Assoc.Prof. Chek Min Fey
Protein Design and Engineering
Please tell us about your own research and what you find interesting about it.
Proteins are essential components that support life. I am particularly fascinated by how proteins perform diverse functions at the molecular level. Among them, enzymes play crucial roles in metabolism as well as in industrial applications. Understanding how enzymes work and how we can control or redesign them is what makes this research especially exciting to me.
Please tell us about the difficulties and joys of the research field.
One major challenge is that proteins are extremely small and cannot be directly visualized with visible light. To understand their function, we rely on advanced techniques such as X-ray crystallography and cryo-electron microscopy. Another difficulty is improving protein function, as their mechanisms are highly complex and involve many variables. However, this complexity is also what makes research enjoyable, there are virtually endless possibilities to explore and discover.
Please tell us about the expected results and social significance of the project.
This research contributes to the development of biodegradable plastics, which is directly related to environmental sustainability (SDGs 11-15), particularly aligned with SDG 14 (Life Below Water). By improving enzyme performance, we aim to enable more efficient and cost-effective production of sustainable materials.
A message of support for students who are about to take the exam
Believe in yourself and stay curious about the future. The scientific environment at NAIST Bio is a place where you can explore your ideas and grow as a researcher. Research through experiments is an endurance game, involving a lot of trial and error, failures, and, of course, the eureka moments we all strive for.
What websites, books, review articles, and so on, do you recommend for studying in order to apply for the lab ?
I recommend reading biographies of scientists you admire. One book I particularly like is “What Mad Pursuit” by Francis Crick. To understand the history of structural biology, you may also enjoy “Present at the Flood: How Structural Molecular Biology Came About” by Richard E. Dickerson.
What do you do to keep yourself fresh?
I enjoy talking with people and playing sports such as swimming, basketball, and running. Recently, I’ve been spending more time with my kids, so I now enjoy playing outdoors with them on weekends, which has become a great way for me to relax and refresh.