In progress. The research themes are (i) food safety and bacterial pathogens and (ii) antimicrobial resistance in the environment.

Diving into the microscopic universe, we are investigating the Klebsiella pneumoniae bacterium, seeking to understand the distributions and interactions of its type II TA systems and their involvement in antibiotic tolerance. These systems are like the bacterium’s internal ‘security team’, ensuring the stability of plasmid that can influence its virulence.

The research extends to the friendly Levilactobacillus brevis, where we mapped out its own type II TA systems and CRISPR-Cas systems — a fascinating molecular defense mechanism that could be likened to a ‘genetic immune system’.

Lastly, a meticulous effort is underway to create a ‘golden dataset’, a carefully curated collection of mobile genetic elements (VRprofile2) that are known to swap between organisms, carrying with them the blueprints for antibiotic resistance and the intriguing toxin-antitoxin systems (TADB 3.0).

These studies are not just scientific inquiries; they are adventures into the unseen, with the potential to shape our future health landscape.

Embarking on a journey to unravel the mysteries of health, we have embarked on various projects that touch lives far and wide. From the battle against diabetes to the quest for understanding colorectal cancer and the ever-evolving fight against COVID-19, these studies aim to light the path to better health outcomes.

In a parallel stride, teams are delving into the stability of HbA1c measurements — a key marker for diabetes management—from samples that have braved the test of time in deep freeze. Another intriguing endeavor seeks to understand why participants might leave a long-term health study, aiming to ensure that every voice counts in the grand narrative of public health.

These projects, each a cog in the larger machine of medical research, represent progress in our collective understanding of diseases and health metrics. 

My project delved into the realm of bacteria, constructing mutants to shed light on the roles of specific genes in Burkholderia pseudomallei. The fliL gene, a maestro of bacterial movement, and higB, a toxin in the intricate toxin-antitoxin system, were the stars of this show.

Alongside this genetic exploration, I honed the art of aseptic techniques, ensuring a germ-free environment for my tiny subjects. The project also introduced me to the delicate dance of culturing and handling Caenorhabditis elegans, a model organism that’s as complex as it is minuscule. This journey is not just about understanding life’s building blocks; it’s about piecing together a puzzle that could one day lead to monumental breakthroughs in science and medicine.