FACULTY OF SCIENCE UNIVERSITI PUTRA MALAYSIA · fibrous materials are still available in...

FACULTY OF SCIENCEUNIVERSITI PUTRA

MALAYSIA

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

WIZARD OF SCIENCE

AHMAD ISMAIL

Prof. Dr.Department of Biology

Faculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 89466617

Fax: 03 [email protected]

Professor Dr. Ahmad Ismail is wildlife and ecotoxicology expert in UPM. He was theDeputy Director of Centre for Matriculation Universiti Putra Malaysia in 1997-2000,the Principal of Thirteenth College 2001-2004 and the Deputy Dean of Faculty ofAgricultural Science and Food, UPM Bintulu Campus, Sarawak (2005). As anacademician, Dr. Ahmad Ismail has contributed immensely to teaching; research andextension work at national and international levels. His lectures and researches areon zoology, wildlife ecology, and ecotoxicology. His extension activities are mainly inenvironmental education and science motivation programmes for school children. Hehas supervised over 100 undergraduates and postgraduate students in the fields ofwildlife ecology, and ecotoxicology. His research is mainly related to ecotoxicology ofhazardous chemicals in coastal marine environment including toxicological responsesin coastal vertebrates and invertebrates. To date, he has produced over 300 scientificpapers which were published and presented in local and international refereedjournals, seminars, workshops, symposiums and conferences. Professor Dr Ahmadhas also been invited on several occasions as a plenary speaker in Japan and theSoutheast Asia region.

Current research interests:

Research focuses primarily on the evaluation of pollutant-induced effects on intertidalorganisms. This involves the detection and understanding of the fundamentalmechanisms by which pollutants (copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, mercury, vanadium,arsenic, and tin – including tributyl tin) induce biological effects. In general, thisinvolves ecotoxicology research works on the areas of eco-physiology, biomarkers,bioindicator, biomonitoring, mechanistic studies, immunotoxicity and endocrinedisruption at different levels of biological organisation including invertebrates andwildlife.Apart from ecotoxicology of hazardous chemicals in intertidal organisms whichsupport the habitat of migratory shore birds, ecology of wild birds such as milky stork,herons and their potential predators are also being studied. These species can be animportant key species for the stability and sustainability of habitats. Risk assessmentsof specific habitats due to hazardous chemicals pollution are also studied.

RUSEA GO

Assoc. Prof. Dr.Department of Biology


Fax: [email protected]

Associate Prof. Dr. Rusea Go is a Plant Taxonomist and Conservation expert in UPM.She was Head of Canopy Science Laboratory, Rainforest Academy, UPM in 2005 –2006 and later a Program Manager in Institute of Tropical Forestry and ForestProducts (2007 – 2011). Rusea has contributed immeasurably to teaching andresearch (plant taxonomy/diversity and conservation), and extension work related toher expertise nationally and internationally. She has supervised 23 postgraduates and160 undergraduates in the field of Plant Taxonomy and Conservation, Ethnobotanyand Plant Phylogenetics. Rusea has dedicated half of her life into studyingbiodiversity in Malaysia. Her knowledge covers a wide spectrum of organisms, whichincludes taxonomy of seaweeds, pteridophyte and lycophytes, Moraceae, Fagaceae,the genus Teijsmanniodendron (Lamiaceae) and the orchids. To date, she haspublished more than 200 scientific papers, 4 books and 25 EIA and Consultancyreports, which were published and presented in local and international refereedjournals, chapters in books, refereed proceedings, seminars, workshops, symposiumsand conferences. She has also described and published 10 new species of plants.Rusea’s work on orchids has drastically enriched and elevated the knowledge on theirdiversity in limestone, peat swamp and cloud forest in Malaysia. Her latest article inAsia Research News and Journal of Biodiversity and Conservation is yet anotherboosts to enlighten the world that we are doing something to safe guard our extraordinary natural heritage, the orchids. Rusea has reviewed at least 20 internationaljournal papers and she is a regular reviewer for JTAS Pertanika and SainsMalaysiana Journal. She has also been invited as keynote speaker and invitedspeaker in conferences in United States, Europe, China, South Korea and SoutheastAsian countries. Her expertise has gained recognitions and attracted internationalorchid specialist to establish collaboration, EWHA Women’s University, South Korea(2006-present) and University of Wisconsin Madison, USA (2009-present). Hercredibility in research has attracted Korean National Science Foundation to send theirResearch Fellow to work with her for 2 years from 2009. Rusea has been appointedthe Academy of Science Malaysia Associate since 2012.


Current research has been focusing on Plant Systematics (Orchidaceae, Lamiaceae,Fagaceae, Moraceae), Lycophytes and Fern Taxonomy and Cytology, Phylogeny ofOrchidaceae in Malaysia and DNA barcoding of Rare and Endangered Plants(majority orchids) of Malaysia. Apart from assessing species diversity, the researchalso involves investigating active compounds in Moraceae and documentation oftraditional knowledge on plant uses among ethnic groups in Malaysia. Ourphytochemical research group has discovered many new active compoundspotentially developed into medicine.

NOR AZWADY ABD. AZIZ

Lecturer (Dr)Department of Biology



Dr. Nor Azwady Abd. Aziz currently holds the position of a Senior Lecturer at theDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science. His research interests arevermitechnology and ecotoxicology. Research on vermitechnology (earthworm) isfocused on the ecology studies, utilization of agriculture wastes via vermicompost andvermiculture. Ecotoxicology research includes the distribution, toxicity and effect ofheavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) especially on soil ecosystem, includingidentification of specific organism as a monitoring agent for heavy metals. Sponsorsof Azwady’s research include the Science Fund (Ministry of Science and Innovation ofMalaysia (MOSTI) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).


Plant nutrient content and enzyme activities in vermicompostEarthworms are thought to have a profound influence on soil organic matterdecomposition and nutrient transformations. Vermicompost (compost raised viaearthworm activities) has excellent physicochemical and biological properties andacts as a good organic soil conditioner. This humus-like product has been shown toenhance the bioavailability of macro- and micronutrients, microbial and enzymeactivities. Little information is available concerning the enzymes available in thevermicompost. Most studies on the earthworm digestive enzymes have concentratedon cellulase. However, phosphatase and chitinase, which are important in soil N andP transformations, have been less well studied.

Endogeic worms as soil conditioner agentEndogeic earthworms are soil dwelling earthworms that feed on soil with organicmatter and plant remains. They form extensive burrows in upper soil layers andproduce casts on the soil surface. Many studies are focused on epigeic earthwormsdue to their capability in converting organic wastes into vermicompost. How ever, inMalaysia little effort is placed on the potential of the indigenous endogeic earthwormsin various fields, especially in improving soil aeration, structure and soil microbes thatmay attribute to a more ‘healthier’ soil.

ALVIN KAH WEI HEE


Faculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 8946-6643


Dr. Hee is a Senior Lecturer in the Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia.As a trained chemical ecologist in insect physiology and biochemistry, Dr. Hee’s areaof research involves utilization of bench and field techniques in understanding insectcommunication, particularly how odourants mediate insect behaviour leading topractical aspects of insect pest management and conservation of biodiversity.Utilization of research techniques includes (> 10 years’ experience) analyticalbiochemistry (thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography,protein and peptide electrophoresis, microsolvent bio-organic extraction), insectphysiology (microdissection, transplantation and transfusion), behavioural assays(wind tunnel and field cage assays) and the design and implementation of open fieldtrials involving insect odourant attractants. Results generated from those techniqueshave resulted in international publications such as Journal of Chemical Ecology andBulletin of Entomological Research.

Current research:

1. Chemical ecology of tephritid fruit flies: An understanding of the insect-plantinteractions.

2. Physiological transport of sex pheromone in tephritid fruit flies.

3. Novel design of traps for capturing pest tephritid fruit flies.

4. Species diversity of attractant-responding tephritid fruit flies

MUSKHAZLI MUSTAFA




Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muskhazli Mustafa research is focused on bacteria especiallyBasillus sp. He was interested in the physiology, biochemistry and molecularinteraction of secondary metabolite secreted by bacteria especially hydrolyticenzymes in relation to the defense mechanism against pathogen infection. Thisinvolves gene regulation relevant to protein secretion under different growthconditions. The prime attention of his research is to understand the molecular basis ofprotein secretion in order to improve the secretion process. Other aspect of hisresearch involves physiological and molecular biological approaches to optimizeyields and to understand the biology of secretion. Major sponsors of his researchinclude the ScienceFund (Ministry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI)and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).

Current research:

Utilisation of local bacteria isolate as agro-waste decomposerLignocelluloses as agricultural and forest residuals account for the majority of totalbiomass present in the world which usually considered as a waste due to slow naturaldecomposition and commonly disposed by open burn caused so many valuablefibrous materials are still available in ‘agricultural waste’ such as complexcarbohydrates, polyphenolics, proteins, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin,pectin andother compounds. Taking into consideration all the reports on the effectiveness ofselected bacteria in producing enzymes related to decomposition, there is a chancefor us to isolate local bacteria that has ability to become a significant bio-decomposteragent. Only to remember that hydrolyzing a biomass substrate with enzymaticmicroorganisms is still a slow process and inefficient due to many factors such asaccessibility, instability and inhibition. Therefore, the question of how to acceleratethe hydrolysis with sufficient enzyme is one of the major challenges and what effect oftheses enzymes to overturn agriculture waste to compost.

Green chemistry of crustacean waste deprotenization and demineralizationTo overcome the disadvantage of the chemical treatments, several studies have beenconducted using microorganisms or proteolytic enzymes for deproteinization ofmarine crustacean wastes. Proteases are by far the most important group ofenzymes produced commercially and are used in many areas of applications.

However, the application of other microorganism isolated from local soil for thedeproteination of marine crustacean wastes is rarely studied especially in solid statefermentation. Looking back to Malaysia vast biodiversity in flora and fauna, it is notimpossible that somewhere on our local soil, there is a very efficient lactic acidbacterial or protease bacterial that can be used for ‘green’ crustacean wastemanagement or chitin production.

Green chemistry of crustacean waste deprotenization and demineralizationTo overcome the disadvantage of the chemical treatments, several studies have beenconducted using microorganisms or proteolytic enzymes for deproteinization ofmarine crustacean wastes. Proteases are by far the most important group ofenzymes produced commercially and are used in many areas of applications.However, the application of other microorganism isolated from local soil for thedeproteination of marine crustacean wastes is rarely studied especially in solid statefermentation. Looking back to Malaysia vast biodiversity in flora and fauna, it is notimpossible that somewhere on our local soil, there is a very efficient lactic acidbacterial or protease bacterial that can be used for ‘green’ crustacean wastemanagement or chitin production.

NUR AIN IZZATI MOHD ZAINUDIN


Faculty of ScienceTel-office: 03 89466642


Dr. Ain’s research is centered on mycology and phytopathology, which emphasizes onplant diseases, especially agriculture crops diseases caused by Fusarium species.Fusarium spp. are widely distributed and could be associated with any parts ofvarious plants, animals and human. It can exist as free-living, saprohytic, parasitic,pathogenic or toxigenic fungi. Studies are focused on etiology of plant diseasesbased on morphological, physiological, genetic and molecular characterizations,pathogenicity tests, toxigenicity, host range study as well as disease controls by usingbiological control agent. Major sponsors of Dr. Ain’s research include the ResearchUniversity Grant Scheme (RUGS) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS).


Diversity of Fusarium species associated with various plantsPrevalence and toxigenicity of Fusarium species isolated from animal feedstuffPathogenicity, etiology and the biological control agent of Fusarium ear rot of ZeamaysMorphological characteristics and vegetative compatibility groups of Fusariumspecies isolated from postharvest diseases of tomatoScreening of rice varieties and biocontrol agent against bakanae disease of rice

CHRISTINA YONG SEOK YIEN




Dr. Christina Yong is currently holding the position of Senior Lecturer at theDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science. Her research interests include plantgenetics, function and structure of plant genes, development of species specificgenetic markers and population genetic studies.


Molecular aspect of the Hibiscus sabdariffa on the genes involved in thebiogenesis of cellulose.

Genes involve in the biosynthesis of cellulose in the Hibiscus sabdariffaare isolatedwhere focus will be given on identifying the role of the candidate genes in this plant.Work on confirming the function and regulation of the gene expression will be carriedout in the future.

Molecular aspect of the H. sabdariffaon the genes involved in the floweringpathway.

Genes involve in the flowering pathway of the Hibiscus sabdariffaare focused.Flowering is an important natural process in most plant, which is also economicallyimportant to human especially in commercial crop. Flowering genes will isolated,identified, characterised and the ultimate is to map the flowering pathway of this plant.Others1) Other projects are on-going include the population genetics and diseasesscreening of the wild Macaca fascicularis population in Malaysia in PeninsularMalaysia.2) Development of species specific marker for orchid species is also progressing.These markers will be useful for large scale screening of orchid species with highaccuracy and short time.

SYAIZWAN ZAHMIR ZULKIFLI

Lecturer (Dr.)Department of Biology



Dr. Syaizwan Zahmir Zulkifli is currently a senior lecturer at the Department ofBiology, Faculty of Science (UPM). His area of expertise is in the ecotoxicology andcoastal ecosystem ecochemistry, with a specialty in isotope ecology. His focalresearch interest is in bioaccumulation and mobility of notable pollutants inenvironment and organisms involved in a foodweb of coastal ecosystem. Isotopic“fingerprint” is integrated in the researches to enhance understanding on exactpathway and mechanisms involved in pollutants transfer and bioaccumulation. Dr.Syaizwan has been awarded with a few research grants, particularly from theMalaysia Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) for the Fundamental Research GrantScheme (FRGS), and the Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) to initiate andconduct researches on his subject matter. Apart of that, he is also involved as a co-researcher in researches granted under the Exploratory Research Grant Scheme(ERGS) from MOHE, the eScienceFund from the Malaysia Ministry of Science,Technology and Innovation (MOSTI) and JSPS ACORE Program from Japan Societyfor the Promotion of Sciences.


Current research has been focusing on the bioaccumulation and mobility of tracemetals in the environment and organisms involved in a selected food chain byincorporating isotopic “fingerprint” approach. The mechanisms and bioaccumulationroute will be better recognized. The outcome of these researches will hopefully usefulfor national/regional agenda in sustainable management and protection of naturalenvironment, especially the protected and ecologically sensitive coastal areas.

MASHITAH SHIKH MAIDIN




Dr. Mashitah Shikh Maidin is currently a senior lecturer at the Department of Biology,Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia.Her research involves both fundamental and applied researches and mainly focusedon animal physiology, reproductive management and animal biotechnology. Most ofthe research revolves around animal endocrine physiology and animal reproductivemanagement as well as development process in female animals (especially in goats),with a particular focus on the pathways through which environmental factors influencethe reproductive system.

As in worldwide demand for such goat products increases, more attention needs tobe paid to reproductive performance. In addition, the rate of production of offspring isa basic factor in the economic success of the goat industry, a particularly importantissue in countries such as Malaysia where the goat industries contribute heavily to thedomestic economy. Livestock production efficiency depends greatly on nutritionalmanagement for reproductive efficiency (‘focus feeding’), as embodied in the conceptof ‘clean, green and ethical management’. The effects of nutritional supplementationon reproductive function were expected to be correlated with alterations in thesecretion of metabolic hormones.


Currently, she is involved in animal biotechnology research which initiates acollaboration with engineering technologies. For a long term goal, her research workswill continue to focus on generating information for eventual development ofmanagement strategies to improve animal production and profitability of farmsanimals. What is more important here, we can improve animal productivity andprofitability while promoting clean, green and ethical production.

