Staff Profile

Current role

• Non-clinical academic staff member for the Biomedical Sciences (BMS) programme and the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme at Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia;

•Leads practical module for BMS Practical Skills in Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences 2 and co-leader for the Molecules to Disease unit of studies at NUMed Malaysia campus;

•Tutor for particular number of tutees within the MBBS and BMS programmes.

Background

Nadine's background is in molecular biology and she has a particular interest in genetics, microbiology, cell and molecular biosciences in relation to vaccination approaches and diagnostic platforms. Nadine has been a member of Newcastle University Medicine Malaysia (NUMed) since 2014 and has contributed to teaching and learning in the classroom and to hands-on exploration of wet laboratory practical sessions. 

Roles and Responsibilities

Works as an academic staff at NUMed Malaysia, in driving the implementation of the university’s teaching and learning strategies in medical sciences and contributing to excellent student experience.

Qualifications

Certificate in Medical Education, Newcastle University upon Tyne

PhD Molecular Biology – Universiti Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

MSc Medical Laboratory Sciences – University of Santo Tomas, Philippines

BSc Medical Laboratory Sciences – Cebu Doctors’ University, Philippines  

Previous Positions

Graduate Research Fellow – University Putra Malaysia, Malaysia

Lecturer – Global City Innovative College, Philippines

Lecturer – St. Augustine School of Nursing, Philippines

Memberships

Malaysian Genetics Society

Philippine Association of Medical Technologists

Summary of Research Interests:

Research interests include current trends and developments in the field of medicine including molecular diagnostics and therapeutics used in disease detection and vaccination approaches as well as genetic research. Studies on the molecular mechanisms such as activation of specific genes or expression of specific peptides during disease development pave way for new avenues for early diagnosis and effective disease treatment. 
As well as investigating and understanding the molecular mechanisms involved during various human diseases such as cancer, genetic diseases or even autoimmune diseases which display complex interactions among several distinct molecular and genetic and/or epigenetic factors whereby various targets for diagnosis or prognosis can be identified, i.e. biomarkers; and wherein treatment and vaccination, i.e. molecular therapeutics, anti-cancer agents or cancer vaccines, can be developed abreast the advancements in field of medical science.

Previous Research Projects:

Oral Immunization of Cholera DNA Vaccine employing Microencapsulation Delivery System

The research project encompassed the construction and verification of the plasmid vectors to serve as DNA vaccines and the encapsulation process into microspheres to serve as an oral delivery vehicles. My responsibility as a researcher was research design and experimentation involving molecular approaches to verify feasibility of the process; which include recombinant cloning in bacteria, mammalian cell culture studies, protein immunoblot and immunofluorescence techniques at protein and cellular levels. Furthermore, characterization of microparticles or microspheres as encapsulating material was conducted in lieu of pharmaceutical application both in vitro and in vivo testing involving mice and rabbit species. Animal handling, specimen collection/processing and relevant animal experimental approaches were conducted. The research was conducted under the financial support of a government scientific research body.

Characterization of the Clinical Spectrum of Patients Positive for Antibodies against Citrullinated Antigens/Proteins

The project involved recruitment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and normal subjects wherein blood specimens were obtained together with data assessment from relevant medical records. The clinical profiles of the patients were studied with reference to the laboratory results for antibody positivity to create a clinical spectrum from the study group. My undertaking was to recruit study participants; obtain informed consent as well as specimens and data records; determine presence of antibodies against citrullinated antigens through ELISA; and collate the clinical spectrum of the study participants.
 

Lecture and practical sessions taught for Stage 1 and Stage 2 modules in the Biomedical Sciences degree programme

• BMN1003 (Genetics)
• BMN1005 (Microbiology and Immunology)
• BMN2002 (Cell and Molecular Biosciences)
• BMN2011 (The Nervous System and Respiratory Diseases)
• BMN2012 (Clinical Immunology and Viral Pathogens
• BMN1004 (Practical Skills in Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences 1)
• BMN1008 (Practical Skills in Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences 2)
• BMN2005 (Practical Skills in Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences 3)
• BMN2013 (Practical and Presentational Skills in Biomedical Science)

Lecture and seminar sessions taught for Stage 1 and Stage 2 units of study in the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery degree programme

• MTD (Molecules to Disease)
• LC1 (Life Cycle 1)
• CSIM1 (Clinical Sciences and Investigative Medicine 1)
• NME1 (Nutrition, Metabolism & Endocrinology 1)
• NME2 (Nutrition, Metabolism & Endocrinology 2)
  
  
  
  

• Nograles N, Abdullah S, Shamsudin M, Billa N, Rosli R. Formation and characterization of pDNA-loaded alginate microspheres for oral administration in mice. Journal of Bioscience and Bioengineering 2012, 133(2), 133-140.
• Hanafi A, Nograles N, Abdullah S, Shamsudin N, Rosli R. Cellulose acetate phthalate microencapsulation and delivery of plasmid DNA to the intestines. Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences 2013, 102(2), 617-626.
• Rosli R, Nograles N, Hanafi A, Shamsudin M, Abdullah S. Mucosal genetic immunization through microsphere–based oral carriers. Human Vaccines and Immunotherapeutics 2013, 9, 2222–2227.