[News] STEP Environment Camp 2019

by Priscilla Seah | 3 Dec 2019 | Highlights

From 10 November 2019 to 16 November 2019, our SJINML Outreach and Education team hosted youths from Asia at the STEP Environment Camp 2019. This year, we had 92 participants from Brunei, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam participating in various activities to learn about ‘Zero Waste’ in a week-long camp. Students had the opportunities to interact with leading researchers working in areas of marine plastic pollution, engineering of aerogels, and circular economy, as well as hands-on field work within Singapore’s unique habitats to investigate the impacts of marine debris.

We would like to thank our sponsor, Temasek Foundation International for supporting the camp, and supporting partners: Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum and our colleagues from SJINML for field-guiding the students, GearUp for the ice breakers, and Sustainable Singapore Gallery for the tour. Not forgetting to thank our Guest-of-Honour, Dr Lena Chan for gracing our opening day sharing about the biodiversity of Singapore.

For more information, please visit http://news.nus.edu.sg/highlights/youth-step-environment.

Mr Ahmed Aliyar
Manager (Admin)

Mr Ahmed holds a Diploma in Biotechnology (2000) with more than 8 years work experience in marine science, after which he pursued a Bachelor in Commerce (Major in Management) (2006) and career in the public sector.

At SJINML, he oversees:
– General administration and financial management
– Registration of new research users
– Research collaborations and industry liaison
– Safety management

Mr Mohamad Razali Bin Duriat
Facility Manager
Specialist Associate Grade 1

Mr Razali holds a Diploma in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Diploma in Facilities Management.

With over 10 years experience managing the marine laboratory seawater systems and offshore lab infrastructure, he oversees facility management of SJINML. He is also Safety Coordinator.

Mr Chan Kok Sun, Jackson
Specialist Associate
Assistant Facility Manager, Aquaria Manager

Armed with a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering and many years of experience and passion for aquarium systems, Mr Jackson Chan oversees SJINML’s aquaria and seawater research facilities.

He is also Assistant Facility Manager, assisting with management of SJINML’s buildings and core infrastructure, as well as daily ferry transport.

Dr Serena Teo

Current Appointment

· Facility Director, St John’s Island Marine Laboratory (2016 – present)
· Deputy Director, Tropical Marine Science Institute (2015 – present)

Education:

B.Sc. (Hons, Zoology), National University of Singapore (1988); Ph.D Marine Biology, University College Swansea, Wales, UK (1992).

Research Interests:
Marine Invertebrate Larval Biology; Marine Biosecurity; Marine Antifouling; Urban Ecology

Selected Publications:
Tay Teresa Stephanie, Bin Qi Gan, Siew Chen Serina Lee, Chin Sing Lim, Koh Siang Tan & Serena Lay-Ming Teo (2018) Larval development of the invasive charru mussel, Mytella strigata(Bivalvia: Mytilidae), Invertebrate Reproduction & Development, 62:4, 248-256

Lim, J. Y., T. S. Tay, C. S. Lim, S. S. C. Lee, S. L.-M. Teo & K. S. Tan (2018) Mytella strigata (Bivalvia: Mytilidae): an alien mussel recently introduced to Singapore and spreading rapidly, Molluscan Research, 38:3, 170-186

Bhargava Samarth, Serina Siew Chen Lee, Lynette Shu Min Ying, Neo Mei Lin, Serena Lay-Ming Teo, Suresh Valiyaveettil (2018). Fate of Nanoplastics in Marine Larvae: A Case Study Using Barnacles, Amphibalanus amphitrite. ACS Sustainable Chem. Eng. 2018, 6 (5), pp 6932–6940.

