My name is Khng You Cheng (Alvin) and I obtained my BSc (Hons) in molecular and cellular biology from the National University of Singapore. I am currently pursuing my PhD at the University of Helsinki, Finland and I belong to the radiochemistry department in Kumpula campus, Helsinki. I specialised in both radiochemistry and radiobiology.

My current research revolves around investigating the fate of radioactive particle on human lungs. This is especially prominent for PM10 particle (<10 µm), which can be easily inhaled into the lungs. A subset of particles called the PM2.5 (<2.5 µm) can further penetrate and deposit on the alveolus. This poses a radiation risk if the particles 1) have long retention time, and 2) are not easily dissolvable. The trapped particles are in close proximity with neighbouring cells and could serve as a localized point source of radiation. This is especially the case for alpha emitters, which are highly energetic and have high linear energy transfer. Sources of potential radioactive particles includes mining and milling site, nuclear waste and nuclear accidents, as well as possible TENORMs production. Therefore, we are interested in looking at the chemical changes and surface alterations of the particles upon inhaled by 1) immersing the particles in a simulated lung fluid, 2) Interaction and localisation of particles or toxicity studies in vitro, and 3) pulmonary and systemic distribution studies as well as long-term health effects in vivo.