The Tembusu (Fagraea fragrans) is a large evergreen tree in the family Gentianaceae. It is native to Southeast Asia. Its trunk is dark brown, with deeply fissured bark, looking somewhat like a bittergourd. It grows in an irregular shape from 10 to 25m high. Its leaves are light green and oval in shape. Its yellowish flowers have a distinct fragrance and the fruits of the tree are bitter tasting red berries, which are eaten by birds and fruit bats. Source: Tembusu, Wikipedia

Dr Ernest Tan

Research Engineer

Department of Biomedical Engineering
National University of Singapore

Fellow

Tembusu College
National University of Singapore

Ernest Tan completed his PhD-MBA from National University of Singapore (Biomedical Engineering) under the Intergrated Science and Engineering Scholarship. His main research interest is in developing tissue engineering solutions for regenerative and repair clinical applications. 

He is currently a research fellow with NUS Biomedical Engineering, where he is working on developing a silk-based implant to help with ACL reconstruction. He is also working on developing bio-printing solutions to study how gradient interface profiles affect cellular expression, with focus on the nasal bone-cartilage interface. He has previously worked on various medical technology projects, ranging from developing rehabilitation devices, devices to aid hemodialysis and bio-resorbable implants for tissue regeneration.

Prior to his teaching appointment in Tembusu College, Ernest was a resident of Tembusu College for 9 years, where he was a Graduate Fellow for 5 of those years. He strongly believes that for one to make the world a better place, a holistic understanding of multiple disciplines is needed. Through his class, he hopes that students will learn to bravely confront the unknown to uncover what they need to tackle challenges of the world.

Outside of research and teaching, Ernest also actively engages in Ultimate Frisbee, and sometimes plays with the Tembusu Frisbee IG, Barefoots.

Course