2 of our Ph.D students from Assistant Prof Wei Ma‘s lab published their papers in Plant Physiology in May and July this year.
Yuzhou Yang first-authored “Transcription factor bZIP52 modulates Arabidopsis seed oil biosynthesis through interaction with WRINKLED1” together with Dr. Que Kong, senior research fellow and lab manager of Asst. Prof. Wei Ma’s lab.
Assistant Prof Wei Ma and Yuzhou Yang reviewing the paper together
“Yuzhou is an exceptionally diligent student who joined my lab with no prior experience in plant biology research. However, she consistently devotes immense efforts to learning new knowledge and techniques in the new field, and dedicates substantial time to her research projects to make progress. I am very proud of her accomplishments,” says Asst. Prof. Ma, who was awarded the Nanyang Education Award (NEA) – School in 2021.
“Yuzhou is a very diligent student. She always invests a significant amount of time to her research work, regardless of their challenges. Besides, she is a very kind colleague and consistently show kindness by offering her assistance to our team members,” adds Dr. Kong, echoing the praises of Asst. Prof. Ma.
Our second first author, Audrey Lim, who was featured on our college magazine as a “plant whisperer”, first-authored “B-BOX-DOMAIN PROTEIN32 modulates seed oil biosynthesis in Arabidopsis by interacting with WRINKLED1”, together with Dr. Que Kong.
Assistant Prof Wei Ma and Audrey Lim reviewing the paper together
“Audrey is a very smart and hardworking student,” says Asst. Prof. Ma. “Ever since she joined my lab, she has showed her excellent capabilities. With steadfast dedication to her research endeavors, she exhibits remarkable productivity. I am feeling very lucky to have her as my student.”
“Audrey possesses a remarkable ability to quickly learn novel concepts and bench techniques. Coupled with her excellent time management skills, Audrey consistently shows impressive efficiency,” adds Dr. Que Kong.
On a heartwarming note, Asst. Prof. Ma concludes that “both Yuzhou and Audrey are important asset to my lab”.
From left to right: Yuzhou Yang, Assistant Prof Wei Ma, Audrey Lim
Audrey and Yuzhou share their experiences at NTU SBS, some of their memorable moments, and some of their biggest achievements so far at NTU SBS.
Can you tell us a little bit more about how your passion in biology and plant science began? Maybe a little anecdote or story?
Yuzhou (Y): I was initially an aspiring microbiologist, and valued opportunities over passion so i took a leap into the plant world when I found a grad student vacancy in this lab. As I started learning more about plants, my interest in them soon shifted from a human-centred consideration of their practical applications to a growing appreciation of the life of their own which I cared very little about before.
Audrey (A): I have always enjoyed learning about biology since secondary school and hence I continued to pursue biology in university. As for my interest in plant science, I enjoy nature and plants so I decided to further my studies in plant science.
Can you briefly share what your recently published research paper is about?
Y: It is about the discovery of how a specific transcription factor protein fits into the scope of transcriptional regulation network for plant oil biosynthesis by interacting with a well-known seed oil regulator.
A: This paper is mainly on further understanding the role of transcription factors in plant oil biosynthesis. An essential transcription factor involved in plant oil biosynthesis, known as WRINKLED1 (WRI1), was identified several decades ago. Because of its importance, we were interested to identify other transcription factors that regulate the activity of WRI1. The transcription factor that we identified is B-box-domain protein32 (BBX32), and we found that it is able to increase the activity of WRI1. The overexpression of BBX32 also led to increased seed oil content in Arabidopsis.
Can you share with us your journey to becoming a first author, and how did you go about joining Prof Wei Ma’s lab?
Y: I went around asking a number of professors about their work and potential opportunities for graduate studies, and interacted with some of their students to know more about the lab culture. After joining this lab and experimenting for about 6 months we fixed the broad research direction, then went ahead with the experiment plans. Many obstacles were encountered along the way but I appreciated the process more than the outcome. I am aware that sometimes effort is not enough to get something published, so I am grateful for where this journey has led me.
A: I joined Prof Wei Ma’s lab in my third year of undergraduate studies as I was interested in plant science and wanted to gain some lab skills. I continued my PhD in his lab after I graduated. Together with the other co-authors, we worked on the project through many discussions and collaboration. This was made more effective because we were comfortable with each other’s working style and communicated well.
Can you briefly share about your current research?
Y: There is more on the regulation of plant lipid biosynthesis pathways that we don’t know than what have been defined. My current work is aiming to uncover some of these regulatory mechanisms a little further by studying relevant transcription factors and their roles in these contexts.
A: My current research focuses on identifying genes involved in plant oil biosynthesis.
Can you share your experience in joining Asst. Prof. Wei Ma’s lab?
Y: The lab was relatively new when I joined and I am fortunate to have observed the gradual growth of a young lab, in terms of both the research work and culture. There has been a good mix of established workflow from the experience of the senior lab members and ample opportunities for experimentation.
A: My experience has been good. The lab members are friendly and helpful which makes the environment a very positive one. Our mentors (Prof Ma and Dr Kong) are also very nurturing and dedicated in helping us improve as young scientists.
Can you share some of your experiences and memorable moments at SBS?
Y: I have been here since undergrad days. Too many memorable moments, all of which people-specific.
A: I was able to publish a first author paper during my undergraduate studies which was something that I did not even imagine of when I first entered university. It served as an encouragement and motivated me to further my postgraduate studies. All these would not have been possible without the efforts and dedication of my mentors (Prof Wei Ma and Dr Que Kong).
Another memorable moment was during SBS 20th anniversary, there was a photo contest that was held. Our lab worked together to come up with creative ideas and in the end, we managed to come in 1st for the contest.
What would you say is your biggest achievement so far in SBS, and if you could dream big, what do you hope to achieve in the years ahead?
Y: This paper that I’m getting interviewed for, and the academic exposure gained before I venture into non-academic environments. I am drawn to the industry for application of science but would not want to go there without a reasonable grasp of the process and value of fundamental research.
A: This paper that was just published is my biggest achievement so far in SBS, as I am in my first year of PhD and managed to publish in such a reputable journal with the help of my mentors and co-authors. I hope to be able to publish even more impactful research in the years ahead.
Any words of advice for others who are considering venturing into research?
Y: Just try it and find out for yourself. Never too early to ask for a research attachment.
A: For young students who are unsure of whether research is for them, they can reach out to the profs and look for short attachment opportunity. As for others who are choosing which labs to join, apart from research topics, I think it is also important to talk to the prof and the lab members to understand more about the working style and culture of the lab to see whether it is suitable.