Hew, Choy Leung, Ph.D. (Antifreeze Protein in Fish)
Hew, Choy Leung, Ph.D. (The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario)
Professor Hew is cited for his significant contribution in fish anti-freeze protein research.
Educational Background
Professor Choy Leung Hew obtained his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Nangyang University in Singapore in 1963, Master of Science degree in Chemistry from Simon Fraiser University in 1966 and Doctor of Philosophy degree from University of British Columbia in 1970. He received further research training with Professor W. H. Konigsberg and Professor F.M. Richards at Yale University between 1970 and 1972, and was a C.H. Best Fellow with Professor Cecil C. Yip at University of Toronto between 1973 and 1974.
Career Development
Professor Hew joined the Department of BioChemistry of the Memorial University of Newfoundland, where he was appointed as Assistant Professor in 1974, promoted to Associate Professor in 1987 and to Professor in 1982. He has been a Senior Scientist in the Department of BioChemistry of the Research Institute of the Hospital for Sick Children and Professor in Clinical Biochemistry at University of Toronto since 1983 and Professor in BioChemistry at University of Toronto since 1984.
Professor Hew has published over 110 research papers, monographs and review articles in prestigious scientific journals and given numerous lectures at conferences and universities worldwide. He is currently on the Editorial Boards of Molecular Marine Biology and Biotechnology as well as the Life Science Division of World Scientific Publishing.
Major Contributions
Professor Hew has received international recognition for identification and characterization of antifreeze protein in fish. There are at least three distinct types of these proteins, which prevent fish, such as winter flounder, from freezing in cold temperature. The study of these proteins is important for understanding protein structure and function. There are also many potential applications in aquaculture and agriculture. By cloning and transplanting the genes encoding these proteins, it is possible to confer cold-resistance to other fish, animal or plants. Professor Hew’s group has already succeeded in transferring the genes encoding these proteins to Atlantic salmon. Professor Hew’s other research interest is in the area of Molecular biology and biotechnology of fish pituitary hormones.
Other Honorary
D Professor Hew received the APICS-Fraiser Award for Most Outstanding Young Scientist in Atlantic Provinces in Canada in 1980 and the Outstanding Achievement Award from the Chinese Community of Ontario.