Chula University Master’s Student Achieves Double Gold and Special Award at ICSTEM 2025 in Malaysia

A master’s student from Chulalongkorn University has received multiple accolades at the International Competition on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (ICSTEM) 2025, which took place from October 9 to 11 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Saranyu Maensatit earned a Double Gold Medal and a Special Award for his project entitled “Discovery of Novel Cell-Type Specific Marker Genes in Rice Based on a Standard scRNA-Seq Data Analysis Pipeline.”

Significant Findings in Cell-Type Specific Marker Genes

During his presentation, Maensatit emphasized a significant deficiency in the existing databases of cell-type specific marker genes in rice. He noted that current analyses of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data often depend on already established markers for the identification of cell types. His research seeks to enhance available resources by identifying novel marker genes using bioinformatics methods, which present an efficient alternative to conventional laboratory techniques.

Potential Advancements in Agricultural Innovations

The methods outlined in his research could improve the screening process for marker genes derived from scRNA-seq data, thereby potentially advancing agricultural innovations.

Collaborative Initiative and Contributions

This research project was conducted as part of a collaborative initiative titled “Studying Rice Drought Response Using Single-cell RNA Sequencing Technology.” The project involved contributions from Assoc. Prof. Dr. Kitiporn Plaimas, Maensatit’s thesis advisor, as well as support from graduate students Widya Fajariani and Prof. Dr. Supachitra Chadchawan, who acted as co-advisors. The initiative also includes partnerships with international institutions, such as the University of California, Davis.

Source: Chulalongkorn University