v1b;m1;:m 1t; v:bmmo - om - universiti putra malaysia · japar sidik bujang is professor of biology...

science.nucleus.innovation Biology

WIZARDS OF SCIENCE Biology

Professor Dr. Ahmad Ismail is wildlife and ecotoxicology expert in UPM. He was the Deputy Director of Centre for Matriculation Universiti Putra Malaysia in 1997-2000, the Principal of Thirteenth College 2001-2004 and the Deputy Dean of Faculty of Agricultural Science and Food, UPM Bintulu Campus, Sarawak (2005). Prof. Dr. Ahmad Ismail has contributed immensely to teaching; research and extension work at national and international levels. His lectures and researches are on zoology, wildlife ecology, and ecotoxicology. His extension activities are mainly in environmental education and science motivation programmes for school children. He has supervised over 100 undergraduates and postgraduate students in the fields of wildlife ecology, and ecotoxicology. His research is mainly related to ecotoxicol-ogy of hazardous chemicals in coastal marine environment including toxicological responses in coastal vertebrates andinvertebrates. To date, he has produced over 300 scientific papers which were published and presented in local and international conferences.

CURRENT RESEARCH INTEREST :

Research focuses primarily on the evaluation of pollutant-induced effects on intertidal organisms. This involves the detection and understanding of the fundamental mechanisms by which pollutants (copper, zinc, lead, cadmium, mer-cury, vanadium, arsenic, and tin – including tributyl tin) induce biological effects. In general, this involves ecotoxicolo-gy research works on the areas of eco-physiology, biomarkers, bioindicator, biomonitoring, mechanistic studies, immu-notoxicity and endocrine disruption at different levels of biological organisation including invertebrates and wildlife.

Apart from ecotoxicology of hazardous chemicals in intertidal organisms which support 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 an important key species for the stability and sustainability of habitats. Risk assessments of specific habitats due to hazardous chemicals pollution are also studied......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

LINK TO POSTGRADUATE FIELD OF STUDY:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

PROFESSOR DR.Department of BiologyFaculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 89466617Fax: 03 [email protected]

EXPERTISEWildlife Ecology, Ecotoxicology

AHMAD ISMAILPh.D (University of Essex)

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Japar Sidik Bujang is Professor of Biology at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). He was awarded a PhD in Biology in 1989 by the Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia. He studied taxonomy, biology, and habitat characteristics of sea-grasses and mangroves for over 25 years. His team has conducted studies on distribution, diversity and uses of aquatic macrophytes. Currently the team’s research are on identification of seagrass using morphology and molecular approach, monitoring of seagrass coverage and adaptability to stressors, and techniques for the remote sensing of seagrass changes in coastal estuaries. He is currently the Director of University Agriculture Park, UPM


Identification of Malaysian Seagrasses using Morphology and Molecular Approach The project involves the revision on the taxonomic identification and differentiation among and within seagrass populations based on morphological characteristics and DNA extraction methodology.

Identification of Location and Seagrass Areal Coverage using Remote Sensing Technology in Coral Triangle Initiatives (CTI) Region of Sabah This research covers the Coral Triangle (CT) of Sabah to generated map based on Landsat imag-ery and seatruth data. The objectives are: 1) to detect seagrass meadows and delineate their spatial cover, 2) toquantitatively describe and establish baseline data in the form of seagrass cover map against which future distribution estimates could be compared in the study area, 3) to develop Landsat image based monitoring tool for seagrass distri-bution mapping and retrospective seagrass cover change detection analysis. The research also focuses upon improv-ing and developing monitoring tools that can be utilized for resource inventory and decision-making activities......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

LINK TO POSTGRADUATE FIELD OF STUDY:Botany, Ecology, Marine Conservation

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:profile.upm.edu.my/japar/profail.html

PROFESSOR DR.Department of BiologyFaculty of Science, UPMTel-Office: 03 89466626Fax: 03 [email protected]

EXPERTISEBiology & Seagrass Ecology/ Mangrove

JAPAR SIDIK BUJANGPh.D. (Universiti Sains Malaysia)

