BSc (Honours)in Botany, Kalay University
BSc (Honors) (with first-class, second division) in Botany,
Department of Botany, Kalay University, Kalay, Sagaing, Myanmar.
3.50 GPA
About
About Us
Tuang's Story
Tuang Za Khai is a Zomi researcher and author from Pakzaang, Tedim Township, Chin State, Myanmar. He specializes in plant-microbe interactions and plant stress responses, focusing on their implications for agriculture and food security. He also explores the historical and biblical significance of locations in Israel, examining biblical narratives through a scientific perspective. His writing covers a range of topics, from scientific research to self-help and personal growth.
Tuang Za Khai began his education at a primary school in Pakzaang, Tedim Township. He later attended a private high school in Mualbeem, Tedim Township. In 2003, he completed his high school education in Tedim (Lawibual). Following his high school graduation, he continued his education, pursuing the following degrees:
Early Life and Education
A Cademic Achievements
MSc (Credit) in Plant Science, Kalay University
MSc (Credit) in Botany, Department of Botany, University of Kalay, Kalay, Sagaing, Myanmar. Thesis title: “Taxonomic study on some species of family Orchidaceous in Carmel Mount, Northern Chin State.”
4.75 GPA
Supervisor: Daw Win Nwe
DPhil in Plant Functional Genomics, Central China Normal University
PhD in Botany, Plant Functional Genomics Laboratory,
School of Life Science, Central China Normal University, Wuhan, Hubei,
PR China. Dissertation title: “Study on molecular mechanism of
cross-activation of temperature stress response by pathogen infection
in Arabidopsis thaliana.”
90.6% with 4.0 GPA
Supervisor: Professor Wannian Yang
Postdoctoral Researcher, Hebrew University of Jerusalem
Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology,
Institute of Environmental Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture,
Food and Environment. Main project: “Mode of action of type III secretion system.”
Host: Professor Saul Burdman
A Cademic Career
Tuang Za Khai currently works as a postdoctoral researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. Prior to this, he served as a lecturer at Kalay University in Myanmar. However, his career faced significant challenges due to his active role in advocating for democracy. In May 2021, he was expelled from his teaching position at Kalay University for his involvement in the civil disobedience movement and support for democracy. Despite these setbacks, he remains committed to promoting democratic values and accessible education for all. Despite no longer being affiliated with Kalay University, Tuang continues to engage in educational activities. He serves as a teaching fellow at the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) and the Zomi Education Working Group (ZEWG), contributing to online education efforts to support students from Myanmar who were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the political situation, which disrupted their formal education.
Skills & Qualifications
Professional Experience
Present
Postdoctoral Researcher
Department of Plant Pathology and Microbiology,
Institute of Environmental Sciences, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture,
Food and Environment. Main project: ‘Mode of action of type III secretion system.’ Host: Professor Saul Burdman
Present
Teaching Fellow
Burmese American Community Institute (BACI), The National University of Union of Myanmar, Global Campus. Lecturer – ‘Basic Molecular Biology’ and ‘Advanced Molecular Biology’
Developed syllabus and overall course structure, including weekly lab practicum (online).
2023
Supervision for Linoy Biton
B.Sc. students (research exercise), Tel Aviv Univeristy.
2022
Supervision for Mario Mircea Chiaburu
M.Sc. visiting student, Pablo de Olavide University of Seville, Spain
2018-2019
Supervision for Gui Mengling
M.Sc. student, Central China Normal University, PR, China.
2020 - 2021
Lecturer
Lecturer – ‘Plant Physiology’
Developed syllabus and overall course structure, including weekly lab practicum.
2014 - 2019
Assistant Lecturer
Teaching assistance to ‘Basic Concepts of Applied Botany’ Collaborated on curriculum and exam development, met with students upon request, and graded all written work, including final exam papers.
2014-2019
Assistant Lecturer
Teaching assistance to ‘Basic Concepts of Applied Botany’ Collaborated on curriculum and exam development, met with students upon request, and graded all written work, including final exam papers.
Awards and Fellowships
Chinese Government Scholarship
Ph.D. Scholarship from China Scholarship Council (2016-2019)
Pikovsky Valazzi Fellowship
A Postdoctoral fellowship from from Valazzi Pikovsky (2022)
Conference and Worshop
March 5, 2023
Conference of The Research Center for Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resoures
Attended the conference which held at Bolotin Farm, Rehovot.
February 28, 2023
The 2nd The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture Student Conference
Attended the conference which held at the Ariowitsch Auditorium, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
February 16-17, 2023
11th Conference of the Israel Society of Crop and Vegetable Sciences
Attended the conference which held in the Ariowitsch Auditorium, The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture, Food and Environment.
June 13, 2020
Guizishan Young Researchers Forum
Title: ‘Flg22-triggered immunitymediated balancing between the tradeoff between growth and defense upon freezing stress in Arabidopsis’. Conducted by Central China Normal University via Voov Meeting.
May 11, 2020
Workshop on Phyllosphere Microbiota Homeostasis and Plant Health
Attended a virtual workshop on Phyllosphere Microbiota Homeostasis and Plant Health via Voov Meeting, conducted by the Canadian Society of Plant Biologists (CSBP).
October 27, 2018
Academic Exchange Seminar between the University of Wisconsin–Madisonand Central China Normal University
Title: ‘Pst DC3000 infection impacts abiotic stresses response in Arabidopsis through altering global transcriptome.’ held at Conference Hall, School of Life Science, Central China Normal University.
June 27-28, 2018
The 19th Academic Conference & 10th Members Congress of Hubei PlantPhysiology Institute
Attended the conference of the 19th Academic Conference & 10th Members Congress of Hubei Plant Physiology Institute, held at Science Hall, Central China Normal University.
Membership
Scientific Constributions
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7508-2640
Tuang’s research focuses on plant-microbe interactions, particularly plant-plant pathogen interactions. His work has been published in scientific journals, including The Plant Journal, Plant, Cell & Environment, and Plant Cell Reports. From 2019 to 2022, he published research papers for four consecutive years, which was noted as a first for a lecturer at Kalay University. Tuang’s work in plant functional genomics and pathology has contributed to the field of plant science within the Zomi community. His research aims to enhance understanding of plant diseases and their interactions with pathogens, which has potential implications for agriculture and food security.
Current journal roles
Peer Reviewer
Horticultural Plant Journal
Peer Reviewer
Molecular Biology Reports
Peer Reviewer
Journal of Plant Growth Regulation
Publications and Writings
Tuang Za Khai has authored numerous non-fiction articles in local dialects and several books. His publication “A Hizolo Omlo” (Nothing Is Impossible), released in 2014, received attention in Chin State. Tuang’s writing covers a range of topics, including scientific research and explorations of biblical history. He has written about locations in Israel, discussing their historical and biblical significance from a scientific perspective. His work combines elements of his scientific background with themes related to his religious beliefs.
Books by Tuang Za Khai
- A Hizolo Omlo (2012)
- Cidamna Ding Singkung Manpha Pawlkhat (2023)
- Thapiakna Thului-20 (2024)
- Kiim le Pam Tawh Kisai Thului-20 (2024)
- Khrih Tuallenna Mun Siangthote (Up coming)
Personal Background
Tuang Za Khai is married to Cing Sen Zen, an advocate, and they have two children. Raised in a Christian family, he embraced his faith at the age of 14 and continues to explore the intersection of science and faith.
