Interviews with Scientists: Eugene Eng Leng Saw
Eugene Eng Leng Saw completed his PhD training in the Department of Physiology, University of Otago, New Zealand, in February 2020. He was supervised by A/Prof Rajesh Katare and Dr Martin Fronius, and his PhD work focused on the role of the non-neuronal cholinergic system in the diabetic heart disease.
Eugene is currently having postdoctoral training in the Sam Lab, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University. His research focuses on underpinning the molecular mechanism driving the development of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.
Great to speak to you, Eugene! Firstly, please do tell us more about your current research...
The clinical diagnosis of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is challenging as this disease is not a well-defined. This is partly due to the presence of complex comorbidities and lack of understanding. In addition, there is presently no evidence-based therapy for HFpEF. My work focuses on identifying the molecular mechanism driving the progression of the disease. I make use of a cell culture model, animal model as well as human samples to study HFpEF. I apply molecular techniques such as RT-qPCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry to investigate.
How has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted your research?
It has stopped me from going into the lab to do experiments. On the other hand, though, it has given me more time to read, write and plan future experiments. Also, I have more time to spend preparing manuscripts and proposals.
Did you always want to be a scientist when you were younger?
No, I wanted to be a physician to treat patients when I was young. However, I did not pursue this for several reasons. Instead, I chose a degree in Biomedical Sciences and a path to become a scientist. Being a scientist in the biomedical field allows me to help patients by expanding scientific knowledge, exploring new therapeutic intervention, and ultimately translating this the clinical to treat the disease.
What advice would you give those just starting out in their science PhD?
Doing a PhD study is like running a long-distance marathon. Be determined, persistent and never give up!
What's the most important lesson you have learned in your career so far?
There were many valuable lessons learnt during my PhD training – particularly stress management, time management, and interpersonal skills. There were moments when I was frustrated and upset that my experiments did not work as expected, yet I had to handle that stress well and come out with a way to troubleshoot. Additionally, in my last six months of study, I had to learn to plan my time well to juggle between thesis writing and experiments.
As a Postdoctoral Associate with three months’ experience now, I have learned to work with my lab members as a team and also to help the juniors in the lab.
What’s the biggest achievement in your career to date?
Most universities offer a four year PhD degree minimum, whereas it is a three year PhD degree at the University of Otago. Thus, the biggest achievement of my PhD training was to complete the study in three years. Also, I produced two first-authored and several co-authored publications within these three years. It certainly took my blood, tears and sweat to achieve this!
What do you think are the biggest challenges currently facing life scientists?
I believe all scientists from all over the world will agree with me that funding is always the biggest challenge in research.
What does a typical day in the lab look like for you?
I always maximize my time in the lab. Usually, I’m running around in a few labs trying to multitask and get all my experiments done.
Outside of the lab, what do you enjoy doing?
I enjoy photography, travelling and cooking. I have been to 16 countries and 35 cities and I am still planning to explore (after the pandemic!) When I travel, I like to do street, portrait, and landscape photography – sometimes I will approach someone randomly and ask if they would like to be a model, or I will hike for few hours just to get a panoramic view of a city. Being away from home (and Asia) for years, I like to make hometown/Asian foods like nasi lemak and sushi to satisfy my cravings.
If you weren’t a scientist, what do you think you’d be doing now?
I’d probably travel around with my photography gear and a mobile food truck, selling coffee and food.
What is it about your field of research that motivates you most in your work?
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death and contributes to high mortality. Thus, exploring new knowledge and new therapeutic options to help patients with cardiovascular disease certainly motivates me in my work.
Which fellow scientists working today do you most admire, and why?
It’s hard to pick one – so many have inspired me to be a good man and a good scientist. If I have to pick one, I would say Prof. Flora Sam. She has dedicated her time to taking care of patients, discovering the underlying mechanism behind the disease, and ultimately translating the findings to the clinic to help patients. This is one of the reasons I chose to join her lab.
What’s your favorite science joke?
“Keep calm and don’t get your helix in a twist.”
What do you think is the greatest scientific discovery of all time?
It is a tough question because there are many great scientific discoveries that have contributed to the present health system in the world. For example, the discovery of B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) helped to make the diagnosis of heart failure. Considering the current situation, I would also have to say vaccine development as it has protected humans from disease and countless deaths.
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Thanks so much for speaking with us, Eugene!
Eugene’s research funding comes from the NIH.
Connect with Eugene online:
- https://profiles.bu.edu/EngLeng.Saw
- http://www.bumc.bu.edu/samlab/
- https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Eugene_Saw
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