Laboratory
Metabolomics
Ka-Weng is a Master's student in the Metabolomics laboratory at the Baker Heart and Diabetes Institute, working under the supervision of Professor Peter Meikle and Dr Sudip Paul. Her research focuses on enhancing the bioavailability of plasmalogens, which have emerging roles in metabolic dysfunction, oxidative stress, and membrane dynamics.
In 2025, Ka-Weng graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Melbourne, majoring in Pathology. During her undergraduate studies, she developed strong foundations in neurological disease research through two key projects. First, she investigated the validity of the novel C57BL/6-AD Alzheimer's Disease mouse model, employing immunoblotting, histological analysis, and immunostaining to characterise tau and beta-amyloid pathology. Second, as part of a collaborative physiology team, she explored the potential of exergaming — exercise combined with gaming therapy — as an intervention for preventing cognitive decline. These experiences instilled in her a deep interest in the molecular mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration and cognitive health.
Her transition to metabolomics and plasmalogen research represents a natural progression from studying pathological hallmarks to investigating the fundamental lipid changes that may precede and contribute to disease, with the ultimate goal of identifying novel therapeutic targets for chronic metabolic diseases.