Brzozowska, A.M., Maassen, S., Goh Zhi Rong, R., Benke, P.I., Lim, C.-S., Marzinelli, E.M., Jańczewski, D., Teo, S.L.-M., Vancso, G.J. (2017) Effect of Variations in Micropatterns and Surface Modulus on Marine Fouling of Engineering Polymers. ACS Applied Materials and Interfaces. Volume 9, Issue 20, 24 May 2017, Pages 17508-17516

Stafslien, Shane J., Stacy Sommer, Dean C. Webster, Rajan Bodkhe, Robert Pieper, Justin Daniels, Lyndsi Vander Wal, Maureen C. Callow, James A. Callow, Emily Ralston, Geoff Swain, Lenora Brewer, Dean Wendt, Gary H. Dickinson, Chin-Sing Lim & Serena Lay-Ming Teo (2016) Comparison of laboratory and field testing performance evaluations of siloxane-polyurethane fouling-release marine coatings. Biofouling 32:8, 949-968 (5 Aug 2016)

Guo S, Zhu X, Jańczewski D, Lee SSC, He T, Teo SLM, Vancso GJ. (2016). Measuring protein isoelectric points at the molecular scale by AFM using trace amount of sample. Nat Nanotechnol 11:817-823. (September 2016)

Lee SCS, SLM Teo, G Lambert. Status of knowledge of the Ascidiacea of the South China Sea”. (2016). Raffles Bulletin Zoology Special Supplement 34: 718–743

Sin, T.M., Ang, H.P., Buurman, J., Lee, A.C., Leong, Y.L., Ooi, S.K., Steinberg, P., Teo, S.L.M. (2016). The urban marine environment of Singapore. Regional Studies in Marine Science. Regional Studies in Marine Science. Volume 8, Part 2, November 2016, Pages 331–339. Special Issue on the World Harbour Project — Global harbours and ports: different locations, similar problems?

Leong S. C. Y., L. P. Lim, S. M. Chew, W. K. J. Kok & S. L-M Teo (2015). Three new records of dinoflagellates in Singapore’s coastal waters, with observations on environmental conditions associated with microalgal growth in the Johor Straits. Raffles Bulletin Zoology 31: 24-36

Ng, C.S.L., Lim, S.C., Ong, J.Y., Teo, S. L.M., Chou, L.M., Chua, K.E., Tan, K.S. (2015). Enhancing the biodiversity of coastal defence structures: Transplantation of nursery-reared reef biota onto intertidal seawalls. Ecological Engineering 82 (September 01): 480-486

Patents:
Teo, SLM, D Rittschof, SSC Lee, GH Dickinson, C Chai, B Burkett. Functionalised Antifouling Compounds and Use Thereof. Patent Numbers: Singapore 183158 (30 Aug 2013); US 9,169,223 (27 Oct 2015); China ZL 201180016466.5 (25 Nov 2015).

Teo, SLM, D Rittschof, F Moore, C Chai, Chen C-L, SSC Lee. Antifouling compounds and Use Thereof. Patent Numbers: European, UK, Italy, Norway, Germany, Netherlands 2,294,144 (5 Mar 2014); China ZL200980125164.4 (14 May 2014)

Dr Maria Pui Yi Yung

Laboratory Manager for Environmental and Molecular Laboratory, Biosecure Aquaria Laboratory

Research Interests:

Microbiome, water treatment, microbial sensor technologies, bioactives, aquaculture.

Publications:
1. Shi Ming Tan, Pui Yi Maria Yung, Paul E. Hutchinson, Chao Xie, Guo Hui Teo, Muhammad Hafiz Ismail, Daniela I. Drautz-Moses, Peter F. R Little, Rohan B. H. Williams, and Yehuda Cohen (2019). Primer-free FISH probes from metagenomics/metatranscriptomics data permit the study of uncharacterised taxa in complex microbial communities. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes. 2019; 5: 17.

2. Ma Yadanar Phyo, Chi Ying Gary Ding, Hui Chin Goh, Jun Xian Goh, Ji Fa Marshall Ong, Siew Herng Chan, Pui Yi Maria Yung, Hartono Candra, Lik Tong Tan (2019). Trikoramide A, a Prenylated Cyanobactin from the Marine Cyanobacterium Symploca hydnoides. Journal of Natural Products.

