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Dr Lau Yee Ling is at present an Associate Professor in the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine at University of Malaya (UM). She started her academic career as a junior lecturer at Monash University Sunway Campus while waiting for her PhD viva in 2008. During her time as a lecturer in Monash University, she was awarded two Monash University Research Grants in which she was able to continue her research in the field of molecular parasitology. She then returned to her alma mater as a Senior Lecturer in 2009. She was awarded tenure in 2010 and promotion to associate professor in 2013.              

Dr Lau’s scientific career has been dedicated to the study of protozoan parasites, including Plasmodium knowlesi and Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agents of malaria and toxoplasmosis respectively. These parasitic diseases exact immense health and economic burdens. Her interest in these pathogens does not only rest on their major impact on public health, but also due to the fact that they offer an ideal model for fundamental biological studies. The overall approach of her research in this field is the application of molecular biology techniques to elucidate various aspects of the infection including epidemiological, immunological, clinical and biological perspectives. She has also devised tools and approaches for molecular epidemiological studies and diagnosis.

She has collaborated with other local and international researchers, leading to publication of more than 120 ISI journals (70% Q1); with total citations index of 956 and H-index of 16. This research excellence has enabled her to acquire and be a part of many research grants, i.e., High Impact Research Grant, University of Malaya Research Grant, FRGS, E-science, LRGS and others, with her cumulative research funding amounting to at least RM5 million. These were followed by several intellectual property rights under her belt. Since 2009, 11 Masters and 10 PhD students completed their studies with success under her guidance. Currently, they are 10 postgraduate students under her supervision. Her students are competent in conducting good research in diverse fields of molecular biology and parasitology, following the footsteps of their supervisor.

Due to her experience in grant management, she had held several administrative posts such as the Head of Grant Management Unit and Head of Research Management Unit at the faculty, besides being a committee member in evaluating applications for FRGS, UMRG and the Science Fund in University of Malaya. Through her contribution to the field of science, she is a reviewer for a number of international journals including Emerging infectious Diseases, PLOS One, Parasites & Vectors and others. Currently, she is also the associate editor of Editorial Board of BMC Infectious Diseases and deputy chief editor for the Journal of Health and Translational Medicine (JUMMEC). She is acknowledged as an experienced researcher in the field of molecular parasitology and has received few awards, meanwhile, she has been providing consultative services locally and internationally. Yee Ling is an active member of the MSPTM and MSMBB since 2010 besides being a member in the American Society for Cell Biology.

When organizing a class, she makes sure that she incorporates the latest material.  Her teaching is entertaining. She made lecture easy to understand and used news articles to show the day-to-day importance of the subject. She prepares lectures for her audience, incorporating clinical relevance and laboratory tips for better understanding.  Due to her enthusiasm in teaching, she has volunteered to be the PBL Phase II coordinator and have been continuing to be the coordinator for several years. Recently, she has been actively participating in vetting new PBL cases for the new curriculum and organizing PBL training workshops.