Dr Jack Wang

Biography

I completed my undergraduate studies at UQ in Biochemistry and Bioinformatics, completing a dual degree in Science and Information Technology in 2006. I then continued on to do my PhD in 2007 at the Institute of Molecular Bioscience, UQ, studying the interface between molecular bioscience and microbiology in a host-pathogen-interaction context. Following the completion of my doctoral studies in early 2010, I worked as a Research Officer at the Institute of Molecular Bioscience before relocating to the School of Chemistry & Molecular Biosciences in a teaching-focused appointment in July 2010. I am currently a Lecturer in Microbiology at UQ, serving as the UQ Microbiology major convenor.

Research Interest

My past research focused on understanding key host biological processes exploited by pathogens to infect and colonise mammalian cells. These experimental investigations revolved around direct visualization of biological processes using both fixed and time-lapse fluorescent microscopy as well as computational algorithms to process and analyse the data collected. I have applied my research background towards an interdisciplinary approach to Microbiology teaching, and my current educational research as a teaching-focused academic in Microbiology revolves around the integration of authentic research experiences into large undergraduate courses, as well as the impact of novel education technologies on assessment and feedback. This research aims to address the feasibility of conducting authentic research cross different scientific disciplines in large undergraduate courses, as well as the appropriate scaffolding and assessment practices that will maximise student learning gains. This research is carried out through multiple UQ collaborations, and has been funded by the UQ Faculty of Science and the Office of Learning and Teaching. Secondary Research Areas: Molecular Genetics and Genomics