3. Palanisamy Kannan, Prasanna Jogdeo, Abeed Fatima Mohidin, Pui Yi Yung, Carlo Santoro, Thomas Seviour, Jamie Hinks, Federico M. Lauro, Enrico Marsili. (2019). A novel microbial – Bioelectrochemical sensor for the detection of n-cyclohexyl-2-pyrrolidone in wastewater. Electrochimica Acta.

4. Doyle LE, Yung PY, Mitra S, Wuertz S, Williams RBH, Lauro FM, Marsili E (2017, in press). Electrochemical and genomic analysis of novel electroactive isolates obtained via potentiostatic enrichment from tropical sediments. Journal of Power Sources.

5. Neoh CH, Yung PY, Noor ZZ, Razak MH, Aris A, Din MFM, Ibrahim Z (2017) Correlation between microbial community structure and performances of membrane bioreactor for treatment of palm oil mill effluent. Chemical Engineering Journal 308, 656-663.

6. Yung PY, Grasso LL, Mohidin AF, Acerbi E, Hinks J, Seviour T, Marsili E, Lauro FM (2016) Global transcriptomic responses of Escherichia coli K-12 to volatile organic compounds. Scientific Reports 6:19899.

7. Yung PY, Burke C, Lewis M, Kjelleberg S, Thomas T (2011). Novel antibacterial proteins from the microbial communities associated with the sponge Cymbastela concentrica and the green alga Ulva australis. Appl Environ Microbiol 77:1512-5.

8. Thomas T, Rusch D, DeMaere MZ, Yung PY, Lewis M, Halpern A, Heidelberg KB, Egan S, Steinberg PD, Kjelleberg S (2010) Functional genomic signatures of sponge bacterial reveal unique and shared features of symbiosis. ISME J 4:1557-67.

Lim Lay Peng
Laboratory Manager for Plankton and Water Quality Cluster

Research Interests:

Phytoplankton, harmful algal blooms, ballast water, marine biotoxin, water quality

Publications:
1. Leong, S.C.Y., Kok, J.W.K., Lim, L.P., Kok, S.P., Taher T., Tkalich P. & Patrikalakis, N.M., 2016. Harmful Algal Blooms in Singapore marine coastal ecosystem: autonomous vehicle, optical sensors and molecular technique. Kaiyo Monthly 48: 67-76. (In Japanese)

2. Tan, T.H., Leaw, C.P., Leong, S.C.Y., Lim, L.P., Chew, S.M., Teng, S.T., Lim, P.T., 2016. Marine micro-phytoplankton of Singapore, with a review of harmful microalgae in the region. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 34: 78-96.

3. Leong, S.C.Y., Lim, L.P., Chew, S.M., Kok, K.W.K., Teo, S.L.M., 2015. Three new records of dinoflagellates in Singapore’s coastal waters, with observations on environmental conditions associated with microalgal growth in Johor Straits. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 31: 24-36.

4. Lim, H.C., Lim, L.P., Voon, S.H., Teng, S.T., Leaw, C.P. & Lim, P.T., 2011. Rapid detection of Pseudo-nitzschia species using whole cell fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH). The Proceedings of the 9th Malaysia Genetics Congress (MGC9): Appreciating the Richness of Nature through Genetics, Kuching, Malaysia, 28-30th September 2011. No. O31

Wong Pei San Helen
Laboratory Manager – Marine Biodiversity

Research Interests:

Isopod and Holothuroidean taxonomy; Marine Ecology

Publications:

1. Bruce, N. L., & H. P.-S. Wong, 2015. An overview of the marine Isopoda (Crustacea) of Singapore.Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. Supplement No. 31: 152-168.

