Tuang Za Khai

Tuang Za Khai (Burmese: တွောင်ဇခိုင်; born August 18, 1986), also known as Khaikok is a Zomi researcher and author from Chin State, Myanmar. His scientific work focuses on plant-microbe interactions, particularly plant-plant pathogenic bacteria interactions. He has contributed writings on academic freedom and pro-democracy issues in Myanmar and has been noted for his involvement in related civic and educational initiatives.

 Education and Career 
Tuang Za Khai began his education in Pakzaang, Tedim Township, and finished high school in Tedim in 2003. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Botany and a Master’s degree in Plant Science from Kalay University. Later, he received a Chinese Government Scholarship to study for a Doctor of Philosophy in Plant Functional Genomics at Central China Normal University, completing his degree in 2020. He worked as a lecturer at Kalay University until May 2021, when his position was terminated due to challenges in Myanmar’s higher education system following the political crisis. 

Tuang Za Khai serves as a teaching fellow at the Burmese American Community Institute (BACI) and the Zomi Education Working Group (ZEWG), where he contributes to online education for students from Myanmar affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and the political situation, which disrupted formal education. He is also a postdoctoral researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, supported by the Lady Davis Fellowship Trust.

 Works and Publications 
Tuang Za Khai’s work has appeared in journals including The Plant Journal and Plant, Cell & Environment, marking him as the first Kalay University lecturer with publications in these venues for four consecutive years. He has authored, co-authored, and edited multiple works on topics including the political impact of Myanmar’s military coup, the origins of COVID-19, environmental issues, self-help, and biblical narratives; among them is A Hizolo Omlo, which is mentioned by ZCLS as a best-selling book.

 Personal life 
Tuang Za Khai is married to advocate Cing Sen Zen, and they have two children - a daughter and a son.

 References 

 Other websites 
 ORCID
 Google Scholar
 ResearchGate
 Official Website

Category:Asian scientists
Category:1986 births
Category:Living people
Category:Biologists by nationality
Category:Biologists by field
Category:Molecular biology