A QUICK GLANCE AT OUR KEY RESEARCH AREAS
Green and sustainable chemistry
We are retooling biological waste for sustainability .
• Analytical chemistry
• Hydrogels
• Medicinal chemistry
• Nanotechnology
• Natural and bioactive products
• Organic synthesis .
Functional and future food
We are collaborating with industrial partners to develop foods for better nutrition and health .
• Biopolymers
• Fats and oil
• Food product development .
• Phytochemicals and bioactive compounds
Big data analytics and genomics for One Health
We are taking a multidisciplinary approach in using genomics , bioinformatics and big data analytical tools to attain optimal health for humans , animals and their environments .
• Agrigenomics
• Biostatistics
• Conservation genomics
• Immunogenomics
• Population genomics
• Sequencing .
Drug discovery and development
We are synthesising novel drugs and screening local plant-derived phytochemicals to develop novel antimicrobials and treatment options for other human diseases .
• Microbial pathogenesis
• Microbiomes
• Proteomics
• Venom and toxins .
Tropical and environmental biology
We are studying species biodiversity and ecosystems and the impacts of climate change with a focus on conservation for posterity .
• Bioremediation
• Biosourcing and bioprospecting
• Ecology
• Microalgae
• Microbes as biocontrol agents .
Figuring out the unknown excites and motivates me to pursue a postgraduate degree . Monash University is a leading research institute well-known for supporting independent research . The constant guidance and encouragement to explore from my supervisors helped me get through this rollercoaster ride . I am thankful to have such approachable supervisors . Apart from acquiring technical skills , my research experiences also broadened my interest and strengthened my transferable skills , and personal and professional growth in various aspects .”
SOFFI LAW KEI KEI
Bachelor of Medical Bioscience Bachelor of Science ( Honours ) Currently pursuing the Doctor of Philosophy
Global Excellence and Mobility Scholarship ( GEMS ) scholar Silver Award , 34th International Invention , Innovation and Technology Exhibition 2023 Silver Award , MTE 2023 Sustainable Development Goals International Innovation Awards and Expo Silver Award , Microbes Invention Innovation and Ideation Challenge 2023
Antibiotics are crucial weapons against bacterial infections , yet the continuous adaptation of bacteria can render these drugs ineffective . Soffi ’ s research aims to address this urgent global issue by exploring novel and sustainable antimicrobials . Specifically , she is screening innovative aptamers ( nucleic acids ) and bacteriophages ( viruses ) for promising antimicrobial properties . Through rigorous evaluation of bacterial responses to prolonged exposure to these agents , Soffi aims to uncover potent new compounds that can effectively combat resistant bacteria . Her research holds immense potential in combating antibiotic resistance , potentially reshaping the landscape of infectious disease treatment .
7