2. Chim, C. K., H. P.-S. Wong & K. S. Tan, 2016. Tetraclita (Crustacea: Cirripedia) tests as an important habitat for intertidal isopods and other marine and semi-terrestrial fauna on tropical rocky shores. Crustaceana, 89(9): 985-1040.

3. Ong, J. Y. & H. P.-S. Wong, 2015. Sea cucumbers (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) from the Johor Straits, Singapore. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement No. 31: 273-291.

4. Ong, J. Y., I. Wirawati & H. P.-S. Wong, 2016 (accepted). Sea cucumbers (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) collected from the Singapore Strait. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement No. 33: 105-156.

Serina Lee Siew Chen
Laboratory Manager for Larval Culture Facility and Mass Algal Room

Research Interests:

Larval culture; Antifouling; Ascidian taxonomy

Publications:
1. Tay, T.S., Gan, B.Q., Lee, S.C.S., Lim, C.S., Tan, K.S., & Teo, S.L.M. (2018), Larval development of the invasive charru mussel, Mytella strigata (Bivalvia: Mytilidae). Invertebrate Reproduction & Development, 1-9

2. Bhargava, S., Chen Lee, S.S., Min Ying, L.S., Neo, M.L., Lay-Ming Teo, S., & Valiyaveettil, S. (2018), Fate of Nanoplastics in Marine Larvae: A Case Study Using Barnacles, Amphibalanus amphitrite. ACS Sustainable Chemistry & Engineering, 6(5), 6932-6940.

3. Lee SSC, Chan YHJ, Teo SL-M and Lambert G (2016). “State of knowledge of ascidian diversity in South China Sea and new records for Singapore”. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement No. 34: 718–743.

4. Vandepas, LE, Oliveria LM, Lee SSC, Hirose E, Rocha RM and Swalla BJ (2015).”Biogeography of Phallusia nigra: Is It Really Black and White?”. Biological Bulletin, 228:152-164.

5. Lee SSC, Teo SL-M and Lambert G (2013) “New records of solitary ascidians on artificialstructures in Singapore waters”. Marine Biodiversity Records, 6. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/S1755267213000638

Gan Bin Qi
Laboratory Manager for Histology Laboratory and Chemical Store

Research Interests:

Nematode; Polyclad; Metazoan meiofauna; Biodiversity; Taxonomy

Publications:

Tay TS, Gan BQ, Lee SCS, Lim CS, Tan KS & Teo SL-M (2018) Larval development of the invasive charru mussel, Mytella strigata (Bivalvia: Mytilidae). Invertebrate Reproduction & Development, 62(4): 248–256.

Jie W-B, Gan BQ, Chen VY &K S-C (2016) Pseudoceros magangensis: a new species of Pseudocerotid flatworm (Platyhelminthes: Polycladida) from Taiwan. Platax, 13: 33–50.

Bolaños DM, Gan BQ & Ong RSL (2016) First records of Pseudocerotid flatworms (Platyhelminthes: Polycladida: Cotylea) from Singapore: A taxonomic report with remarks on colour variation. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement No. 34: 130–169.

Neves RC, Brand J, Gan BQ & Reichert H (2016) First time surveying meiofauna in Singapore. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement No. 34: 8–12.

Chim CK, Ong RSL & Gan BQ (2015) Penis fencing, spawning, parental care and embryonic development in the cotylean flatworm Pseudoceros indicus (Platyhelminthes: Polycladida: Pseudocerotidae) from Singapore. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, Supplement No. 31: 60–67.

Ms Kam Pang Jen
Management Assistant Officer

Ms Kam oversees the marine lab’s general office, the go-to person for: booking of seminar room and dormitories; purchasing and getting your mail to NUS Kent Ridge; and ferry transport.

Mr Chua Sek Chuan
Senior Manager, Education Programmes

Master in Marine Affairs, University of Miami.
Oversees the Education Program at the marine lab, which aims to foster awareness of marine science research and environment conservation in Singapore.

