Thursday, February 11, 2021

Two-minutes with CSIRO research scientist, Kim Lee Chang


Kim Lee Chang is interested in marine biotechnology research for developing microalgae for biofuels and bioproducts such as omega-3 oils, as well as other biotechnology potential of algae. He was awarded CSIRO Office of the Chief Executive (OCE) postdoctoral fellowship in 2014 that was supported through the CSIRO Intelligent Processing Transformational Capability Platform. He completed his PhD in 2013: “Microalgae—A Renewable Source of Biofuels, Omega-3 Oils and Other Co-products.” The project was a joint project with University of Tasmania and the CSIRO. Kim has identified new endemic strains of highly productive thraustochytrids and by optimizing growth conditions has been maximizing their potential for biofuels and omega-3 oils production.

A typical day for me includes… dropping off my child to childcare at 8 a.m. and then sitting down to check my emails and plan the day. I am responsible for laboratory maintenance and leading various projects related to long-chain fatty acids derived from marine microbes. So, my typical workday can either be in the laboratory dealing with maintenance matters, working at the lab bench completing tasks such as microbe culturing, wet chemistry or data analysis, or, meeting with stakeholders to make sure the project millstones are delivered and collaborators are happy with the progress.

My favourite part of my job is…developing new ideas and solving industrial challenges. Being able to explore the research questions that fascinate me and the opportunity to work alongside my colleagues to try and solve them.

Away from work, I like to… spend time home brewing in between carrying out house chores which never seem to end!

If I could meet anyone, it would be… Barack Obama because he is ethical and a person with high morals.

When listening to the radio I listen to… Triple J or ABC classic

Thanks for sharing your valuable research and your life outside of work with us Kim!

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