Advanced Bioanalytical Research at KMU: A Perspective on Interdisciplinary Science

Advanced Bioanalytical Research at KMU: A Perspective on Interdisciplinary Science

Advanced Bioanalytical Research at KMU: A Perspective on Interdisciplinary Science

Jeganathan Chinnadurai

Fourth-year Ph.D student in the program in Life Sciences, KMU

Master of Science, Bharathidasan University

My research specializes in bioanalytical chemistry and omics (breathomics and lipidomics). I focus on identifying and quantifying biomarkers, as well as on advanced sample preparation and analytical techniques, including mass spectrometry, thermal desorption, and targeted and untargeted metabolomics. I have been in Taiwan for 3 years, pursuing his passion for understanding the environmental health impacts of everyday exposures.

Brief Study Experience Sharing in Taiwan:

My motivation to pursue research in environmental health stems from a deep concern about how our daily activities, even something as simple as cooking, can affect long-term health outcomes. This curiosity led me to Taiwan to pursue my PhD in Life Sciences, where I’ve explored the intersection of environmental chemistry, omics technologies, and cardiovascular, kidney, and metabolic health.

Throughout my PhD, I’ve mastered sophisticated analytical instruments, particularly LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, for omics and quantification applications. One of my proudest achievements has been publishing 4 research articles and securing one patent over the past 3 years, alongside the systematic development of comprehensive breathomics and lipidomics protocols. The process of refining my methodological approaches and learning when to pivot from theoretical frameworks to evidence-based strategies has taught me invaluable lessons about adaptability in research. And also, I went to Japan for the Conference associated with the research innovation competition and got the Gold medal.

In addition to my laboratory work, I’ve had the privilege of engaging in multiple collaborations that have broadened my scientific perspective. Beyond research, I found balance and joy through lab parties, lab trips, and various group activities. These experiences have not only enriched my understanding of Taiwanese culture but also fostered meaningful friendships and provided the necessary balance to the intensive nature of doctoral research.

Why Taiwan for My PhD? Why This Research Focus?

Taiwan’s position at the forefront of analytical chemistry research and its commitment to addressing environmental health challenges made it an ideal place for my doctoral studies. The country’s cutting-edge research facilities, particularly in mass spectrometry and omics technologies, have been instrumental in advancing my work on aldehyde biomarkers and cooking emission exposures. What truly sets Taiwan apart is its collaborative scientific community and transdisciplinary research culture. Working on an integrated research proposal that bridges environmental chemistry, genetic epidemiology, and metabolic health has allowed me to grow not just as a specialist, but as a researcher who understands the bigger picture of human health in our changing environment. This holistic approach aligns perfectly with the Life Sciences program’s emphasis on interdisciplinary thinking. The challenges I’ve faced during my PhD whether navigating complex instrument optimization, staying current with rapidly evolving omics methods, or integrating findings across breathomics and lipidomics have been met with tremendous support from my advisors, lab colleagues, and the broader research community here. Taiwan’s investment in innovative research infrastructure, from advanced LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS platforms to comprehensive biobanking facilities, has enabled me to explore questions that would have been difficult to address elsewhere. Moreover, Taiwan’s unique position as a hub for both environmental research and public health innovation creates an ideal environment for translational research. The insights we gain from studying cooking emissions and their health impacts are directly relevant to improving community health, aligning perfectly with my goal of making scientific research meaningful to people’s daily lives. The collaborative opportunities here have accelerated my research productivity, resulting in multiple publications and patent outcomes that reflect the supportive, resource-rich environment Taiwan provides. Taiwan is a beautiful country with diverse landscapes, and all seasons are good, especially winter, which is the most beautiful climate season. During winter I visited various places in Taiwan.
Explore the PhD program in life Sciences

To fellow researchers considering Taiwan for PhD studies or research positions, I offer these reflections:

Taiwan is ideal for you if you have genuine curiosity that drives you to dig deep into complex problems, even when answers aren’t immediately clear. Doctoral research here demands both technical excellence and intellectual flexibility be prepared to adapt your approaches when needed, as research rarely follows the exact path you initially envision.

Key indicators that you might thrive here:

  • You enjoy continuous learning and staying current with rapidly evolving omics technologies and analytical methods
  • You’re comfortable with sustained focus on detailed, technical work while maintaining sight of broader applications
  • You value building deep expertise through hands-on problem-solving with sophisticated instruments
  • You appreciate collaborative environments where transdisciplinary thinking is encouraged
  • You can maintain persistence through inevitable experimental setbacks and optimization challenges

Practical advice:

Approach your journey with an open mind to new analytical methods and research philosophies. Taiwan’s research culture emphasizes both rigor and innovation, and be ready to master established techniques while exploring cutting-edge approaches. Don’t hesitate to engage with researchers across disciplines; some of my most valuable insights have come from conversations with colleagues outside my immediate field. Embrace opportunities for collaboration, as they can significantly enhance your research output and broaden your scientific horizons.

Never lose hope during challenging phases of your research. Success comes through unwavering hard work, persistence, and the willingness to learn from each experiment, whether it succeeds or fails. The knowledge and technical skills you build during your PhD journey are invaluable assets that cannot be taken away they will serve you throughout your career, wherever it may lead. As I’ve learned through publishing 4 articles and securing a patent in just three years, dedication combined with Taiwan’s excellent research environment can lead to remarkable achievements.