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Professor Dr. Rusea Go is a Plant Taxonomist and Conservation expert in UPM. She was Head of Canopy Science Lab-oratory, Rainforest Academy, UPM in 2005 – 2006 and later a Program Manager in Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (2007 – 2011). Rusea has contributed immeasurably to teaching and research (plant taxonomy/diver-sity and conservation), and extension work related to her expertise nationally and internationally. She has supervised 23 postgraduates and 160 undergraduates in the field of Plant Taxonomy and Conservation, Ethnobotany and Plant Phylogenetics. Rusea has dedicated half of her life into studying biodiversity in Malaysia. Her knowledge covers a wide spectrum of organisms, which includes taxonomy of seaweeds, pteridophyte and lycophytes, Moraceae, Fagace-ae, the genus Teijsmanniodendron (Lamiaceae) and the orchids. To date, she has published more than 200 scientificpapers, 4 books and 25 EIA and Consultancy reports, which were published and presented in local and international refereed journals.


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



PROFESSOR DR.Department of BiologyFaculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 89466634Fax: [email protected]

EXPERTISETaxonomy and Plant Conservation

RUSEA GOPh.D. (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)

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Professor Dr. Umi Kalsom Yusuf is a Professor in Botany at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Universiti Putra Malaysia, UPM Serdang. Her research is on plant biosystematics and biodiversity, fern taxonomy and ethnobiol-ogy. Professor Umi Kalsom Yusuf is a prolific author and has produced more than 100 publications related to her area of specialization nationally and internationally in the form of journal articles, chapters of book, proceedings, paper in conferences and seminars. 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.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................



PROFESSOR DR.Department of BiologyFaculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 89466641Fax: 03 [email protected]

EXPERTISEBiosystematics and Plant Biodiversity

UMI KALSOM YUSUFPh.D. (University of Reading)

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Faridah is currently the Deputy Director of the Agribio Resources Division, Putra Science Park, UPM. The division’s main function is to be a one stop referral centre for the biological specimens in the campus. Her re-search by training is Orchid Conservation Genetics where she obtained her doctorate from University of Cambridge and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Currently she has a research funding by MoHE to develop microsatellites for Paphiopedilum niveum, an endemic orchid of Langkawi and northern Kedah. The genus she is interested in is Pa-phiopedilum commonly referred to as Slipper orchids. She has been working on the 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). Her other research interest is Aromatic plants. The research group extracts essential oils and analyses their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. Under the Graduate Entrepeneurship (GE) Symbiosis UPM-MTDC a compa-ny (Etlingera Sdn. Bhd.) has been set up to market personal care products based on essential oils from locally available aromatic herbs. Her product -Therapeutic Herbal Bath soaps won the ITEX 2012 Most Innovative Product Award.

CURRENT RESEARCH INTEREST :....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................



ASSOC. PROF. DR.Department of BiologyFaculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 89466635Fax: [email protected]

EXPERTISEGenetic Conservation/ Essential Oil

FARIDAH QAMARUZ ZAMANPh.D. (University of Cambridge)

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Muskhazli Mustafa research is focused on microorganism especially bacteria. He was interested in the physiology and biochemistry of bacteria activity on solid waste utilization and bioremediation. The prime attention of his research is to identify and understand the biochemistry activity involve in order to improve the process. Other aspect of his research involves physiological and molecular biological approaches to optimize yields and to understand the biology of secretion. Major sponsors of his research include the ScienceFund (Ministry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).


• Utilizationoflocalbacteriaisolateasagro-wastedecomposerLignocelluloses as agricultural and forest residuals account for the majority of total biomass present in the world which usually considered as a waste due to slow natural decomposition and commonly disposed by open burn caused so many valuable fibrous materials are still available in ‘agricultural waste’ such as complex carbohydrates, polypheno-lics, proteins, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin,pectin and other compounds.

• ExploitationofcrustaceanwastedeprotenizationanddemineralizationTo overcome the disadvantage of the chemical treatments, several studies have been conducted using microorganisms or proteolytic enzymes for deproteinization of marine crustacean wastes. Proteases are by far the most important group of enzymes produced commercially and are used in many areas of applications.

