I am a detail-oriented Molecular Biologist with working experience in both industrial labs with high-volume output as well as academic research focused labs. My skills include : handling human tissue samples for both clinically diagnostic and academic research purposes, maintaining laboratory equipment and keeping the shared lab benches tidy and clean. I have demonstrated abilities in designing experiments independently, applying a wide range of molecular techniques to biological research, preparing reagents and solutions, as well as data analysis using various software in accordance with good laboratory practice (GLP). I have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, can work independently but also thrive in a team environment.
As part of my Master's degree, I conducted two years' biomedical research under innate phagocytosis division at Florey Institute. During this period, I have demonstrated outstanding skills in designing, running experiments independently as well as collaboratively; in recording and analyzing data accurately; in presenting data in regular meetings; in organizing journal clubs; and in academic writing and oral communication.
I also contributed to my laboratory by voluntarily taking administrative and housekeeping duties such as ordering and collecting products, delivering samples, being responsible for the autoclave services, disposing reagents and routine cleaning of the communal working area.
In addition, I volunteered in helping new members of our laboratory adjust to the new working environment, by providing them with both technical and mental support.
When I was close to finishing my research report, I joined the student support team at the Florey Institute for communication and interview skills. Tasks for this job includes:
During my internship, I worked in the Poliovirus vaccine production factory, and tasks for this position included:
As part of my Master of Biomedical Science degree, I worked on the development of urine or blood based test for early Alzheimer's Disease diagnosis with Professor James Wiley at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health. More specifically, I studied the role of a purinergic receptor called P2X7 in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. P2X7 possess two main functions which are both closely related to the innate immune system: as a pro-inflammatory receptor in the presence of its natural ligand ATP or as a scavenger receptor in the absence of ATP. By looking at how P2X7 functions differently between patients diagnosed with Alzheimer's Dementia/Mild Cognitive Impairment and healthy controls, we hope to understand how abnormally high/low level of P2X7 function alters the risk of Alzheimer's Disease.
From my previous experience as a Biomedical Researcher, I am proficient in a large range of Molecular Techniques that are commonly used in day-to-day Biomedical Research. My professional skills include: Cell Culturing, Bacterial Work, PBMC Separation, ELISA, Flow Cytometry, SDS-PAGE, Western Blot and so on. I have also demonstrated my postgraduate research skills by guiding and developing my own project, in consultation with other students in the cohort and other members of the laboratory.
In my free time, I enjoy yoga, swimming and walking my dogs. I am highly dedicated to animal welfare, particularly wildlife welfare & conservation. I organised and participated in fund-raising campaigns to help end circuses, animal abuses, and animal performances. My favourite animal is lions, but I love all big cats.
I love travelling too and have traveled to a lot of countries. I believe in a saying "traveling is the only thing that you spend money on but makes you richer" as it reflected on me well: not only traveling has largely broadened my horizon, it also taught me to respect very different cultures and ways of living in the world. I am very proud to call myself the global citizen.
I am fascinated about languages, thus I have actively taken languages courses throughout my undergraduate and graduate degrees. I speak:
References available upon request.