Ms. Joyce Leo
Assistant Manager (Outreach)

Joyce is part of a team of two dabbling in Education and Outreach at the marine lab, and you can often bump into her at the Marine Park Outreach and Education Centre, especially if you pop in on the weekends.

She graduated with a major in Zoology in Tasmania back in 2010 and has a great respect and passion for the Marine Sciences. Since then, she has been working in various animal organisations until she found her current job at St. John’s Island.

If you’re interested in finding out more about what we do or just want to learn more about marine science and conservation, do come by and have a chat with her!

Leong Chee Yew
Senior Research Fellow

Education:

Ph.D., Soka University, Japan (2004), M. Eng., Soka University, Japan (2001); B. A., Victoria University, New Zealand (1996)

Research interests:

– Understanding how environmental and climate change alter aquatic communities.
– Dynamics of harmful algal bloom, and physiology of bloom-forming species
– Marine algal toxins.
– Bioactive natural products derived from the metabolites of marine microalgae.
– Sensing of bloom-forming species and their toxins.

Current work includes detection, monitoring and study of growth dynamics of toxic algal blooms in Singapore waters. The research team has identified several new records of bloom-forming species in
Singapore waters.

Selected Publications:
– Leong, S.C.Y., Lim, L.P., Chew, S.M., Kok, J.W.K., Teo, S.L.M., 2015. Three new records of dinoflagellates in Singapore’s coastal waters, with observations on environmental conditions associated with microalgal growth in the Johor Straits. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology Supplement 31:24-36.

– Kok, J.W.K., D.C.J. Yeo and Leong, S.C.Y., 2015. Growth and physiology responses of a tropical toxic marine microalga Heterosigma akashiwo (heterokontophyta: raphidophyceae) from Singapore waters to varying nitrogen sources and light conditions. Ocean Science Journal 50: 491-508.

– Kuwahara, V.S., Leong, S.C.Y., 2015. Spectral fluorometric characterization of phytoplankton types in the tropical coastal waters of Singapore. Journal of Experimental Marine Biology and Ecology 466: 1-8.

– Kok, J.W.K., and Leong, S.C.Y., 2012. Growth and physiological responses of the Singapore strain of Heterosigma to various nitrogen sources and light conditions. OCEANS 12: 1-4.

– Leong, S.C.Y., Maekawa, M. and Taguchi, S., 2010. Carbon and nitrogen acquisition by the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense in response to different nitrogen sources and supply mode. Harmful Algae 9: 48-58.

Tan Koh Siang
Senior Research Fellow

Tan Koh Siang is Senior Research Fellow and Head of the Marine Biology and Ecology Laboratory at TMSI.

He obtained his PhD (Zoology) at the National University of Singapore in 1996 and was postdoctoral scholar at the Swire Institute of Marine Science, University of Hong Kong before joining TMSI in 1997.

His research interests focus on the systematics, biology and feeding ecology of tropical marine molluscs, with occasional forays into sponge taxonomy and seawall ecology.

Current research projects at SJINML revolve around deep-sea biodiversity assessment, biology of alien invasive mussels, and invertebrate interactions on seawall surfaces.

Dr Ow Yan Xiang
Research Fellow

Dr Ow Yan Xiang is a Research Fellow with St John Island National Marine Laboratory, Singapore. After graduating from the National University of Singapore, she joined the Tropical Marine Science Institute, NUS, to work on Singapore’s coral reefs.

To gain more insight into how marine phototrophs adapt to their environment, she did her PhD with James Cook University, Australia (2012-2015) to study the physiological responses of tropical seagrasses to declining water quality and ocean acidification at the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.

Before joining SJINML, she held a post-doctoral research fellow position with the Department of Biological Sciences, NUS. Her research interest lies in examining the mechanisms through which marine phototrophs (i.e. corals, seagrasses, algae) respond and adapt to changes to their environments.