• Optimizationofbio-remediationofharzadouscompoundMicroorganisms also possess an ability to transform hazardous compounds to non-hazardous compounds through bioremediation. Frequently, microorganisms abilities are limited by the availability of the pollutant or another sub-strate......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

LINK TO POSTGRADUATE FIELD OF STUDY:Bacteriology, Microbiology, Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources, Environment Quality and Conserva-tion


ASSOC. PROF. DR.Department of BiologyFaculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 89466631Fax: 03 [email protected]

EXPERTISEMicrobe Biochemistry, Environmental Microbiology

MUSKHAZLI MUSTAFAPh.D. (University of Nottingham)

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His research interests are vermitechnology and ecotoxicology. Research on vermitechnology (earthworm) is focused on the diversity and ecology studies, utilization of agriculture wastes via vermicompost and vermiculture and utilizing earthworms in improving soil biological and physicochemical properties. Ecotoxicology research includes the distri-bution, toxicity and effect of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn) especially on soil ecosystem, including identification of specific organism as a monitoring agent for heavy metals. Sponsors of Azwady’s research include the Science Fund (Ministry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI), Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and Knowl-edge Transfer Program (KTP).

CURRENT RESEARCH INTEREST:

• PlantnutrientcontentandenzymeactivitiesinvermicompostEarthworms are thought to have a profound influence on soil organic matter decomposition and nutrient transforma-tions. Vermicompost (compost raised via earthworm activities) has excellent physicochemical and biological properties and acts as a good organic soil conditioner. This humus-like product has been shown to enhance the bioavailability of macro- and micronutrients, microbial and enzyme activities.

• EndogeicwormsassoilconditioneragentEndogeic earthworms are soil dwelling earthworms that feed on soil with organic matter and plant remains. They form extensive burrows in upper soil layers and produce casts on the soil surface. How ever, in Malaysia little effort is placed on the potential of the indigenous endogeic earthworms in various fields, especially in improving soil aeration, structure and soil microbes that may attribute to a more ‘healthier’ soil. Potential of the endogeics in enhancing plant defence is also studied.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

LINK TO POSTGRADUATE FIELD OF STUDY:Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources, Ecology

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:http://profile.upm.edu.my/azwady/en/profail.html


EXPERTISEEcotoxicology/ Vermitechnology

NOR AZWADY ABD. AZIZPh.D. (University of Wales)

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Associate Prof. Dr. Shamarina Shohaimi research interests are cardiovascular epidemiology and statistical methods in biology which include identifying individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases, developing models of determinants and validation studies. Research on statistical methods is centered on design of experiments and surveys along with data handling while biostatistical analyses in epidemiological studies have focused on multilevel modeling in particular those related to determinants of cardiovascular diseases.


Quantifying risk factors of dengue and multivariate analysis of ecological data. This involves investigating the relation-ships between variables in a community in order to determine the assemblage structure. Using ordination methods such as canonical correspondence analysis (CCA), one is able to describe more than just the richness and diversity of the species. Multivariate analysis of ecological data describes the variation of communities with environmental condi-tions which helps identify which species are associated with which environmental variable. Current research includes determining the relationship between environmental variables with fish assemblages using CCA and identifying the risk factors of dengue using structural equation modeling (SEM) and Bayesian Networks._______________________________________________________________________________________________________

LINK TO POSTGRADUATE FIELD OF STUDY:Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources, Ecology, Physiology

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:http://profile.upm.edu.my/shamarina/profail.html


EXPERTISEEpidemiology and Biostatistics

SHAMARINA SHOHAIMIPh.D. (University of Cambridge)

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Yap Chee Kong is an expertise involves heavy metal ecotoxicological studies using sediment and intertidal mollusks in Malaysia. His work on the green-lipped mussel Perna viridis is one of the most comprehensive ecotoxicological work done so far in Malaysia. He is an active researcher and currently he has published 130 peer-re-viewed 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 150 citations. Currently, he is also one of the Editorial Board Members for Pertan-ika Journal of Tropical Agricultural Science, Asian Journal of Biotechnology, Microbiology and Environmental Sciences and Research Journal of Chemistry and Environment. He has been frequently invited as one of the referees for re-search journals and he has so far reviewed 30 cited papers and 47 noncited papers. His biography has also appeared in Marquis Who’s Who in the World. Major sponsors of Yap’s research include the ScienceFund (Ministry of Science and Innovation of Malaysia (MOSTI), Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) and Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS).


