Microalgal Science for a Healthier and Greener Future
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Dr Foo Su Chern foo. suchern @ monash. edu
Senior Lecturer
Expertise
Expertise Ecological research Public health Microalgae biology Education Bioprocessing and delivery Financial statistics technologies
Achievement / Award
National University of Singapore – Southeast Asia
( 2024)
Dean’ s Award for Innovation in Learning and Teaching( 2023) SIMPACT Emerging Researcher Award( 2022)
My research focuses on the natural production of high-value compounds such as fucoxanthin, lutein and phycocyanin, investigating their roles in ecosystems and human health. By understanding their ecological functions, I aim to develop sustainable extraction methods, to support applications in nutraceuticals, pharmaceuticals and biodiversity conservation.
I specialize in optimizing the microalgae value chain, from cultivation to harvest.
My work focuses on scalable, ecoefficient systems for biomass production and carbon dioxide mitigation. I develop integrated solutions that improve growth rates, nutrient utilization and harvesting
efficiency. These innovations support sustainable outputs for agriculture, food, fuel and environmental clean-up.
My research advances the stabilization and delivery of microalgal bioactives through innovative bioprocessing strategies. I integrate omics tools, from genomics to metabolomics, to identify, characterize and optimize high-value compounds. Microencapsulation is also used to enhance shelf life, bioavailability and functionality of these bioactives. This multidisciplinary approach supports the development of potent ingredients for use in food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
I am a strong believer in translating research findings to benefit industries through transdisciplinary collaboration and co-creation
SCHOOL OF SCIENCE CAPABILITIES