Lao PDR

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My background and formal training is as a researcher in the field of plant molecular biology and genetics. Prior to moving to Indonesia, I spent five years in Prof. George Haughn's lab in the Department of Botany, UBC, Vancouver, Canada, first as a Post Doctoral Fellow and then as a Research Associate. My undergraduate degree and doctorate were completed in the School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Durham University, UK.

Since moving to Indonesia in February 2008, I have continued to be involved in scientific research, and also provide scientific writing, editing, and teaching services.

I am experienced in managing a team of multi-disciplinary research scientists from multiple countries in order to address complex research questions. As well as scientific knowledge and the ability to conduct research, this experience has also allowed me to develop the following skills:

    • Scientific background, with broad knowledge of plant biology;

    • Excellent verbal and written communication skills;

    • Strong interpersonal skills in teaching and mentoring;

    • Budgeting, scheduling and time management; and

    • Strategic thinker.

I am available for short or long-term research, teaching, and consulting assignments throughout Southeast Asia

I am a British citizen and a Canadian Permanent Resident and have an Indonesian research permit (KITAS).

Rinjani, Indonesia

Sunrise from Gunung Rinjani summit, Lombok, Indonesia. 2009.

Updated July 19th 2009

I believe that sharing ideas and data is fundamental to the advancement of science for the wellbeing of society and our environment; I am committed to furthering science research and education, fostering communication between researchers and improving public understanding of science.

Key skills

  • Scientific writing and editing: preparation of documents including grant writing, manuscripts for publication, and brochures.

  • Teaching: covering aspects of plant biology and scientific writing in English.

  • Project management: collaborations between international partners at multiple institutions, project development, scheduling, and budgeting.

Krakkie

Anak Krakatau, West Java, Indonesia.

2008

Selected assignments

2009 to present
2008 to present
Organisation of the Bogor Bio discussion group that brings together researchers in biology from local organisations.
2008 Taught on molecular systematics course organise by Harvard University at LIPI (Indonesian Institute of Sciences), Cibinong, Indonesia.
2008
“International Grant Writing and Publication”, presentation at LIPI Grant Writing Workshop, Jakarta, Indonesia.
2008
Grant writing services, e.g. for Plant Resources of Southeast Asia (PROSEA).

Research interests

My current research interests are broad, and include developmental biology, genetics, cell wall biochemistry, biogeography, and evolution.

I maintain a position as Honorary Research Associate at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, and I am involved in several research projects involving collaborators in Canada, the USA, Australia and Indonesia.

seed SEM

Eucalyptus deglupta at Kebun Raya, Bogor, Indonesia. 2009

Ongoing Research

2009 to present
Investigation of the biogeography of Eucalyptus deglupta using molecular markers in collaboration with Dr. Frank Udovicic at Royal Botanic Garden Melbourne, Dr. Sita Ariati at Kebun Raya (Bogor Botanic garden), Dr. Mike Bayly at University of Melbourne, and Dr. Cam Webb (Arnold Arboretum).
2009 to present
Development of a DNA barcoding lab at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) in collaboration with Dr. Cam Webb (Arnold Arboretum) as part of a project to catalogue plant species at Gunung Palung National Park.
2008 to present
Elucidation of cell wall biogenesis using the Arabidopsis thaliana seed coat as a model system with Prof. George Haughn at UBC.

Key technical skills

Plants: Standard methods of Arabidopsis genetics, design of constructs and Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, design and application of genetic screens, map-based cloning, generation of crosses, tissue culture.

Molecular biology: Standard cloning techniques, DNA sequencing and analysis, isolation of RNA and DNA, Northern and Southern blotting, PCR methods, analysis of gene expression using GFP and GUS reporter genes, subcellular localisation of protein-GFP fusions, microarray analysis of gene expression.

Carbohydrate analysis: HPLC analysis of sugars, capillary electrophoresis, FTIR, linkage analysis.

Protein expression: Heterologous expression of proteins in heterologous systems, activity assays.

Microscopy: Light and fluorescence microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, resin embedding and sectioning.