• Background levels of heavy metals in the dusts collected from major cities in Peninsular Malaysia.• Distribution of heavy metals in the different soft tissues of bivalves: Future biotechnological tools for biomonitor-

ing studies.• Identification of suitable organs/materials in the intertidal mollusks as biomonitoring organs/tools forheavy metal

pollution in the Malaysian intertidal area.• Molecular genetic polymorphisms and heavy metal concentrations in horse shoe crabs of Peninsular Malaysia.• Identification of diagnostic DNA microsatellite markers for heavy metal pollution in the biomonitoirngagent, the

green-lipped mussel Perna viridis......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................



ASSOC. PROF. DR.Department of BiologyFaculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 89466616Fax: [email protected]

EXPERTISEEcotoxicology

YAP CHEE KONGPh.D. (Universiti Putra Malaysia)

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Dr. Alvin 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 area of research involves utilization of bench and field technique-in understanding insect communication, particularly how odourants mediate insect behaviour leading to practical aspects of insect pest management and conservation of biodiversity. Utilization of research techniques includes (> 10 years’ experience) analytical biochemistry (thin layer chromatography, gas chromatography, liquid chromatography, protein and peptide electrophoresis, microsolvent bioorganic extraction), insect physiology (microdissection, trans-plantation and transfusion), behavioural assays (wind tunnel and field cage assays) and the design and implementation of open field trials involving insect odourant attractants. Results generated from those techniques have resulted in international publications such as Journal of Chemical Ecology and Bulletin of Entomological Research.


• Chemical ecology of tephritid fruit flies: An understanding of the insect-plant interactions.• Physiological transport of sex pheromone in tephritid fruit flies.• Novel design of traps for capturing pest tephritid fruit flies.• Species diversity of attractant-responding tephritid fruit flies.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................



SENIOR LECTURER (DR.)Department of BiologyFaculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 89466643Fax: 03 [email protected]

EXPERTISEApplied Entomology

ALVIN KAH WEI HEEPh.D. (Universiti Sains Malaysia)

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Dr. Christina Yong is currently holding the position of Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Sci-ence. Her research interests include plant genetics where function and structure of plant genes are emphasized. Her work involves transcriptomic sequencing of various organisms to understand gene expression and function. She is also interested in the development of species specific genetic markers and population genetic studies. Major sponsors of her research include Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and Putra grant (IPB).


• Molecular aspect of the Hibiscus sabdariffa on genes involved in the biogenesis of anthocyanins are studied. Genes involved in the biosynthesis of anthocyanins in Hibiscus sabdariffa are isolated and functional analyses are conducted.

• • Transcriptome profiling of Pseudomonas fluorescens during the inhibition of Fusarium oxysporum are being stud-

ied to identify candidate genes contributing to the antagonistic potential in Pseudomonas fluorescens.• • Comparative transcriptomic analyses are being carried out in the long-tail macaques (Macaca fascicularis).• • Development of species specific marker for orchid species is also progressing. These markers will be useful for

large scale screening of orchid species with high accuracy and short time......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

LINK TO POSTGRADUATE FIELD OF STUDY:Functional genomics


SENIOR LECTURER (DR.)Department of BiologyFaculty of ScienceTel: +603 8946730Fax: +603 [email protected]

EXPERTISEGenetics (Gene Study

CHRISTINA YONG SEOK YIENPh.D. (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)

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Dr. Geetha Annavi is a molecular and behavioural ecologist at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM). She received her PhD in Zoology from University of Oxford, United Kingdom in 2013. Her research interests lie in population genetics, mo-lecular and behavioural ecology, and conservation biology, particularly of wild animals (i.e., mammals and amphibians) and terrestrial ecosystems. Currently, her research is focused on the endangered Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) both in captive and wild in Peninsular Malaysia in collaboration with Department of Wildlife and National Parks (DWNP) Peninsula Malaysia, local Zoos and Selangor State Forestry Department. She is also involved with Wildlife Conser-vation Unit (WildCRU) for European badger (Meles meles) genetic project. Major sponsors of Dr. Geetha Annavi’s research include the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS – Ministry of Education, Malaysia), Putra grant (Uni-versiti Putra Malaysia), MNS Tapir Project Grant (Malaysia Nature Society) and University of Oxford.


