Dr. Richard Kong received his PhD in Microbiology from Monash University, Australia. He has been actively involved in molecular biology research for many years, involving projects that varied from molecular investigation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria to molecular genetics of inherited disorders in humans. He is well funded by many internal, external and industrial grants to carry out both basic and applied research. Currently, his major research interest is on the development and application of DNA-based tools to address problems related to diverse aspects of pollution in the marine environment. Projects on this theme that are being carried out in his laboratory include : development of DNA-based diagnostics (quantitative PCR, multiplex PCR and DNA chips) for waterborne pathogens; and identification of molecular biomarkers for aquatic hypoxia using the Differential-display RT-PCR technique
