KATHERINE LIEW-TAN
Science, Strategy & Storytelling
Biotech & Bioinformatics (Valedictorian) with 19 Years FMCG Experience
I hold a Master’s degree in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics (Valedictorian), with hands-on experience in molecular biology, protein expression and purification, enzymatic assays, and structural modeling. My path into science reflects both passion and purpose—I transitioned into research after 19 years of leading innovation and managing brand portfolios across major FMCG multinationals. I am now looking to apply my scientific training together with the strategic insight gained from industry, with the goal of contributing to impactful research—either through advanced academic study or within research-driven teams in the biosciences.
About Me
Professional identity
I specialize in protein chemistry, molecular biology and structural analysis. My academic work integrates wet-lab techniques with computational tools such as AlphaFold2 and ChimeraX to investigate molecular mechanisms. I am especially interested in biosciences, microbiology and formulation R&D.
Transition From Industry to Science – A Brave New World
After 19 years in FMCG leading innovation and portfolio growth in Asia,
I transitioned back to science to pursue laboratory research. I never imagine
I could be a “lab nerd” but I love it. My commercial background gives me a strong understanding of strategic scoping, problem framing, unmet needs, regulatory constraints and consumer-centric design — skills I apply in a scientific context.
Mindset
I approach every project with a “So What?” mindset. It helps me stay connected to the bigger picture and understand why the work matters. My background in marketing and business trained me to look for the purpose behind a project and how each piece fits into a larger story. In the lab, this mindset keeps me grounded—whether I’m running an experiment for the first time or re-doing it for the fifth time. I’ve learned to appreciate the small steps, because they’re the ones that eventually lead to real progress. It’s a reminder that every effort, no matter how small, contributes to something meaningful.
Education
2021-2025
Master's Degree
La Trobe University
I completed my Master of Biotechnology and Bioinformatics as Valedictorian, earning A grades across all subjects. The program gave me strong, hands-on training in molecular biology, protein chemistry, and bioinformatics. My thesis combined wet-lab experiments with structural and evolutionary analysis, helping me build a solid and confident foundation for my transition into life sciences research.
2016-2020
Bachelor's Degree
La Trobe University
I completed my Bachelor of Molecular Biology and Pharmaceutical Science with straight A grades. It was my true introduction to the world of science—where I first explored biomedical science, medicinal chemistry, and the principles behind drug development. This experience sparked my curiosity, strengthened my confidence in the lab, and ultimately inspired me to pursue my Master’s degree in Biotechnology and Bioinformatics.
1993-1997
Bachelor's Degree
Nanyang Technology University
I completed my Bachelor of Communication, where I gained foundational skills in TV and print journalism, public relations, and strategic communication. This degree built my confidence in storytelling, audience insight, and message crafting—skills that opened the door to my early career in FMCG sales and marketing, and later enabled me to lead and grow businesses across the region.
My academic projects
2024-2025
Master's Degree
Multi-media Presentation
This presentation’s purpose is to discuss and present the article “Functional Repair of CFTR by CRISPR/Cas9 in intestinal stem cells organoids of cystic fibrosis patients”.
2023
Master's Degree
Journal Club Presentation
Presentation for journal club discussion of an article "Eriodictyol as a potential candidate inhibitor of Sortase A protects mice from methicillin-resistant S. aureus-induced pneumonia."
2023
Master's Degree
Bio-business Website
This is a simulation of the manufacturing and commercialization of an anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody under a mock company Gentech, created by my team. The end output was delivered as a website as well as an individual report.
2022
Master's Degree
Research Grant Proposal & presentation
This is a research grant proposal based on a novel PEG-EGCG (Polyethylene glycol-epigallocatechin gallate) nano-carrier developed by A*STAR acting on VEGFR-2. An interim presentation to explain the plan was also delivered.
2021
Master's Degree
Biotechnology Technique Presentation
A presentation on Cre-LoxP as a genetic manipulation tool and its application.
Thesis
"Investigating the evolutionarily conserved antagonistic tripartite relationship in intrinsic apoptosis among Bcl2L1, Bax, and BH3-only proteins in Octopus bimaculoides."
2025
Master's Degree
Literature Review
My literature review “Tackling superbugs” focused on anti-virulence agents that target extracellular binding mechanism of action on toxin neutralisation and inhibition of secretion system T3SS.
2023
Master's Degree
Poster Presentation
This poster was developed based on the article “Eriodictyol as a potential candidate inhibitor of Sortase A protects mice from methicillin-resistant S. aureus-induced pneumonia.”
2023
Master's Degree
Biotechnological Engineering of His‑Tagged eGFP
Molecular biology applications in action: Subcloning, cloning, protein expression, purification and site mutagenesis of His-tagged eGFP.
2022
Master's Degree
Expression and Characterization of E. coli ATP-Dependent Protease Subunit (ClpP)
Expression and Characterization of E. coli ClpP protein, including COA documentation.