I obtained my PhD in Medical Microbiology from University of Malaya. My PhD thesis focused on studying the temporal dynamics of the gut microbiome and metabolome in preterm neonates. Along the way, I also characterised multidrug-resistant bacteria isolated from these neonates using microbial genomic methods.

In 2021, I joined Monash University Malaysia on a postdoctoral fellowship to investigate the One Health genomic transmission dynamics of multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. I work on isolates from clinical, water, soil samples, healthy Malaysians, and the indigenous (Orang Asli) population. This has enabled me to adopt a multidisciplinary approach, integrating microbiology, microbial genomics, microbiomes, health, and dietary data to explore complex interactions between environmental and human health factors, particularly how diet and exposure to different ecosystems influence bacterial transmission and antimicrobial resistance patterns.

Since 2022, I have also served as the point of contact and principal investigator for an international partnership focused on enhancing capacity building to strengthen viral infection surveillance in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) through portable sequencing technologies. This initiative aims to improve the rapid detection and monitoring of viral pathogens, fostering collaboration and skill development across LMICs.

Research Interest and Area of Expertise

• Medical Microbiology – NGS of clinically important pathogens; Antimicrobial Resistance; Molecular Genomics; Molecular Epidemiology
• Urban and Rural Health – Gut microbiome; One Health; Neglected tropical diseases
• Omics Technologies – Metagenomics and Metabolomics
• Natural products – Drug discovery; Reversal of antimicrobial resistance and mechanism

Beyond research, I am passionate about science policy, science communication and science leadership. I am actively involved in the Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM), particularly the Science Leadership working group, where I'm excited to nurture the new generation of young scientists, inspiring them to contribute to society. I am also a Lesson Leader of One Health Lessons, taking on a mission to get every child on the planet caring about One Health.