Prior to joining SERI, I was engaged in biomedical industry research at Viacell Singapore Pte Ltd, a former research arm of ViaCell, Inc. (Cambridge, USA). I was group leader of a team in search of improved cellular therapeutic applications for cord blood stem cells. The challenge at the time was expansion of sufficient stem cells from cord blood for transplantation purposes. We made progress in this arena by improving the transplantation potential of these cells via modification of the culture environment of cord blood cells, details of which have been published in the European Journal of Hematology. Prior to Viacell, my vast experience in cell biology was gained in the laboratory of Professor Wanjin Hong, executive director of IMCB. While here, I characterized the biology of a gene which we have named Endofin. I have also received postdoctoral training in the Amgen Research Institute (Toronto, Canada). In my time there, I discovered new isoforms of the then newly identified gene called synaptojanin 2. Besides being a cell biologist, I am also a biochemist by training, having received my DPhil from the Department of Biochemistry, University of Oxford (United Kingdom). My doctoral dessertation focus was the expression, purification and characterization of fibroblast growth factor-9 (Fgf9).

Discovery and development of next-generation anti-fibrotic compounds and biomarker detection for ocular and other fibrotic conditions, Prevention of scarring after glaucoma surgery.