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 identifying bacterial and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) transmission patterns for targeted intervention. 

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 Oxford Nanopore sequencing technologies. This initiative aims to improve local deployment of advanced sequencing techniques for monitoring emerging viral pathogens, fostering collaboration and skills development across LMICs in pandemic preparedness.

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

Beyond research, I am passionate about evidence-based policy, where I believe scientific knowledge can help improving policy and decision-making. I am actively involved in the Young Scientists Network-Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM), where we aim to increase the involvement of young scientists in STIE (Science, Technology, Innovation, and Economy) policies. 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.