Genetic,Bioinformatic,BehaviourandEcologyinMalayantapir

• Noninvasive alternatives for DNA collection• Isolation and characterisation of novel and cross-amplified microsatellite markers• Gut microbiota identification in faecal samples using metagenomics approaches• Blood transcriptome using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) platform• Characterisation of MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) genes and its relationship to individualrecognition

through olfactory cues• A comparative behavioural study in captive and semi-wild enclosures• Habitat occupancy of the Malayan tapir (Tapirus indicus) in relation to vegetation and landscapestructures in

North Selangor Peat Swamp Forest (NSPSF)

AmphibianpopulationandlandscapegeneticstudiesA combined morphological and molecular approach in identifying Ranidae species (Amphibia: Anura)from the Ayer Hitam Forest Reserve, Selangor, Malaysia

PedigreeanalysisforEuropeanbadgerMultigenerational pedigree construction using genetic samples for the Wytham Woods European badgerpopulation at Oxfordshire, UK.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

LINK TO POSTGRADUATE FIELD OF STUDY:• Molecular Ecology• Evolution and Behavioural Ecology• Wildlife Conservation


SENIOR LECTURER (DR.)Department of BiologyFaculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 89466621Fax: [email protected]

EXPERTISEWildlife Ecology/ Genetics

GEETHA ANNAVIPh.D. (University of Oxford)

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Dr. Hishamuddin Omar graduated from Port Erin Marine Biological Station, Isle of Man, University of Liverpool, UK in 1989. He has extensive background in fisheries science, aquaculture, limnology, oceanography, ecotoxicology, biore-mediation, nutrition, herbs and microalgae.


• Aquaculture (Fish, shrimp and oyster)• Algae culture for food/ biofuels• Water remediation and water quality• Soil Remediation / soil enhancement• Beneficial microorganisms (Bacteria and Fungi)• Biofortification of selected mineral in plant, fungi• Plant production and disease• Dietary requirement for chicken and quail• Impact of heavy metal in the food chain• Diseases/Genomic of Banana• Secondary Plant Metabolites.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

LINK TO POSTGRADUATE FIELD OF STUDY:Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources, Ecology, Physiology



EXPERTISEPhycology/ Aquaculture

HISHAMUDDIN OMARPh.D. (University of Liverpool)

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Dr Meenakshii Nallappan is currently a senior lecturer with the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, UPM. A biochemist by training with a keen interest in drug development has led much of her research work in the area of bio-assay guided fractionation of medicinal plants. This involves the use of in vitro cell cultures and in vivo experimental animal models for efficacy testing, mechanism of action of crude plant extracts and isolated compounds, toxicological assessment and safety evaluation. Much of her work revolves on anticancer research and has also diversified over the years into testing of plant extracts in diabetic, hypertensive, hypercholesterolemic and psoriatic models.


• Anti-lipid related anti-obesity extracts from selected medicinal plants from Curcuma spp & Zingiber spp.• Antidiabetic effects of selected medicinal plants employing Type I and II Diabetic models in vitro and in vivo• Hypertensive investigation of selected medicinal plants employing SHR models• Anticholesterolemic effects of selected medicinal plants employing hypercholesterolemic 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 therapeutic advantages......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................




EXPERTISEBiochemistry/ Molecule Biology

MEENAKSHII A/P NALLAPPANPPh.D. (Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia)

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Dr. Mashitah Shikh Maidin is currently a senior lecturer at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Univer-siti Putra Malaysia. Her research involves both fundamental and applied researches and mainly focused on animal physiology, reproductive management and animal biotechnology. Most of the research revolves around animal endo-crine physiology and animal reproductive management as well as development process in female animals (especially in goats), with a particular focus on the pathways through which environmental factors influence the reproductive system. As in worldwide demand for such goat products increases, more attention needs to be paid to reproductive performance. In addition, the rate of production of offspring is a basic factor in the economic success of the goat industry, a particularly important issue in countries such as Malaysia where the goat industries contribute heavily to the domestic economy. Livestock production efficiency depends greatly on nutritional management for reproductive efficiency (‘focus feeding’), as embodied in the concept of ‘clean, green and ethical management’. The effects of nutri-tional supplementation on reproductive function were expected to be correlated with alterations in the secretion of metabolic hormones.


