Sook Kwan (Leah) Leang, Malaysia
Research Assistant, Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore.
Bachelor of Science (Biotechnology), Bachelor of Science (Honours)
Within few weeks after returning home to Malaysia from Australia, I was offered a research position at the National University of Singapore. After much
consideration, I decided to take up this job and so far, I am fully content with this stimulating and challenging position. Currently I am working on a research
project involving the testing of antiviral effects of a drug on various viruses that includes influenza A virus, measles virus, herpes simplex virus, murine
hepatitis virus, etc. using in vitro and in vivo systems.
My job responsibilities require me to plan and perform relevant experiments, some of which include the development of relevant animal models for the respective
viruses. Besides animal models, I am also involved in establishing cell-based assays for evaluating the antiviral effect of the drug. What I enjoy most about my
current job is that it allows me to apply my knowledge and skills, and the same time provides me with new knowledge.
I enjoyed the flexibility of my course. A wide range of subjects from different fields e.g. microbiology, biochemistry, molecular biology, chemistry, statistics,
mathematics were available, and this allowed me to identify my area of interest. After completing my three-year degree, I was keen to pursue a fourth year, mainly
in virology. I took up a research project on influenza virus, conducted at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Reference and Research on Influenza, Australia. The huge
amount of laboratory work that we were taught while at university has equipped me well, with diverse skills and knowledge that I can now apply to my current research career.
Time has flown since I left the Gippsland Campus. It was an absolutely thrilling experience, and I will never forget the beautiful setting of the campus
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