FARIDAH QAMARUZ ZAMAN



Fax: 603-86567454

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faridah is currently the Deputy Director of the Agribio ResourcesDivision, Putra Science Park, UPM. The division’s main function is to be a one stopreferral centre for the biological specimens in the campus. Her research by training isOrchid Conservation Genetics where she obtained her doctorate from University ofCambridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Currently she has a researchfunding by MoHE to develop microsatellites for Paphiopedilum niveum, an endemicorchid of Langkawi and northern Kedah. The genus she is interested in isPaphiopedilum commonly referred to as Slipper orchids. She has been working onthe biology of Paphiopedilum from Peninsular Malaysia i.e. P. barbatum (mycorrhiza)and P. niveum. She is a member of the IUCN Orchid Specialist Group (OSG). Herother research interest is Aromatic plants. The research group extracts essential oilsand analyses their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Under the GraduateEntrepeneurship (GE) Symbiosis UPM-MTDC a company (Etlingera Sdn. Bhd.) hasbeen set up to market personal care products based on essential oils from locallyavailable aromatic herbs. Her product-Therapeutic Herbal Bath soaps won the ITEX2012 Most Innovative Product Award.

SHAMARINA SHOHAIMI




Dr. Shamarina Shohaimi currently holds the position of Senior Lecturer at theDepartment of Biology, Faculty of Science. Her research interests are cardiovascularepidemiology and statistical methods in biology and epidemiology which includesidentifying individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases, developing models ofdeterminants and validation studies. Research on statistical methods is centered ondesign of experiments and surveys along with data handling while biostatisticalanalyses in epidemiological studies have focused on multilevel modelling in particularthose related to socioeconomic determinants of cardiovascular diseases.


Validation Study of the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) in a Malay-Speaking Elderly Population in MalaysiaThe Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE) is a tool to systematically and thoroughlyassess mental status and consists of 11 questions that test 5 areas of cognitivefunction. Validation studies in non-English speaking populations reported differentsensitivity and specificity which describe how well the test discriminates betweenpatients with and without disease. Culture, gender, educational level may also affectresults of MMSE since it relies heavily on verbal response, reading and writing.The optimal cutoff scores in the diagnosis of dementia must then be determined andvalidated for the Malay version of the MMSE.

Development of food photographs for dietary assessment in childrenDietary assessment in children is important in order to help establish healthy eatinghabits during childhood and to decrease the risk of chronic diseases in adulthood.Food photograph is one of the most commonly used dietary measurement aid. It isvery important to have specific portion size estimation aids (PSEA) for children to helpthem estimate their food portion size due to differences in the ability of children andadults in estimating portion sizes. Since Malaysia is a multi-ethnic country it is alsonecessary to have PSEA which is suitable, valid and reliable for the use of childrenfrom different ethnicities and backgrounds.

MOHAMMAD NOOR AMAL AZMAI




Dr. Mohammad Noor Amal bin Azmai is a Senior Lecturer at Department of Biology,Faculty of Science, UPM. His areas of expertise are in fish diseases, fish biology andlimnology.He actively involved in research on the epidemiology of Streptococcus agalactiae incultured red hybrid tilapia, particularly in reservoirs, rivers, ex-mining pool, irrigationcanal and earthen pond all around Peninsular Malaysia. His research also focused onthe effects of water quality parameters profiling in reservoirs, seasons, culturedenvironment and husbandry management on the prevalence of Streptococcosis incultured fishes in Malaysia.Currently, he is expanding his research interest in the area of biology and ecology ofboth native and intruder fish species in Malaysian water.


Prevalence, risk factor, transmission and molecular epidemiology of Streptococcusagalactiae in wild and cultured fishes.

Identification, distribution and migratory pattern of anguillid eel in the Northern Part ofPeninsular Malaysia, Malaysia.

MEENAKSHII A/P NALLAPPAN




Dr Meenakshii Nallappan is currently a lecturer with the Department of Biology,Faculty of Science, UPM. A biochemist by training with a keen interest in drugdevelopment has led much of her research work in the area of bioassay guidedfractionation of medicinal plants. This involves the use of in vitro cell cultures and invivo experimental animal models for efficacy testing, mechanism of action of crudeplant extracts and isolated compounds, toxicological assessment and safetyevaluation. Much of her work revolves on anticancer research and has also diversifiedover the years into testing of plant extracts in diabetic, hypertensive,hypercholesterolemic and psoriatic models.


Antidiabetic effects of selected medicinal plants employing Type I and II Diabeticmodels in vitro and in vivo.

Hypertensive investigation of selected medicinal plants employing SHR models.

Anticholesterolemic effects of selected medicinal plants employinghypercholesterolemic animal models.

Wound healing and skin repair of psoriatic models employing plant extracts .

Bioassay guided fractionation of bioactive compounds of therapeutic potencies.

Pre-clinical studies : Mechanism of action of anticancer compounds.

Safety & Toxicity Assessment of Bioactive compounds with potential therapeuticadvantages.

SHAHRIZIM ZULKIFLY




Dr. Shahrizim Zulkifly is a microbiologist by training but has also ventured intolichenology (lichens) and phycology (algae) research. He holds a master’s degree inlichenology from University of Malaya and a PhD of phycology from University ofWisconsin-Madison. His master’s degree research was is in studying diversity oflichens from different altitudes of GunungMachincang, Langkawi Island.

In lichenology, he studied identification and diversity of lichens based on microscopicidentification and chemical extractions, using thin layer chromatography andconventional methods. For his PhD, he studied seasonal lipid and celluloseproduction of nuisance algae, Cladophoraglomerata (Kutz) from Lake Mendota,Wisconsin, USA. In addition to that, he also studied effects and diversity of epiphyticalgae and bacteria on C.glomerata throughout the growing season. Bacterialidentification was done based on 16S rDNA profiling using next generation high-throughput 454 pyrosequencing.He has participated in various international symposia and published his findings inlocal and also international journals.


Epiphytic algal community interactions on Cladophoraglomerata algae

Comparative epiphytic bacterial communities studies based on 16S rDNA profiling.

Cellulosic and lipid compostion of Cladophoraglomerata

Lichen diversity and distribution in Malaysia

AZMAN JALI

LecturerFaculty of Science

Universiti Putra MalaysiaTel: (Office) 03-89466614


En Azman Jali is a lecturer with the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science,UPM. His main research areas include Medical Parasitology (Malariology,Protozoology) and Microbiology.


Antimalarial activity of natural products against Plasmodium berghei.

Detection of pathogenic protozoa (Cryptosporidium, Giardia, Naegleria,Acanthamoeba and Blastocystis) and faecal coliforms (E. coli) in water.

UMI KALSOM YUSUF

Prof. Dr.Department of biology



Professor Dr. Umi Kalsom Yusuf is a Professor in Botany at the Department ofBiology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang. Her research ison plant biosystematics and biodiversity, fern taxonomy and ethnobiology.Professor Umi Kalsom Yusuf is a prolific author and has produced more than 100publications related to her area of specialization nationally and internationally in theform of journal articles, chapters of book, proceedings, paper in conferences andseminars.Major sponsors of her research include IRPA, E-Science Fund, FRGS and Agri-Science Fund.


Plant biosystematics and Biodiversity Fern taxonomy Biological acitivities of herbal and medicinal plants

YAP CHEE KONG




Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yap Chee Kong is an expertise involves heavy metal ecotoxicologicalstudies using sediment and intertidal mollusks in Malaysia. His work on the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis is one of the most comprehensive ecotoxicological workdone so far in Malaysia. He is an active researcher and currently he has published130 peer-reviewed scientific papers from 2002 until April 2010. Among these peer-reviewed papers, more than 60 of them are now cited in Scopus with more than 150citations. Currently, he is also one of the Editorial Board Members for PertanikaJournal of Tropical Agricultural Science, Asian Journal of Biotechnology, Microbiologyand Environmental Sciences and Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment.He has been frequently invited as one of the referees for research journals and hehas so far reviewed 30 cited papers and 47 noncited papers. His biography has alsoappeared in Marquis Who’s Who in the World. Major sponsors of Yap’s researchinclude the ScienceFund (Ministry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI),Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) and Fundamental Research GrantScheme (FRGS).


• Background levels of heavy metals in the dusts collected from major cities inPeninsular Malaysia.

• Distribution of heavy metals in the different soft tissues of bivalves: Futurebiotechnological tools for biomonitoring studies.

• Identification of suitable organs/materials in the intertidal mollusks as biomonitoringorgans/tools for heavy metal pollution in the Malaysian intertidal area.

• Molecular genetic polymorphisms and heavy metal concentrations in horse shoecrabs of Peninsular Malaysia. (collaboration with Prof. Tan Soon Guan).

• Identification of diagnostic DNA microsatellite markers for heavy metal pollution inthe biomonitoirng agent, the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis. (collaboration withProf. Tan Soon Guan).

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

WIZARD OF SCIENCE

ZAINAL ABIDIN TALIB

Prof. DrDepartment of Physics



Prof. Dr. Zainal Abidin Talib leads the Electrical Properties of Matter Laboratory at theFaculty of Science, UPM Serdang. His research interests encompass a broad areainvolving phonon-electron transport, dielectrics physics and applied optics. He hasreceived more than 10 research grants including those from Malaysian Ministry ofHigher Education, Malaysian Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation andToray Foundation.Prof. Dr. Zainal Abidin Talib has authored and co-authored more than 150 articles invarious international and national journals. He has also been invited as areferee/reviewer for several national and international journals. He is currently thechief technical editor of the Solid State Science and Technology Journal published bythe Malaysian Solid State Science and Technology Society. He is the recipient ofnumerous awards from the faculty and university such as the Excellent Service Awardand the Vice Chancellor Award (Teaching).Prof. Dr. Zainal Abidin Talib is currently the Associate Dean of Faculty of Science. Heis also a fellow and the current treasurer (2011-2013) of the Malaysian Solid StateScience and Technology Society.

Current research:

Exploring new methods for optimizing the Se-based semiconductor structures byreplacing the parameters to be optimized by independent variables withoutconstraints. We model the processing procedure, structural, optical, electrical andthermal as a function of standardize parameters for material quality and deviceperformance.

Investigating the electrical characteristics of polypyrrole/montmorillonite clay(PPy/MMT) nanocomposite. The study investigates the temperature dependences ofthe conductivity of PPy and PPy/MMT clay doped with FeC13 and the relationsbetween the variations in conduction mechanism with the doping level.

HALIMAH MOHAMED KAMARI

Assoc. Prof. DrDepartment of Physics



Assoc. Prof. Dr Halimah Mohamed Kamari major research areas include Ultrasonicnondestructive testing (NDT) for complete characterization of materials such asbiological glass, tropical woods and natural latex; dielectric physics and appliedoptics. She has authored and co-authored more than 50 articles in variousinternational and national journals. She has also been invited as a referee/reviewerfor national and international journals. She is currently the life member of theMalaysian Solid State Science and Technology Society. She is the recipient ofnumerous awards from the faculty and university such as the Excellent Service Awardand the Putra Teaching Award Finalist (Science and Technology).

Current research:

Fabrication of Glass (Phosphate, Borate, Tellurite, Metallic, Chalcogenide andSilica based glass)Characterisation of physical and elastic properties of glass. The main focus is onmicrostructural studies, the effect of modifier and doping of the materials to the glassproperties. Correlation between experimental values and calculated values of elasticmoduli using elastic model such as bond compression model and Makishima-Mackenzie model is also investigated. The electrical,optical and magnetic propertiesof glass system are also investigated.

Ultrasonic Properties of various species of tropical woodUltrasonic technique is a versatile tool for investigating the changes in microstructure,deformation process and mechanical properties of materials. The ultrasonic wavesare closely related with elastic and inelastic properties of materials.

Dielectric PhysicsDielectric characterisation of glass, wood, palm oil and SLS based.

ZAIDAN ABD. WAHAB

Assoc. Prof. Dr.Department of Physics

Universiti Putra Malaysiatel:03-89466686

fax:[email protected]

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zaidan Abdul Wahab graduated in Physics and a Master Degree inSolid State Physics from the University of Iowa, USA in 1981. Subsequently heobtained his PhD in Materials Science from the University of Manchester Institute ofScience and Technology (UMIST) in 1993. His main research interests are thermal,electrical and microstructure-property relationships in ceramics, glass, and glass-ceramics materials particularly

Dielectrics for electronics applicationsMultifunctional ceramics; ceramic-metal composite, ceramic coatings, porousceramics and high temperature thermal insulationDr Zaidan sees his teaching and research work as closely interconnected.Additionally he also has a strong interest and excellent in computer programming andICT skills, which he uses extensively in his research work and teaching. Thus hisother research interests include computational physics, interactive curricular materialdevelopment, e-learning and instructional software design.To date he has published over 120 publications in book chapters, academic journalsand conferences/proceedings and has represented his university in several nationaland international meetings as paper presenter and chairing technical sessions. Hehas successfully supervised more than 30 postgraduates comprising PhD andMasters students and more than 250 undergraduate students.He is a member of American Association of Physics Teachers (AAPT, USA), Instituteof Physics Malaysia, life member of Malaysian Association of Solid State Sciences(MASS) and member/treasurer of Asian Physics Education Network Malaysia(ASPEN).

He has more than twenty five years of teaching experience in the University and haswon many praises and awards for his excellent undergraduate teaching and researchwork. For his recognition in teaching, research and extension works, Dr Zaidan hasreceived the Excellence Service Award nine times since 1998 and the prestigiousVice Chancellor Fellowship Award (Excellence in Teaching) in 2006.He has served as a consultant for the Ministry of Education Malaysia private software(Education) industry in the areas of interactive multimedia Physics teaching moduledevelopment.

Current Research Interest:

Thermal diffusivity/conductivity characterization and microstructure-thermal propertyrelationships in ceramics, glass, and glass-ceramics materials

Computational physics and model simulations on diffusivity, conductivity and relatedphysics phenomena.

e-learning content development using JAVA, Web 2.0 and enhancing the quality andvariety of physics contents for online delivery via learning management system(LMS).

MOHD MAAROF H.A MOKSIN

Prof. Dr.Department of Physics



Prof. Dr. Maarof H.A Moksin research is in the area of material evaluation by usingoptically generated thermal waves to probe solids, thin layers of solid of highconductivity and liquids in a wide range of temperature. It involves with the calculationand measurement of the transient temperature profile of the specimens subsequentto the absorption of an optical pulse. Thermal carriers are known to interactdifferently with the microstructures at different specimen temperatures that could beanalyzed for material characterization. Since sample size and properties could dictatethe method of the thermal wave is generated and detected, in particular thin layersamples of very high conductivity, the design and development of the measurementmethod itself may form a major interest and challenge.

LIM KEAN PAH

Lecturer (Dr.)Department of Physics



Dr. Lim Kean Pah is a senior researcher at Superconductor and Thin Film Laboratory,Department Of Physics, Universiti Putra Malaysia , UPM Serdang. His major researcharea is on material science including physics condensed matter and magneticmaterial having magnetoresistive effect. His research focus is in manganese basedcompound and GMR magnetic alloy. He has contributed more than 30 papers. Majorsponsors of his research include ScienceFund, RUGS and FRGS.

Current research:

•NanoscienceEffect of nanoparticles on Low-field Magnetoresistance of Ln1-xAxMnO3 ceramic.•Condensed matterLow-Field Magnetoresistance effect in polycrystalline Ln1-xAxMnO3 ceramic thinfilms

ZULKIFLY ABBAS

Assoc. Prof. DrDepartment of Physics


[email protected]

Assoc. Prof. Dr Zulkifly Abbas was born in Alor Setar, Malaysia, in 1962. He receivedthe B.Sc. degree with honors in physics from the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur,in 1986, the M.Sc. degree in microwave instrumentation from the Universiti PutraMalaysia (UPM), Serdang, in 1994, and the Ph.D. degree in electronic and electricalengineering from the University of Leeds, Leeds, U.K., in 2000. He is currently aSenior Lecturer with the Department of Physics, UPM, where he has been a facultymember since 1987. His main personnel research interest is in the theory, simulation,and instrumentation of electromagnetic wave propagation at microwave frequenciesfocusing on the development of microwave sensors for agricultural applications.

