PEOPLE

We are a multidisciplinary team and we value diversity, collaboration, and communication .

We are currently hiring Postdoctoral Research Fellows and Research Officers to work on funded projects related to RNA regulation, neurodegeneration and therapeutics. If you are interested in joining our team, please email Sherry.

SHERRY SHIYING AW, PHD

Principal Investigator

PhD in Developmental Biology, Harvard University, USA
BS in Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin - Madison, USA

EMAIL

MANDY LIM, PHD

Senior Research Fellow

PhD in Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

BS in Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore

PROJECTS: MicroRNA sensors; MicroRNA expression and regulation, RNA technologies and RNA therapeutics

I completed my PhD at Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory in 2019, where I studied mechanisms of miRNA processing and expression during development, and their biological roles in gene regulation. I am currently working on projects to engineer a novel context-specific ribozyme-based technology platform for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Besides translational RNA technologies, I am also interested in the non-coding genome in development and disease. In my free time, I enjoy solo travel and spending time outdoors in nature.

CHARANNYA SOZHEESVARI SUBHRAMANYAM, PHD

Research Fellow

Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore

Master of Technology in Biotechnology, Anna University, India

Bachelor of Technology in Biotechnology, Anna University, India

Project: RNA-based translational technologies for diagnostic and therapeutic applications

The domain of nucleic acid has always fascinated me. I obtained my doctoral degree from the National University of Singapore for my research on identifying the role of small non-coding RNA, piRNA, and its associated proteins in biological processes related to the brain. In my post-doctoral training, I wanted to focus on developing technologies that have translational potential to benefit people suffering from various disease conditions. Excitingly, my current work on RNA therapeutics aligns with my interest. Besides science, I enjoy spending time in nature (basically Opacarophile) and have a newfound passion for food photography and portrait sketching!

SHERMAINE TAY, PHD

Research Fellow

PhD in Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore

BSc in Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore

PROJECTS: Neurodegeneration (Spinocerebellar Ataxia 3) and RNA therapeutics

My PhD research was focused on developing a novel intermediate type zebrafish model for Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) and examining non-cell autonomous contributions of Schwann cells (glial cell) towards motoneuron degeneration in SMA. For my post-doctoral training, I briefly switched to using human pluripotent stem cell-derived sensory neuron to investigate the possibility of re-purposing TRPV1 antagonists (analgesic agent) as therapeutics against histamine-induced itch. Returning back to neurodegeneration, my current work seeks to use fruit flies, zebrafish and mouse models to identify pathogenic mechanisms that underlie tremor and protein aggregation in Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3). I mostly spend my free time sleeping and walking my part-time fat-ass dog around Singapore.

SHENGNAN LI, PHD

Research Fellow

PhD in Neuroscience, University College London, UK
BSc in Biomedical Science, University College London, UK

PROJECTS: RNA technologies for in vivo gene regulation

I graduated from University College London with a PhD in Neuroscience, the research focus for my PhD and 1st post-doc was to discover the novel genes involved in nociception pathways and understand their analgesic potential using gene therapy. In addition, I also worked with congenital insensitivity to pain patients to screen for potential disease-causing genes that is important for pain sensing. Subsequently, I joined another group that is working on the development of potential gene therapy to treat neuromuscular disease. I have strong interest in gene therapy, and this is fits well with my current project in the group. Beside science, I enjoy cooking, gardening and museums.

EUGENE LEE, PHD

Research Fellow

PhD in Neuroscience, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA
BSc in Biomedical Sciences, Imperial College London, UK

PROJECTS: In vivo applications of RNA aptamer sensors and actuators

I performed my graduate studies on brain-gonadal axis mediated temporal processing of intergenerational physiology and behavior in C. elegans during my PhD at MIT. I am now working on developing and applying RNA aptamer-based technologies in vivo to dissect various biological processes. I form part of an equestrian duo with my horse: Daytona Beach 111Z.

CHERMAINE TAN

Doctoral Student (A*GA)

Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering) (Hons), National University of Singapore, Singapore

PROJECTS: RNA therapeutics and delivery

I am a fresh graduate from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical Engineering). I enjoy working on interdisciplinary projects together with people of different expertise. The collision and integration of ideas from different minds has never failed to amaze me. As part of my resolution for the year, I have been trying to read a variety books during my free time these days and I also enjoy watching thriller and crime films.

NOOR UL AIN AKRAM

Doctoral Student (SINGA)

Bachelor of Science (Biochemistry),

Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan

PROJECTS: Ribozyme platforms

I am a fresh graduate from Quaid-I-Azam University Islamabad, Pakistan. During my undergraduate studies, I worked on a project dealing with the gene sequencing data of endocrine neoplasms and identified their potent micro-RNA (miRNA) based therapeutics. I am now working to develop a protein sensing RNA platform using directed evolution. Besides my interest in research, I have a deep-rooted love and passion for writing, travelling and photography. I like to spend my free time with my family. Moreover, I love to spend time in nature and exploring the beauty in its diversity.

WILSON YAP

Research Officer

BS in Life Sciences (Biomedical Sciences),

National University of Singapore

PROJECTS: New ribozyme variations

I recently graduated from the National University of Singapore with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Life Sciences (Biomedical Sciences). During my undergraduate years, I studied and worked on topics such as plant immunity, gene-editing systems and biochemistry. I wish to work in a different field from what I have previously experienced and further my understanding of how to do impactful research. In my free time, I enjoy watching various TV shows, dramas and documentaries.

SAMUEL KEVIN PASARIBU

Research Officer

BS in Life Sciences and Statistics,

National University of Singapore

PROJECTS: High-throughput ribozyme screening

Hi, everyone! I am just graduated from NUS with Life Sciences/Statistics double major. My research experiences include genetic engineering of filamentous fungi for heterologous protein production and characterization of a dual-role telomeric protein/transcriptional regulator. Currently, my interests are all about RNA technology, protein biochemistry, and cancer biology. I hope to contribute to the advancement of molecular therapeutics. Outside the lab, I spend my spare time as a volunteer competitive biology tutor, where I equip students for the national biology olympiad. I also enjoy hiking, gaming, listening to music, and reading music journalism, specifically modern Japanese pop. Please hit me up if you want to exchange music playlists :)

YOU!

Awesome Scientist

Lab Alumni

Chi Jie Ying, Research Officer (2021 - 2022), PhD student at GIS, A*STAR

Teo Shi Jie, Research Officer (2021 - 2022), Research Officer at GIS, A*STAR

Kah Junn Tan, Research Officer (2016 - 2019, 2021 - 2022)

Animesh Banerjee, Research Fellow, (2018 - 2021), Research Fellow in IMCB, A*STAR

Moumita Chatterjee, Research Officer (2019 - 2021), PhD student at Neuroscience at Instituto de Neurociencias

Kangyu Su, Research Officer (2019 - 2020)

Koh Chong Hui, Research Officer (2017 - 2019), PhD student in School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, NTU

Chong Swee Tong, Research Officer (2017 - 2019)