Professional Biography of Kanyarat Boonpeng, Ph.D.

Kanyarat Boonpeng, Ph.D., specializes in medical parasitology and hematology. As a faculty member at the Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, she integrates molecular diagnostic parasitology to understand parasite genetics and develop novel diagnostic methods. Additionally, she is passionate about creating educational tools to make learning about parasites accessible anytime and anywhere.

Educational Background

Dr. Boonpeng earned her Ph.D. in Clinical Hematological Sciences from Chulalongkorn University, Thailand. Her academic journey included a specialized one-year research training in Fukuoka, Japan. With a dual expertise in hematology and parasitology, she offers a unique perspective on host-parasite interactions and the advancement of parasite diagnostic techniques.

Research Contributions

Dr. Boonpeng’s research focuses on the intersection of molecular parasitology and clinical hematology, specifically elucidating host-parasite dynamics in G6PD variants. Her work has established new insights into P. falciparum development within G6PD Viangchan erythroblasts, revealing complex malaria-protective mechanisms inherent to specific genetic backgrounds. As a pioneer in precision diagnostics, she has implemented advanced technologies like ddPCR for accurate P. vivax quantification and identified serum microRNAs as novel biomarkers for monitoring subclinical hemolysis in G6PD deficiency. Furthermore, her studies in erythroid development have clarified the functional role of the G6PD enzyme during erythropoiesis using in vitro models, providing a foundational understanding of cellular responses to parasitic stress.

Academic and Leadership Roles

Since joining Chulalongkorn University in 2014, Dr. Boonpeng has served as a medical technologist while progressively taking on academic and leadership responsibilities. Her contributions include active participation in medical volunteer programs and community outreach in rural areas. Additionally, she has played a key role as a teaching assistant, guiding students through practical training in the medical technology program.

Publications and Impact

Dr. Boonpeng has published her work in leading journals, including The Journal of Infectious Diseases, Acta Tropica, Scientific Reports, and Experimental Hematology. Her research integrates molecular diagnostics and the study of host-parasite interactions, aiming to improve treatment strategies for neglected tropical diseases.

Global Contributions

She has engaged in international collaborations and completed a comprehensive training program at the International University of Health and Welfare (IUHW) in Fukuoka, Japan. Furthermore, she actively shares her expertise in neglected tropical diseases at international conferences. Her work is dedicated to translating molecular insights into accessible diagnostic tools for parasitic infections, aiming to enhance global health outcomes

Awards and Recognitions

During her doctoral studies (2018–2024), Dr. Boonpeng was honored as the Outstanding Graduate Student for the 2019 Academic Year by the Department of Allied Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University. Additionally, she was awarded a Travel Grant for her poster presentation at ICKSH 2025 (International Conference of the Korean Society of Hematology).

Legacy

Driven by a commitment to advancing parasitology, Dr. Boonpeng envisions bridging the gap between complex molecular research and practical diagnostic tools. Through these innovations and the development of borderless educational platforms, she aims to meaningfully contribute to the global reduction of parasitic infections.