who I am
After 15 years of elucidating molecular signals and morphogenetic processes in the field of developmental neurobiology, I left the bench for a science communication gig to translate complex scientific findings and ideas into compelling visuals.
what I offer
Fully-rendered illustrations, infographics, schematic diagrams, step-by-step protocol drawings; all your scientific publication, proposal, and communication needs. All works custom-designed in close collaboration with you.
why me?
Having difficulties communicating your science to fellow researchers beyond your field of expertise or to a general audience? Need an illustrator who speaks your language and is able to convey the nuances of your cool research? Contact me and let's chat!
(or take a peek at my credentials below)
cv
illustration
2022-2024
M.A. (Master Scientific Illustration, graduated summa cum laude), Zuyd Hogeschool, Maastricht, the Netherlands
M.A. (Master Scientific Illustration, graduated summa cum laude), Zuyd Hogeschool, Maastricht, the Netherlands
scientific training
2017 - 2022
Postdoctoral research scientist at RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
Postdoctoral research scientist at RIKEN Center for Brain Science, Wako, Japan
2011 - 2015
Ph.D. student and research assistant at the Birth Defects Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK
Doctoral thesis: The glycine cleavage system in embryonic brain development.
Ph.D. student and research assistant at the Birth Defects Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, University College London, UK
Doctoral thesis: The glycine cleavage system in embryonic brain development.
2010 - 2011
Research assistant at the Department of Biomedical Science, University of Malaya, Malaysia
Research assistant at the Department of Biomedical Science, University of Malaya, Malaysia
2007 - 2010
Bachelor in Biomedical Science (Hons., First Class), University of Malaya, Malaysia
Bachelor thesis: Antimicrobial Properties and Toxicity Study of Medicinal Plant Baeckea frutescens.
Bachelor in Biomedical Science (Hons., First Class), University of Malaya, Malaysia
Bachelor thesis: Antimicrobial Properties and Toxicity Study of Medicinal Plant Baeckea frutescens.
selected awards and grants
2018 - 2021
Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi) Young Researcher category, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
Grants-in-Aid for Scientific Research (Kakenhi) Young Researcher category, Japan Society for the Promotion of Science
2017 - 2020
RIKEN Special Postdoctoral Researcher Fellowship, RIKEN, Japan
RIKEN Special Postdoctoral Researcher Fellowship, RIKEN, Japan
2014 BSDB Conference Grant, British Society for Developmental Biology, UK
2014 Best presentation, 2th Mammalian Genetics and Development Workshop, UK
2013 Guarantors of Brain conference grant, UK
2013 Company of Biologist travel grant, UK
2013 UCL Graduate School Student Conference Fund, UK
2013 UCL Institute of Child Health Dean’s Travel Fund, UK
2013 Open Day Poster Competition 1st Prize, UCL Institute of Child Health, UK
2012 Open Day Poster Competition 2nd Prize, UCL Institute of Child Health, UK
2010 University Book Prize, Top Graduating Student for Biomedical Science, University of Malaya
2008 Dean's List award, University of Malaya
2014 Best presentation, 2th Mammalian Genetics and Development Workshop, UK
2013 Guarantors of Brain conference grant, UK
2013 Company of Biologist travel grant, UK
2013 UCL Graduate School Student Conference Fund, UK
2013 UCL Institute of Child Health Dean’s Travel Fund, UK
2013 Open Day Poster Competition 1st Prize, UCL Institute of Child Health, UK
2012 Open Day Poster Competition 2nd Prize, UCL Institute of Child Health, UK
2010 University Book Prize, Top Graduating Student for Biomedical Science, University of Malaya
2008 Dean's List award, University of Malaya
selected publications
Pai YJ, Moore AW. (2021). Transcription factor encoding of neuron subtype:
Strategies that specify arbor pattern. Current Opinion in Neurobiology. 69: 149–158.
Strategies that specify arbor pattern. Current Opinion in Neurobiology. 69: 149–158.
Santos C*, Pai YJ*, Mahmood MR, Leung KY, Savery D, Waddington SN, Copp AJ, Greene N. (2020). Impaired folate one-carbon metabolism causes formate-preventable hydrocephalus in glycine-decarboxylase-deficient mice. Journal of Clinical Investigation. 130(3): 1446-1452.
*equal contribution
*equal contribution
Yoong LF, Pai YJ, Moore AW. (2019). Stages and transitions in dendrite arbor differentiation. Neuroscience Research. 138: 70-78.
Pai YJ, Moore AW. (2018) Dendritic actin delivery service. Journal of Cell Biology. 1;217(10): 3325-3326.
Leung KY, Pai YJ, Chen Q, Santos C, Calvani E, Sudiwala S, Savery D, Ralser M, Gross SS, Copp AJ, Greene NDE. (2017). Partitioning of One-Carbon Units in Folate and Methionine Metabolism Is Essential for Neural Tube Closure. Cell Reports. 14;21(7): 1795-1808.
Autuori MC, Pai YJ, Stuckey DJ, Savery D, Marconi AM, Massa V, Lythgoe MF, Copp AJ, David AL, Greene ND. (2017). Use of high-frequency ultrasound to study the prenatal development of cranial neural tube defects and hydrocephalus in Gldc-deficient mice. Prenatal Diagnosis. 37(3): 273-281.
Pai YJ, Leung KY, Savery D, Hutchin T, Prunty H, Heales S, Brosnan ME, Brosnan JT, Copp AJ, Greene ND. (2015). Glycine decarboxylase deficiency causes neural tube defects and features of non-ketotic hyperglycinemia in mice. Nature Communications, 6: 6388.
Pai YJ, Abdullah NL, Mohd-Zin SW, Mohammed RS, Rolo A, Greene ND, Abdul-Aziz NM, Copp AJ. (2012). Epithelial fusion during neural tube morphogenesis. Birth Defects Res A Clin Mol Teratol. 94(10): 817-23.