Doctoral Researchers

A6: Alyna Ong

E-Mail: alyna.ong@tu-dresden.de
Phone: +49 351 463 43930
Office: DCN, TU Dresden
Room: BAR E74B

The interest I have in the field of nanoscience and functional nanomaterials/ nanostructures gradually developed while pursuing applied physics in my undergraduate and nano-biophysics in my master study. Throughout those studies, I was actively participating in research projects related to nanomaterials and biophysics to gain deeper insight and practical experience. After the completion of master degree, I was fascinated by the emergence of liquid phase transmission electron microscopy where nanomaterials can be characterized in their native (liquid) environment. I was thereby motivated to follow this specific scientific path and involve in the topic titled “in situ and in operando characterization of functional self-assembled nanostructures”. I’m honored to have this opportunity to be part of the RTG 2767 and as a doctoral researcher working at Dresden Center for Nanoanalysis (DCN).

Project Topic: In situ and in operando characterization of functional self-assembled nanostructures

Supervisors: Bernd Rellinghaus, Andreas Fery, Michael Mertig

Liquid phase (scanning) transmission electron microscopy (LP-(S)TEM) is a visualization tool that enables structural characterization and quantifi­cation of the kinetics of such nanostructures in the liquid. This signifies that the observation of motions of nanomaterials in their native (liquid) environment is made possible in the electron microscope, which is very beneficial for the study of materials in chemical solution or in a biological environment [1].

LP-(S)TEM is utilized in this project to (i) investigate the accuracy and reliability of using 2D DNA origami to control the inter-particle distances between gold nanoparticles – one of the most important factors to control localized surface plasmon resonances in bio-sensors; (ii) examine the dynamic process of electro-mechanical switching in sensor systems [2]; and (iii) study and minimize the effect of beam artifact – a phenomena where beam-induced crystallization of salt residues in solution occurs. It deteriorates the quality of images for quantification.  

[1] Sung, J.; Bae, Y.; Park, H.; Kang, S.; Choi, B.K..; Kim, J.; Park, J. Rev. Chem. Biomol. Eng. 2022, 13:167-91

[2] Kroener, F.; Heerwig, A.; Kaiser, W.; Mertig, M.; Rant, R. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 139, 46, 16510–16513.

Education
2019-2021

ERASMUS Mundus Master in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

KU Leuven and TU Dresden

  • Focus: Nanobiophysics
  • Thesis: Exploring novel optogenetic tools for anti-arrhythmia therapies using red-sensitive opsins
    (Center for Regenerative Therapies Dresden)
2017-2018

Internship (Research Assistant)

Austrian Solar Innovation Center, FH Oberoesterreich (Austria)

  • Project: Evaluation of sensor principles for sorption materials at Austrian Solar Innovation Center
2015-2018

Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Applied Physics

Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (Malaysia)

  • Focus: Nanotechnology
  • Thesis: Application of nanocomposite polymer electrolyte in supercapacitor at Centre of Innovative Nanostructures & Nanodevices
Publications
  • Ong, A.C.W., Shamsuri, N.A., Zaine, S.N.A. et al.
    Nanocomposite polymer electrolytes comprising starch-lithium acetate and titania for all-solid-state supercapacitor.
    Ionics 27, 853–865 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11581-020-03856-3