Pls review my study plan.
My interest in biomedical science was sparked by a high school Biology teacher who encouraged me to explore the world at a molecular level. This motivated me to pursue Biotechnology at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, where, through intensive courses in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology, along with practical research at the central research and development laboratory of biotechnology, I developed a deep understanding and solid foundation in the microbiology and molecular biology of pathogenic bacteria. The courses and research experiments provided me with many valuable lessons through both successes and failures, helping me learn how to conduct scientific research properly. After graduation, I joined a research and development group in the field of antibiotic alternative formulations. Although our research on probiotics and bacteriophages shows great potential, they have not been able to successfully replace antibiotics in the market for many reasons: cost, speed of effectiveness, widespread use, etc., while the problem of antibiotic resistance is becoming increasingly serious. This experience highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and antimicrobial-resistance, prompting me to seek advanced training at Chang Gung University to further develop my research skills in the field of therapy development that takes resistance into account.
I chose ... for its leadership in translational biomedical sciences, particularly in molecular immunology and infectious diseases. The Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences stands out through its multidisciplinary approach, integrating molecular biology, immunology, and clinical medicine via close collaboration with ... Hospital. Advanced facilities in proteomics, genomics, and bio-imaging, along with research strengths in biofilm microbiology and host-pathogen interactions, perfectly align with my focus on bacteriophage-antibiotic synergy and biofilm disruption. This environment will enable me to apply my quantitative and experimental background to large-scale omics and translational research while collaborating with leading scientists to advance next-generation biotherapeutics.
To prepare for the program's challenges, I created a systematic academic and research plan that will ensure I get both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. My primary goal is to develop a deep understanding of biomedical science, with the aim of achieving a GPA of at least 90/100 in my courses. I plan to go beyond traditional classroom learning by focusing on advanced bio-data analysis and diagnostic methods. Alongside my scientific goals, I aim to achieve the TOCFL Level 3 (Band B1) certificate in my first year. This language proficiency is crucial for my professional growth, helping me engage in academic discussions and collaborate effectively with Taiwanese experts. Ultimately, I want to combine my practical diagnostic experience with modern molecular medicine to become a well-rounded researcher in virology and immunology.
In my first year, I will focus on completing core and specialized coursework while gradually integrating into the research environment at Chang Gung University. Core subjects such as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Seminar will establish a strong theoretical foundation, while advanced electives including Microbiology-Virology, Microbiology-Bacteriology, and Advanced Immunology will deepen my understanding of pathogen biology, immune evasion, and resistance-related mechanisms. To strengthen my analytical skills, I plan to complete a Data Analysis with Python certification on Udemy. This will help me effectively interpret large-scale omics data in biomedical research. To ensure a deep mastery of the curriculum, I will utilize the "Flipped Classroom" model-systematically reviewing research papers and identifying key conceptual gaps before attending lectures to engage more effectively in scientific discourse. I will aim to complete all required and elective courses within the first two semesters. Alongside my academic studies, I will initiate early laboratory involvement through rotations in Professor Cheng-Hsun Chiu's lab. Through ongoing exchanges with Professor Chiu, whose expertise in molecular infectious diseases and bacterial pathogenesis I have closely followed, I have gained valuable insights that have further strengthened my determination to pursue bacteriophage research as a long-term direction against antimicrobial resistance. This will allow me to immerse myself in CGU's research culture, master specialized experimental protocols, and observe cutting-edge techniques in phage biology.
As my laboratory engagement progresses, I will contribute to ongoing projects by refining advanced molecular biology skills, including phage genome engineering using CRISPR-Cas editing for targeted modifications, high-throughput sequencing analysis of phage-host interactions, cryo-electron microscopy for the structural characterization of phage components, and bioinformatics-driven modeling of phage-antibiotic synergy. These practical experiences will enable me to identify a research direction that aligns with the laboratory's expertise in biofilm disruption and host-pathogen dynamics. In parallel, I will allocate regular time for Mandarin language training to achieve TOCFL Level 3 by the end of the first year, thereby facilitating effective academic communication and collaboration. By the end of the first year, with guidance from my advisor, I intend to finalize a comprehensive research proposal focused on bacteriophage applications, thereby ensuring a smooth transition to full-time independent research in the second year. Starting in the first semester of my second year, I will officially join a research lab under my professor's supervision. I will allocate 4-5 days per week to conducting hands-on laboratory experiments and the remaining time to thesis writing, data analysis, and any additional coursework.
