Research focus
Obesity is commonly associated with the dysfunction of the brain. My research interest thus focuses on the understanding of the cross-talks between peripheral and brain circuits regulating appetite and body weigh homeostasis.
Background and experience
With a dream to be a scientist from young, I completed a Biomedical Science Bachelor degree at The University of Auckland, NZ and graduated with First Class Honours. Subsequently I did a PhD in the department of Physiology at University of Cambridge. During my PhD, I investigated the central site(s) of action of Ghrelin that act both within the central neverous system and at the pituitary to stimulate growth hormone secretion, also increase food intake resulting in increased adiposity. I joined IMS-MRL straight after my PhD and expended my research skills from in vivo into molecular and cellular approaches.
Working at the IMS-MRL
One of the objectives of my current post is to provide knowledge and experimental expertise for the fast-growing neuronal program of research. Over the years, I have taken a lead in establishing and optimising many techniques required for the identification and characterization of new molecules and pathways that potentially play a role in the control of energy homeostasis. With the growing availability of population genomic database, my research in more recent years has extended further to characterise the functional consequences of genetic variants of uncertain significance at greater scale. My skill sets span from molecular biology, genome engineering, RNA biology to protein biology and their application in various disease models including Stem cells, Drosophila and rodents.
In parallel to establishing techniques, I suggests, designs, and carries out experiments, I also played a key role in a range of managerial responsibilities on both strategic and tactical levels, including supervision and frequent scientific discussion with undergraduates, graduate students, research assistants and postdocs.