Dr. Neo Mei Lin
Research Fellow

Dr. Neo Mei Lin is a familiar face at the St John’s Island National Marine Laboratory, having started her research work on the giant clams since 2006.

Her current research expertise lies in the mariculture of giant clams, experimental marine ecology, and marine conservation.

Mei Lin is also an advocate for science communication and to bring a voice for the conservation of giant clams. Outside of research, she actively volunteers in local conservation groups to promote marine conservation messages and educate fellow volunteers.

Dr. Jani Tanzil
Senior Research Fellow

Education:

Dec 2013: PhD in Computational Science, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands “Environmental controls of coral growth: data driven multi-scale analyses of rates and patterns of growth of massive Porites corals around the Thai-Malay Peninsula”

Sep 2007: MSc. Tropical Coastal Management (Distinction), Newcastle University, United Kingdom.

Nov 2003: BSc. Biology, National University of Singapore

Research Interests:

Understanding effects of environmental changes on corals and coral reef systems using data-driven approaches

Developing locally-relevant response models for corals

Coral geochemistry to reconstruct past coral condition/reef environment

Nature and causes of coral skeletal luminescent and density banding patterns

Resilience and connectivity within socio-ecological systems

Selected Publications:

Tanzil JTI, Ng PKA, Tey YQ, Tan HYB, Yun YE, Huang D. 2017. A preliminary characterization of Symbiodinium in common corals from Singapore. Singapore National Academy of Science journal COSMOS, doi: 10.1142/S0219607716500014

Tanzil JTI, Lee JN, Brown BE, Quax R, Kaandorp JA, Lough JA, Todd PA. 2016. Luminescence and density banding patterns in massive Porites corals around the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Southeast Asia. Limnology and Oceanography, doi: 10.1002/lno.10350

Cantarero S, Tanzil JTI, Goodkin N. 2016. Simultaneous analysis of Ba and Sr to Ca ratios in scleractinian corals by inductively coupled plasma optical emissions spectrometry. Limnology and Oceanography: Methods, doi: 10.1002/lom3.10152

Guest JR, Low J, Tun K, Ng CM, Raingeard D, Cooper KE, Tanzil JTI, Todd PA, Toh TC, McDougald D, Chou LM, Steinberg PD. (2016) Coral community response to bleaching on a highly urbanised reef. Scientific Reports, doi:10.1038/srep20717

Tanzil JTI, Brown BE, Dunne RP, Lee JN, Kaandorp JA, Todd PA (2013) Regional decline in growth rates of massivePorites corals in Southeast Asia. Global Change Biology 10: 3011–3023.

Tanzil JTI (2012) Bleaching susceptibility and growth characteristics of Porites lutea from the Andaman Sea, south Thailand. PMBC Research Bulletin 71: 49–56.

Tanzil JTI, Brown BE, Tudhope S, Dunne RP (2009) Decline in skeletal growth of the coral Porites lutea from the Andaman Sea, South Thailand between 1984 and 2005. Coral Reefs 28: 519 – 528

Loh TL, JTI Tanzil, LM Chou (2006) Preliminary study of community development and scleractinian recruitment on fibreglass artificial reef units in the sedimented waters of Singapore. Aquatic Conservation: Freshwater and Marine Ecosystems 16: 61 – 76

Wong Ann Kwang
Steersman

Wong Ann Kwang was formally from the Singapore Police Coast Guard, and currently serves as the Captain of the research vessel Galaxea. His over 40 years of sailing experience in Singapore waters has helped to greatly contribute to the various research projects conducted onboard the vessel.

Wong Ann Kwang is also a certified MPA Port Limit Steersman with Class 6 certificate of competency and an experience MPA Port Limit engine driver/marine engineer, allowing him to not only steer the vessel, but also conduct troubleshooting and rectification works on technical errors when onboard the research vessel.

Sebastian Yeo
Field Support Officer

Sebastian Yeo serves as a Field Support Officer at the St John’s Island National Marine Lab.