Currently, she is involved in animal biotechnology research which initiates a collaboration with engineering technolo-gies. For a long term goal, her research works will continue to focus on generating information for eventual develop-ment of management strategies to improve animal production and profitability of farms animals. What is more import-ant here, we can improve animal productivity and profitability while promotingclean, green and ethical production......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................




EXPERTISEEndocrinology/ Animal Reproductive Physiology

MASHITAH SHIKH MAIDINPh.D. (University of Western Australia)

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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, biology and ecology. He actively involved in research on the epidemiology of Streptococcus agalactiae in cultured fish in Malaysia. Currently, he is expanding his research interest in utilization of Javanese medaka (Oryzias javanicus) as test organism for bacterial diseases study in fish, diseases of cultured marine fishes, and also on biology and ecology of native freshwater fish of Malaysian.


• Epidemiology of Streptococcus agalactiae in cultured fish in Malaysia.• Javanese medaka (Oryzias javanicus) as test organism for bacterial diseases study in fish.• Epidemiology of Viral Nervous Necrosis in cultured grouper hybrid.• Biology and ecology of native freshwater fish of Malaysian.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................


ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Google Scholar link: https://scholar.google.com.my/citations?user=Fk9yJ2AAAAAJ&hl=enResearchGate link: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Amal_MNA

SENIOR LECTURER (DR.)Department of BiologyFaculty of ScienceTel-office: 03 89466644Fax: 03 [email protected]

EXPERTISEBiology/ Fish Disease

MOHAMMAD NOOR AMAL AZMAIPh.D. (Universiti Putra Malaysia)

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Dr Mohd Hafiz Bin Ibrahim is a senior lecturer in Department of Biology. His research interest is in environmen-tal plant physiology particularly micro-climate manipulation for growth and phytochemical quality en-hancement under protected cultivation natural condition and climate change scenario.


• CO2 enrichment & controlled environment crop production system technology• Micro-climate manipulation, modification and control for plant-based biopharmaceutical production• Climate change impacts on growth and quality of plants/crops• Plant-water relations, photosynthesis (gas exchange) and crop growth• Micro-environmental manipulation & control of plant aerial and for high technology factory-run produc-tion sys-

tem under controlled environment• Plant physiology and climate change impact on & adaptation of vegetative & reproductive growth development

assimilate accumulation & partitioning.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

LINK TO POSTGRADUATE FIELD OF STUDY:Physiology



EXPERTISEPlantEcophysiology

MOHD HAFIZ IBRAHIMPh.D. (Universiti Putra Malaysia)

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Dr. Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd Nadzir currently holds the position of Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science. His research interests are on animal physiology, specifically in assisted reproduction including en-docrinology studies which involves oestrus synchronisation and superovulation and repeated oocytes recovery using laparoscopic oocyte pick-up (LOPU) in goats and cattle. Long term goal is to develop strategies (e.g. nutritional and reproductive management) and to provide new fundamental knowledge on the interrelationships between nutrition, metabolic homeostasis, liver function and reproductive axis in domestic animals.


Animal reproductive biotechnology and gene expression studies which associated with both conventional and bio-technological breeding techniques such as rapid genetic improvement, increasing reproductive efficiency, advance-ment in reproductive technology and genetic engineering to enhance the productivity of domestic animals through feeding supplements......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

LINK TO POSTGRADUATE FIELD OF STUDY:Applied and fundamentals animal reproductive physiology, animal studies/ physiology


SENIOR LECTURER (DR.)Department of BiologyFaculty of ScienceTel-Office: 03 89466620Fax: 03 [email protected]

EXPERTISEAnimal Physiology and Reproductive Biotechnology/ Animal Endocrinology

MOHD NOOR HISHAM MOHD NADZIRPh.D. (University of Queensland)

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Dr. Nur Ain Izzati Mohd Zainudin is currently a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, UPM. Her research is centered on mycology and phytopathology, which emphasizes on plant diseases caused by As-comycetes fungi. The works involve on fungal pathogens particularly Aspergillus, Bipolaris, Colletotrichum, Curvularia, Fusarium and Lasidioplodia species that are causing destructive diseases on crop plants, animals and human. She is also interested in biocontrol study that use of biocontrol agents as an alternative to the synthetic, chemical fungicides that are presently used to control plant pathogens. Major sponsors of her research include Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and Putra Grant.


