brief updates about life in Exeter

a summary about my life here,tiring but rewarding and enjoying :-p

-research

I am investigating proteome and metabolome of model plant, Arabidopsis and several mutants in response to biotic and abiotic stresses. Then, I will be employing systems biology approach to address metabolite or protein fluxes in response to these stresses.

basically my PhD research involves skills on:

• molecular biology/ genetic, cross breed and develop Arabidopsis double/ triple mutants
• analytical chemistry, GC-MS, LC-MS, spectrophotometer
• plant biochemistry & metabolism, enzyme assay, kinetic rate.
• physiology and plant cultivation: plant phenotypes
• abiotic and biotic treatments, plant pathology
• omics: proteomics, metabolomics
• bioinformatics: machine learning techniques, programming language, information systems, etc
• systems biology: computer modelling, network construction, statistical analysis

-teaching

As a teaching assistant, i conduct some teaching activities on several subjects like genetics, cell/molecular biology, and plant/ animal physiology in the 2009/10 academic session. Before that, we need to attend some teaching/ demonstrating workshops

In addition, I am intending to pursue a postgraduate certificate in higher education teaching (only attending 3 workshop and one assessment). Hopefully this qualification will serve as a stepping for me to pursue career in academic in the future (I think, haha).

-learning

i am new to research on analytical chemistry, systems biology, & bioinformatics. Therefore, I need to fill in both intellectual and practical skills. I am also attending some MSc modules myself to fill in knowledge gaps on bioinformatics & systems biology. This is a life long learning process, should grasp suitable training opportunities available, and always equip ourselves.

-other commitments

annually, we are required to attend a substantial amount of workshop and soft skills trainings. Also, we have to produce term, annual reports, learning agreements etc, attend seminars, meetings, etc.

No doubt, i still prepare meal/dinner myself, will share food prepared in the future..

-leisure  

out for a walk, shopping, etc. try to off email client when come back to home. schedule travel plan. try not over addicted to social networking, haha, Mostly check fb, blogs in the weekend only

-personal

i feel good and self-motivated as usual, as I believe “passion”, “commitment” and “prolonged interest” lead to your goal.

i am happy with “single” life too, so my friends don’t simply tag so many “puan sri”(s) to me, I am not afford and not capable. Haha :-p

Although busy but i will try my best to get a well balanced lifestyle, become well balanced researcher. Every individual is unique, they have their own personalities. Therefore, I have my own likes and dislikes. I am not expecting other people follow my footstep, likewise don’t expect ck to act on others’ favour blindly :-p Anyway, I welcome any constructive suggestions, comments :-p

I attended a PhD workshop last week, and I am so impressed with the following quotations :

“The PhD qualification is the ultimate individual, independent and exciting programme of learning. It is the Roll Royce of qualifications. It is a quality product. It will get noticed. But you have to want it, steer it and service it!”

(source: ‘SmartStart’: PhD skills induction workshop, Oct 2009, Exeter Uni.)

so my friends, if you have a desire to achieve something:

remember commit to the change!

 

p/s: for latest and instant progress about ck, feel free follow my twitter or facebook wall post..

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/choonkiatlim
Twitter: http://twitter.com/limchoonkiat

other channels to keep in touch are :

English Blog: http://limchoonkiat-ck.blogspot.com/
Chinese Blog: http://limchoonkiat.blogspot.com/