Tuang Za Khai is a Zomi researcher and author from Chin State, Myanmar, currently working as a postdoctoral researcher at the Budman Lab led by Professor Saul Burdman at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel, where he focuses on investigating the mode of action of P. citrulli type III effectors. Born in 1986 in Pakzaang, a small village in Chin State, Myanmar, Tuang grew up in a Christian family, where he embraced his faith at the age of 14. Despite the challenges of limited educational resources in his rural hometown, he began his schooling in Pakzaang and later attended high school in Tedim, completing it in 2003. From early on, he was recognized for both his academic career and his active participation in cultural and Christian community life. Tuang Za Khai is also known as Khaikok or Sia Khaikok in the community and is sometimes simply called Tuang.
High School to University
Tuang Za Khai’s academic journey did not stop at high school. He was accepted into Kalay University, where he earned his Bachelor’s (Hons) and Master’s degrees in Botany (Plant Science), demonstrating academic excellence by achieving first-second-class honors. He continued to seize opportunities for growth, receiving a Chinese Government Scholarship, which enabled him to pursue a PhD in Plant Functional Genomics in China, a feat that opened doors for him and his community.
His success is not a product of privilege but of dedication, sacrifice, and a commitment to giving back. Even after facing political adversity, including losing his university position for standing up for democracy, Tuang refused to retreat. Instead, he leveraged his skills to empower others, supporting students in Myanmar by providing online education during times of crisis. You can read his interview with The Diplomat, where he shares more about that experience.
“The 2021 military coup in Myanmar began an unprecedented period of turmoil—dramatically altering my life and the lives of countless others in academia. As a member of the nation’s higher education community, I witnessed firsthand the importance of democracy not just as a political system, but as the very foundation of intellectual freedom and academic progress. This belief is what led me to join the Civil Disobedience Movement (CDM). A thriving democracy fosters critical thinking, encourages diverse perspectives, and nurtures innovation—all essential elements for quality education and research.”
Read the full interview on The DiplomatThe journey of Tuang Za Khai proves that circumstances do not define destiny. With every obstacle he overcame, from growing up in a remote village to rising as a postdoctoral researcher at an internationally recognized university, his life remains a testament to the power of resilience, lifelong learning, and using knowledge to lift others up.
Postdoctoral Journey
After his inspiring academic journey from rural Chin State to earning a PhD in China, Tuang Za Khai’s postdoctoral life has become a beacon of motivation for anyone facing adversity. As a postdoctoral researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, he has continued his quest for knowledge by investigating the complex world of plant-microbe interactions, focusing on the mode of action of bacteria, particularly Paracidovorax citrulli, formerly known as Acidovorax citrulli, and plant stress response, aiming for agricultural sustainability. His research contributes not only to scientific understanding but also to the global mission of ensuring food security for vulnerable communities. His role in identifying the function of the protein AopW1 is highlighted in his interview with ZALEN.
Explore Tuang’s profiles on Researcher ID, ORCID ID, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Despite personal and political setbacks, including being removed from his university position in Myanmar for standing up for democracy, Tuang Za Khai has never wavered in his commitment to education and justice. Away from home and working at one of the world’s leading research institutions, he channels his energy into empowering others: mentoring students, developing curricula, and serving as a peer reviewer for international scientific journals, such as Horticultural Plant Journal, Frontiers in Plant Science, Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, etc. His relentlessness, even when separated from his homeland and family, is a powerful reminder that education and compassion transcend borders.
“We discovered that a small region of this protein—just 46 amino acids long—plays a critical role in how the bacterium interacts with its plant host. This region varies slightly between two groups of the bacterium: one that infects melon and another that primarily targets watermelon. These subtle differences strongly influence the protein’s toxicity in plant cells and determine how effectively the pathogen can cause disease in each host. We also found that AopW1 disrupts the plant’s actin cytoskeleton, affects key cellular components such as the endoplasmic reticulum and chloroplasts, and suppresses essential plant defense responses. Interestingly, we observed that a plant protein called EHD1 can help mitigate AopW1’s harmful effects, offering a new avenue for enhancing plant immunity. Our findings provide new insight into why specific strains of A. citrulli prefer either melon or watermelon and open the door for developing disease-resistant crop varieties through targeted breeding or biotechnological strategies.”