• BiodiversityofAscomycetesfungi:Study is focused on isolation and identification of Ascomycetes fungi isolated from various plant samples and soils based on morphological, biological, physiological, genetic and molecular characterization.

• Etiologyandbiocontrolagentsofplantdiseases:Study is focused on characterization and pathogenecity test of Ascomycetes fungi associated with fruit rot and leaf spot disease of various crops samples. Biocontrol studies of plant pathogens using microfungi such as Trichoderma species.

• Plant-pathogen biology:Research studies are focused on the role of polyketide synthase-encoding genes of Cochliobolus miyabeanus (ana-morph, Bipolaris oryzae) causal agent of brown leaf spot in rice......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................

LINK TO POSTGRADUATE FIELD OF STUDY:• Biodiversity and Conservation of Natural Resources• Plant Pathology• Microbiology

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:Link to research website• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Nur_Ain_Izzati_Mohd_Zainudin• https://ainizzatiblog.wordpress.com/


EXPERTISEPlant Pathology/ Micology

NUR AIN IZZATI MOHD ZAINUDINPh.D. (Universiti Sains Malaysia)

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Dr. Izza’s research evolves around the field of ecology and evolution genetics of animals. She is currently working on a biomonitoring organism; the Javanese medaka with emphasis on the genetic basis underpinning morphology, sex and allele variations of different populations of Javanese medaka across the Straits of Malacca. She is also presently working on the population genetics of endangered species; the river terrapin and tarsier, and a domestic organism; the water buffalo. The ultimate aim of her population genetic studies is to incorporate the results in selection, breeding and conservation of those animals.


• Cyto, population, ecology, evolutionary and quantitative genetics of animals, especially on fish, river terrapin, turtle and mammals.

• Life-history study of fish, river terrapin, turtle and mammals.• Behavioural study (Fish behaviour)• Implement genetic approaches for selection and breeding programs in aquaculture as well as forconservation of

wild and endangered species......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................




EXPERTISEAnimal Genetics

NURUL IZZA AB GHANIPh.D. (University of Helsinki)

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Dr. Rosimah’s research focused on molecular, genetic engineering, tissue culture and physiology of plant. She had pro-duced transgenic plants, Arabidopsis thaliana over-expression with transaldolase and transketolase from Escherichia coli. She involve in prediction the structural modelling of photosynthetic and oxidativepentose phosphate pathway enzymes.


• Production of salt tolerance plants such as rice, tomato, and selected vegetables using genetic engineering,tissue culture and physiology approaches.

• Integrated Management Solution to overcome abiotic stress such as salinity, drought, and fertilizer.• Development of Bio-Fertilizer containing microorganisms to control oil palm disease to enhance plantgrowth and

yield......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................




EXPERTISEPlant Molecular and Biotechnology

ROSIMAH NULITPh.D. (University of Sheffield)

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Dr Shahrizad’s research interest is in the field of ecotoxicology where she focuses on the effects of environmental pollutants which includes heavy metals, pesticides and endocrine disruptive chemicals on vertebrates. In her studies she utilizes Malaysian native fish species, the Java medaka (Oryzias javanicus) as a test organism to represent the ver-tebrates. She is one of the pioneers that utilizers Java medaka in scientific studies and is strongly promoting the use of this fish as a tool for scientific researches. Her research emphasizes on the effect of the environmental pollutants on all life stages of the fish based on behavioral, morphological and histological changes. At the same time she studies the ecology of Java medaka in Malaysia. This ecological study is important in understanding the fish responses to pollut-ants.


• Terratogenic and genotoxic responses of Java medaka to environmental pollutants.• Developmental anomalies in Java medaka embryos exposed to environmental pollutants.• Ecology of Java medaka in Malaysia......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................