Current research Interest :

Microwave Sensors

• Rf /MicrowaveCommunication

• Electromagnetic wave propagation theory

• Microwave Instrumentation

• Numerical Electromagnetics

JUMIAH HASSAN

Assoc. Prof. Dr.Department of Physics



Associate Professor Dr. Jumiah Hassan is currently a Research Associate at theInstitute of Advanced Technology (ITMA), UPM. Her major research areas aredielectric science and advanced materials mainly dielectric materials such astitanates and composites. These include synthesis, electrical properties,morphological studies and applications. Another branch of her research is microwavecharacterization of fruits and tubers and microwave extraction technique. Sponsorsof her research are mainly from the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).


Electrical Properties of Magnetic-Dielectric Bi-Plate JunctionsDielectric and conductivity studies on the theoretical aspects including modelling weremade to determine the fundamental processes such as types of charge carriers,types of polarization, relaxation frequencies, activation energies, particle size, etcespecially at the junction of the dielectric/magnetic composite slab. Morphologicaland diffusional studies were also focused at this junction.

Morphological and Dielectric Characterization of Dielectric Materials and itsComposites.These studies include materials which were mainly titanates and itscomposites. These materials were synthesized using different methods such asconventional double sintering, sol gel and mechanical alloying. Particle sizes rangefrom micron to nano. Morphological studies were made with respect to its dielectricproperties, heat treatment and composition.

Microwave Characterization of Fruits and Tubers and Microwave ExtractionTechnique.The tropical fruits were the papaya, mangosteen, etc and the tubers include thetapioca, yam, etc. The dielectric properties of these fruits and tubers were studiedwith respect to its moisture content, penetration depth and frequency. Microwaveextraction technique was used to extract the oils from ginger, galangal, tumeric andlemongrass for therapeutic purposes.

NORLAILY MOHD SAIDEN

Lecturer (Dr.).Department of Physics



Dr. Norlaily Mohd Saiden began her academic career by becoming a tutor in 2000.After obtaining Masters of Science in 2003, she was appointed as a lecturer in theDepartment of Physics, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia. She receivedher PhD in magnetic materials from University of Sheffield, UK. Her research hasconcentrated mainly on micromagnetic simulations, magnetization process in meltspun ribbon NdFeB magnets and rapid solidification at ultra high cooling rates.


Nanocomposite hard magnetic alloys

Micromagnetic simulations

Soft and hard magnetic properties

Rapid solidifications processing of advanced alloys

High performance permanent magnets

YAP WING FEN




Dr. Yap Wing Fen involves in Applied Optics research group in Department ofPhysics, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang. His research mainly focuses onfundamental studies and application of surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy asan optical sensor for particular ions or molecules. He has contributed more than 20articles in journals and proceedings, and has a pending patent in one of his researchfinding.

Current Research Interest

Surface Plasmon Resonance Optical Sensor for Heavy Metal Ions Detection

The potential of surface Plasmon resonance in sensing trace amount of heavy metalions is investigated. This study includes the development of novel active layers incombination with surface Plasmon resonance to enhance the sensitivity of the sensor.The optical properties of the active layers are also investigated.

MAZLIANA AHMAD KAMARUDDIN




Dr. Mazliana Ahmad Kamarudin, a senior lecturer received her PhD in Physics fromLancaster University, United Kingdom. During her PhD, she works on growth ofGaSb/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) in magnetic field (magneto-PL). Her findings onMBE growth and transition of QDs to quantum rings have been published in journals.Her expertise is on III-V low-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures.

Cucurrent Research Interest

Nanoparticles synthesis by using thermal treatment and hydrothermal method.

RABA’AH SYAHIDAH AZIS




Dr. Raba’ah Syahidah Azis is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Physics, Facultyof Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPMSerdang. Her research interest focuses onchemistry, physics and materials science inorganic, ceramic and ferromagneticmaterials. Her research focuseson sol-gel synthesis, chemical method, andcharacterization of ceramic, magnetic materials and electrical properties of materials.She is a member of Institute of Physics (IOP) and International Sol-gel Society(ISGS). The recent sponsors of her research include Research University GrantScheme (RUGS), Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and PrototypeDevelopment Research Grant Scheme (PRGS).


Ceramic, Magnetic materials (Ferromagnetic Materials) – Ba, SrHexaferrite,Recycling MillscaleWaste ProductProcessing

Sol-gel synthesis and chemical methods and conventional solid-state sinteringMechanical alloying for preparing ceramic and magnetic materials - ferromagneticmaterials (Ba, SrHexaferrite)

Structural studies of ceramic

Structural study of crystalline materials using the solid-state magic angle spinningnuclear magnetic resonance (SS MAS NMR).Experience with high abundancenuclei, 27Al for SS-MAS experiment. Also with low gamma nuclei, 89Y using spin-echoMAS NMR experiment. Investigate the next-neighbor atom of specific nuclei to givestructuralinformation. Familiarwith TOPSPIN, SPINSIGHT and QuadFit.

MOHD MUSTAFA AWANG KECHIK




Dr. MM Awang Kechik is currently a senior lecturer at the Physics Department,Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia. His work mainly focuses on flux pinningin HTS superconducting films. He has published over 30 research articles injournals. He is a member of Institute of Physics, London and The BirminghamMetallurgical Association.


Focus on fundamental studies of both the fabrication and characterization of YBCO123 thin films grown on Strontium Titanate (STO) substrate by the Pulsed LaserDeposition and RF Sputtering methods, with emphasis on the improvement of criticalcurrent density through optimizing the processing conditions and through the additionof nano pinning inclusions. The influence of several materials nano-inclusions inYBCO 123 on the Tc and Jcis also studied. The results of this study have the potentialto help in understanding the way flux pinning center properties work.

SURIATI PAIMAN




Dr Suriati Paiman is currently a senior lecturer at the Physics Department, Faculty ofScience, Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her researches are in the area of compoundsemiconductors nanostuctures, nanoelectrics and condensed matter physics. She isa member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE), the AmericanChemical Society (ACS), Australian Research Network for Advanced Materials(ARNAM), The Australian Research Council Nanotechnology Network (ARCNN) andMalaysian Solid State Science and Technology (MASS).


Compound Semiconductor Materials Science (III-V semiconductors)Epitaxial growth of III-V semiconductorsCharacterisation and modification of III-V compound semiconductor nanowires foroptoelectronic device applications

Compound Semiconductor NanotechnologyEpitaxial Growth of NanowiresOptical and Electronic Processes in NanowiresNano-optoelectronics and Nano-photonics

Compound Semiconductor PhotovoltaicsIII-V Semiconductor Nanowires for Solar Cells

MD MAHMUDUR RAHMAN



[email protected]

Dr. Md Mahmudur Rahman is currently a senior lecturer at the Department ofPhysics, Faculty of Science, UPM. He has Bachelor (2002) and Master degree (2004)in Physics from Okayama University, JAPAN and PhD degree (2007) from OsakaUniversity, JAPAN. He has published many papers in prominent international peerreviewed journal. He is currently a Member of the Physical Society of Japan (2002-present) and Life Member of Malaysian Solid State Science and Technology Society(from 2011) . He has been supervising some post graduate students and currentlyproject leader and co-researcher of several governments funded projects of Malaysia.He has received numerous awards including Marubun Research PromotionFoundation Award, Tokyo, Japan (April 2005). He main focuses on Theoretical andComputational Solid State Physics and Materials Science.

Current Research InterestInvestigation of magnetic properties of cluster system and its applications forelectronic devices

Low dimensional magnetic properties

Catalyst effect in chemical reaction, catalyst materials

Nanomaterial design

Surface electronic excitations and elementary processes of surface reactions

Hydrogen technology e.g., hydrogen storages and hydrogen energy

Development of computational methods/technologies for designing properties andcharacteristics of nanostructures

Reactive ion etching (RIE) process design especially in the magnetic cluster surfacesystems

Investigation of electronic properties and light emission of organic materials for OLEDapplications

Applications of ab initio calculations in the analytical chemistry

NIZAM TAMCHEK




Dr. Nizam Tamchek is currently a senior lecturer at the Physics Department, Facultyof Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia. His work mainly focuses on optical and lasermaterial for optical telecommunication and sensor.


Optical FiberNonlinear optical fiber, PCF, Optical fiber amplifer

SensorFBG, SPR, PCF, Flat-Fiber

JOSEPHINE LIEW YING CHYI




Dr. Josephine Liew Ying Chyi’s major research involves synthesis, characterizationand utilization of chalcogenide semiconductor materials for solar cell applications. Herworks involve synthesizing polycrytstalline chalcogenide semiconductor via variousmethods of preparation and characterizing the resulting materials in powder and thinfilm. The characterization involved structural, morphological, electrical, optical andthermal properties of the synthesized chalcogenide semiconductor materials. She hascontributed more than 20 research articles in journals and proceedings. Currently sheis a life member of Malaysian Solid State Science and Technology (MASS).


Synthesize:Nanosize compound, nanosize composites and quantum dots chalcogenidesemiconductor through chemical and physical technique.Optimization of thin film for solar cell devices, LED and thermoelectric powergenerator.

Characterization:Electrical properties (electron-phonon transport properties, conduction mechanism)Thermal properties (photothermal and photoacoustic)Optical properties (linear and nonlinear optics, applied optics)Structural properties (XRD, SEM, TEM, EDX)Degradation studiesDefect and impurities (charge carrier traps) studies

Development and modification:Thermoelectric power measurement setupThermal conductivity measurement setupHeat capacity measurement setupThermal diffusivity measurement setup

MAZLIANA AHMAD KAMARUDDIN




Dr. Mazliana Ahmad Kamarudin, a senior lecturer received her PhD in Physics fromLancaster University, United Kingdom. During her PhD, she works on growth ofGaSb/GaAs quantum dots (QDs) by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) and low-temperature photoluminescence (PL) in magnetic field (magneto-PL). Her findings onMBE growth and transition of QDs to quantum rings have been published in journals.Her expertise is on III-V low-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures.


Nanoparticles synthesis by using thermal treatment and hydrothermal method.

W.MAHMOOD MAT YUNUS




Professor Dr. W.Mahmood Mat Yunus major research areas include Optical Materials,Optical and Electrical Properties of Materials, Non-Linear Optics, Photothermal andPhotoacoustic, Surface Plasmon Resonance, Thermal Diffusivity and ThermalConductivity, Semiconductor Thin Film, and Metal Silicides. His active participation inresearch has earned him several awards at university’s level. To date, more thanthirty postgraduates have been under his supervision as main and co-supervisor. Hehas published over 250 research articles in journals and proceedings. One of hisresearch finding has been filed for patent under the title of surface plasmonresonance sensor. Currently he is a member of i) Optical Society of America ii)member of Institute of Physics Malaysia (IFM)); iii) Fellow, Malaysian Solid StateScience and Technology (MASS); He has served as referee for Journal of AppliedOptics (US), Optical Express Journal (US), Int. J. Heat Mass Transfer (UK), JurnalSains dan Teknologi Keadaan Pepejal (MAL), Jurnal Sains Malaysiana (MAL), JurnalTeknologi (siri C) (MAL), and Physica B. He was a member of the editorial board ofthe PERTANIKA journal for more than 9 years (1997 – 2006). He truly enjoys servingthe society as a scientist and would continue to do so in future.

Current research:

Photoacoustic TechniqueThe photoacoustic effect is based on the generation of acoustic waves as theconsequence of modulated light absorption. The absorption of the incident energybeam and the subsequent non-radiative de-excitation relaxation processes give riseto a heat source in the sample. In the photoacoustic technique, the sample isenclosed in an airtight cell where the temperature oscillations from the illuminatedsurface of the sample will be communicated to the gas in the cell. The effect can besensed by a sensitive microphone that forms part of the inner cell wall. Physically theheating of the sample depends on the optical absorption and the heat diffuses fromthe sample to the surface. These two factors lead versatility to the technique forstudying optical absorption as well as thermal diffusivity of samples. The ultimate goalis to use this technique in determining glucose content in blood by in-situmeasurements.

Surface Plasmons Resonance TechniqueA surface plasmon (SP) is a collective excitation of the electrons at the interfacebetween a conductor and an insulator. Surface plasmons on a plane surface are non-radiative electromagnetic modes, that is, SPs cannot be generated directly by lightnor can they decay spontaneously into photons. The origin of the non-radiative natureof SPs is that the interaction between light and SPs cannot simultaneously satisfyenergy and momentum conservation. This restriction can be overcome by increasingthe effective wave vector (and hence momentum) of the light using a prism couplingtechnique. His interest at present is more in the applications of Surface PlasmonResonance particularly in multiple thin film systems. The presence of even very thinfilm gives measurable shifting of the resonance angle and broadening the reflectivitydip. These effects can be utilized to develop devices such as optical modulators andchemical sensors. To further enhance the lab’s capabilities for analyzing thin films, heis equipping his ATR reflectivity system with the ability to make ellipsometricmeasurements for variable angle and variable wavelength measurements.

ABDUL HALIM SHAARI




Professor Dr. Abdul Halim Shaari is currently a contract professor of physics, UPM.He is also a research fellow at the Institute of Advanced Technology (ITMA) andInstitute for Mathematical Research (INSPEM), UPM. His major research areasinclude High Temperature Superconductors, Magnetic and Non-magnetic Ceramicsand Magnetoresistive Thin Films for sensors applications. His active participation inresearch has earned him several awards at national and university’s level. To date,more than eighty postgraduates (PhD-19; M.S-42 graduated; Ph.D- 4; M.S -20ongoing) have been under his supervision as main and co-supervisor. He haspublished over 200 research articles in journals and proceedings. One of his researchfinding has been filed for patent. His extra-curricular activities has earned him thefollowing recognitions; i) Fellow, Academy of Sciences Malasia (FASc); ii) Fellow,Malaysian Solid State Science and Technology (MASS); iii) Fellow, Institute ofPhysics Malaysia (IFM); iv) Member of Islamic Academy of Science Malaysia(ASASI); v) Editor-in-Chief, Journal of Solid State Science and Technology, Malaysia;vi) Editor, Journal of Physics, Malaysia; vii) Editor, PERTANIKA JST; viii) Editor,Malaysian Journal of Mathematical Sciences; ix) Deputy President, Malaysian SolidState Science and Technology (MASS). x). Referee of many scientific papers for localand international journals.

Current research Interest:

High Temperature Superconductor and MgB2 SuperconductorBulk, tapes and thin films of various superconductors have been studied. Efforts havebeen targeted to improve the processing parameters in improving the critical currentdensity of superconductor. These include the role of magnetic and nonmagneticdoping; effect of nanoparticles in controlling the pinning centres. The interplaybetween superconductivity and magnetism is also studied through materialsproperties when doped with magnetic particles or by preparing magnetic andsuperconductor multilayer. The dynamic magnetic properties are observed by usingAc- susceptibly technique.

Magnetic and Multiferroic materialsThe magnetic materials are studied for their giant magnetoresistive (GMR) andcolossal magnetoresistive (CMR) properties. Pulsed laser Ablation Deposition (PLAD)and Sputtering techniques are employed for the fabrication of the films. New materialswith ferromagnetic and ferroelectric properties are also studied. These materials havepotential as sensors and transducers applications.

Non-magnetic ceramics and NanoparticlesWorks on nonmagnetic ceramics such as dielectric ceramics based on BaTiO3 areembarked. Through proper doping and addition of the parent compound, newimproved properties are observed. Huge dielectric permittivity and low loss behaviourover two decades of frequency has been observed. Formation of CdS/SnO2 coreshell nanoparticles can be done using simple thermal preparation technique. Thismaterial has potential applications as switching mode in magnetic devices.

CHEN SOO KIEN

Assoc. Prof . DrDepartment of Physics

Tel.: 03 89466668Fax.: 03 89454454

[email protected]

Assoc. Prof . Dr Chen works in the Department of Physicsat the Physics Department,Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia. His work mainly focuses on researchingvarious types of superconducting materials by enhancing the critical parameters.


High Temperature SuperconductorThe physics and materials science of YBa2Cu3O7- (YBCO) bulks is being activelyinvestigated. This includes using various processing conditions and doping inincreasing the critical current density. The interplay between superconductivity andmagnetism is also studied via doping with magnetic particles.

Medium Temperature SuperconductorThe discovery of superconductivity in MgB2 in 2001 has revived the interest on non-oxide based superconductor research. In our laboratory, we focus on the effects ofMg-nonstoichiometry, heat-treatment conditions as well as chemical doping on thematerial properties.

ABDUL RAHMAN SARMANI



[email protected]

Dr. Abdul Rahman Sarmani works in the Department of Physics, Faculty of Scienceand he forms a collaboration with the Photonics Systems Group, UPM Serdang. Hisresearch interests are in solid-state and fiber lasers that cover a broad area fromnonlinear optics and ultrashort pulse generation, to high power fiber lasers. Thewavelength of his concerns are from near to mid-infrared fiber lasers that have manyapplications in optical sensors, medical surgery and defense industry. He is also ateam member in a commercialized high power Yb-doped fiber laser project thattargets a small share in the global industrial manufacturing market. This project is inthe process of applying millions RM funding from various govermental and privatesources.He has also authored and co-authored in various international highly reputablejournals and presenting papers in world-class conferences in Europe and NorthAmerica. Currently his group only focus on publishing in Q1 journals especially inIEEE, OSA and AIP based on the main research philosophy of “QUALITY rules overQuantity”. In reference to the job experience, he has a worldwide experience workingin various research and university institutions. These include at University of St.Andrews (UK), McGill University (Canada) and Council of Scientific and IndustrialResearch, Pretoria (South Africa).

Current research:Single-, dual-, multi-wavelength and passive mode-locking fiber lasers, opticalsensors, mid-infrared wavelengths sources.Power scaling in high-power fiber lasers based on special type of pedestal, PDF Yb-doped gain fiber.

NURHIDAYATY BINTI MOKHTAR

LecturerDepartment of Physics



Nurhidayaty binti Mokhtar is currently a lecturer and a research member of Magneticand Superconducting Materials Group at the Physics Department, Faculty of Science,UPM, Serdang.

Research interests:

• Magnetic materials

• Ferrite nanoparticles

• Composite materials for electromagnetic wave absorber

Current research:

• Study on the evolution of magnetic and dielectric properties with microstructuredevelopment in soft and hard magnetic materials synthesized by mechanicalalloying.

• Investigation on the effect of barium ferrite nanoparticles filler content and naturalrubber composition in thermoplastic natural rubber (TPNR) on the microwaveabsorption properties of ferrite-TPNR nanocomposites.

AZMI ZAKARIA




Professor Dr. Azmi Zakaria is currently a professor of physics, UPM. His majorresearch areas include photothermal physics of gas, liquid, solid, and photothermalspectroscopy of ZnO semiconductor materials. His active participation in researchhas earned him Faculty’s Excellence Scientist Award consecutively since 2003,several awards at national and university’s level. He has supervised to successfulcompletion of a total of 6 Doctoral and 19 Master of Science students. Currently hesupervises students at various stages of which 3 as main supervisor and 6 as jointsupervisor for PhD level, 4 as main supervisor and 8 as joint supervisor for M.Sclevel. During his academic career, he has published few books for undergraduatestudies, over 100 journal articles and conference proceedings. One of his articlesthat appeared in Infrared Physics & Technology Journal had been selected to be thetop 25 Hottest Articles for January-March 2006. In the consultation works he hadinvolved as a subject matter expert for Open University of Malaysia for physicssubject; and served as paper reviewer of several international and local journals. Hisprofessional affiliations include the Optical Society of America, and Malaysian SolidState Society.

Current research:

Photothermal studies of gas, liquid and solidPhotothermal studies has been applied in gas, liquid and solid to measure thermalparameter of these materials. The TW has been generated by both frequency andcavity length scans using both large and small area TW generators in view fortomography applications.

Optical and Photothermal characterisations of semiconductor materialsThe thermal and optical characterizations have been carried out on the transitionmetal doped Zinc Oxide ceramic by using photothermal and photoacoustictechniques. In optical study by using photothermal spectrometer the decrease orincrease of energy band gap of dopped ZnO with transition metals has been carriedout to determine the defect produce due to dopan concentrations or sinteringtemperatures. The aim of the project is to obtain a stable and low cost ZnO basedlow voltage varistor.

ELIAS SAION

Prof. DrDepartment of Physics



Professor Dr. Elias Saion leads the fundamental and applied researches in ionizingradiation and nanoscience at the Department of Physics, Universiti Putra Malaysia,Serdang, Selangor. His major research areas include the radiation synthesis ofconducting polymers, ionic electrolytes, metal nanoparticles, semiconductor quantumdots, and nanocrystals and the diagnostic medical physics and quantum computing ofnanostructures. He is the pioneer in the radiation synthesis of conducting polymerssince 2005 and the quantum mechanical calculations of the optical absorption spectraof metal nanoparticles since 2009. The calculation successfully describes quantummechanically the electronic structures of the conduction electrons of metallicnanoparticles, with otherwise were based the classical electrodynamic description ofthe Mie’s theory since 1908. The main contributors to Professor Elias researchesinclude the ScienceFund (Ministry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI),Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) and Fundamental Research GrantScheme (FRGS).

Current research:

NanoscienceFundamental theory and its applications of metallic nanostructures, in particular metalnanoparticles, quantum dots and nanocrystals. Synthesis of nanoparticles usinggamma radiation and low-temperature thermal methods. Characterization using highresolution spectroscopy instruments such as UV-Vis., SEM, TEM, XRD, FTIR, PL,and ESR.

Computer modellingComputational modelling of metallic nanostructures: Transition metal nanoparticlesand semiconductor quantum dots modelling based on the time-independent densityfunctional theory; modelling of conduction band related parameters of nano-sizedsystems; surface/interface reactions in catalytic nanostructures.

Diagnostic Medical PhysicsDevelopment of complex radiotherapy treatment planning for various tissueequivalent polymer gel dosimeters with the ability to measure 3D dose distributionsbased on MRI scans, measurement and computer modelling of surface and organdoses.

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

WIZARD OF SCIENCE

ABDUL HALIM ABDULLAH

Assoc. Prof. Dr.Department of Chemistry

Faculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 89466603/6777


il

Associate Professor Dr. Abdul Halim Abdullah’s major research areas involvesynthesis, characterization and utilization of nanomaterials for environmentalcatalysis. The works involve synthesizing nanosize zinc oxide via various methods ofpreparation, modifying the metal oxide through doping and hybridizing the zinc oxidewith other metal oxides and characterizing the resulting catalysts. The synthesizedcatalysts were applied for photodegradation of various organic pollutants such asdyes, pesticides and phenolic compounds from aqueous solution to produce harmlessby products. Focus of his work has include treating industrial wastewater samples. Hehas authored and co-authored more than 40 technical papers. Major sponsors of hisresearch include the Science Fund (Ministry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia(MOSTI), Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and Research UniversityGrant Scheme (RUGS).


Photodegradation of dyes by BiVO4-based visible light photocatalysts.Photodegradation of organic pollutants have been focused on TiO2 photocatalyst.However, TiO2 only works under uv light irradiation. Many researchers has nowmodified TiO2 in such a way that it will work under visible light irradiation. Others havetried to search for new material that can act as photocatalyst under visible lightirradiation. One of the potential candidates is BiVO4. Most work reported uses highwattage light source such as 300 watt halogen lamp as the light source. However, inthis research, BIVO4 and metal-doped BiVO4 photocatalysts were synthesized usingpolyol method. The photoactivity resulting catalysts were evaluated byphotodegrading a dye, namely methylene blue as the model pollutant. Wastewatereffluent from textile industries was also used to determine the efficiency of thephotocatlyst to photodegrade real wastewater.

Synthesis of Zinc oxide nanophotocatalyst.Zinc oxide is an important semiconductor material which is useful in variousapplications such as in electronic device, sensor, uv-laser and solar cell. It also hasthe capability as photocatalyst and has been suggested as the alternative catalyst forTiO2. This work focused on synthesizing ZnO and modifying the resulting ZnO byvarious preparation methods. The capability of the synthesized and modified ZnO inphotodegrading phenolic compounds under uv and visible light irradiation will beevaluated. Wastewater effluent from pesticide industries was also used to determinethe efficiency of the photocatlyst to photodegrade real wastewater.

NORAZOWA IBRAHIM

Lecturer (Dr.)Department of Chemistry



Dr. Nor Azowa Ibrahim is a senior lecturer at chemistry Department, UPM. She iscurrently the program manager of biocomposite material at Institute of TropicalForestry and Forest Product, (INTROP), UPM. Her major research areas includepreparation and characterization of natural fiber reinforced composite using bothbiodegradable and non biodegradable matrix, improvement of fiber matrix interactionas well as polymer blends. She also involve in the preparation of nanocompositesusing nanoclay and nano silver. She has contributed more than 20 technical papersand two chapters in Research on Natural Fiber Reinforced Polymer Compositesbook. Our group was sponsored by the ScienceFund (Ministry of Science andInnovation of Malaysia (MOSTI), Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) andFundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).


Natural fiber Reinforced CompositesDue to environmental problem cause by plastics, many efforts have been put toprepare biodegradable materials with properties similar to the non degradablepolymer. We focus on the fiber matrix interaction in order to improve the mechanicalproperties of the material. Several techniques have been used including fibertreatment, fiber modification by grafting with vinyl monomer, addition of crosslinker,plasticiser and stabilizer. This is because natural fiber is hydrophilic and the polymermatrix is hydrophobic thus unable to produce material with good properties.

NanocompositesResearch on nanocomposite materials has very promising future and has a greatcommercial potential. Addition of small amount of nanoclay can improve themechanical and thermal properties. At the same time nanoclay can acts ascompatibiliser for polymer blends. This is practically important to produced new highend material from biodegradable polymer. Our group also focus on the preparation ofnano silver to be used as fillers in biodegradable polymer. These nano silver areknown to have antibacterial activity, thus addition of these nanosilver in biodegradablepolymer may produce biodegradable material suitable for food packaging.

SITI SITI MARIAM MOHD NOR




Dr. Siti Mariam Mohd Nor was educated in local schools before studying Chemistry atUniversiti Pertanian Malaysia (UPM) between 1992 and 1996. After graduated, sheworked as a Science Teacher at Pusat Pengajian Matrikulasi, UPM until 2000, andlater at Faculty of Food Science and Biotechnology, UPM as a Science Officer for 10months. She then transferred to Faculty of Science as a Tutor and in 2002 she movedto University of Nottingham, United Kingdom to carry out doctoral studies undersupervision of well known Professor of Organic Chemistry, Professor GeraldPattenden FRS. Her PhD was awarded in 2007 on the synthesis of cyclic peptidescontaining thiazole and oxazoline based amino acids. In the same year she wasappointed as a lecturer of Organic Chemistry at Department of Chemistry, Faculty ofScience. She interested in the design and development of organic synthesis methods,focusing on the synthesis of natural products and biologically important compounds.Dr. Siti Mariam currently runs a research group of one PhD student (co-supervisor),four MSc students (co-supervisor) and five projects students, supported by ResearchUniversity Grant Scheme (RUGS) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS). She won a Gold Medal in the Pameran Reka Cipta, Penyelidikan & Inovasi(PRPI) 2009 on the synthesis of azole-based cyclic peptides and a new approachtowards didmolamides.


Total Synthesis of Bioactive CompoundsTarget synthesis is carried out in a wide range of Natural products which include poly-azoles, lactones, lactams, macrocycles, peptides, steroids, alkaloids etc. Many ofthese compounds display interesting and potentially useful biological properties (anti-tumor, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory etc.) especially for pharmaceutical and drugdiscovery.

Novel Synthetic MethodsThe invention of new reactions and the development of new synthetic methodologiesinvolve radical chemistry, organometallic reagents, acid-base chemistry, metathesisetc. The application of new synthetic methodologies in the synthesis of relatedNatural Products.

Synthesis of Natural Products DerivativesConversion or modification towards Natural Products structures and explore itspotential biological properties.

GWENDOLINE CHENG LIAN EE

Prof Dr.Department of Chemistry



Professor Dr. Gwendoline Cheng Lian Ee is a expert in Natural ProductChemistry/Organic Chemistry at the Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science,Universiti Putra Malaysia , UPM Serdang. Her research is on the search for leadcompounds from plants, leading to the discovery of potential pesticidal, anti-cancer,anti-bacterial and anti-microbial agents. She has discovered several such compoundsfrom the various plant species studied. These plants were mainly from theAnnonaceae, Theaceae and Guttiferae families.Professor Gwendoline Cheng Lian Ee is a prolific author and has published more than90 journal papers in refereed international cited indexed journals. Major sponsors ofher research include IRPA, E-Science Fund, RUGS, FRGS, and Agri Science Fund.


Search for Lead Compounds from Mesua beccariana and Mesua ferea and chemicalmodifications of major compounds leading to discovery of potential new drugs forcancer.

Anti-cancer Hit Compounds from Calophyllum mucigerum andCalophylluminnophylum and chemical modifications of major compounds

MAHIRAN BASRI

Prof. Dr.Department of Chemistry



Prof. Dr. Mahiran Basri’s research work is in the area of Fats and Oil Chemistry,Biocatalysis and Colloid Chemistry. She has been actively working in the design ofenzymes for organic synthesis, synthesis of fats and oil related specialty compoundswhich have applications in the cosmetics, drugs and pharmaceutical industries. She isalso working on the design and development of nanodelivery systems and theformulation of compounds in cosmetics, cosmeceuticals, pharmaceuticals andagriculturals. Latest sponsors of her research are National Biotechnology Directorate(NBD), National Nanotechnology Directorate (NND) and Sciencefund from theMinistry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI) and Commercialisation ofResearch & Development Fund (CRDF) from Malaysian Technology DevelopmentCorporation (MTDC) for the pre-commercialization palm-based wax esters productionusing enzyme technology. She owns 15 patents and has authored and co-authoredmore than 200 publications.


Design of biocatalysts and syntheses in the production of fats and oil-basedspecialty chemicals for use in the cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries

Specialty chemicals are industrial chemicals that are produced in low volumes but arehighly priced with high profit margins. These high value chemicals are used incosmetics, food, drugs, pharmaceuticals and other chemical industries. Traditionally,these compounds are produced chemically and thus undergo processes that areenergy intensive, sometime toxic and non-environmental friendly. The alternativeprocess of using enzymes as catalysts in the production of these compounds hasmany advantages due to the favourable properties of the enzymes. These includetheir high selectivity and consequent high product putity, their ability to undergoreaction at ambient condition and the overall friendliness of their processes. Researchin the design of the biocatalysts and syntheses of specialty chemicals are carried out.General focus has been towards utilizing our natural resources such as palm oil.

Development and theoretical elucidation of nanodelivery system for anti-neurodegenarative drugDiseases of the central nervous system such as meningitis, schizophrenia, migraine,Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease require delivery of the drug to cross theblood-brain barrier (BBB) to the brain for treatment. However such transport remainsproblematic due to the impervious nature of the endothelial membrane separating thesystemic circulation and central interstitial fluid. High dosage is necessary inpenetrating the blood-brain barrier which causes the patients to encounter many sideeffects, thus, decrease the quality of their lifestyle. More efficient vehicle for the drugsare designed and developed to provide a better therapeutic effect in the treatment.Well developed and stable nanoemulsion and nanoparticulate systems are studied aspotential drug carrier in enhancing the penetration of the drug across the blood-brainbarrier. Due to the tiny size and tailored surface, the nanoemulsions have thecapability to interact with composite cellular functions in new ways. The potentialdelivery of the nanosystem are investigated experimentally and theoretically usingcomputational techniques.

MOHD BASYARUDDIN BIN ABDUL RAHMAN




Professor Dr. Mohd Basyaruddin Abdul Rahman’s major interests encompass broadareas in biocatalysts by synergizing experimental results with theoreticalinsights. Based on genomics and metalloids approaches, the works involve design-synthesis-characterise novel metalloenzymes and Nano biomaterials as industrialbiocatalysts for various specialty chemical reactions (with emphasis onpharmaceuticals, oleo chemicals and petrochemicals). Additionally, he is investigatingalternative solvent engineering for green processes, particularly chiral ionic liquidsand deep eutectic solvents. Molecular interactions at the atomic level of protein-ligand-metal and transdermal Nano delivery systems are also being modeled.

His works was sponsored by several research grants, namely the Academy ofSciences for Developing World(TWAS Research Grant), the British Council (PMI 2 –Connect Award),the Genetics and Molecular Biology Initiatives (GMBI), the Ministry of Science,Technology and Innovation (Science Fund), the National BiotechnologyDirectorate (BIOTEK Fund), Academy of Sciences Malaysia (SAGAFund), UPMResearch University Grant Scheme (RUGS) and the Ministry of HigherEducation (Fundamental Research). Overall, he has secured a total of more thanRM 15 million to conduct research. He has supervised and co-supervised more than25 PhD and 30 MSc postgraduate students (including international students). He hasauthored and co-authored more than 120 technical papers, more than 200proceedings and 10 chapters in books. To date, 4 patents have been granted and 14patent applications have been filed in Malaysia and internationally.


Metallomics of ExtremophiliesBioinformatic genome analysis of selected physchrophiles e.g. Glaciozymaantarctica and thermophiles e.g.Geobacillus zalihaei were focused in quest to identifymetalloproteins and metalloenzymes for beneficial industrial and healthcarebiotechnology applications. This work involves structural elucidation of putativeproteins using BioNMR and biophysical techniques. The output may be used to inferthe role of metal ions in the metalloenzyme and to illustrate the metal-proteinassociation and phylogeny relationships between the extremophiles and environment.

Bioconversion of Fatty acid- and Palm-based DerivativesLipases immobilised on natural supports were used as biocatalysts in enzymaticsynthesis of fatty acid sugar esters and chemo-enzymatic synthesis of palm-basedepoxides in various reaction medium. Optimisation on reaction parameters affectingthe biocatalysis was predicted using Response Surface Methodology and ArtificialNeural Network.

MANSOR AHMAD




Proffessor. Dr. Mansor’s major research area is nanomaterials, where it involvessynthesis, characterization and utilization of nanomaterials for antibacterialapplication. He also has special interests in copolymers, hydrogels, natural polymer(polysaccharides), biocomposites, nanocomposites and polymers as controlledrelease matrices.


Mansor’s research interest is in the preparation, modification and evaluation ofpolymers, copolymeric hydrogels and modified natural polymers as controlledreleased matrices. He is also keen in the development of biocomposites from naturalfibres and blending of polymers. His current research involvement is the preparationand characterization of silver nanoparticles as antibacterial materials for medical andpharmaceutical applications. He has authored and co-authored more than 100technical papers. Major sponsors of his research include Fundamental ResearchGrant Scheme (FRGS) and Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS).

NOR AZAH YUSOF




Professor. Dr. Nor Azah Yusof involves in Chemical and Biosensor research group inChemistry Department at Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang. Her majorresearch areas include DNA based sensors, nanosensors, Molecular ImprintedPolymer for sensor development and removal of toxic compound and other types ofbio and chemical sensor. Dr. Nor Azah Yusof has contributed more than 30 technicalpapers.She has received numerous awards for her research work. She has 3 pendingpatents which include; Heavy Metal Detection Kit, Membrane Molecular ImprintedPolymer for removal of dyes and Amino acid/Nanoparticle Modified Eletrode forElectrochemical Analysis. Major sponsors of Dr. Nor Azah’s research include MOSTI,RUGS, FRGS and TWAS (UNESCO).


NanosensorsMedicinal uses of nanosensors mainly revolve around the potential of nanosensors toaccurately identify particular cells or places in the body in need. By measuringchanges in volume, concentration, displacement and velocity, gravitational, electricaland magnetic forces, pressure or temperature of cell in a body, nanosensors may beable to distinguish and recognize certain cells, most notably those of cancer, at themolecular level in order to deliver medicine or monitor development to specific placesin the body.

Molecular Imprinted PolymerCombination of quantum dots and Molecular Imprinted Polymer (MIP) whereby theMIP as the recognition element and the quantum dots as the label to produce opticalsignal are developed for the detection system. The detection will be based ondifference in optical signal upon contact with the target analyte.

DNA Based SensorDetection system can be developed utilizing DNA and nanoparticle (fluorescence andmagnetic). By attaching specified DNA to the nanoparticle and under optimizedcondition, a practical and simple detection method can be developed either byanalysing samples from the body of interest or injecting the nanoparticles direct intothe it. Changes in fluorescence and magnetic properties can be observed afterhybridization of the specified DNA and the changes can be a marker for the detectionsystem.

MOHD ASPOLLAH HJ SUKARI




Professor. Dr Mohd Aspollah Sukari has been working at the Department ofChemistry , Faculty of Science UPM for more than thirty years. He has been teachingvarious subjects in the area of organic chemistry and natural product chemistry. Hismain research interest involves the chemistry of biologically important naturalproducts with special emphasis on local traditional medicinal plants. He is the authorof more than one hundred journal papers besides numerous abstracts andproceedings. He is a regular recipients of yearly UPM and other research awards andhas been granted with several research grants including IRPA, Science Fund, FRGSand others since 1990.


Phytochemical and Biological Activity Studies of Medicinal PlantsMedicinal plants in many forms have been used since ancient times in the traditionalmedicinal practices to treat various ailments and for health care. Malaysia as one ofthe mega biodiversity country has been endowed with unlimited source of medicinalplants. However, only small pools have been worked out scientifically. Selectedspecies from Zingiberaceae and Rutaceae family plants have been selected forphytochemical and biological activity investigations. These include plants from genusKaempferia, Boesenbergia, Alpinia, Murray and Clausena. While bioassayevaluations involve antimicrobial, anticancer, antioxidant and insecticidal activities.

TAUFIQ YAP YUN HIN


Faculty of ScienceTel: 03 89466809

Fax: 03-89466758/03 [email protected]

Professor Taufiq Yap currently is the Coordinator for the Centre of Excellence forCatalysis Science and Technology (PutraCAT). His research interest is selectiveoxidation catalysis, development of heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel production,dry reforming of methane and biomass conversion to syngas and bio-oil.

He has authored and co-authored a total of 131 articles in various international andnational refereed journals and filed three patents. He is currently a member of theEditorial Board for Catalysis Survey from Asia and Bulletin of Catalysis Society ofIndia, and the International Advisory Board for the Bulletin of Chemical Reaction andCatalysis.

Professor Taufiq Yap was awarded as a Fellow (FRSC) of The Royal Society ofChemistry, United Kingdom in 2008 and recently awarded the Fellow (FMIC) of theMalaysian Institute of Chemistry (2009). He is currently a committee member of theAsia Pacific Association of Catalysis Societies (APACS).


Modification of Vanadium Phosphate Catalyst for n-Butane and Propane Oxidation toOxygenate Products.

Biomass Conversion of Empty Fruit Bunch to Syngas and Bio-Oil.

IInvestigation on Reactivity of Oxygen Species and the Mechanism for Partial Oxid.ation of n-Butane.

Development of Solid Heterogeneous Catalysts for Higher Grade Biodiesel.

TAN WEE TEE




Assoc. Prof. Dr. Tan Wee Tee major research areas include solution phasevoltammetry of metal complex system, with interest in the metal ion/metal complexinteraction with ligands; solid phase voltammetry of microparticles, investigating theelectrochemical properties of the three-phase reaction systems of some advancedmaterials, and chemical modified electrode systems focusing on their designs andapplications for electroanalysis. He is author and coauthor to more than 70 journalpapers, and over 100 working papers (including proceedings, abstract, and extendedabstracts) presented in conferences/symposia/seminars. Major sponsors of hisresearch include the Science Fund (Ministry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia(MOSTI), Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) and Fundamental ResearchGrant Scheme (FRGS).


Solution Phase VoltammetryIn solution phase voltammetry, we focus on the electrochemical studies of metal ion(M) interaction with ligands (L) of sulphur bearing groups, N-heterocycle esp. thosepresent in some amino acids and vitamins. It is carried out with the aims ofunderstanding the redox potential, electrode reversibility, binding properties, kineticand thermodynamic of the M-L complex systems formed in situ. Similarelectrochemical characterization was extended to include various synthesized metalcomplexes which possess some binding properties with DNA. It may help to furtherunderstand the anticancer activity of some metal complexes and unravel the potentialof some ML as anti-cancer agents, and DNA probes.

Solid Phase Voltammetry of Microparticles (SVMP)The SVMP is an electroanalytical technique designed for the qualitative andquantitative analysis of micro and nanoparticles of solid materials. It is based upon apreliminary transfer of trace amounts of a solid sample onto the surface of anelectrode either by mechanical attachment or solution evaporation techniques. Itallows studies of the electrochemical reactions at the three-phase systems. It is alsouseful in obtaining kinetic and thermodynamic data of electrode processes by using

various voltammetric technique modes and procedures available in anelectrochemical workstations. We investigate various types of advanced materialsranging from semiconducting, conducting to superconducting materials; variouscharge-transfer complexes, CNT, C60, metal/metal oxides ranging from micro to nanosized solids. Application of these characterized solids is extended to its use aselectrode materials during the fabrication of a chemically modified electrode.

Chemically Modified ElectrodeCME represents an electrode system in which a modern approach is adopted byplacing a suitable reagent onto a surface in order to increase the sensitivity,selectivity, specificity and stability of an electrode surface. CME can be fabricatedusing self assembled monolayers, sol-gel encapsulation of reactive species,electrocatalytic modified electrode etc. The latter two are of interest to us. Currently,various micro and nano sized particles of metal oxides such as ZrO2, TiO2, RuO2,Bi2O3, ZnO, Fe2O3 etc., and carbon compounds such as carbon nanutubes(MWCNT/SWCNT) and fullerenes (C60, C70), graphene, cuprate and magnesiumdiboride superconducting materials are investigated for any possible electrocatalyticactivity using solid phase voltammetry of microparticles (SPVM). The synthesizedgrafted polymer is also used to encapsulate some reactive species mentionedabove. Elemental and electrochemical characterizations are carried out, andaccompanied by investigation of its potential application as electrochemical sensor forthe detection of analytes of interest.

HASLINA AHMAD

Lecturer (Dr)Department of Chemistry



Dr. Haslina Ahmad’s research focused on the self-assembly of kinetically lockedmetallomacrocycles as hosts and sensors for biomolecules such as ATP, GTP,uridine, adenine, cGMP and also DNA.


Luminescence Liquid Crystals based on Ruthenium(II)-containingMetallomesogensLiquid crystals are fascinating materials with properties intermediate between those ofsolids and liquids. A versatile class of molecular materials, the class ofmetallomesogens, is obtained by incorporation of metals into liquid crystals. Theinterest in the synthesis of metallomesogens has increased enormously during thepast few years. The new features of this kind of material combine the optical andelectrical properties of conventional liquid crystals with the magnetic and electronicproperties of transition metal complexes. For instance, one can produce magneticliquid crystals, luminescent liquid crystals, or redox-active liquid crystals.

Biophysical and Biochemical Characterization of the DNA Interactions ofCytotoxic Ruthenium(II)-Intercalating AgentsApart from inorganic liquid crystals, our group also works on biophysical andbiochemical characterization of DNA binding agents. Chemotherapy with Ptcomplexes is one of the main pillars in the treatment of cancer today. However, theiruse is limited by the high toxicity and some tumors resistant towards the drug. Forthese reasons, the need for an alternative anticancer drug has been initiated. Theruthenium-based complexes have been proposed to possess potential antitumoractivity and antimetastatic behaviour, showing lower systemic toxicity than platinumcompounds. This work would involved the synthesis of potential ruthenium-basedDNA binding complexes and the studies on the antitumor activities of the complexeswith various solid cancer cell lines including breast, ovarian, cervical and coloncancers.

INTAN SAFINAR ISMAIL




Assoc. Prof. Dr. Intan Safinar Ismail is a doctor of philosophy in chemistry, UPM. Sheis also a research associate of the Laboratory of Natural Products, Institute ofBioscience, UPM since 2005. She is a reductionist in seeking for bioactive naturalproducts specifically from the plants of Meliaceae family, and a metabolomist inunderstanding the system biology of the selected traditional medicinal plants. She is amember of American Chemical Society (ACS), Japanese Pharmaceuticals Society(JPS), and a member of the editorial board for Asian Coordinating Group forChemistry, Chemical Research Communications (ACGC-CRC). Major sponsors ofIntan’s research include ScienceFund (Ministry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia(MOSTI)), Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) and Fundamental ResearchGrant Scheme (FRGS). Some of her research work collaboration parties are HoshiUniversity and Okayama University, Japan.


Natural Products ChemistryHistory has proved mankind has always been interested in naturally occurringcompounds from various organisms. Plant is the easiest study subject in naturalproducts chemistry compared to other organisms. Extracts of many plant parts havebeen used for isolating compounds whose task, color and odor could be used forvarious purposes. Using the rapid and impressive development of organic chemistrydue to the advancement in isolation and identification techniques of chromatographicand spectroscopic methods, respectively, our works cover the identification ofpotential lead compounds for novel pharmaceuticals/neutraceuticals.

Reduction/IchthyotoxicityMeliaceae family has been the source of various kinds of compounds ranging frompolar to non-polar entities. Our group has succeeded in the isolation of some new andnovel compounds particularly those of triterpenoid, limonoid and chromone alkaloidgroup. Based on ichthyotoxicity (piscicidal/fish test) which is a simple, fast, andcheap; nevertheless, a reliable preliminary bioassay, the complex plant extract isreduced to the active fraction(s) or compound(s). Ichthyotoxic compounds have beenproven to possess other activities such as anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-tumorproperties.

Due to the focused research on one family with a few plant genera in which possibilityof having an overlapping occurrence of compounds is high, Nuclear MagneticResonance (NMR) and Mass Spectrometry (MS) database is under development forthe de-replication purposes.

MetabolomicsMetabolomics is a new tool in understanding the system biology of organisms. It isthe latest addition in the ‘omics’ family which include genomics, transcriptomics andproteomics. This research methodology is an anti-reduction in which instead ofreducing the plant system into simpler or smaller parts, the whole/global biologicalsystem of the selected plant in correlation with its environment is studied. NMR andLC-MS are technology applications in integration with metabolomics, whilemultivariate data analysis is used to understand/interpret the collected data.Metabolomics is applied in the study of a selected Malaysian medicinal plant havinganthelmintic properties.

Structure modificationsIn collaboration with a synthetic chemist, the active natural compounds are submittedto structural modifications, which are based on the compound structure and existenceof functional groups. A selected bioactivity of the naturally occurring and theirstructurally modified compounds is compared.

NORHAZLIN ZAINUDDIN




Dr. Norhazlin Zainuddin’s major research areas involve synthesis, characterizationand utilization of materials for dental application. The works involve synthesizingvarious aluminosilicate glasses for glass polyalkenoate cement (GPC). Themechanical strength and the setting reaction of the glass polyalkenoate cements arestudied. The glass structure and the chemistry of the setting reaction in GPC arestudied using solid state NMR spectroscopy. Dr Norhazlin Zainuddin is also interestedin polymer modification especially via irradiation technique. Major sponsors of herresearch include Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and ResearchUniversity Grant Scheme (RUGS).


