New dissertation within One Health: We congratulate Ze Hui Kong!

Last changed: 10 October 2024
A young man of Asian origin, with a short black haircut and glasses, is standing outside with water and greenery in the background. Photo.

Recently, Ze Hui Kong successfully defended his thesis. We took the opportunity to ask some questions about his research and future plans.

Who are you? Could you give a short presentation of yourself and your research area?

"My name is Ze Hui Kong and I have recently defended my PhD in Biology with a specialisation in Ecology. My doctoral research focuses on the effects of microplastics in freshwater ecosystems. Growing up, I was always fascinated by aquatic ecosystems and wanted to work with them in the future. I got my chance during my undergraduate and graduate studies, where I started working on freshwater ecosystems, investigating the effects of human pollutants on the different organisms and processes within these ecosystems."

What is your research about and how does it link to One Health?

"My research focused on the effects of microplastics on freshwater ecosystems, from microorganisms to overall ecosystem functioning. The healthy functioning of freshwater ecosystems contributes to human well-being through the many purposes for which we rely on these ecosystems, including the provision of freshwater and food."

What problem does your research help to solve in the short and long term?

"We know that microplastics are everywhere, but it is still unclear how they affect freshwater ecosystems in the real world. My research addresses some of these gaps in our understanding through a series of experiments, helping inform management on some microplastic types most associated with effects and organisms or processes most vulnerable to them." 

How can your research contribute to a more sustainable world / what impact at the societal level can the results contribute to?

"My research contributes to our overall understanding of the consequences of microplastic pollution compared to some other common disturbances in freshwater ecosystems, such as changes in food quality or temperature. It allows us to base our management decisions for microplastics on scientific data rather than precaution. It also allows us to better prioritise our management efforts among the long list of human impacts, including microplastic pollution."

What are your plans now after your PhD?

"I would like to continue working with freshwater ecosystems and further investigate the impact of various human pollutants and activities on these environments."

We wish Ze Hui Kong the best of luck in his future career!