Profile
Alan Koh
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About Me:
I love participating in running races over rugged terrain, diving into exciting stories in books, picking out cool outfits (shopping!), getting lost in awesome movies and having boardgames with my friends!
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My pronouns are:
he/him
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My Work:
I explore tiny, invisible worlds full of amazing creatures called microbes and their hunter called nematodes (worms), to help us understand and protect our health
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My Typical Day:
I spend my day doing cool experiments with tiny, friendly microbes and worms, then I have loads of fun with my friends
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What I'd do with the prize money:
If I won the £500 prize, I’d buy science kits, build model rockets, and provide materials for fun experiments that make science come alive. These workshops would be held in local schools or community centers, aiming to spark curiosity and foster a love for science and technology. By making STEM fun and accessible, I hope to inspire the next generation of scientists and innovators. This investment wouldn’t just buy materials; it would plant seeds of knowledge and passion that could grow into amazing futures in STEM fields.
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Education:
- 2010-2015 Ph.D. in Bacterial Molecular Genetics, Newcastle University, UK
- 2008-2010 B.Sc. in Medical Microbiology and Immunology (First class honours), Newcastle University, UK
- 2003-2006 Dip. in Biotechnology, Ngee Ann Polytechnic
- 1999-2003 GCSEs O Levels
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Work History:
- 2022-present Research Scientist Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London, UK
- 2019-2022 Research Associate Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Newcastle University, UK
- 2016-2019 Research Associate Milner Centre for Evolution, University of Bath, UK
- 2015-2016 Research Associate Centre for Bacterial Cell Biology, Newcastle University, UK
- 2006-2008 Non-commissioned Officer, Armour Regiment, Armed Forces
- 2004-2006 Customer Service Officer, CentrePoint
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Current Job:
I am a medical sciences researcher with comprehensive knowledge in prokaryote and eukaryote genetics and cell biology. My primary focus lies in utilizing the eukaryotic model organism Caenorhabditis elegans as an animal model to explore drug discovery, immune/pathogen interactions, and neurobiology. Additionally, my other area of specializations are bacterial DNA replication, membrane biology, and cell signaling, particularly within the realm of antibiotic resistance.
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Employer:
The Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Medical Sciences, Imperial College London
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Fun loving microbiologist
What did you want to be after you left school?
Many different profession such as soldier, policeman, pilot and doctor
Were you ever in trouble at school?
Of course!
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
I would continue to be a soldier
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Ed Sheeran, BTS and Black Pink
What's your favourite food?
Meat ball spaghetti
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
I can be a pilot, scientist and get to travel all over the World!
Tell us a joke.
Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!
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