Cancer is an active killer worldwide. The cancer incidence has been on a rising trend, increasing at an average rate of about 3.1% per year in the past decade. This alarming trends stimulate my interest in cancer research. All research projects bring unexpected difficulties, so as mine. In my case, the experiment lacked clear selection criteria for the desired single cell clones which is one of the core questions to be solved in my research project. Then, I consulted experienced professionals. Then I attempted to optimise the experiment conditions, and patiently screened multiple colonies with varied selection marker expressions. Eventually, I successfully developed the genetically modified cell model and I hope no one would suffer from the untreatable disease in the world.
Mr. LIU Mingkang
BSc (Hons) Applied Biology with Biotechnology
Faculty of Science
Domain Expertise:
Biological Science
Mingkang majored in Applied Biology with Biotechnology and pursued cancer research as his final year project. He emphasizes the promising and interesting aspects of biological science, where he applies his knowledge to explore unknowns about human beings and potentially help people suffering from diseases.
Cancer Research
Mingkang's final year project focused on cancer research, where he used the CRISPR-Cas9 system as a gene scissor to edit a cancer-related gene. His interest in cancer research is driven by the alarming rise in cancer incidence worldwide and the lack of a good cell model for studying liver cancer.
CRISPR-Cas9 System
The CRISPR-Cas9 system is a gene-editing tool that Mingkang used in his research. It functions as a gene scissor to modify specific genes, allowing him to identify downstream gene targets and explore the mechanism of liver cancer pathogenesis.
Translational Medicine
Mingkang expresses his motivation to pursue further study in translational medicine, which is a branch of medical research that aims to translate scientific findings into practical applications for improving human health and patient care.
Lifelong Learning Excellence:
Critical Thinking and Problem-solving
Mingkang emphasizes the importance of critical thinking throughout his learning journey. He mentions how he needs to think critically when encountering problems in his research, seeking relevant publications, and seeking help from professionals to overcome difficulties.
Mingkang believes that having strong time management skills is crucial in accomplishing key goals. He started his project early, allocated time for reading relevant materials, preparing experimental materials, and focusing on specific tasks.
Adaptability and Flexibility
Mingkang demonstrates resilience in facing unexpected difficulties during his research project. He mentions how he patiently screened multiple colonies and optimized experimental conditions to achieve desired outcomes.
Networking and Collaboration
Mingkang mentions the importance of communicating efficiently when seeking help from experienced professionals and reflecting upon failed experiments. Effective communication helps him to learn from mistakes and make progress in his research.
Accountability and Motivation
Throughout the script, Mingkang's passion for biological science and cancer research demonstrates his self-motivation. He advises others to find something they are truly interested in and set long-term goals to stay motivated in their academic and career pursuits.
These lifelong learning skills have played a significant role in Mingkang's academic and research journey, and he encourages other students to embrace these skills to excel in their own educational endeavors.
The pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey! To further expand your knowledge and continue your personal and professional growth. Click and explore the following learning resources:
