Rina PM Wong (Fu)
Dr. Rina Wong (Fu) is a medical scientist, author, and artist dedicated to creatively sharing science through multimodal engagement. A lecturer, laboratory instructor and unit coordinator at the Edith Cowan University's School of Medical and Health Sciences, she uses original songs, interactive workshops, animations, videos, and innovative technology to inspire students in Applied Microbiology and Introduction to Haematology.
Rina's doctoral research on malaria drug resistance in Papua New Guinea earned her the prestigious Adrian Frederick Sprent Medal, awarded 3 yearly by The Australian Society for Parasitology. After attaining her Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy in 2022, she re-entered research at Curtin Medical Research Institute, exploring topics like malaria, adult stem cells, nano-formulation of Australian tea tree and it's virucidal activities, and COVID-19. Currently, she serves as a research fellow and knowledge broker at Curtin Faculty of Health Sciences.
A prolific science communicator and media talent, Dr Rina, as she is affectionately known by the broader community, has engaged over 10,000 young people through her debut science picture storybook My Mad Scientist Mummy, public workshops, and school talks. Her project MicroToons-Pimple, co-produced with autistic artists, won 8 international awards and has been screened at over 30 global film festivals. Rina regular features as a guest scientist on the ABC and Community Radio.
Peer-recognised for her creative teaching innovations, Rina contributes regularly at teaching & learning forums. In 2025, she was invited as a keynote speaker at various events, including the SAE/ACAP graduation ceremony for professionals from the creative media industry at the Heath Ledger State Theatre and EduCon by the Australian Society for Microbiology. Rina is passionate about integrating community engagement, research, and teaching to inspire learning beyond the classroom.
Abstracts this author is presenting: