Kwok Hang-Fai, from Hong Kong, met the Vice Chancellor when he received his doctorate in biomedical science at the UU graduations in Coleraine yesterday.
Kwok, who studied at Coleraine, is carrying out pioneering research into the venom of the poisonous Gila monster.
The venom offers several promising medical applications.
Gila Monster poison could bring health benefits, science PhD finds
Biomedical science student Kwok Hang Fai, 24, today receives a PhD from the University of Ulster in recognition of his pioneering research into the venom of the deadly Gila monster.
The Gila monster is one of only two venomous lizards in the world. The rare animal – which is protected by law and international treaty – inhabits a remote desert area in Arizona, USA.
In the course of his research, the Coleraine student developed a new technique to painlessly harvest the venom of the lizard, in order to analyse its chemical structure in the laboratories of the University’s Coleraine, Northern Ireland campus.
“When I analysed the Gila monster venom, I discovered that it contained many new chemicals previously unknown to biomedical science, some of which my colleagues and I are convinced will lead to the development of new, more effective drugs to combat a number of life-threatening medical conditions,” said Kwok.
Kwok’s supervisor at the University of Ulster, distinguished biomedical scientist Professor Chris Shaw, paid tribute to the quality of Kwok’s work – and his dedication in mastering the large body of international legislation for protected species when harvesting and exporting the venom from the USA, and in importing it into the UK for analysis.
“His tenacity in sticking to this complex and difficult research task in sourcing the lizard venom showed great strength of character. He saw the project right through to the high technology laboratory work in which he analysed the molecular structure and functioning of this rare and complex substance.”
Professor Shaw went on to say that “Kwok’s kind of drive, talent and tenacity make him an ideal research scientist. I’m convinced he has a great scientific career ahead of him.”
Before moving to Northern Ireland, Kwok studied at the Chai Wan campus of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (formerly the Hong Kong Technical College, Chai Wan) where he was awarded a Higher Diploma in Biotechnology. In 1999 he travelled to Northern Ireland and enrolled, with advanced standing, on the University of Ulster’s BSc Honours Biotechnology. He achieved First Class Honours and embarked on his PhD studies in 2000.
