Curriculum Vitae

JenniferHsieh

‘It is not the brains that matter most, but that which guides
them – the character, the heart, generous qualities, progressive
ideas’ - Fyodor Dostoyevsky (1821 - 1881)

Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health – University of Cape Town, 7700
T +27 82 906 8108 • B humbleambition@gmail.com

Education

2011–present
PhD (Med) Neuroscience, Supervisor: Prof Daniel Stein; Co-Supervisor: Dr Fleur
Howells.
Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape
Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa.
2009–2010
MSc (Med) Neuroscience, Supervisor: Prof Vivienne Russell.
Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape
Town, Western Cape, South Africa
2008
BSc (Med)(Hons) Physiology, (Specialization in Neuroscience), Distinction, Super-
visor: Prof Vivienne Russell; Co-Supervisor Prof Edward Ojuka.
Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Human Biology, University of Cape Town, Cape
Town, Western Cape, South Africa
2005–2007
BSc, (Biochemistry, Genetics and Development, Human Physiology and Neurobio-
physics), * Full transcript available on request.
Faculty of Science, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Laboratory Techniques
2010–present
Electroencephalography, Transmagnetic Stimulation and Magnetic Resonance
Spectroscopy, On patients with methamphetamine induced psychosis, paranoid
schizophrenia, and normal controls.
2009–2010
In vivo chronoamperometry, Second-by-second measurement of dopamine concen-
trations in striatum of rat brain.
2008–2010
Stereotaxic Surgery, In the rat striatum and medial pre-frontal cortex.
Rat brain dissections, Removal of Pre-Frontal Cortices, Striata and Hippocamppi.
Transcardial perfusion, For maximal preservation of rat brain structures.
Cryoprotection and sectioning, Use of Leica Cryostat.
Immunohistochemistry, Immunolabelling of tyrosine hydroxylase in rat brain slices
with DAB assay.
Rat Behavioural Measures, Including: Open Field Test, Porsault Swim Test, Elevated-
Plus Maze, Running Wheel activity recordings, Morris Water Maze.
Protein Extraction, Extraction of rat brain proteome for iTRAQ quatification, Analysis
of iTRAQ data.

2008
PCR, Genotyping of rat strains for UCT Animal Unit.
Oxygraph, Measurement of mitochondrial respiration in rat brain homogenate.


Additional Neuroscience Training
2010
International Brain Research Organization (IBRO) School, ‘Onslaught of the
Dopaminergic System’.
University of KZN, Durban, South Africa
2009
In vivo chronoamperometry, Learnt in the laboratory of Prof Gregory Gerhardt, Uni-
versity of Kentucky, Lexington, USA, Set-up technique in the laboratory of Prof Vivienne
Russell at UCT in South Africa, Used technique in Masters study.

Leadership Experience
2011–present
Secretary, Southern African Neuroscience Society (SANS).
Marketing Portfolio, Faculty of Health Sciences Postgraduate Students Association
(PGSA).
2010–present Chairperson, Golden Future Project.
2010 Community Service Director, Golden Key International Honour Society, UCT Chap-
ter, South Africa.
2009 President, Golden Key International Honour Society, UCT Chapter, South Africa,
Golden Key is a society that recognizes academic excellence in university students world
wide.
www.goldenkey.org
Chapter Liason for Golden Future Project, Golden Key International Honour Society,
UCT Chapter, South Africa.

2007
Academic Chair, Students’ Council, Science Faculty, UCT.
UCT Organisation representative of the Science Faculty student body. Initiated peer tutor-
ing program, Organized second hand text book sale, Assisted with fund raising and obtaining
sponsorships, Co-ordinated Hack-authons with the Free High School Science Texts organization
(www.FHSST.org)
Community Service Officer, Golden Key International Honour Society, UCT Chapter,
South Africa.
Assisted with organizing a team of volunteer students to tutor under-privileged students with the
LEAP school of Math and Science (www.leapschool.org.za), volunteered at an orphanage, Ran a
Creative Writing Workshop for under-privileged students, Assisted with collection of books and
sponsorships for the library at LEAP to promote World Book Day, Assisted with the Sponsorship
portfolio in collection of prizes for the Golden Key Annual Golf Day
Social and Tour Coordinator, UCT Choir.
Organization of Orientation Camp for members, refreshments for members at each practice
during the year, assisted with planning of the international tour to occur in 2008, co-ordinated
various social events
Class Representative, Biochemistry, Semester 1.
2006
Academic Representative, UCT Rochester House Committee.
Organization of inter-residence public speaking and second hand text book sale events, co-
ordinated volunteer peer tutoring structure with the House, as part of the team, various events
such as the Annual Formal, the floats procession, beach braai and other health and culture
events were organized