Building upon my academic preparation, I propose to conduct a research study titled "Engineering of bacteriophages into novel antimicrobial tailocins against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii." In the World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogens list for research and development of new antibiotics, this species has been designated a priority 1-critical pathogen. Bacteriophages are emerging as an effective alternative to antibiotics, but concerns about gene transfer, antibody response, and other factors remain. By leveraging the structural components of phages, I will design tailocins-bacteriocin-like structures that retain the host-recognition apparatus but lack viral DNA-to eliminate risks associated with horizontal gene transfer and uncontrolled replication. Using molecular cloning and protein engineering, I will modify tail fiber proteins to enhance targeting specificity and evaluate their bactericidal efficacy through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays and biofilm disruption studies. Mechanistic investigations will focus on membrane depolarization and cell wall perforation kinetics while also assessing the immunogenicity of these protein-based scaffolds to ensure reduced antibody interference compared to whole-phage therapy. This multi-faceted approach is expected to demonstrate that engineered tailocins provide a highly specific, 'dead-end' antimicrobial strategy that bypasses the safety hurdles of live phages. These findings could establish a robust platform for developing programmable biologics against multi-drug resistant infections, opening new avenues for therapeutic applications in the post-antibiotic era.
After obtaining my Master's degree from .., I plan to pursue a PhD to deepen my understanding of molecular immunology and biomedical research on infectious diseases. My goal is to enhance my independent research capabilities, based on solid scientific foundations, and develop innovative treatment strategies, particularly bacteriophage-based approaches to combat antibiotic resistance. In the long term, I aspire to become a researcher in Vietnam after accumulating sufficient knowledge and experience. I aim to support and lead research initiatives addressing emerging infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance - challenges that are particularly urgent in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, where multidrug-resistant pathogens pose a significant threat to public health. By combining ...'s advanced biomedical training with practical experience, I aspire to make a responsible contribution to the Vietnamese scientific community, fostering collaborative efforts and ultimately improving public health outcomes in my homeland. I also aim to strengthen scientific cooperation between Vietnam and Taiwan, connect research communities, and promote academic exchange to address pressing health challenges in both countries.
My interest in biomedical science was sparked by a high school Biology teacher who encouraged me to explore the world at a molecular level. This motivated me to pursue Biotechnology at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology, where, through intensive courses in Microbiology, Molecular Biology, and Biotechnology, along with practical research at the central research and development laboratory of biotechnology, I developed a deep understanding and solid foundation in the microbiology and molecular biology of pathogenic bacteria. The courses and research experiments provided me with many valuable lessons through both successes and failures, helping me learn how to conduct scientific research properly. After graduation, I joined a research and development group in the field of antibiotic alternative formulations. Although our research on probiotics and bacteriophages shows great potential, they have not been able to successfully replace antibiotics in the market for many reasons: cost, speed of effectiveness, widespread use, etc., while the problem of antibiotic resistance is becoming increasingly serious. This experience highlighted the need for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis and antimicrobial-resistance, prompting me to seek advanced training at Chang Gung University to further develop my research skills in the field of therapy development that takes resistance into account.
I chose ... for its leadership in translational biomedical sciences, particularly in molecular immunology and infectious diseases. The Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences stands out through its multidisciplinary approach, integrating molecular biology, immunology, and clinical medicine via close collaboration with ... Hospital. Advanced facilities in proteomics, genomics, and bio-imaging, along with research strengths in biofilm microbiology and host-pathogen interactions, perfectly align with my focus on bacteriophage-antibiotic synergy and biofilm disruption. This environment will enable me to apply my quantitative and experimental background to large-scale omics and translational research while collaborating with leading scientists to advance next-generation biotherapeutics.
To prepare for the program's challenges, I created a systematic academic and research plan that will ensure I get both theoretical knowledge and practical experience. My primary goal is to develop a deep understanding of biomedical science, with the aim of achieving a GPA of at least 90/100 in my courses. I plan to go beyond traditional classroom learning by focusing on advanced bio-data analysis and diagnostic methods. Alongside my scientific goals, I aim to achieve the TOCFL Level 3 (Band B1) certificate in my first year. This language proficiency is crucial for my professional growth, helping me engage in academic discussions and collaborate effectively with Taiwanese experts. Ultimately, I want to combine my practical diagnostic experience with modern molecular medicine to become a well-rounded researcher in virology and immunology.
