Assoc Prof Dr. Swee Sen Teo | Environmental sustainability | Best Researcher Award

UCSI University, Malaysia

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Teo Swee Sen began her academic journey with a Bachelor of Science with Honours in Biology from Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) in 2001. Her initial foray into research involved a collaborative project with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) at UPM, focusing on aquatic resources and environmental studies in the Straits of Malacca. Under the guidance of Prof. Dr. Akito Kawamura and Prof. Dr. Iwata, she catalogued local mudskipper species.

Professional Endeavors

After completing her bachelor's degree, He pursued a Master of Science in Genetic Engineering and Molecular Biology from April 2002 to December 2004. Her master's research involved developing and analyzing expressed sequence tags from Gracilaria changii, a significant agarophytic seaweed in Malaysia. She created a gene sequence library for this species, investigating its defense mechanisms against environmental changes. She then advanced to a Ph.D. in the same field, working under Prof. Dr. Ho Chai Ling (UPM) and Prof. Dr. Phang Siew Moi (Universiti Malaya). Her doctoral research isolated differentially expressed genes in Gracilaria changii in response to various stress factors, such as salinity, temperature, light intensity, and pollutants. She also successfully cultivated the seaweed in artificial environments to aid her studies.

Contributions and Research Focus

Her research has primarily focused on seaweed species, particularly their genetic response to environmental stress and their potential applications in biotechnology and environmental sustainability. Her expertise extends to biomedical research involving seaweeds, with a keen interest in their natural habitats and commercial applications while ensuring ecosystem preservation. She has been actively involved in projects related to sustainable development, particularly aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) and 14 (Life Below Water).

Accolades and Recognition

Her joined UCSI University as a lecturer in May 2008, rising to the rank of Associate Professor by January 2017. Her contributions to the field have been recognized through numerous publications in reputable journals. She has collaborated extensively with other researchers, contributing to the understanding and application of seaweed in various scientific domains. Her research on seaweed's potential in bioremediation, biomedical applications, and sustainable development has garnered attention and respect within the academic community.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Teo's work has significantly impacted the fields of genetic engineering, molecular biology, and environmental science. Her research has paved the way for advancements in seaweed biotechnology, highlighting its potential in addressing environmental challenges and contributing to sustainable practices. Her studies on the antimicrobial properties of seaweed extracts and their application in wastewater treatment and bioplastics demonstrate the versatility and importance of her research.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As an active researcher and academic, Her continues to explore new frontiers in seaweed research. Her ongoing projects include investigating the biomedical applications of seaweeds, developing sustainable practices for their cultivation, and enhancing their commercial viability. She remains committed to contributing to the scientific community through her research and collaborations, aiming to leave a lasting legacy in the fields of biotechnology and environmental sustainability.

Notable Publications 

Optimisation of RNA extraction from Gracilaria changii (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta)

Perovskite oxide for emerging photo (electro) catalysis in energy and environment

Analyses of expressed sequence tags from an agarophyte, Gracilaria changii (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta)

Analyses of expressed sequence tags from an agarophyte, Gracilaria changii (Gracilariales, Rhodophyta)

TRANSCRIPTOMIC ANALYSIS OF GRACILARIA CHANGII (RHODOPHYTA) IN RESPONSE TO HYPER‐ AND HYPOOSMOTIC STRESSES¹

Eicosane, pentadecane and palmitic acid: The effects in: In vitro: Wound healing studies

Effective microorganisms in producing eco-enzyme from food waste for wastewater treatment

Profiling the Transcriptome of Gracilaria changii (Rhodophyta) in Response to Light Deprivation