Sebastian is responsible for managing the bookings for the research vessel Galaxea, collecting and compiling the necessary documents required such as the research plans, relevant permits, risk assessments and standard operating procedures relating to the various projects being carried out either onboard R/V Galaxea or on the shores of St John’s Island.

While ensuring that the various projects are being conducted safely. Sebastian is also responsible for maintaining the field equipment presently available in the St John’s Island Marine Lab.

Shariffuddin Bin Yayah
Special Associate (Marine Ops)

Shariffuddin Bin Yayah serves as a MPA port limit Class 3 engine driver and marine engineer on-board R/V Galaxea.

Shariffuddin has over 5 years experience at sea. He also holds certification as MPA port limit steersman.

Ishak Bin Nis
Operation Associate (Marine Ops)

Ishak Bin Nis has served as a deckhand on NUS’ research vessels since 1995. He is a certified PADI Dive Master since 2010, and dive safety officer on board R/V Galaxea.

He is a certified First Aider, CPR, AED and O2 provider. With over 22 years of experience, Ishak has a good work knowledge of research diving and coral reefs around Singapore waters.

Dr. Loo Poh Leong
Research Fellow

Education
• PhD (Aquaculture Biotechnology), University of Malaya (2012)
• BSc (Biotechnology), University of Malaya (2007)

Research Interests
• Husbandry of aquatic organisms (Larviculture of finfish and shellfish, Fish breeding, Broodstock management, Coral farming)
• Live feed production (Microheterotrophs and Zooplanktons)
• Feed formulation using microorganisms grown in wastewater
• Aquaculture nutrition
• Bacterial bioremediation
• Extraction of bioactive compounds from microheterotrophs

Selected Publications
• Loo P.L., Chong V.C., Vikineswary S. & Shaliza I. (2016). Waste-grown phototrophic bacterium supports culture of the rotifers, Brachionus rotundiformis. Aquaculture Research 47:3029-3041.

• Loo P.L., Chong V.C., Shaliza I. & Vikineswary S. (2015). Manipulating culture conditions and feed quality to increase the survival of larval marble goby Oxyeleotris marmorata. North American Journal of Aquaculture 77:149-159.

• Loh K.H., Shao K.T., Chen C.H., Chen H.M., Amy T.Y.H., Loo P.L., Lim P.E., Chong V.C., Shen K.N. & Hsiao C.D. (2015). Complete mitochondrial genome of two moray eels of Gymnothorax formosus and Scuticaria tigrina (Anguilliformes: Muraenidae). Mitochondrial DNA. DOI: 10.3109/19401736.2015.1043530.

• Loo P.L., Chong V.C. & Vikineswary S. (2013). Rhodovulum sulfidophilum, a phototrophic bacterium, grown in palm oil mill effluent improves the larval survival of marble goby Oxyeleotris marmorata (Bleeker). Aquaculture Research 44:495-507.

• Loo P.L., S. Vikineswary & V.C. Chong (2013). Nutritional value and production of three species of purple non-sulphur bacteria grown in palm oil mill effluent and their application in rotifer culture. Aquaculture Nutrition 19(6): 895-907.

• Loo P.L., Chong V.C. & Vikineswary S. (2012). Production of live food from palm oil mill effluent (POME) for culture of marble goby. Journal of Oil Palm Research 24:1566-1572.

Ms Priscilla Seah
Outreach Executive

Ms Seah has an Applied Science degree in the Marine Environment (Fisheries Management) (2015) from the University of Tasmania.

She oversees the Outreach and Education programme and the Sisters’ Island Marine Park Gallery, where she combines her love for both the marine environment and public speaking to raise awareness of marine science research and conservation in Singapore.

She also oversees the daily husbandry of the aquarium tanks within the Gallery.

Dr Theresa Su
Education Manager

It began with a fascination with fishes of amphibious existence, which led to an interest in mangrove ecology, and subsequently a sense of stewardship in tropical coastal systems. After working on mudskippers for her final year project, Theresa was left with more questions unanswered. She went on to examine predator prey interactions between local mudskippers and their crab prey, and received her PhD from the Nanyang Technological University in 2016.

In the pursuit of knowledge, Theresa also enjoys communicating the science to the public through guided walks and exhibits. She is always happy to engage in meaningful conversations, and our natural heritage never fails to be a great conversation starter.

At St. John’s Island National Marine Laboratory, Theresa is responsible for bridging the gap between the marine scientists and all interested parties through workshops, programmes and courses.

Areas of interest:

Intertidal ecology, trophic interactions, mudskipper biology, mangrove brachyurans, science communications.

Publications:

Su TL & SSL Lim, 2017. To flee or not to flee: characterising the differentiated anti-predatory responses of two mangrove crabs. Ethology Ecology & Evolution 29(2): 181–192.

Su TL & SSL Lim, 2016. Niche partitioning in two syntopic mudskippers (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Oxudercinae) in a Singapore mangrove. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology 64: 220–228.

Tan HH & TL Su, 2016. Possible mating behaviour of the giant mudskipper. Singapore Biodiversity Records 149–150.

Dr Jani Tanzil

Current Appointment

· Deputy Facility Director, St John’s Island Marine Laboratory (2016 – present)

Education:

Dec 2013: PhD in Computational Science, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands “Environmental controls of coral growth: data driven multi-scale analyses of rates and patterns of growth of massive Porites corals around the Thai-Malay Peninsula”

Sep 2007: MSc. Tropical Coastal Management (Distinction), Newcastle University, United Kingdom.

Nov 2003: BSc. Biology, National University of Singapore

Research Interests:

Understanding effects of environmental changes on corals and coral reef systems using data-driven approaches

Developing locally-relevant response models for corals

Coral geochemistry to reconstruct past coral condition/reef environment

Nature and causes of coral skeletal luminescent and density banding patterns

Resilience and connectivity within socio-ecological systems

Selected Publications:

Janzil JTI, Ng PKA, Tey YQ, Tan HYB, Yun YE, Huang D. 2017. A preliminary characterization of Symbiodinium in common corals from Singapore. Singapore National Academy of Science journal COSMOS, doi: 10.1142/S0219607716500014

Tanzil JTI, Lee JN, Brown BE, Quax R, Kaandorp JA, Lough JA, Todd PA. 2016. Luminescence and density banding patterns in massive Porites corals around the Thai-Malay Peninsula, Southeast Asia. Limnology and Oceanography, doi: 10.1002/lno.10350

Cantarero S, Tanzil JTI, Goodkin N. 2016. Simultaneous analysis of Ba and Sr to Ca ratios in scleractinian corals by inductively coupled plasma optical emissions spectrometry. Limnology and Oceanography: Methods, doi: 10.1002/lom3.10152

Guest JR, Low J, Tun K, Ng CM, Raingeard D, Cooper KE, Tanzil JTI, Todd PA, Toh TC, McDougald D, Chou LM, Steinberg PD. (2016) Coral community response to bleaching on a highly urbanised reef. Scientific Reports, doi:10.1038/srep20717

Tanzil JTI, Brown BE, Dunne RP, Lee JN, Kaandorp JA, Todd PA (2013) Regional decline in growth rates of massivePorites corals in Southeast Asia. Global Change Biology 10: 3011–3023.

Tanzil JTI (2012) Bleaching susceptibility and growth characteristics of Porites lutea from the Andaman Sea, south Thailand. PMBC Research Bulletin 71: 49–56.

Tanzil JTI, Brown BE, Tudhope S, Dunne RP (2009) Decline in skeletal growth of the coral Porites lutea from the Andaman Sea, South Thailand between 1984 and 2005. Coral Reefs 28: 519 – 528

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