Meet Dr. Khong Duc Thinh, a dedicated Research Scientist with the Disruptive and Sustainable Technologies for Agricultural Precision (DiSTAP) Interdisciplinary Research Group at SMART. At DiSTAP, Dr. Khong is deeply involved in the groundbreaking work of discovering, developing, and applying nanosensors to monitor plant hormones and nutrients in real time within living plants.
In an era where climate change and population growth are intensifying the pressures on global food systems, Dr. Khong's work is more critical than ever. By harnessing cutting-edge nanosensor technology, he and his team are pioneering ways to make agriculture more efficient, resilient, and sustainable.
Join us as we delve into a day in the life of Dr. Khong, exploring how his work contributes to the global goal of sustainable agriculture. Discover his journey, gain valuable advice for aspiring scientists, and learn about the passions that keep him energised and inspired outside the lab.
How do you typically start your day before work?
I usually wake up at 7:00 AM, beginning my day with personal hygiene and a light stretch. I then savour a cup of Vietnamese-style milk coffee while catching up on the news for about half an hour. Afterwards, I check and respond to emails, particularly from my colleagues in Boston and other collaborators. To get to work, I take a short bike ride to the nearest MRT station.
Take us through your work day at SMART. How much of your day is spent in your office vs. the lab?
A typical workday at SMART is far from routine. Each morning, I start by reviewing my to-do list, which I would have prepared the night before. This list includes a diverse range of tasks, such as meetings with collaborators and colleagues from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Temasek Life Sciences Laboratory (TLL), or National University of Singapore (NUS), mentoring students, conducting lab experiments, analysing data, writing reports, developing proposals, reviewing literature, and handling administrative duties.
The balance between office and lab time varies greatly depending on the day. Some days are heavily focused on lab work, requiring extended hours in the research environment. On other days, I spend more time on administrative tasks, meetings, and data analysis, as well as preparing reports and publications, which I primarily handle in my office. Overall, there's a good mix of both throughout the week.
On any given day, what does your work in the office and lab involve?
As a research scientist at DiSTAP, my work centres on discovering, developing, and applying nanosensors to monitor plant hormones and nutrients within living plants. This interdisciplinary field combines nanotechnology, optics, and plant biology to create innovative solutions for urban farming and precision agriculture. Our goal is to empower farmers with tools for the early detection of environmental stresses and plant diseases, providing timely insights to prevent irreversible crop damage and ultimately increase yields.
My laboratory work is diverse, involving the synthesis and characterisation of sensor materials, evaluating sensor performance both in vitro and in planta, and integrating sensors into living plants for real-time visualisation of metabolites and nutrients. I work closely with plant biologists at TLL to optimise experimental design, interpret results, and apply our technology to address critical questions in plant biosynthetic pathways and signalling.
While experiments are running, I typically spend the rest of the evening at my computer, processing images, analysing data, and compiling experimental results to share with collaborators for discussion and future projects. Additionally, I draft invention disclosures, publications, and grant proposals. When time permits, I stay updated on the latest research advancements through literature reviews.
As a layperson, we often see scientists depicted in popular media having their ‘aha’ moments where they work on incredible technologies that change the world. Have you ever had an “aha” moment? If so, can you briefly describe where you were and what did you discover?
These 'aha' moments are often dramatised in the media, and, most of the time, scientific breakthroughs typically come after extensive hard work and persistence. That said, I have experienced thrilling moments of discovery. One particularly exciting achievement was when my colleagues and I successfully developed a nanosensor for real-time auxin detection. Auxin, a critical plant hormone that regulates growth and development, is a central focus for plant scientists. Our nanosensor introduced a groundbreaking ability to monitor auxin dynamics across various plant species in real-time, opening new avenues for research and enabling us to tackle previously unanswered questions in plant science.
Another significant accomplishment was the discovery and development of an iron nanosensor, which is currently in the process of being patented. This unique tool allows for real-time observation of iron uptake, transport, and speciation within plants, as iron is an essential micronutrient for plant growth and health. Our nanosensor offers unprecedented insights into iron homeostasis and transport, paving the way for optimised nutrient management strategies to ensure optimal plant growth and health.
Research can be unpredictable, with setbacks and challenges along the way. How do you handle obstacles or unexpected issues that arise during your workday?
Research is often unpredictable, and setbacks are a frequent part of the process. When faced with obstacles, I see them as opportunities for growth and learning. I start by thoroughly analysing the issue to identify its root cause. If it’s a technical challenge, I draw on my problem-solving skills and collaborate with colleagues to find a solution. For unexpected issues, I stay flexible and adapt my approach as needed. Open communication with my team is essential, as sharing challenges often sparks creative solutions. Ultimately, I believe that perseverance and a positive attitude are key to overcoming any hurdle in the research process
What advice do you have for young scientists beginning their careers?
For young scientists, I encourage them to embrace challenges as opportunities to learn and grow. Focus on building a strong foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving. Seek out mentors, collaborate broadly, and always keep an open mind to learning. It's also important to balance your research with self-care and remember that setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Above all, maintain your curiosity and passion for the work you do.
What is your go-to lunch option during workdays?
UTown has great food options, and I'm currently hooked on the new scrambled egg rice store.
What are your weekends usually like? How do you spend your time outside of work?
Weekends are my time to unwind and explore personal interests. I cherish spending quality moments with family and friends, whether we're trying out new restaurants, going for a bike ride, or simply relaxing at home. I also enjoy indulging in hobbies like reading, brewing coffee, cooking, and watching movies. Maintaining a good work-life balance is important to me, and weekends offer the perfect opportunity to achieve that.
How do you strike a balance between work, family/friends/close ones, and me-time?
Balancing work, personal life, and self-care is vital for overall well-being. I focus on effective time management by setting clear boundaries between work and personal life. Spending quality time with family and friends is essential, so I make a deliberate effort to schedule regular social interactions. I also set aside dedicated time for personal interests and relaxation, which helps me recharge and stay focused. It's an ongoing balancing act, but I believe that prioritising various aspects of life leads to a fulfilling and sustainable lifestyle.
If you had an extra hour in your day, what would you spend it doing?
Having that extra time would give me the opportunity to focus on personal growth and development beyond my professional life. If I had an additional hour in my day, I would enjoy using it for reading or refining my skills in cooking and baking.
If you’re not working as a researcher or in this field, what would you be doing?
If I weren't working as a research scientist, I would pursue a career as a chef or baker. I’d love to experiment with flavours and textures and bring joy to people through food.
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