Tik Tsun Cheng

At the Caniggia Lab, I conduct research on adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational diabetes mellitus and preeclampsia, aiming to improve women’s health. I design and perform experiments with maternal and placental samples, using molecular assays and data analysis to identify biomarkers and pathways. I mentor and train junior students in laboratory techniques and data analysis, and I assist in grant writing and research proposal development to support the lab’s funding and research initiatives. Additionally, I contribute to data interpretation, manuscript preparation, and dissemination of findings to both scientific and clinical audiences.

As a pet grooming assistant at Comi Pet Grooming, I collaborated with certified pet groomers, assisting in bathing, pre-clipping, and scissoring procedures while ensuring animal safety and comfort. Beyond hands-on grooming, I led marketing initiatives grounded in evidence-based strategies, analyzing client data to identify trends, optimize promotions, with the goal of improving new customer attraction and client retention. This approach required applying critical thinking and systematic evaluation to measure outcomes and refine strategies. Through this role, I strengthened skills in data driven decision-making, problem-solving, and team collaboration within a real-world business context.

I supported professors and students by leading tutorials, facilitating discussions, and clarifying lecture material, with an emphasis on strengthening students’ critical thinking and reasoning skills that translate beyond coursework into problem-solving and communication. I also provided mentorship outside the classroom, offering guidance on study strategies, exam preparation, and pathways to graduate and professional school planning. Notably, I taught upper-year undergraduate physiology courses (D level) during the first semester of my Master’s program, balancing advanced teaching responsibilities with my own studies. Courses taught: BIOC32 Human Physiology I (Fall 2023), BIOD43 Exercise Physiology (Winter 2023), and BIOB34 Animal Physiology (Fall 2022).