Microbiome Research Thesis Attachment

"Decoding Microbiomes Through Bioinformatics."

As part of my bachelors in Animal Science at Wageningen University, Netherlands, I was required to conduct a thesis for 2 months. I elected to do this abroad and was given the opportunity to join the Monash Microbiome Center at the School of Pharmacy at Monash University, Malaysia for 2 months.

My thesis topic was on the association of microbiota and BMI on urinary Indoxyl Sulfate levels in the multiethnic Malaysian population. I was able to assist PhD students through sample preparation, DNA extraction, and participant communication under the 1000MY Microbiome Project. These experiences improved my laboratory skills through strengthening my confidence in the lab, which was one of my goals for this attachment. Alongside the laboratory work, I had developed my data analytic skills by learning various functions in R to gaining insights from microbiome datasets.

Malaysia is a beautiful country with diverse cultures and many different food options. I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Monash Malaysia, in and outside the lab, and I am very thankful for the guidance Dr Chong Chun Wie has given me, as well as the Microbiome team for their support and kindness for the 2 months I was in Malaysia.