Kim Hou Chia Email & Phone Number

London, Gb

United Kingdom

Sino Biological Europe GmbH

My research focus on the phosphatase-mediated anaphase-promoting complex (APC/C) control using the cell-free Xenopus laevis egg extract system. Research techniques and skills used in this study include molecular cloning (restriction enzyme cloning, USER cloning, Gibson Assembly), protein expression and purification (bacteria and insect cells), immuno-depletion and adding-back purified protein into egg extract system, in vitro transcription and translation, reconstitution of enzymatic reactions (APC/C-mediated ubiquitylation, kinase assay and phosphatase assay, protein binding and dissociation assays), and handling of radioactive isotopes (Phosphorus-32 and Sulfur-35).Additional experience:- Successfully increased lab productivity by 30% by coordinating daily tasks with the team to ensure smooth laboratory operations, including lab inventory organisation and procurement.- Mentored a master's student in establishing a new method to degrade targeted protein. Techniques include protein purification using size exclusion chromatography with AKTA system, enzymatic assays and Western blot.- Mentor for 4 undergraduate students, and supervisor of an intern for 2 months internship.- Manager of two communal machines for booking, training, and machine maintenance.Publications: (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114155)

Nara, Japan

I studied the fission yeast TORC1 (or mTOR in human) signalling pathway, an important nutrient sensing pathway in cell, using genetic and biochemical approaches. Techniques used include genetic engineering (plasmid and yeast genome modification), yeast strain crossing/mating and tetrad dissection, protein immunoprecipitation, mass spectrometry analysis, and fluorescence microscopy. I worked as a team with 2 graduate students and uncovered novel function of 3 new protein complexes to control TORC1 activity.Additional experience:- Presented research findings at the 9th International Fission Yeast Meeting held in Canada in 2017.- Represented the university at an education fair in Malaysia for year 2015 and 2016, promoting study opportunities in Japan.Thesis: Identification of the Lam-Gtr1-Gtr2 complex as a novel negative regulator of TOR complex 1 in fission yeast.Publications: (https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.30880), (https://doi.org/10.7554/eLife.60969)

California, United States

- One-month lab-stay internship in the lab led by Prof. JoAnne Engebrecht.- Performed RNAi gene knockdown in Caenorhabditis elegans and analyse the knockdown effect on worm's survival rate and morphology under microscopes.- Completed a critical thinking training program organised by the UC Davis Extend.

Singapore

- Successfully contributed to the opening of 3 stores in Singapore by providing high standard of customer service together with the team to achieve sales target.

Penang, Malaysia

I isolated bacterial strains from a rubber plantation and identify their identities using molecular biology technique. I also studied the rubber-degrading ability of these bacteria using scanning electron microscopy, fermentation, and screen for their latex clearing protein gene.Additional experience:- Successfully contributed to securing the RU (Research University) grant by assisting with the application writing and progress report preparation.- Assisted in chemical stock management.- Supervised a BSc undergraduate student for final year project.Thesis: Isolation and characterisation of rubber-degrading bacteria from aged latex.Publications: (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2014.07.027), (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbiotec.2015.09.007)

Penang, Malaysia

- Assisted in bacterial fermentation (10L and 100L) for PHA bioplastic production.- Designed and managed website for the Malaysian Journal of Microbiology.- Assisted in editorial works for the Malaysian Journal of Microbiology.

Penang, Malaysia

I used a genetically engineered bacterial strain to synthesise new polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers, a type of bioplastic, using small scale (up to 1L) fermentation. These new bioplastics possess improved rubber-like elasticity. Resulted biopolymers were further made into mesh-films using electrospinning technology.Thesis: Biosynthesis and characterisation of new polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) polymers.Publication: (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.polymdegradstab.2010.09.011)

Singapore

- Worked in a highly controlled clean semiconductor facility.- Performed product quality check using stereomicroscope and critical dimension scanning electron microscope in the photolithography department.

Doctor Of Philosophy - Phd, Biology/Biological Sciences, General

Master Of Science - Ms, Microbiology, General

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Microbiology, General