Read the full interview on ZALENTuang Za Khai’s resilience is particularly poignant amid today’s global crises. As he advances his research in Israel, a land affected by ongoing conflicts, such as the recent Gaza war and regional tensions with Iran, he continues his work despite the surrounding uncertainty and the echoes of war. He finds inspiration in the resilience of those enduring hardship, whether the brave communities in Israel or others facing challenges, reminding us that pursuing knowledge is both an act of hope and solidarity.
In a world shaken by violence and unrest, Tuang’s journey is proof that dedication to learning, community, and peace can flourish even in volatile times. His story teaches that our individual actions—whether in science, teaching, or advocacy—can inspire change and light a path through the darkness for others.
Here is a full interview about his life experience amid the conflict in Israel:
Selected Conferences, Talks, and Presentations
Tuang Za Khai has actively participated in numerous conferences and seminars, contributing both as an attendee and as a speaker. Recent highlights include:
- Conference of The Research Center for Agriculture, Environment, and Natural Resources, Bolotin Farm, Rehovot—March 5, 2023
- The 2nd The Robert H. Smith Faculty of Agriculture Student Conference, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem—February 28, 2023
- 11th Conference of the Israel Society of Crop and Vegetable Sciences, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem—February 16-17, 2023
- Guizishan Young Researchers Forum (Virtual), June 13, 2020
- Workshop on Phyllosphere Microbiota Homeostasis and Plant Health (Virtual), Organized by the Canadian Society of Plant Biologists—May 11, 2020
- Academic Exchange Seminar between University of Wisconsin–Madison and Central China Normal University, October 27, 2018
- 19th Academic Conference & 10th Members Congress of Hubei Plant Physiology Institute, June 27-28, 2018
Mentorship of Students
- Linoy Biton (2023)
B.Sc. student (research exercise), Tel Aviv University, supervised at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. - Mario Mircea Chiaburu (2022)
M.Sc. student (visiting student), Pablo de Olavide University of Seville, supervised at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. - Gui Mengling (2019)
M.Sc. student, Central China Normal University, supervised during doctoral studies.
Memberships
Tuang Za Khai is a member of several professional organizations, including:
- The New York Academy of Sciences (since 2022)
- The Royal Society of Biology, UK (since 2017)
Awards and Scholarships
Tuang Za Khai has received a number of scholarships and certificates related to his academic work and professional development.
Valazzi Pikovsky Postdoctoral Fellowship (2022)
Supporting postdoctoral research at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem.
Chinese Government Scholarship (2016–2020)
Awarded by the China Scholarship Council for PhD studies.
Certificate in International Relations (2015)
Ministry of Education, University of Kalay, Myanmar.
ELCHET1/2014 English Language Course for Higher Education Teachers Certification (2014)
National Centre for English Language, Yangon University.
For a detailed overview of Tuang Za Khai’s academic background, research, and experience, please click here to view the full CV.
Writing and Authorship
Besides his scientific research, Tuang Za Khai is passionate about writing across diverse genres. He has authored scientific papers as well as books focusing on biblical narratives, self-help, and personal growth. His works include A Hizolo Omlo and Khrih’ Tuallenna Mun Siangthote, where he encourages readers to find strength, purpose, and hope through life’s challenges.
In addition to his books, Tuang actively contributes articles and essays to local news outlets and magazines, including ZOLUS, Tongsan, and Zomi Daily, sharing insights on cultural, social, and community issues. His writing not only informs but also motivates and inspires individuals to overcome challenges and pursue meaningful growth in their personal and spiritual lives.