Reinforcement of clay in glass polyalkenoate cementThe modification of MMT are investigated and applied to the GPC to enhance themechanical properties of the cement. Various type of modified MMT will besynthesized such as organo clay and cationic clay. Setting reaction and mechanicalproperties are studied to various GPCs with modified MMT and compared to GPCswithout addition of modified MMT. Different type of glass will be studied, and in thisstudy we concentrate on the influence of phosphorus in the glass. Phosphorus is oneof the component in the glass and it is important because it presents as Al-O-P bondin the glass network. Therefore, the amount of phosphorus will influence theperformance of the GPCs.

Modification of Natural PolymerThe modification of natural polymers such as starch and cellulose are investigatedthrough chemical or irradiation techniques. The potential of the modified polymer ashydrogel, composite and removal of heavy metal are studied.

SHAHRUL AINLIAH ALANG AHMAD



Fax: 03 89435380

Dr. Shahrul Ainliah Alang Ahmad graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) inIndustrial Chemistry from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2005. A year later, she startedher PhD at the University of Sheffield which involved nanofabrication of biologicalnanostructures via scanning near field photolithography, in which a scanning near-field optical microscope was used. Her research interests include fabrication oforganic thin films (self-assembled monolayers, SAMs), characterization andmanipulation of molecular and biomolecular on the micro and nanometre scale.


Self Assembled Monolayers(SAMs)Self assembly is a term used to describe the spontaneous formation of orderedmonolayers or multilayers of amphiphilic materials. The monolayers are commonlyused as model templates in the study of surface modification and nanoscalefabrication. The high density and stability of SAMs have potential applications incorrosion prevention, the biocompability and biomimetic characteristics of SAMs havepromising applications in chemical and biochemical sensors and the large degree of order makes them apt for components of electro-optic devices.

Manipulation of Surface ChemistryWith the increasing interests in organic synthesis on solid supports, industrialdevelopment of combinatorial chemistry methodologies and the importance of surfacereaction in biochemistry, the prospect of using SAMs in surface chemistrymanipulation, patterning and derivatisation are interesting to study on.

THAHIRA BEGUM




Dr Thahira Begum’s major research areas involve the synthesis, characterization,biological studies and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of nitrogen sulphurligands, and their transition metal complexes. The focus of her work includesstructural studies of novel nitrogen sulphur Schiff bases and their specificity andselectivity in biological reactions when a small functional group on the Schiff basesare altered or replaced with other functional groups. She has authored and co-authored more than 10 technical papers. Major sponsors of her research include theFundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and Research University GrantScheme (RUGS).


Synthesis of Schiff bases that are derived from hormones such as progesterone andtestosterone, and their reactions with first-row transition metal salts and potentialbioactivities against an array of microbes, and cancer cell lines, specifically breastcancer cell lines (both estrogen receptor positive and negative cells). Thecharacterization of these complexes via physico-chemical and spectroscopic analysisis also being studied. The thermal properties of these complxes are also beinginvestigated. Structural studies of these Schiff bases and their transition metalcomplexes are carried out by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and the dataobtained is currently being utilized in some computational studies involving moleculardocking and QSAR.Another research interest is in the synthesis of mixed-ligand transition metalcomplexes using tridentate Schiff bases and saccharin/imidazole/benzimidazole as aco-ligand. We have obtained promising data on the bioactivities of these complexesand initial analyses indicate that the presence of a co-ligand enhances the bioactivityof the metal complexes especially against breast cancer cells.

TAN YEN PING

Dr. Tan Yen Ping is a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty ofScience. She is also one of the principal researchers at the Centre of Excellence forCatalysis Science and Technology (PutraCAT) Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her majorresearch areas include solid electrolytes and oxide ion conductors for applications infuel cells and sensors, synthesis and applications of solid oxides in heterogeneouscatalytic reactions, as well as applications of low-cost materials in wastewatertreatment. Major sponsors of the research work include the Science Fund (Ministry ofScience and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI)), Research University Grant Scheme(RUGS) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).

TAN YEN PING




Dr. Tan Yen Ping is a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty ofScience. She is also one of the principal researchers at the Centre of Excellence forCatalysis Science and Technology (PutraCAT) Universiti Putra Malaysia. Her majorresearch areas include solid electrolytes and oxide ion conductors for applications infuel cells and sensors, synthesis and applications of solid oxides in heterogeneouscatalytic reactions, as well as applications of low-cost materials in wastewatertreatment. Major sponsors of the research work include the Science Fund (Ministry ofScience and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI)), Research University Grant Scheme(RUGS) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).


Solid Electrolytes and Oxide Ion ConductorsResearch work focuses on the synthesis and characterization of new solidelectrolytes and oxide ion conductors. Physical and chemical properties of these newmaterials are studied to evaluate the potentials of these materials for the applicationsin solid oxide fuel cells and sensors.

Heterogeneous CatalystsResearch work includes the preparation and characterization of various solid oxidesand supported metal catalysts for the applications in catalytic reactions such asbiodiesel production and petrochemical reactions. Physical and chemical properties ofthe catalysts are investigated. Design and modifications are made on the catalysts toenhance the catalytic behaviours.

Low-cost Materials for Wastewater TreatmentVarious low-cost materials such as rice husk and sugar cane bagasse are used andchemically modified for the removal of dyes and heavy metals. The potentials of theselow-cost materials are evaluated to provide cheaper and more effective alternativesfor wastewater treatment.

KAMALIAH BINTI SIRAT




Dr. Kamaliah Sirat is a senior lecturer in the Department of chemistry, Faculty ofScience, UPM.

Her major research area is the preparation and characterization of coordinationcompounds or metal complexes of transition metals.

Sponsors of her research include the ScienceFund (Ministry of Science andInnovation of Malaysia (MOSTI), and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).


He synthesis and characterization of transition metal complexes of curcumine andlawsone. Metals ions used are Zn(II), Cu(II), Ni(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Cr(III).Characterization of the isolated complexes by IR, NMR, MS, UV/Vis Spectra andelemental analyses.

Preparation of Schiff bases of curcumine and lawsone were also conducted andstudied.

Electrochemical studies of curcumin (or lawsone) derivatives by cyclic voltammetryanalysis.

ROGHAYEH ABEDI KARJIBAN




Dr. Abedi's research interest includes an area from physical chemistry (major inquantum chemistry) to structural biology (molecular modelling and moleculardynamics simulations). Her deep interests involve protein folding and unfolding andenzyme modification from theoretical aspects and computational methods such asmolecular dynamics simulations. These kinds of studies are very useful for variouspurposes, for example, in industrial applications and pharmaceuticals. She studiedstructure, flexibility and dynamics of thermoalkalophilic lipases of Bacillusstearothermophilus L1 (L1 lipase) and Geobacillus zalihae strain T1 (T1 lipase) athigh temperatures using molecular dynamics simulations technique during her PHDstudy. MD simulations at extremely high temperature can be performed to understandhow a thermoalkalophilic lipase starts to unfold at high temperature. By this, thecritical regions to thermostability as a potential target for stability enhancement can beidentified. Currently, her interest also includes investigating the potential ofnanoemulsion systems for transdermal drug nanodelivery system (NSAIDs) usingmolecular dynamics. In general, this kind of research aimed to explore the structuraland dynamics properties of swollen micelles produced from palm-basednanoemulsions with and without drug. She moved to this research area during herPostdoctoral research in University Putra Malaysia.


Protein folding and unfolding, and enzyme modification

Micellization process; transdermal drug nanodelivery system (NSAIDs)

JANET LIM HONG NGEE




Dr. Janet Lim Hong Ngee specializes in manipulating the multifunctional graphene forthe fabrication of graphene-based materials for various applications. Her researchresults in producing scalable quantity of graphene oxide using chemical oxidationmethod. The graphene oxide is used for the fabrication of graphene-based polymericmatrices, inorganic nanostructure-graphene nanocomposites and functionalization ofgraphene with organic compounds. Numerous strategies have been employed for thefabrication of these advanced materials, in which the type of fabrication caters tospecific application. She has authored and co-authored more than 30 ISI-cited journalarticles. Her research work is sponsored by Loreal Malaysia For Women In ScienceFellowship and Exploratory Research Grant Scheme (ERGS).


Fabrication of graphene-based polymeric matricesPolymers such as conducting polymers, natural polymers and synthetic polymers areincorporated with graphene toenhance the mechanical strength, limit the loss ofstructural integrity, impart electrical and thermal conductivities, improveelectrochemical activity and eradicate bacteria. The nanocomposite films areprepared using electrodeposition, electrospinning and solution casting approaches.The conductivity, energy storage and sensing abilities of the films are determined.

Fabrication of inorganic nanostructure-graphene nanocompositesInorganic nanostructure decorated graphene is synthesized using various methodssuch as hydrothermal, microwave, in situ chemical approach and ultrasonication.Inorganic nanostructures such as silver, iron sulphide, copper oxide, iron oxide, tinoxide, titanium oxide and zinc oxide have been embedded on graphene. Thenanocomposites are evaluated on their absorption, photocatalysis,photoelectrocatalysis, sensing and energy storage capabilities.

Functionalization of grapheneOrganic compounds, such as N-(trimethoxysilylpropyl) ethylenediamine triacetic acidsodium (TETA), are used to functionalize graphene. Functionalized graphene is easilydispersed in solvents, as well as retaining the fascinating electronic, optical,electrochemical, mechanical and thermal properties of graphene. Functionalizedgraphene can be used in applications such as controlled drug delivery and support fornanoparticles.

RUZNIZA MOHD ZAWAWI




Dr. Ruzniza Mohd Zawawi is a senior lecturer in Electrochemistry at the Departmentof Chemistry, Faculty of Science, UPM. She obtained her PhD degree from DurhamUniversity, UK in the field of Electrochemical Biosensors. Her main research interestsinclude enzyme based-chiral biosensors for medical and environmental analysis, andalso nanocomposite hybrid materials as modification on electrode surface.


Chiral biosensorsChiral recognition and discrimination between enantiomers is becoming one of themost important fields in analytical chemistry especially for pharmaceutical industry,clinical, food, and forensic analysis. The electrochemical sensors composed of chiralbiocompatible composite matrixes are used to assure a highly sensitive,enantioselective analysis of various biological systems.

Nanocomposite hybrid materialsNanomaterials, such as metallic nanoparticles (NPs), and carbon nanotubes (CNTs)exhibit unique electronic, catalytic and optical properties. Biomolecules, such asenzymes and collagen, exhibit similar nano-dimensions and reveal unique catalyticand recognition properties. Thus, the integration of the biomolecules with thenanomaterials may lead to hybrid nanostructures that combine the properties ofthe two components and yield materials of new functionalities. This leads to betterelectrocatalytic activity of the sensoric device to descriminate chiral compounds in aracemic mixture.

Current research interest

YUSRAN SULAIMAN




Dr. Yusran Sulaiman received his PhD from Durham University (UK) in which theresearch involved synthesizing conducting polymers particularly poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene)(PEDOT) via electrochemical route for electrochemicalsensing applications. His research interests include preparation of conductingpolymers and carbon nanotubes for various applications.


Conducting PolymersConducting polymers (CPs) also known as ‘synthetic metals’ have emerged as one ofthe most exciting and interdisciplinary areas in science and engineering. Theknowledge in this field has grown rapidly and many CPs based on polyanilines,polypyrroles and polythiophenes have been synthesized. CPs show intrinsic featuressuch as high conductivity, environmental stability, high transparency, low oxidationpotential and relatively low band gap.Thus, it is suitable for photovoltaics devices (solar cells), hole injection layer in light-emitting diodes based organic materials (OLED) and chemical sensors. Chemicalsensors include detecting ions, biological molecules, chemical composition etc.

TAN KAR BAN




Dr. Tan’s research focuses on the synthesis and characterization of ceramic materialsusing conventional solid state reaction and a variety of techniques including X-raypowder diffraction, electron microscopy, laser Raman spectroscopy, thermal analysisand physical property measurements. The employment of various techniques isessential for a systematic study of these inorganic solids, due to their structural andcompositional complexity and is indispensable before firm conclusions can be drawnin correlating physical, structural and electrical properties. Dr. Tan’s works have beenfinancially sponsored by Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) andFundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS). He has published more than 50papers in conference proceedings, international peer reviewed and citation-indexedjournals.


There is much interest in advanced functional ceramics due to their excellentelectrical properties which give rise to a wide spectrum of industrial applications suchas electrical and electronic components, sensors, catalysts and power supplysystems. The pyrochlore structure has received much attention because of itscompositional and structural flexibility, including the possibility to incorporate a widerange of dopant ions. Electrical properties, including oxide-ion conductivity,permittivity and temperature-independent permittivity, can be fine-tuned bycompositional control, giving the possibility to design materials to meet specificproperty requirements. Oxide pyrochlores have the formula, A2B2O7 indicating theexistence of two different crystallographic sites namely a relatively larger 8- co-ordinate A site and a 6-co-ordinate B site within the structure. Bismuth basedpyrochlores have been extensively studied due to the wide variety of interestingelectrical properties. Different types of pyrochlores in the Bi2O3-MO-N2O5 (M = Zn,Cu and Mg ; N = Ta and Nb) ternary systems are successfully synthesized andcharacterized. Careful phase diagram study, thermal analyses and AC impedancemeasurements are performed in order to gain further insight into the properties ofthese pyrochlores.

EMILIA ABD MALEK




Dr. Emilia Abd Malek’s major research area is in the field of synthetic organicchemistry. Currently, she is concentrating on the use of enzymes as catalyst inorganic synthesis such as the use of lipase in esterification and epoxidation. Inesterification, the method is used to synthesize sugar esters, biodegradablesurfactants, and the reaction is also carried out in ionic liquid. We are trying toachieve a Green process in using biocatalysts and minimize use of volatile organicsolvents.


Synthesis of fatty acid sugar ester via enzymatic catalysisFatty acid sugar esters remain an important class of surfactant due to their versatility,excellent wetting properties and biodegradability. The esters are tasteless, non-toxicand non-irritant, making them suitable for application in the food,pharmaceuticals and cosmetics industries. The lipase-catalyzed route towards thesugar ester has become more preferable than the conventional chemical method dueto the ease of operation, mild conditions and above all excellent regioselectivity. Ourwork focused on enzymatic esterification of various monosacharides with palm oilderived fatty acids such as oleic acid. We have published some of the work that wasdone on galactose. This project is supported by Exploratory Research Grant Scheme(ERGS) from KPT and Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS).

Chemo-enzymatic epoxidation of alkenesEnzyme mediated epoxidation has emerged as a useful and green alternative

method to oxidize alkenes, especially renewable unsaturated plant-based fatty acids.Lipases has been used to catalyst the formation of the peroxy acid (the oxidant) fromcarboxylic acid and hydrogen peroxide. Although this method has been used toepoxidize oil for example soya oil and palm oil, the utilization of the method on smallalkene is rare. Our interest is to broaden the application this chemoenzymaticepoxidation to non-fatty acid alkenes. This work is partly supported by FundamentalResearch Grant Scheme (FRGS) from KPT.

Current research interest

ERNEE NORYANA MUHAMAD

Lecturer (Dr) .Department of Chemistry



Dr. Ernee Noryana Muhamad is a lecturer in the Department of Chemistry, Faculty ofScience, UPM. She is also one of the principal researchers at the Centre ofExcellence for Catalysis Science and Technology (PutraCAT). Her research interest isprimarily focused on catalysis for green chemistry especially for fuel cells applicationand biodiesel. Her research work is sponsored by Research University Grant Scheme(RUGS).


Heterogeneous catalysts for biodiesel productionResearch is focused on production of biodiesel from edible and non edible oilwhereby the biomass waste materials are used as solid heterogeneouscatalysts. Modifications on catalysts properties and reaction parameters are made inorder to increase the catalytic activity and the biodiesel production.

Current Research Interest:Research work focuses on development of a highly CO-tolerant electrocatalyst forPEM fuel cell application. The electrochemical properties and performance of metaloxide added anode catalysts based on platinum and non-platinum metal will beevaluated in single PEM fuel cell in the presence of CO-contaminated H2 fuel.

MOHD IZHAM SAIMAN




Dr Mohd Izham bin Saiman, a senior lecturer received his PhD in heterogeneouscatalysis from Cardiff University (United Kingdom) under supervision of Prof. GrahamHutchings. During his PhD, he works on gold nanoparticles catalyst for the selectiveoxidation of hydrocarbons. His findings on gold-palladium supported catalysts forsolvent free oxidation of toluene have been published in high impact factor journals.He is also one of the principal researchers at the Centre of Excellence for CatalysisScience and Technology (PutraCAT), Universiti Putra Malaysia.


He study of gold nanocrystals as novel active heterogeneous catalysts and theircharacterisation

Heterogeneous catalyst for biodiesel production.

FACULTY OF SCIENCE

WIZARD OF SCIENCE

HABSAH MIDI

Prof. Dr.Department of Mathematics



Prof. Dr. Habshah Midi is a Deputy Dean of the Development, Finance & Industry andCommunity Relations, Faculty of Science, UPM. Her field of specialization includescomputational and Applied Robust Statistics, Regression Diagnostics and OutlierDetection. Her active participation in research has earned her awards at university,national and international levels. Nine PhD students and five Masters students havegraduated under her supervision. Currently she is supervising fourteen PhD students(main-8, Co- Supervisor-6). She has published more than 200 research papers(journals and proceedings) in international and local citation-indexed journals. DrHabshah is in the Editorial Board of local and international journals and has beenappointed as referee for many scientific papers for local and international journals.She is a committee member of the Malaysian Institute of Statistics and has organizedmany statistical workshops as speaker. Dr Habshah is very active in research,extension and also serves as a statistics consultant to several organizations includingMajlis Peperiksaan Malaysia.


Robust estimation techniques and Outlier Detection in Logistic Regression.

Robust Estimation and Outliers Detection in Response Surface Model.

Robust Estimation and outlier detection in Fixed Effect Panel Data.

Diagnostics and bootstrapping techniques in Logistic Regression.

Robust Diagnostics and Estimation in Autocorrelated Regression Model in thePresence of High Leverage Points.

Robust Estimation Method and Outlier Detection for regression model with errors ofmeasurements.

Robust variables selection technique in the presence of outliers.

Application of Statistical Methods to real life problems.

IBRAGIMOV GAFURJAN

Assoc. Prof. Dr.Department of Mathematics



Assoc. Prof. Dr. Gafurjan Ibragimov major research areas include linear pursuit andevasion differential games, linear discrete pursuit games, and simultaneous games.Major sponsors of Gafurjan Ibragimov’s research include Research University GrantScheme (RUGS) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS). He is currentlythe Coordinator of the Pure Mathematics program at the Department of Mathematics.In 1991, he received his PhD (Title: Optimal Pursuit in Some Differential Games)degree and in 2006, he received his DSc (Title: Differential Games of Many Personswith Different Constraints on Control Parameters). He has also been active inresearch. He has published more than 60 papers in national and internationaljournals. He is also an associate researcher of the Institute for MathematicalResearches (INSPEM), UPM.


Pursuit and Evasion Differential Games in Finite Dimensional SpacesHere we study linear pursuit-evasion differential games with integral constraints,differential games with phase constraints, multi person differential games, evasiondifferential games. The main problem is to construct optimal strategies of players andfind the value of the game (or optimal pursuit time).

Differential Games described by Infinite System of Differential EquationsControl and differential game problems are also of increasing interest for systemsdescribed by partial differential equations. Such problems by using the decompositionmethod can be reduced to the ones described by infinite systems of ordinarydifferential equations. Therefore, there is a significant relationship between the controlproblems described by partial differential equations and those described by infinitesystems of differential equations. The latter is of independent interest and can beinvestigated within one theoretical framework. However, in this we have to prove theexistence-uniqueness theorem for infinite system of differential equations, and thenstudy control and differential game problems. For such game problems manymethods developed for differential game problems in finite dimensional spaces do notwork and hence we need new approaches, methods to solve them.

Linear Discrete Pursuit GamesMany real life problems can be modeled as the linear pursuit games. Moreover, lineardiscrete pursuit games can be obtained if we discretize the linear differential games.Here, the main problem is to construct the strategy of the pursuer to complete thegame.

Simultaneous GamesLet A and B be given convex closed restricted non-empty subsets of a Hilbert space.The first player chooses points from the set A and the second one chooses pointsfrom the set B. Payoff function is expected value of the distances between thesepoints. The aim of the first player is to minimize of the expected value and that of thesecond player is to maximize it. We investigate the structure of optimal mixedstrategies and find the value of the game.

KAMEL ARIFFIN MOHD ATAN

Prof. Dato' Dr.Department of Mathematics


[email protected]

Professor Dato’ Dr. Kamel Ariffin research area includes Number Theory,Cryptography and topics in Philosophy and History of Mathematics. He has publishedseveral papers in national and international journals. Presently he is the Director ofthe Institute for Mathematical Research (INSPEM) of the university, and a member ofthe Cryptography, Analysis and Structure research laboratory of the institute. Over theyears he has completed a number of research projects funded by grants obtainedfrom various agencies. Several of his research products have won prizes nationallyand internationally. He has been a member of editorial board of some nationaljournals, and currently the chief editor of the Journal of Mathematical Sciences, anational publication. He is the founding president of the Malaysian Society forCryptology Research, the post he holds currently. He is also the president of thenewly-formed Malaysian Academy of Mathematical Scientists.

Current research Interest

Estimation of Multi-Variable Exponential Sums. Much research has been conductedto arrive at a good estimate of the exponential sums associated with a multi-variablepolynomial over the ring of integers. Currently research which we carry out is to find agood estimate of the sum associated with polynomials over the ring Zp. This estimatefinds application in the determination of the number of solutions in integers of a multi-variable polynomial. More recently, it has found application in the field ofCryptography.

NOOR AKMA IBRAHIM




Professor Dr. Noor Akma Ibrahim is a Deputy Director of Institute for MathematicalResearch, UPM. Her major research areas include survival analysis and diagnosticsinfluence in regression. Her active participation in research has earned her awards atuniversity, national and international levels. Seven PhD students and three Mastersstudents have graduated under her supervision. Currently she is supervising eightpostgraduate students (PhD-6, M.S-2). She has published more than 150 researchpapers in journals and proceedings. She is a life-member of ISOSS and PERSAMA,and an active member of ISM and ASA. She is in the Editorial Board of local andinternational journals and has been appointed as referee for many scientific papersfor local and international journals.


Generalized Log-Rank Tests for partly interval-censored data.

Cure models for interval-censored data.

Bayesian estimation for right censored data with covariates under Jeffreys’ andExtension Jeffreys’ prior.

Bayesian estimation for interval-censored data.

LEONG WAH JUNE




Assoc. Prof. Dr. Leong Wah June major research areas include numerical methodsfor unconstrained and large-scale optimization, and Newton-like methods fornonlinear systems. He is a recipient of the 2008 Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS)Postdoctoral Fellowship and the 2008 Academy of Sciences for Developing Countries(TWAS) Fellowship. Major sponsors of Wah June’s research include the ScienceFund(Ministry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI), Research University GrantScheme (RUGS) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).


Unconstrained OptimizationEfforts have been targeted to improve existing methods for solving unconstrainedoptimization problems include the gradient methods, quasi-Newton methods andconjugate gradient methods.Development of efficient codes is also an active activity within the group.

Large-scale OptimizationApart from small and medium scale optimization problems, the group also works onlarge-scale optimization problems. Various low memory methods are derived includethe improved gradient methods and memoryless quasi-Newton methods. Thesemethods are particularly important to be used as the solvers for large-scale problemswhere the calculation of Hessian matrix is unreachable.

Nonlinear SystemsOur group also works on the development of efficient solvers for nonlinear systems.Research on methods for solving system of nonlinear equations has very promisingfuture and since many physical problems can be reduced to find numerical solution ofa nonlinear systems.

MAHENDRAN SHITAN



[email protected]

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahendran Shitan is the Head of the Laboratory of ComputationalStatistics and Operations Research in the Institute for Mathematical Research(INSPEM). His research interest is in Time Series and Spatial Models.


Properties of estimators and hypothesis testing for Generalised ARMA time seriesmodels.Properties of Spatial Integer-Valued Autoregressive Models.

MOHD RIZAM ABU BAKAR




Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohd Rizam Abu Bakar, obtained his PhD in Applied Statistics(“Multivariate Survival Analysis for Split Populations with Application to Patterns ofDomestic Violence”) from University of Bradford, United Kingdom. His researchinterest includes: Survival data analysis, data envelopment analysis and epidemicmodelling. Currently he is an associate professor in the Department of Mathematicsat Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). He is also an associate researcher of Institute forMathematical Researches (INSPEM), UPM. Recently is head of the programme ofSurvival Analysis in Computational Statistics and Operations Research Laboratory ofINSPEM.


Survival analysis models typically assume that everybody in the study population issusceptible to the event under study and will eventually experience this event withsufficient follow-up. However, there are situations when a group of individuals are notexpected to experience the event of interest; that is, those individuals are cured orinsusceptible. For example, researchers may be interested in analyzing therecurrence of a disease. Many individuals may never experience a recurrence;therefore, a cured fraction of the population exists.

Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) is an increasingly popular management tool. It isused to empirically measure productive efficiency of decision (or DMUs). Non-parametric approaches have the benefit of not assuming a particular functionalform/shape for the frontier; however they do not provide a general relationship(equation) relating output and input. There are also parametric approaches in whichrequires that the shape of the frontier be guessed beforehand by specifying aparticular function relating output to input. One can also combine the relativestrengths from each of these approaches in a hybrid method where the frontier unitsare first identified by DEA and then a smooth surface is fitted to these. This allows abest-practice relationship between multiple outputs and multiple inputs to beestimated. It is also useful because it takes into consideration returns to scale incalculating efficiency, allowing for the concept of increasing or decreasing efficiencybased on size and output levels.

The outbreak and spread of disease has been questioned and studied for manyyears. The ability to make predictions about diseases could enable scientists toevaluate inoculation or isolation plans and may have a significant effect on themortality rate of a particular epidemic.Analysis of the structure of epidemic models isvital because of (1) the scarcity of good data and (2) the sensitive dependence ofresults on assumptions. In evaluating model dynamics, we need to look carefully attheir dependence, not only on parameters, but also on the structure of the model: forinstance, whether the population is treated as stochastic or deterministic, discrete orcontinuous, and how the timing and distribution of infectious contacts within thepopulation is modelled. The practical target is to identify those parts of models thathave most effect on dynamics: a few key parameters can drive a model.

MOHAMAD RUSHDAN MD SAID




Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mohamad Rushdan Md Said is the Head of Laboratory ofCryptography, Analysis and Structure at the Institute for Mathematical Research(INSPEM), UPM. He received his PhD in cryptography from Macquarie University,Sydney. His research interest is in public key cryptography and number theory. Hisprofessional affiliation includes the International Association for Cryptologic Research(IACR) and the Malaysian Society for Cryptology Research (MSCR) and is currentlythe chief editor of the MSCR journal, International Journal of Cryptology Research.


Public Key Cryptography: Designing public key cryptosystems

Efficiency and security aspects of the RSA-type cryptosystems

Finite Fields and Discrete Log Problem in Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC)

Public Key Systems Based on Iterated Function Systems

ANWAR FITRIANTO

Lecturer (Dr.) .Department of Mathematics



Dr. Anwar Fitrianto is a senior lecturer of Department of Mathematics, Universiti PutraMalaysia. He is also an associate researcher at the Institute for MathematicalResearch, UPM. His B.Sc (Hons), M.Sc (Research), and Ph.D are all majoringStatistics. He has excellent capability in Computational Statistics on major statisticssofwares, includes SAS, Mintab, SPSS, Statistica, Genstat, etc. He is also a CertifiedMinitab Trainer, His research areas include survival analysis, experimental designs,statistical quality control, robust statistics, mediation analysis and statistical modeling.


Robust Mediation Models, Optimization of Experimental Designs, Multiple ResponsesOptimizations, Statistical Quality Analysis

FADZILAH MD ALI

Lecturer (Dr.)Department of Mathematics



Dr. Fadzilah Md Ali is a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics, UPM. Her majorresearch areas include fluid mechanics and heat transfer in boundary layer. Majorsponsor research includes the ScienceFund (Ministry of Science and Innovation ofMalaysia (MOSTI), Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) and FundamentalResearch Grant Scheme (FRGS).


Boundary layer problem and heat transfer characteristics towards a stretching andshrinking sheet.

MOHD BAKRI ADAM




Dr. Mohd Bakri Adam is a young lecturer of statistics, UPM. He obtained his Ph.D.from Lancaster University specialized in Extreme Sports Modeling in 2007. His majorresearch areas include extreme value theory, non-parametric regression, extreme-environmental statistics, extreme-sports statistics, extreme missing data and extremedata mining.


Extreme Value Theory, EVTDealing with extreme phenomena i.e. maximum, minimum of precipitation, the fastestathlete performance in the world etc. EVT not just limited to the above applications.The blend of mix field applications are much popular. The combination applicationwith other branches statistics like spatial statistics, non-parametric regression, timeseries, Bayesian statistics, medical statistics, missing data analysis etc lead to a goodfuture researches.

Apart from that, the development of new/improved good-ness-of-fit also being study.Some improvement version by manipulating some characteristics of the GEV andGPD distributions.

Non-parametric regressionAlternative to parametric approaches in statistics field. It also involve many part ofstatistics such as kernel analysis, penalized statistics, generalized additive modelling,smoothing, etc. Usually the data speak for themselves. Model selection criteriasometimes being used to select the best model.

Bayesian ExtremeThe combination knowledge of EVT and Bayesian in modelling new group of data.Some inferential method will be introduced. Much work can be carried out as theseBayesian extreme need more exploration and results to be put forward.

Sports Statistics

More accurate and rigorous statistics will be introduced to Malaysia community. Moreadvanced method of statistics methodology should be used to improve theperformance of athletes. We also can do some predictions and forecasting of someevents that can lead to some new policy in selection of new-to-be-come athletes torepresent the country.

IDHAM ARIF HAJI ALIAS




Dr. Idham’s specialization is in Pure Mathematics, specifically in Group Theory.

Current research:

Group Theory, Educational Mathematics, Financial Mathematics, Etno-Mathematics

ISAMIDDIN S.RAKHIMOV


Faculty of ScienceUniversity Putra Malaysia

Tel-office: 03 [email protected]

Professor. Dr. Isamiddin S.Rakhimov graduated from Leningrad State University (nowSaint Petersburg State University) Russia, in 1979. He received his M.Sc. (Title: Thedecomposition of the Jacobian of the Fermat’s curve) and Phd (Title: Filtrations ofgroups generated by some Abelian Varieties) degrees from the Leningrad StateUniversity in 1979 and 1985, respectively. Currently he is an professor of theMathematical Department of the Sciences’ Faculty, University Putra Malaysia(contract). Dr. Isamiddin also is an associate researcher of Institute for MathematicalResearches (INSPEM), UPM.


•Structural theory of Associative and Nonassociative Algebras.• Lie and Leibniz algebras and related to them (co)homological problems.•Commutative algebras, Algebraic geometry.•Ordinary and Differential Invariant theory.•Elliptic Curves and their applications.•Applications of Lie and Leibniz algebras to the problems of Quantum Physics.

JAYANTHI ARASAN




Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jayanthi Arasan research areas include survival/ reliability analysisand computational statistics, which mostly focus on the modeling of parallel andrepairable system failures. Her research is sponsored by Research University GrantScheme (RUGS) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).

Current research:

•Repairable System Model for Interval Censored, Grouped and Truncated Data withTime Varying Covariates.

•Survival model of the paired organ system with dependent failures and multiplecovariates

•Computational statistics and data analysis involving computer intensive techniquessuch as the bootstrap and jackknife.

LEE LAI SOON

Assoc. Prof .Dr.Department of Mathematics



Assoc. Prof .Dr. Lee Lai Soon is the Head of Program in Laboratory of Applied andComputational Statistics, Institute for Mathematical Research (INSPEM), UPM. Hismajor research areas include applications of metaheuristics approaches specificallyon Genetic Algorithms, Tabu Search, Ant Colony Optimisation and Descent Method incombinatorial optimization problems such as Machine Scheduling Problems, Cuttingand Packing Problems, Travelling Salesmen Problems, and Vehicle RoutingProblems. His research also covers the areas in fuzzy logic and data envelopmentanalysis. He has contributed to more than 30 technical papers. Major sponsors of hisresearch include the ScienceFund (Ministry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia,MOSTI), and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) (Ministry of HigherEducation, MOHE).

Current research:

Genetic AlgorithmsEfforts have been targeted to develop new strains of genetic algorithms where thepotential of the crossover operators are fully exploited to optimise the performance ofthe genetic algorithm in solving well known combinatorial optimisation problems suchas Machine Scheduling Problems, Cutting and Packing Problems, Vehicle RoutingProblems, Bus Timetabling Problems, and Resource Allocation Problems. Othergenetic operators are also explored to further enhance the performance of thealgorithm.

Ant Colony OptimisationAnt Colony Optimisation is a population based metaheuristic in which a colony ofartificial ants cooperates in finding good solutions to difficult combinatorialoptimization problems. It is inspired by the real life behavior of a colony of ants whenlooking for food.

This approach has proven to be efficient at solving Vehicle Routing Problem and ableto produce better/reasonable solutions within very short runtime. Therefore, the futuredirection of this research would be to modify the approach in order to solve one of thevariants of the Vehicle Routing Problem, which is known as Vehicle Routing Problemwith Time Windows.

Another aim of this study is to use the approach to improve the existing solution forContainer Loading Problem either in terms of space utilization or computation time.This might be accomplished by hybridizing the heuristic and Ant Colony Optimisationor by employing some different methods in pheromone updating or transitionprobability evaluation.

NIK MOHD ASRI BIN NIK LONG

Assoc. Prof. DrDepartment of Mathematics



Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nik Mohd Asri Bin Nik Long is a Coordinator of PostgraduateProgram Faculty of Science and also member of Laboratory of ComputationalSciences and Informatics, Institute for Mathematical (INSPEM) UPM. His majorresearch areas include fracture mechanics (investigating the behavior of solution ofcrack in two and three dimension), numerical solution to the integral equations (withweak, Cauchy, strong/hypersinguler kernel). Major sponsors of research work includethe ScienceFund (Ministry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI), ResearchUniversity Grant Scheme (RUGS) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme(FRGS).

Current research:

Cracks problem in plane elasticityThe crack problems in plane elasticity are formulated into hypersingular integralequations through complex potential method. These equations are then solvednumerically for the unknown coefficients, and subsequently, other physical propertiesof the crack can be determined.

Apart from numerical approach, analytical effort are also being made to solve theclosed curved crack problems. The main tool is the modified complex potentialmethod.

Integral equationsDevelop an approximate solution of the integral equations (with weak, Cauchy,strong/hypersingular kernel). These equations appear in many engineering problems,most of them have no analytical solutions, and therefore searching a goodapproximation solution becomes a vital work.

NORIHAN MD. ARIFINNORIHAN MD. ARIFIN




Assoc. Prof. Dr. Norihan Md. Arifin major research areas include fluid mechanics andheat transfer with application to the thermal convection and boundary-layer theory,heat transfer in Newtonian and non-Newtonian as well as in fluid saturated porousmedia and nanofluids. She has contributed to more than 60 technical papers. Majorsponsors of Norihan’s research include the ScienceFund (Ministry of Science andInnovation of Malaysia (MOSTI), Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) andFundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).


Marangoni convection in micropolar fluids and porous mediumConvection has been the subject of many investigations as it is becoming important tothe industry as in crystal growth, weld penetration and in coating process. Thesurface tension gradients that are responsible for Marangoni convection can be dueto gradients of temperature and/or concentration. Our group focus on Marangoniconvection in a horizontal fluid layer due to imposed temperature gradients. We usethe linear stability theory to examine the onset of Marangoni convection in micropolarfluids and porous medium.

Boundary layer problem in nanofluidsA nanofluid is a colloidal mixture of nano-sized particles (< 100nm) in a base fluid. Itis known that nanofluids can tremendously enhance the heat transfer characteristicsof the original (base) fluid. Thus, nanofluids have many applications in industry suchas coolants, lubricants, heat exchangers, micro-channel heat sinks, etc. The study ofnanofluids is still at its early stage and it seems very difficult to have a precise idea onthe way the use of nanoparticles acts in heat transfer. We focus on the problem ofsteady, laminar convection boundary layer flow in nanofluids using different types ofnanoparticles, namely Cu, Al2O3, and TiO3 .

NORIHAN MD. ARIFINNORAZAK SENU




Dr. Norazak Senu is a senior lecturer in the Department of Mathematics at UniversitiPutra Malaysia. His research interest includes Numerical Analysis and Web BasedLearning and Teaching System. He is also an associate researcher of Institute forMathematical Research (INSPEM). He has also been active in research andsuccessfully completed several research projects (FRGS, RUG and ScienceFund).


Solution of Ordinary Differential Equations(ODEs)Dr. Norazak’s research is in the general area of numerical analysis; her specialtiesinclude the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations, focusing on first orderand higher order ordinary differential equations in which the solutions are in theoscillatory functions: The methods are includes Runge-Kutta methods, Runge-Kutta-Nystrom methods, block method, and parallel computing using MPI for solving largescale problem.

Web Based Learning and Teaching SystemThe research is focusing on developing very interactive, attractive and user friendlymathematics software based on wab based and stand alone basis. With this systemstudents or users can access or use the material of learning and teaching system atanywhere and anytime. User interface embedded in the website with the numericaland graphical output illustration are criteria of the software. The software developed iscalled Numerical Computations Laboratory(NCL).

SITI HASANA SAPAR




Dr. Siti Hasana Sapar is a Senior Lecturer, UPM. Her major research areas includeEstimation of exponential sums and Diophantine Equations and major sponsors ofher research are Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) and FundamentalResearch Grant Scheme (FRGS).


Estimation of Exponential Sums

This research will concentrate on the problem of determining an estimation of theexponential sums for multi-variable polynomials, estimation of the multiple exponentialsums for two-variable polynomials of higher degree and also to find the p-adic sizesof factorial functions which involve Bernoulli functions, left Kurepa’s factorial functionsand other functions.

Diophantine Equations

This research will concentrate on the problem of finding an integral solution to varytypes of Diophantine equation.

MD SOHEL RANA




Dr. Md. Sohel Rana is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Mathematics,Universiti Putra Malaysia. He is also a co-researcher at the Institute for mathematicalresearch, Universiti Putra Malaysia. His research interest comprises of developingnew robust techniques in the branch of Robust Statistics. In addition to researchoutputs, he has published several research articles in peer reviewed national andinternational journals and proceedings. Moreover, he is involved in several researchprojects and also supervising Master and PhD students.


Robust statistical methods in conjunction to Regression diagnostics, Detection ofoutlier, Volatility in regression and time series analysis, Econometrics, Missing dataanalysis, Inferential statistics, Multivariate analysis, Parametric and nonparametricmethods, Simulation and bootstrapping techniques, Environmental statistics,Statistical quality control.

ZAINIDIN ESHKUVATOV




Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zainidin K. Eshkuvatov is a associate researcher at the Laboratory ofComputational Sciences and Mathematical Physics, Institute for MathematicalResearch (INSPEM), UPM. His major research areas include area of Integrationproblems (such as approximating proper and improper integrals of the product typeintegrals, Cauchy and Hilbert type singular integrals as well as Hadamard typehypersingular integrals) and Integral Equations Problems (such as Fredholm andVolterra type integral equation of first and second kind, Singular integral equations ofCauchy type, nonlinear integral equations as well as Hypersingular integral equationsof the first and second kind). He won several awards and gold medals with his hardwork and distinguished efforts in research. He has Research Copyrights for thesoftware entitled: Different floating point rounding methods for singular integralequations, 2012. Major sponsors of research work include the Research UniversityGrant Scheme (RUGS) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).


Integration problemsIntegration is an important concept in mathematics and, together with its inverse,differentiation, is one of the two main operations in calculus. Almost all area ofmathematics and physics encounters with different type of integration problems,however few problems can be solved in closed form. Numerical integration and itsconvergence is one of the major problem in computational mathematicsApart from numerical approach, analytical efforts are also being made to solve theintegrals with week, strong and hypersingular kernels. The main tool is to show theexactness of the quadrature or cubature formulas.

Integral equationsThe theory of integral equations has close contacts with many different areas ofmathematics. Many problems in the fields of ordinary and partial differential equationscan be recast as integral equations. Existence and uniqueness results can then bederived from the corresponding integral equations.Linear and nonlinear integral equations with kernel (smooth, weak singularity,logarithmic singularity, strong singularity, hypersingular) most of the time have noanalytical solutions, and developing an approximate solution of the integral equationsbecomes a vital work.

MUHAMMAD REZAL BIN DATO’ DR. KAMEL ARIFFIN




Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rezal bin Dato’ Dr. Kamel Ariffin is Program Head forMathematical Cryptology at the Al-Kindi Cryptography Research Laboratory,Laboratory of Theoretical Studies, Institute for Mathematical Research, UPM. Hismajor area is related to mathematical cryptology, designing public key cryptographyprimitives as well as cryptanalyzing them. Since being appointed to the post ofLecturer (DS45) in 2005, he has published various 22 scientific writings, 3 researchgrants totaling more than RM300,000, 2 research product approved by UPM to bepatented in Malaysia and 1 in the United States of America, 5 innovation awards (4international), appointed as a paper reviewer for an international conference in China,invited to give presentations at local institutions of higher learning, giving expertopinions in designing security systems for classified Malaysian governmentorganizations, appointed as a member of International Journal of CryptologyResearch editorial board, General Chari of the 2nd International CryptologyConference 2010 (Cryptology2010), committee member of the Malaysian Society forCryptology Research (MSCR) and other academic activities in accordance to hisexpert area.


AAβ Public Key CryptosystemA new public key cryptosystem has been designed and has the potential to reducethe key size down to 128-bits. It is conjectured that a 128-bit AAβ Public KeyCryptosystem is equivalent to a 1024-bit RSA and a 160-bit elliptic curvecryptosystem.Efforts have been made to study the strength of the underlying mathematical conceptAAβ-function and it resistant to known types of cryptanalytic attacks.

Counting terms of an equivalent subset sum problem of the AAβ Public KeyCryptosystemA cryptosystem that is based upon a subset problem in known to be “provably”difficult. The AAβ Public Key Cryptosystem is based upon the AAβ-function which hasits equivalent subset sum problem. This research is to generalize the number of termsresiding within the subset sum problem of the AAβ-function. We intend to derive anasymptotic relation analogous to the Prime Number Theorem.

The Pollard-Rho type attack on the AAβ Public Key CryptosystemEfforts heve been made to study the feasibility (or infeasibility) to design a pollard-rhotype attack on the AAβ Public Key Cryptosystem. Research is conducted by studyingthe underlying mathematical concept that exists in the Diffie-Hellman key exchangeprocedure and the elliptic curve cryptosystem that exposes itself towards thepossibility of a pollard-rho type attack. Comparison on the underlying mathematicalconcepts will then be done with the AAβ Public Key Cryptosystem.

ZARINA BIBI IBRAHIM




Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zarina Bibi Ibrahim is a Assoc. Prof. Dr of Mathematics, UPM.PhD in Applied Mathematics (Numerical Analysis), UPM, 2006.Masters in Mathematics, California State Univ. Long Beach, United States of America,1985.Bachelor Degree in Mathematics, California State University Long Beach, UnitedStates of America, 1984.

Current research:

Developing Code For Solving Higher Order Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)Directly Using Implicit Block Methods

Solving Boundary Value Problems by Multiple Shooting using the multistep method inits Backward Difference Formulations

Block Multistep Formulas for Solving Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs)

Parallel Partitioning Technique Using Multistep Formulas for Solving OrdinaryDifferential Equations (ODEs)

Developing Code For Solving Delay Differential Equations (DDEs) Using Multi StepBlock Methods

ZANARIAH ABDUL MAJID




Assoc. Prof. Dr Zanariah Abdul Majid is currently a lecturer in the Department ofMathematics at the University Putra Malaysia (UPM). She is also an associateresearcher at the Institute for Mathematical Research, UPM. She has publishedwidely in the area of parallel block method and the general area of numerical analysis.She won several awards and gold medals with her hard work and distinguishedefforts in research. She has three Research Copyrights for the software entitle:VSVO: Parallel and Sequential Two Point Block VSVO Code for Solving OrdinaryDifferential Equations, 2008, TPBC: Parallel and Sequential Two Point Block Code forSolving Higher Order Differential Equations Directly, 2008 and Parallel and SequentialFour Point Block Algorithm for Solving Ordinary Differential Equations (FPBA), 2009.Major sponsors of her research include the Research University Grant Scheme(RUGS) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).

Current research:

Dr. Zanariah’s research is in the general area of numerical analysis; her specialtiesinclude the numerical solution of ordinary differential equations, with emphasis onhigher order ordinary differential equations, boundary value problem, delay differentialequations, multistep methods, Runge-Kutta methods, block method, and parallelcomputing using MPI for solving large scale problem.

ADEM KILICMAN


Faculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 8946 6813

Fax: 03 8943 [email protected]

Professor Dr. Adem Kilicman is a professor in the Department of Mathematics atUniversity Putra Malaysia. His research interest includes Functional Analysis andTopology, Integral transforms, Special functions and differential equations. He haspublished several papers in national and international journals. He is an activemember also in several activities in the department and Institute of mathematicalresearch (INSPEM). He has also been active in research and succesfully completedseveral research projects (IRPA, ScienFund and FRGS). He is also member ofeditorial board of the several international journals and co editors of severalproceedings. Recently is head of the programme of Functional Analysis and topologyin Theoretical Laboratory, of INSPEM and a reviewer for American MathematicalSociety as well as reviewer for Zentralblatt Mathematik(Germany).

Current research:

Distributions and operationsDistributions also known as generalized functions are objects which generalizefunctions and probability distributions. They allow us to extend the concept ofderivative to all continuous functions and are used to formulate generalized solutionsof partial differential equations. They are important inseveral areas especially in physics and engineering where many non-continuousproblems that naturally lead to differential equations whose solutions are distributions,such as the delta distribution.

Distribution theory in its full scope is not only difficult but also requires a sophisticatedmathematical background. The elementary aspects of the theory, where we use ofgeneralized functions in differential equations and that adds considerably to theapplied mathematics and can be considered as an effective tool. Our main aim in thisresearch area is to extend the irregular operations to broader classes of distributions.

Covering properties in topological spacesSince compactness is a very important property in topology and analysis it is worth tostudy carefully, thus mathematician studied it widely. In compact spaces one dealswith open covers to get a finite subcover, e.g. A space is compact if every open coverof the space has a finite subcover.

Later compactness was generalized to countable compactness that is A space iscountably compact if every countable open cover of has a finite subcover and theidea of Lindelof property came later by dealing with open covers to get countablesubcover. Thus the idea of Lindelof property was first introduced from studyingcompactness property.

Therefore the relation between compactness and Lindelof property is very strong,where every compact space is Lindelof but not the converse, many properties ofcompact spaces were generalized onto Lindelof spaces. However generalizations ofLindelof spaces that depend on open covers and regularly open covers introducedand studied Lindelof spaces. Some of these generalizations depend on theirdefinitions.

The above covering properties can be extended to the bitopological spaces and studylindelof properties as well as mappings and decompositions of continuity.

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