Orientation Coordinator, UCT Rochester House Committee.
Organization of two weeks Orientation for 260 new residents involving introductions to the
Residence, the University and Cape Town in general
Secretary , UCT Residence Academic Affairs Council.
Took minutes of meetings and acted as Deputy Chairperson when required
Secretary , UCT ROCSA (Republic of China in S.A).
Association for Taiwanese students in South Africa
Deputy Class Representative, Biochemistry, Semesters 1 and 2.
Part-time Work Experience
2011–present Webmaster, Department of Psychiatry, UCT, Brain and Behaviour Initiative (BBI).
2007–present Assistant Manager, Cape Town Representative and Webmaster, Ta Chuan Marketing and Manufacturer C.C, Family business.
2009 Facilitator for Problem Based Learning, Faculty of Health Sciences, UCT, Guided
UCT medical students through case studies.
2007–2009 Promotions, Premium Global Brands, Johannesburg and Cape Town.
Promotions, Made in Skewville, Johannesburg.
Promotions, Aid You Import and Export C.C., Johannesburg.
2005–2008 Practical Demonstrator, Faculty of Health Sciences, UCT, Guided/taught various
practical skills to Faculties of Sceince and Medical Science students.
2006 Laboratory assistant, in the laboratory of Dr Sharon Prince, Cell Biology, Department
of Human Biology, UCT.
2005 Laboratory assistant, in the laboratory of Prof Jill Farrant, Department of Molecular
and Cell Biology, UCT.
2003–2004 Private Math tutor, High school level mathematics.
1998–2002 Assistant Sales Person, Aid You Import and Export C.C., Rand Easter Show, Johan-
nesburg, Family business.



Community Service
2010–present

Volunteer Tutor, The Adonis Musati Project, Tutor Zimbabwean high school refugees
in Masiphumelele, Western Cape, South Africa.
2009–present
Volunteer Tutor and leader, Golden Future Project, Tutor high school subjects, do-
nated books, and develop computer literacy curriculum for learners, Usasazo Secondary
School, Khayelitsha, Cape Town, South Africa.
2006–2010
Volunteer Tutor and leader, Golden Key International Honour Society, Initiated Vol-
unteer tutoring program at Garlandale High School, Athlone, Cape Town, South Africa.
2005
Computer Literacy volunteer, SHAWCO IT, UCT.
2003–2004
Volunteer, Tzu Chi Charity Foundation, Johannesburg.




Conference Presentations
2011
8th IBRO World Congress, July, Florence, Italy, The spontaneously hypertensive rat
model of ADHD may have a delayed increase in DAT function in response to high
dopamine concentrations.
Funded by IBRO Travel Grant
2010
SA Congress for Pharmacology and Toxicology, October, City Lodge, Cape Town,
South Africa, A study of dopamine release and uptake in the Spontaneously Hyperactive
Rat model of ADHD.
Funded by Supervisor

Symposium on ADHD, February, Norway, Altered brain mitochondrial function in the
Spontaneously Hypertensive rat model of ADHD.
Presentation by Prof Vivienne Ann Russell
2009
Biological Psychiatry Congress, May, Arabella Sheraton, Kleinmond, South Africa,
Comparison of brain mitochondrial function between SHR, WKY and SD strains for
characterization of animal models of ADHD.
Funded by Supervisor
Conference Attendance - No presentations
Academic
2010
Onslaught of the Dopaminergic System, hosted by Southern African Neuroscience
Society
Blue Waters Hotel, Durban, South Africa

