncology, metabolism resulting in 5 lead-author and 7 co-author publications • Proven expertise in analyzing multi-omics data to identify biomarkers and therapeutic targets in cancers • Strong project management and consulting expertise by successfully leading/ completing 3 consulting projects • Mentored 200+ students in graduate courses on the principles of epigenetics • Excellent oral communications by presenting scientific data to diverse audience in meetings and national conferences

Experience

  • Postdoc Fellow in Cancer Immunology (Bioinformatics) at NYU Langone Health
    Apr 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Mentors: Dr. Rami Vanguri & Dr. Ramin Herati • Performed integrative analysis of spatial transcriptomics and proteins, multiplexed imaging, and epigenetics to characterize human cancers and immune milieu of triple-negative breast cancer, melanoma, chordoma, urothelial cancer, ovarian cancer, cardiac sarcoidosis • Inferred copy number variant (CNV) on spatial transcriptomics datasets to identify tumor subclones • Developed bioinformatics analysis and automation pipelines for multi-omic datasets • Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams of physicians and scientists from top-notch institutions to investigate immunological responses and potential biomarkers for personalized treatment strategies • Presented translational research findings to physicians, scientists, and cancer patients in national and international conferences, fostering knowledge exchange and driving advancements in cancer research • Designed and developed an open-source R package (RippleR) tailored for concentric-circle based spatial analysis of Xenium and Giotto spatial transcriptomics datasets: https://github.com/yhfoong/RippleR • Published 3 first-author papers

  • University of Pennsylvania (6 yrs 7 mos)
    • Ph.D. Candidate in Genetics and Epigenetics
      Aug 2017 - Feb 2024 · 6 yrs 7 mos

      • Led dissertation project investigating the mechanistic functions of Tet1 epigeneitc enzyme in the adult cortex using various molecular biology and bioinformatics tools • Deconvoluted DNA methylation at CpG resolution, analyzed high-throughput RNA-Seq datasets, HPLC-mass spectrometry lipidomic and neurotransmitter datasets in adult mouse brain • Presented scientific data and concepts in >50 lab meetings, journal clubs, departmental talks, and conferences • Published 2 first-author and 1 co-author papers

    • Writer/ Editor for CAMB Newsletter
      May 2021 - May 2022 · 1 yr 1 mo

      • Write and peer-edit articles for the student-run quarterly newsletter

    • Graduate Teaching Assistant
      Jan 2022 - Apr 2022 · 4 mos

      • Led weekly graduate-level recitation classes and exam review sessions on the fundamentals of epigenetic regulation • Assisted in preparing and grading problem sets and exams for 100+ graduate students per semester • Supervised and mentored students by holding office hours

  • Penn Biotech Group (1 yr)
    • Project Manager
      Feb 2023 - May 2023 · 4 mos

      Led a team of 6 graduate students and postdoc to assess the market potential for a genome editting startup company

    • VP of Operations
      Jun 2022 - May 2023 · 1 yr

      • Spearheaded initiatives with a team of 6 Penn PhD/ MD students to organize the 3rd annual Penn Healthcare Case Competition • Sourced > $10, 000 in sponsorship and case prompt from top-tier consulting and life-science firms • Recruited 322 advanced degree graduate and professional students from 63 top national and international universities across 11 countries • Co-organize Investment Research Series

    • Consulting Team Member
      Sep 2022 - Dec 2022 · 4 mos

      • Awarded the PBG Fall 2022 Best Team Member for outstanding performance and contribution • Served as a consultant for a multinational biotech company on diabetic complications • Interfaced with advanced degree students and business executives to evaluate commercial landscape in various diabetic indications • Conducted primary and secondary market research and orally presented deliverables to client

  • Consulting Team Member at Penn Biotech Group
    Aug 2021 - Dec 2021 · 5 mos

    • Awarded the PBG Fall 2021 Best Team Member for outstanding performance and contribution to the project • Provided healthcare consulting services for venture capital firm on a 10-week project • Responsibilities include conducting and analyzing market landscape, primary and secondary research to identify investment opportunities in the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) market

  • Research Specialist at University of Pennsylvania
    May 2015 - Jun 2017 · 2 yrs 2 mos

    Institute for Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism