About Me
I was born and raised in Malaysia and moved to Michigan to pursue my undergraduate degree in biology at the University of Michigan-Flint. I then completed a PhD in cell and molecular biology at the Van Andel Institute under the mentorship of Drs. Matt Steensma and Carrie Graveel. During my doctoral research, I investigated how germline NF1 mutations alter the extracellular matrix and stromal cells prior to breast cancer formation.
For my first postdoctoral position, I joined the Hilgendorf Lab in the University of Utah’s biochemistry department, where I studied the impact of diet and lipid uptake on breast cancer progression. To further my interest in translational breast cancer research, I began a second postdoctoral fellowship in 2025 with the Welm Lab. My current research focuses on understanding how breast cancer cells remain dormant and transition into metastatic outgrowths. Outside of the lab, I enjoy painting, going to the gym, and good food—either experimenting with recipes or trying new restaurants.