Leadership
2010
Brightest Young Minds, Top 100 delegates, Sponsored by BYM 2010.
The week involved intensive networking with 99 brightest minds as well as speakers such as Dr
Vincent Maphai, Max du Preez, Guy Lundy and various politicians. Sessions on presentation,
coaching and networking skills. Group projects that focussed on implementation strategies for
ideas that aim to improve education, health, the environment and networking in South Africa
2009
Golden Key International Leadership Conference, Attended as UCT Chapter Pres-
ident, Sponsored by Golden Key International Honour Society.
The purpose of this conference was to enhance and develop leadership and networking skills of
members and leaders within the Golden Key International Honour Society
National PhD Conference, Top 300 delegates, Sponsored by DST and NRF.
Selected delegates were exposed to funding opportunities available in South Africa
2008
National Golden Key International Honour Society Conference, Incoming Presi-
dent for UCT chapter, Sponsored by Golden Key South Africa.
2004
Mintech Quiz Competitor, Top 3 science students from participating high schools.
2003
National Science Olympiad, Top 200 achiever, National Science Week, Sponsored by
DST and SAASTA.
The week involved intensive introductions to various fields in science and tours of facilities such
as nuclear plants, fermentation, genetic research and forensic laboratories in South Africa


Scholarship Awards
2011–present
David and Elaine Potter Fellowship.
DST/NRF Innovation Doctoral Scholarship.
2010
DST/NRF Innovation Master’s Scholarship.
Duncan Baxter Scholarship.
2009
UCT Master’s Research Scholarship.
Post Graduate Research scholarship for Masters study from Medical Research
Council.
Duncan Baxter Scholarship.
KW Johnstone Research Scholarship.
2008
Health Science Senior Entrance Masters Scholarship.
Wu Chao-Kuei Bursary Foundation.
UCT Council Honours Merit Scholarship.
UCT Committee Scholarship.
2005-2007
Faculty Scholarships, Faculty of Science, University of Cape Town.
UCT Entrance Scholarship.
2004
Taiwanese Women’s Association in South Africa.
Best Matriculant Scholarship, Sui Hing Hong Importers and Exporters(Pty)Ltd.
Wu Chao-Kuei Bursary Foundation.


Recognition for Achievements
2005–2007
Faculty of Science Dean’s Merit List, Outstanding Academic Achievement, All years
of Undergraduate study.
2006
Chapter Award, Golden Key International Honour Society, All-round Achiever.
Invited Member, Golden Key International Honour Society, Top 15% academic
achiever.
2004
Certificate of Full-Attendance, Bryanston High School, Present at school every day.
Cum Laude Medal, Bryanston High School, Full academic Colours for all years of high
school.
2000–2004
Top Afrikaans Scholar, Bryanston High School.
Top Biology Scholar, Bryanston High School.
Full Academic Colours, Bryanston High School.
Team Dramatics Colours, Bryanston High School.
Half Chess Colours, Bryanston High School.


Languages
English Proficient
Chinese (Mandarin) Proficient

Referees available on request


Other Certificates and Qualifications
2009
PADI, Open Water I, Professional Association of Diving Instructors, .
Sodwana Bay, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa
Workshop: Market Driven Innovation, by Stephen Lamprecht, Research Contracts
and Intellectual Property Services.
University of Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
2005
National Drivers Licence, Stellenbosch Testing Station, .
Stellenbosch, Western Cape, South Africa
2004
Music Theory (Gr 5), Piano Practical (Gr 7), University of South Africa, .
Johannesberg, Gauteng, South Africa
Senior Certificate (7 Distictions), Bryanston High School, .
Johannesberg, Gauteng, South Africa
Chinese (Distiction), London Examinations General Certificate of Education, .
Johannesberg, Gauteng, South Africa
2004
Bronze Certificate, De Beers English Olympiad.
Advanced First Aid (level 2), Blue Star Academy of First Aid.
Pawn Certificate, National Chess Examinations.

Interests
Outdoor Ice-skating, rollerblading, hiking, climbing, scuba diving, surfing
Indoor Reading, gym, surfing the web, computer programming, writing
Music Sing, guitar, piano