Dr Shiao Y Chow

Biography

Shiao (she/her) grew up in a farm in a rural Malaysian village. She has always been fascinated by Nature’s complex yet efficient systems that govern our biology. Fueled by a curiosity to learn more about the dance of molecules - in and around us - she embarked on a cross-continent chemical odyssey that has brought her to Australia, Sweden and the UK. She first trained as a medicinal chemist at the University of Queensland in Australia where she learnt about the fundamentals of chemical sciences. During this time, she gained expertise in bio-catalysis, peptidomimetics and drug discovery after extensive training at the Fairlie Lab. She then joined the Odell Lab at Uppsala University, Sweden. She developed a number of novel methods for transition metal-, photoredox- and radical-catalysed carbonylations; and briefly explored radiochemistry and gained valuable skillset in radiotracer development. She further applied her knowledge in metal catalysis in drug discovery at the University of Leeds, and was subsequently awarded a prestigious Marie-Curie Fellowship to develop bioorthogonal theranostics for cancer detection at the University of Edinburgh.

Since October 2022, Shiao is Chancellor’s Fellow in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry at the University of Strathclyde. In continuation to the ‘Catalysis’ theme, she will combine her interests in bio-catalysis and transition metal chemistry to create next generation bioorthogonal catalysts with programmable functionalities.

Achievements

2023 | Platinum Group Metal Award, Johnson Matthey
2022 | Lean Launch Programme Award. InnovateUK
2019 | Proximity-to-Discovery Award, Medical Research Council
2022 | Broadening Horizon Award, University of Edinburgh
2021 | WT-iTPA Springboard Award
2020 | Spin-up Science Programme Award, University of Edinburgh
2020 | Eureka Entrepreneurial Programme Award, CRUK
2018 | MSCA Fellowship, European Commissions
2018 | Project Pitch Competition Winner, School of Chemistry, University of Leeds
2014 | Carl Tryggers Fellowship
2012 | Three-minute Thesis Competition, People’s Choice, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Uni of Queensland
2012 | IMB Travel Grant, University of Queensland
2011 | Best Student Poster Presentation, Royal Australian Chemistry Institute
2010 | Best Student Poster Presentation, University of Queensland
2010 | UQ International Scholarship, University of Queensland
2010 | UQ Research Scholarship, University of Queensland
2007-9 | Dean’s Commendation of High Achievement, University of Queensland
2007 | IMB Research Scholarship, University of Queensland
2006 | Dean’s Commendation of High Achievement, University of Queensland
2006 | Summer Researcher Scholarship (High distinction), University of Queensland
2006 | Public Service Department Overseas Scholarship, Malaysian Government

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Statement

The BotCats Lab’s motto is ‘People First, Science Together’. Our group philosophy centres on the notion that impactful sciences are created through open, barrierless interactions; our lab ethos is to embrace curiosity and celebrate diversity in each and every aspect of our research. Within our group we follow a horizontal organisation structure to share an open space where all members have an equal voice.

Shiao believes that science should be open to everyone. As an under-represented minority, passionate EDI ambassador, and now group leader in higher education, it is both her professional and personal goals to cultivate a vibrant, positive research culture, ensuring all members can thrive, be inspired, and realise their aspirations. Shiao is member of the EDI Committee in the Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry and a personal mentor in MCR Pathways, a nationwide mentoring programme for disadvantaged school children.

Contact

shiao.chow@strath.ac.uk

Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry
University of Strathclyde
TG607, Thomas Graham Building
295 Cathedral Street
Glasgow G1 1XL