Yang Fong (Richard)

Dr Yang (Richard) Fong

Research Fellow, eDNA

Gulbali Institute

Biography

I am a genomics scientist and academic leader with more than 20 years of experience across industry and academic laboratory environments, including extensive expertise in laboratory management and advanced molecular platforms.

My specializations include next-generation sequencing, antimicrobial resistance, environmental DNA, metagenomics, microbiome science, and bioinformatics. I recently completed my PhD part-time, formalizing an extensive professional career and marking a deliberate transition from predominantly commercial and translational settings into academia to complete my journey as a balanced scientist bridging research, application, and impact.

My work focuses on advancing how eDNA and advanced molecular tools can be applied to real-world challenges in biosecurity, environmental health, and public health within One Health frameworks. I have held local and international research leadership roles across the Asia-Pacific region and have supervised and mentored higher degree research students and professionals from both academic and commercial environments.

In my current role at Charles Sturt University, I focus on advancing eDNA-based surveillance beyond traditional metabarcoding, exploring how eDNA can play a significant role in antimicrobial resistance monitoring and biosecurity with strong translational impact. Across research, teaching, and engagement, my work is driven by a commitment to building scientifically rigorous, socially relevant, and globally responsible genomics solutions.

Research
  • Environmental DNA (eDNA)
  • Genomics
  • Bioinformatics
  • Metagenomics
  • Microbiome
  • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)
  • One Health
  • Precision Agriculture
Publications
Full publications list on CRO

Recent Publications

  • Aung, H. L., Nyunt, W. W., Fong, Y., Cook, G. M., & Aung, S. T. (2017). First two extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis cases from Myanmar treated with bedaquiline. Clinical Infectious Diseases, 65(3), 553–556. https://doi.org/10.1093/cid/cix323
  • Aung, H. L., Tun, T., Nyunt, W. W., Fong, Y., Crump, J. A., Thinn, K. K., & Aung, S. T. (2018). Association between anti-tuberculosis drug resistance-conferring mutations and treatment outcomes in Myanmar. Infectious Diseases, 50(5), 388–390. https://doi.org/10.1080/23744235.2017.1398259 pubmed.ncbi.nlm.ni
  • Htun, K. S., Fong, Y., Kyaw, A. A., Aung, S. T., Oo, K. Z., Zaw, T., Lockhart, P. J., Russell, B., Cook, G. M., Aung, H. L., & Hlaing, T. M. (2018). Microbiome dataset from the upper respiratory tract of patients living with HIV, HIV/TB and TB from Myanmar. Data in Brief, 21, 354–357. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dib.2018.10.003
  • Browne, A. S., Biggs, P. J., Wilkinson, D. A., Cookson, A. L., Midwinter, A. C., & Aung, H. L. (2019). Use of genomics to investigate historical importation of Shiga toxin–producing Escherichia coli serogroup O26 and nontoxigenic variants into New Zealand. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 25(3), 489–497.   https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2503.181336
  • Aung, H. L., Nyunt, W. W., Fong, Y., Biggs, P. J., Winkworth, R. C., Lockhart, P. J., Yeo, T. W., Hill, P. C., Cook, G. M., & Aung, S. T. (2021). Genomic profiling of Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains, Myanmar. Emerging Infectious Diseases, 27(11). https://doi.org/10.3201/eid2711.210616
  • Boonjetsadaruhk, W., Kaewprasert, O., Nithichanon, A., Ananta, P., Chaimanee, P., Salao, K., Phoksawat, W., Laohaviroj, M., Sirichoat, A., Fong, Y., Wongwajana, S., Namwat, W., Lulitanond, V., Chetchotisakd, P., & Faksri, K. (2022). High rate of reinfection and possible transmission of Mycobacterium avium complex in Northeast Thailand. One Health, 14, Article 100374. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.onehlt.2022.100374