Our People
We are a research group located at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Our expertise lies in the development of novel (macro)molecular therapeutic agents (e.g., drugs, adjuvants) and materials (e.g., coatings) for antimicrobial, anticancer and antiviral applications.
It is clear that many global healthcare issues such as antibiotic resistance will have a detrimental effect on society if no new viable solutions are available. Driven by these challenges, our team has been working in this research area from 2016 and has since built a solid foundation of expertise (check our Publications).
Our group is not only passionate in building impactful knowledge pool but are also keen on partnering with industry to translate and develop technologies for commercial applications, either via joint grant submissions or through consultations and lab services that we offer (more info under Industry Partnerships).
Dr Edgar Wong
Group Leader
Edgar is currently an ARC Future Fellow and UNSW Scientia Senior Lecturer. Graduated with a PhD in 2011, Edgar has over 15 years of experience in polymer/organic chemistry and materials science and has been mentored by world renowned researchers. He is focussing his research efforts on developing innovative and effective strategies to combat healthcare challenges, especially on antimicrobial resistance.
Dr Shu Lam
Honorary Member
Shu graduated with a PhD in 2016 from the University of Melbourne and is currently leading a business development unit for a clinical research organization. Best known for her seminal first author work on antimicrobial peptide polymers (published in Nature Microbiology) which garnered worldwide media attention and coverage. Shu has been the pillar of support for Edgar throughout all these years.
Mr Ethan Zeyu Shao
PhD Candidate
Ethan recently obtained his Masters thesis in February 2022 and is continuing his stay at the group as a PhD candidate. He is currently working on the development of novel stimuli responsive antimicrobial agents mainly based on external triggers.
Mr Hao Luo
PhD Candidate
Hao, who has previous experience in chemistry and microbiology, joined the group in mid 2023 having already published several first author Q1 journal articles. He is currently working on the development of novel prodrugs of antimicrobial agents mainly based on enzyme activation.
Ms Nana Thi Hanh Nguyen
Honours Student
Nana first joined the group as a Taste of Research summer student and has now continued to do her Honours. She is currently investigating the synergistic effects of the antimicrobial peptide mimics developed in the group with different antibiotics.
Ms Lynette Morgan
Honours Student
Lynette is a high-achieving double degree major student with experience in chemistry. She is currently testing the antibiofilm efficacy of a novel enzyme-responsive prodrug developed in our group.