Justine Dacanay
Field
Location (during time of takeover)
School/Institution
| Undergrad | University of Leicester Medical Biochemistry Honors |
|---|---|
| Masters | University of Leicester Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology |
| Research | Nanyang Technological University CRISPR technology for DNA modification |
| Research | Singapore Center for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering NGS Research Fellow |
Featured on September 22, 2024
She has a veritable library of experiences to share with us! Let’s welcome our Pinoy Scientist for this week, Justine Dacanay, an NGS Research Fellow at the Singapore Center for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Singapore.
Justine graduated from the University of Leicester in the United Kingdom with a degree in Medical Biochemistry Honors, Second Upper Class. She completed her Master’s in Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology at the same university, finishing with Distinction. Her thesis there explored the effects of certain ligands on the splicing of specific cell types – Bcl-X and Mcl-1 – in vivo. She moved to Singapore later that year and worked as a Research Associate at the Nanyang Technological University, School of Biological Sciences where she gained experience with CRISPR technology for DNA modification. Afterwards, she started her stint at the Singapore Center for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering. There, she performed and oversaw DNA sequencing procedures, bioinformatics analysis, and library management.
While still with the Singapore Center for Environmental Life Sciences Engineering, Justine is now an NGS Research Fellow. She manages the SCELSE Sequencing Facility, overseeing its day-to-day operations, fulfilling necessary administrative procedures, and demonstrating the work they do at the laboratory for students, stakeholders, professionals, and visitors alike.
Some fun facts about:
- She loves watching Formula 1 racing. Her favourite driver is Sebastian Vettel and she had the chance to see him in person during the Pitlane Experience at the Singapore Grand Prix in 2022!
- She enjoys going to museums and art galleries around the world. Her favourite is the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York City, USA, and was most inspired by Claude Monet’s Reflections of Clouds on the Water-Lily Pond.
- Working in science can be very stressful so she loves relaxing by watching stand-up comedy. Her favourite comedian is Trevor Noah and she even got the chance to attend a live taping of The Daily Show when he was still the host!