In my first year, I will focus on completing core and specialized coursework while gradually integrating into the research environment at Chang Gung University. Core subjects such as Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Seminar will establish a strong theoretical foundation, while advanced electives including Microbiology-Virology, Microbiology-Bacteriology, and Advanced Immunology will deepen my understanding of pathogen biology, immune evasion, and resistance-related mechanisms. To strengthen my analytical skills, I plan to complete a Data Analysis with Python certification on Udemy. This will help me effectively interpret large-scale omics data in biomedical research. To ensure a deep mastery of the curriculum, I will utilize the "Flipped Classroom" model-systematically reviewing research papers and identifying key conceptual gaps before attending lectures to engage more effectively in scientific discourse. I will aim to complete all required and elective courses within the first two semesters. Alongside my academic studies, I will initiate early laboratory involvement through rotations in Professor Cheng-Hsun Chiu's lab. Through ongoing exchanges with Professor Chiu, whose expertise in molecular infectious diseases and bacterial pathogenesis I have closely followed, I have gained valuable insights that have further strengthened my determination to pursue bacteriophage research as a long-term direction against antimicrobial resistance. This will allow me to immerse myself in CGU's research culture, master specialized experimental protocols, and observe cutting-edge techniques in phage biology.
As my laboratory engagement progresses, I will contribute to ongoing projects by refining advanced molecular biology skills, including phage genome engineering using CRISPR-Cas editing for targeted modifications, high-throughput sequencing analysis of phage-host interactions, cryo-electron microscopy for the structural characterization of phage components, and bioinformatics-driven modeling of phage-antibiotic synergy. These practical experiences will enable me to identify a research direction that aligns with the laboratory's expertise in biofilm disruption and host-pathogen dynamics. In parallel, I will allocate regular time for Mandarin language training to achieve TOCFL Level 3 by the end of the first year, thereby facilitating effective academic communication and collaboration. By the end of the first year, with guidance from my advisor, I intend to finalize a comprehensive research proposal focused on bacteriophage applications, thereby ensuring a smooth transition to full-time independent research in the second year. Starting in the first semester of my second year, I will officially join a research lab under my professor's supervision. I will allocate 4-5 days per week to conducting hands-on laboratory experiments and the remaining time to thesis writing, data analysis, and any additional coursework.
Building upon my academic preparation, I propose to conduct a research study titled "Engineering of bacteriophages into novel antimicrobial tailocins against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii." In the World Health Organization (WHO) priority pathogens list for research and development of new antibiotics, this species has been designated a priority 1-critical pathogen. Bacteriophages are emerging as an effective alternative to antibiotics, but concerns about gene transfer, antibody response, and other factors remain. By leveraging the structural components of phages, I will design tailocins-bacteriocin-like structures that retain the host-recognition apparatus but lack viral DNA-to eliminate risks associated with horizontal gene transfer and uncontrolled replication. Using molecular cloning and protein engineering, I will modify tail fiber proteins to enhance targeting specificity and evaluate their bactericidal efficacy through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assays and biofilm disruption studies. Mechanistic investigations will focus on membrane depolarization and cell wall perforation kinetics while also assessing the immunogenicity of these protein-based scaffolds to ensure reduced antibody interference compared to whole-phage therapy. This multi-faceted approach is expected to demonstrate that engineered tailocins provide a highly specific, 'dead-end' antimicrobial strategy that bypasses the safety hurdles of live phages. These findings could establish a robust platform for developing programmable biologics against multi-drug resistant infections, opening new avenues for therapeutic applications in the post-antibiotic era.
After obtaining my Master's degree from .., I plan to pursue a PhD to deepen my understanding of molecular immunology and biomedical research on infectious diseases. My goal is to enhance my independent research capabilities, based on solid scientific foundations, and develop innovative treatment strategies, particularly bacteriophage-based approaches to combat antibiotic resistance. In the long term, I aspire to become a researcher in Vietnam after accumulating sufficient knowledge and experience. I aim to support and lead research initiatives addressing emerging infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance - challenges that are particularly urgent in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, where multidrug-resistant pathogens pose a significant threat to public health. By combining ...'s advanced biomedical training with practical experience, I aspire to make a responsible contribution to the Vietnamese scientific community, fostering collaborative efforts and ultimately improving public health outcomes in my homeland. I also aim to strengthen scientific cooperation between Vietnam and Taiwan, connect research communities, and promote academic exchange to address pressing health challenges in both countries.
