Yanni Ong

Processed donated patient samples such as fresh lung tissue, blood, and urine. Performed DNA, RNA, cfDNA, and cfRNA extraction from patient samples. Applied dPCR and Nanopore Sequencing to detect KRAS mutations in bronchoscopy samples.

Research Assistant - The University of Queensland | The Prince Charles Hospital | UQ Thoracic Research Centre - Brisbane, Australia

(2025-05)

• Processed donated patient samples such as fresh lung tissue, blood, and urine.
• Performed DNA, RNA, cfDNA, and cfRNA extraction from patient samples.
• Applied dPCR and Nanopore Sequencing to detect KRAS mutations in bronchoscopy samples.
• Co-authoring a systematic review in progress (second author)
• Authored new SOPs and flowchart for improved biobanking workflows.
• Wrote and submitted grant applications with 2 successful grants awarded.

Research Assistant - The University of Queensland - Brisbane, Australia

(2024-07 - 2024-11)

Completed a project at the UQ Centre for Clinical Research, under Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo.

• Project title: Assessment of the Limit of Detection (LOD) and Quantification (LOQ) of CD9 Peptides by Targeted Mass Spectrometry.
• This project is the precursor of establishing a protocol to determine the LOD and LOQ of a panel of EV-isolated peptide biomarkers by using synthetic peptides in a healthy pooled human EV matrix.

Clinical Development Research Officer - Mirxes Lab Pte. Ltd. - Singapore

(2021-04 - 2023-07)

Research and Development Department. Full-time (40hr/wk).

• Performed literature search, design, and conducted wet-lab experiments for the optimization and validation of various procedures for disease biomarker discovery such as high throughput miRNA RT-qPCR, ELISA, Sequencing, and Methylation assays.
• Key member of the R&D laboratory in-charged of testing feasibility and quality of samples in the initial phases of various project collaborations with external partners ranging from institutes in Japan, USA, and Southeast Asia.
• Analysis of experimental results.
• Improved R&D workflows by identifying problem areas, sourcing solutions, and implementing changes to better improve accuracy and productivity, reducing human error and variations, and reduce cost. Examples include implementing Storage and Data management software, acquiring and customizing automation for routine lab work, and creating new work instructions that reduce errors.
• Developed and wrote SOPs for Sample Collection and Processing for CADENCE Study, the largest early cancer detection study regionally in Southeast Asia to date (N=12000).
• Single-handedly designed the Biobanking pipeline for CADENCE study in the R&D Lab and expanded it into a stand-alone Biobanking Laboratory (Cryomics) with multiple staff and automation.
• Trained and hired Medical Technologists for CADENCE study ensuring compliance with various regulatory requirements.

Junior Medical Technologist - National University Hospital - Singapore

(2020-04 - 2021-04)

Department of Laboratory Medicine, Core Laboratory. Part-time (32hr/wk).

• Performed manual and automated specimen processing and chemical pathological analysis in accordance with laboratory protocols to support screening, diagnosing and treatment of patients within Singapore and the region in the Core Laboratory of the National University Health System and National Referral Laboratory.
• Worked with various healthcare professionals in delivering the highest quality care to patients by delivering accurate diagnostic laboratory results through manual validation of results after correlation with patient history.
• Frequently performed analysis on samples from internal and external quality assurance and proficiency testing programs from CAP, RCPA, UKNEQAS, Bio-rad, and QASI. Also performed lot-to-lot bridging, linearity, and equipment validation studies.

Clinical Research Technician - Eli Lilly Centre for Clinical Pharmacology - Singapore

(2020-02 - 2021-04)

Contract locum staff (16hr/wk).

• Processed and analyzed phase 1 clinical trial study and screening specimens with strict adherence to study protocols for novel drugs in first-in-human trials.
• Ensured that all procedures comply with local and global regulatory requirements with good clinical practices.

Analytical Technician - Singapore Turf Club - Singapore

(2020-02 - 2022-04)

Forensic Toxicology. Part-time (16hr/wk).

• Received, barcoded, and processed Equine blood samples pre-race. Performed QC, calibration, solid phase extraction, biochemical testing and drug analysis on Equine blood plasma. Ensured that all processes are performed according to the laboratory's standard operating procedures.

Medical technologist Intern - Parkway Laboratory Services (Mount Elizabeth Hospital Orchard) - Singapore

(2019-09 - 2020-02)

Full-time Internship (44hr/wk).

• Gained proficiency in assisting Hematologists with Bone Marrow Biopsy procedures, as well as making bed-side Bone Marrow Aspiration slides, and trephine core touch preparation slides.
• Analyzed patient specimens and ran manual tests according to strict regulations from the work instructions in different sections of the laboratory such as Biochemistry, Immunology, manual testing, Hematology, and Urinalysis. Performed maintenance and quality checks on laboratory and point-of-care testing analyzers.

Bachelor of Science - Biomedical Science - The University of Queensland (2024)

Post-Diploma Certificate - Biomedical Informatics - Republic Polytechnic (2022)

Diploma - Biomedical Sciences - Republic Polytechnic (2020)