Statistical Bioinformatics Seminar: Dr Daniel Hwang

Speaker: Dr Daniel Hwang (University of Queensland) 

Abstract: Perception of taste and smell shapes our food preferences and choices, playing
a pivotal role in dietary habit.  Given that dietary intake is a key risk factor of
various chronic conditions, including obesity, cardioembolic disorders, and cancers,
comprehending the impact of individual variations in sensory perception on eating
behaviour and its subsequent effects on health is crucial.  This presentation will delve
into the genetics of taste perception and food intake, address current challenges and
explore future directions for utilizing this knowledge in personalized nutrition and
intervention strategies.  

About the speaker: Daniel Hwang is an ARC DECRA Fellow at the Institute for Molecular
Bioscience, The University of Queensland.  He studied Biochemistry as an undergraduate
at the National Taiwan University and a Master in Biotechnology at the University of
Pennsylvania.  Following graduation, he conducted research at the Monell Chemical Senses
Center where he first developed a keen interest in genetics and the perception of smell
and taste (See his taste work in The Conversation).  He was later awarded scholarships
to complete a master’s degree in Nutrition at the University of Washington and a PhD
degree in Genetic Epidemiology at the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute.  Daniel
develops and applies statistical methodologies to large-scale high-dimensional data to
understand how genes influence human sensory perception, dietary behaviour and related
health conditions.  He is a EMCR member of the National Committee for Nutrition of the
Australian Academy of Science and a Leadership Team member of the Global Consortium for
Chemosensory Research.  He is on the editorial boards of BMC Medicine and Twin Research
and Human Genetics.  A complete list of work can be found at:
https://researchers.uq.edu.au/researcher/20291.  

This event will be held online.  

Zoom: https://uni-sydney.zoom.us/j/84087321707