Brief Career Summary

2008 to present Independent Consultant, Bogor, Indonesia.
Research, teaching and scientific writing services.
2008 to present Honorary Research Associate, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Identification and characterisation of genes involved in cell wall biogenesis in Arabidopsis.
Supervisor: Professor George Haughn.
2007 to 2008 Research Associate, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
Comprehensive transcriptome analysis of Brassica seed coat development as part of the Designing Oilseeds for Tomorrow’s Market project funded by Genome Alberta.
Supervisor: Professor George Haughn
2003 to 2007 Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
Cloning and characterisation of the role of the MUM2 gene in Arabidopsis seed coat development.
Supervisor: Professor George Haughn
1999 to 2003 Ph.D. Student, School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, University of Durham, UK.
Isolation of the KNAT6 homeobox gene from Arabidopsis roots and investigation of its role in root development.
Supervisor: Professor Keith Lindsey
1999 Research Assistant, Department of Biochemistry, Purdue University, USA.
Supervisor: Professor Clint Chapple
1997 to 1998 Placement Student, Forestry Research Unit, Shell International Renewables, UK.
Supervisor: Dr Glynn Edwards

Education

1999 to 2003 Ph.D. (Plant Molecular Biology), University of Durham, UK
1995 to 1999 B.Sc. (Molecular Biology and Biochemistry (1st Class) with Industrial Placement), University of Durham, UK

Additional Training

2007 Introduction to Project Management: Genome Sciences Centre Workshop; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
2007 Time management: Faculty of Medicine Post Doctoral Fellow Professional Development Workshop; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
2007 Designing a University Course: workshop for postdoctoral fellows offered by the Centre for Teaching and Academic Growth; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
2005 Influencing Without Authority: workshop on leadership and project management offered for Post-Doctoral Fellows; University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada.
2003 Chemical and Radiochemical Safety: University of British Columbia Health and Safety

Scholarships and Awards

1999 to 2002 Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council: stipend and conference funding
2002 Society for Experimental Biology Travel Grant: attended the 13th International Conference on Arabidopsis Research in Seville, Spain.
2001  Poster prize (runner-up): Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences; University of Durham, UK
1999 W. E. Foster Prize for excellence in plant physiology; University of Durham

Peer Reviewed Publications

G. H. Dean, H. Zheng, J. Tewari, J. Huang, D. S. Young, Y. T. Hwang, T. L. Western, N. C. Carpita, M. C. McCann, S. D. Mansfield, G. W. Haughn (2007) The Arabidopsis MUM2 gene encodes a putative β-galactosidase required for the production of seed coat mucilage with correct hydration properties. Plant Cell 19 4022-4034.

T. L. Western, D. S. Young, G. H. Dean, W. L. Tan, A. L. Samuels and G. W. Haughn (2004) MUCILAGE-MODIFIED4 encodes a putative pectin biosynthetic enzyme developmentally regulated by APETALA2, TRANSPARENT TESTA GLABRA1, and GLABRA2 in the Arabidopsis seed coat. Plant Physiology 134 300-306.

G. H. Dean, S. A. Casson and K. Lindsey (2004) The KNAT6 gene of Arabidopsis is expressed in roots and is required for correct lateral root formation. Plant Molecular Biology 54(1) 71-84.

Selected Conferences

G. H. Dean, Y. Cao, D. Xiang, G. Selvaraj, R. Datla, G. Haughn (2007) Probing the Brassicaceae seed coat developmental program. 5th Canadian Genomics meeting, Vancouver, Canada (poster).

G. H. Dean, H. Zheng, J. Tewari, D. S. Young, Y. T. Hwang, T. L. Western, M. C. McCann, S. D. Mansfield, G. W. Haughn (2007) Investigation of the role of the MUM2 gene in Arabidopsis seed coat development. 5th Canadian Genomics meeting, Vancouver, Canada (talk).

G. H. Dean, H. Zheng, J. Tewari, D. S. Young, Y. T. Hwang, T. L. Western, M. C. McCann, S. D. Mansfield, G. W. Haughn (2006) Investigation of the role of the MUM2 gene in Arabidopsis seed coat development. Gordon Conference on Plant Cell Walls, University of New England, USA (poster and talk).

G. H. Dean, T. L. Western, D. S. Young, Y-T. Hwang, D. Skinner and G. W. Haughn (2005) Cloning and characterisation of the Arabidopsis MUM2 gene. 2nd Plant Cell Wall Biosynthesis Meeting, Asilomar Conference Centre, CA, USA (poster and talk).

G. H. Dean and K. Lindsey. (2002). Cloning and characterisation of the KNAT6 homeobox gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. 13th International Conference on Arabidopsis Research, Seville, Spain (poster).

G. H. Dean and K. Lindsey. (2002). Cloning and characterisation of the KNAT6 homeobox gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. Society for Experimental Biology, University of Swansea, Wales, UK (talk).

G. H. Dean and K. Lindsey. (2001). Isolation of the KNAT6 homeobox gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. 12th International Conference on Arabidopsis Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA (poster).

G. H. Dean and K. Lindsey. (2001). Isolation of the KNAT6 homeobox gene in Arabidopsis thaliana. Society for Experimental Biology, University of Kent at Canterbury, UK (poster).

You can contact me by email.

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Lao PDR

Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prebang, Lao PDR. 2005