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Genomics and Bioinformatics for Aquatic Conservation
Dr Cheah Hong Leong hongleong. cheah @ monash. edu
Research Fellow Monash University Malaysia Genomics Platform( MUMGP) Expertise
Expertise Public health Education Conservation genomics Financial Bioinformatics statistics Marine biodiversity
My work focuses on whole-genome assembly, comparative genomics, population genomics, and eDNA metabarcoding analysis. Currently, I am working on establishing reference genomes and studying population genomics of native aquatic animals in Malaysia, with a particular emphasis on sea cucumbers, mantis shrimps, mud crabs peat swamp fishes, and elasmobranchs. This research is part of the Malaysian BioGenome Project and aims to contribute to the conservation efforts of these important aquatic species.
I have extensive bioinformatics experience in RNA-seq analysis, small RNA profiling, and whole genome assembly. My previous work has revealed complex regulatory networks and sRNAome that contribute to bacterial survival in hostile environments.
My research interests extend to noninvasive eDNA-based monitoring of aquatic biodiversity and the study of wetland ecosystems, contributing to our understanding of aquatic biodiversity and ecosystem health.
I am open to research collaborations in the fields of conservation genomics, aquatic biodiversity, and bioinformatics. I am particularly interested in projects that align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, especially those related to Life Below Water( SDG 14) and Climate Action( SDG 13)
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