EXPERTISEEcotoxicology

SHAHRIZAD YUSOFPh.D. (Universiti Putra Malaysia)

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Dr. Shahrizim (Dr Reese) is a senior lecturer in the Department of Biology. His training is in medical Microbiology and Lichens taxonomy. He is also had training in Algae taxonomy, culture and applications (phycology). His previous re-search focused on the bioremediation of wastewater, production of high quality cellulose from algae as well as metag-enomics of epiphytic bacteria on nuisance freshwater algae. By using metagenomics, several identifying genes were identified in promoting bioremediation and nutrient cycling in algae. His current interest is continuing the applications of metagenomics in algae and bacteria in naturally occurring freshwater and marine ecosystems. He is also interested in seasonal biodiversity of algae in relation to nutrient and environmental conditions. The applications of this research may be used in fields of bioremediation and also algae production.


• Biodiversity and metagenomics of algae and bacteria based on Next Generation Sequencing Platform• Epiphytic communities dynamics of bacteria on algae• Algae ecology and biodiversity association with physico-chemical properties of the environment.• Bioremediation using algae.• Production of high quality cellulose from freshwater algae.• Implications of algae to human health• Algae production for food• Lichens biodiversity.....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................




EXPERTISEPhycology/ Environmental Microbiology/ Lichenology

SHAHRIZIM ZULKIFLYPh.D. (University of Wisconsin-Madison)

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Dr. Syaizwan Zahmir Zulkifli is currently a senior lecturer at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science (UPM). His area of expertise is in the ecotoxicology and coastal ecosystem ecochemistry, with a specialty in isotope ecology. His focal research interest is in bioaccumulation and mobility of notable pollutants in environment and organisms involved in a foodweb of coastal ecosystem. Isotopic “fingerprint” is integrated in the researches to enhance understanding on exact pathway and mechanisms involved in pollutants transfer and bioaccumulation. Dr. Syaizwan has been awarded with a few research grants, particularly from the Malaysia Ministry of Higher Education (MOHE) for the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS), and the Research University Grant Scheme (RUGS) to initiate and conduct 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 Society for the Promotion of Sciences.


Current research has been focusing on the bioaccumulation and mobility of trace metals in the environment and organisms involved in a selected food chain by incorporating isotopic “fingerprint” approach. The mechanisms and bioaccumulation route will be better recognized. The outcome of these researches will hopefully useful for national/regional agenda in sustainable management and protection of natural environment, especially the protected and eco-logically sensitive coastal areas......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................




EXPERTISECoastal Ecochemistry/ Isotopes Ecology

SYAIZWAN ZAHMIR ZULKIFLIPh.D. (University of Tokyo)

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Dr Wan Norhamidah Wan Ibrahim is Senior Lecturer at the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, UPM. Her primary research interests are the neurotoxicological effects of embryonic exposure to low concentra-tions of en-vironmental pollutants such as heavy metals, pesticides and nanomaterials on the developing nervous system. Her approach involves in vivo experiments on the zebrafish and in vitro experiments using human neuroblastoma cells, SHSY5Y. She conducted studies to understand the mechanisms of the neuro-toxicity of the different types of environ-mental pollutants at the behavioral, cellular and molecular levels using different research techniques such as immuno-cytochemistry, immunohistochemistry and gene expres-sion. Also, she is keenly interested to establish different types of neurobehavioral testing batteries, both auto-mated and manual to assess behavioral alterations in the larvae and adult fish. Her studies are funded by FRGS-TRANS DISCIPLINARY and Universiti Putra Malaysia GRANT (IPM).


• Investigating the effects of mercury, arsenic, endosulphan and ethanol on the anxiety related behaviors in the zebrafish, Medaka fish and neuroblastoma cells.

• Developing a high throughput behavioral assessment, in particular anxiety related behavior for the zebrafish lar-vae.

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EXPERTISEDevelopment Neurotoxicology

WAN NORHAMIDAH WAN IBRAHIMPh.D. (Karolinska Institutet)

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DEPUTY DEANRESEARCH AND GRADUATES STUDIES

FACULTY OF SCIENCE43400 UPM SERDANG

SELANGOR DARUL EHSAN

PHONE : 03-8946 7747/ 6603/ 7810

FAX : 03-8943 2508

www.escience.upm.edu.mu

v1b;m1;:m 1t; v:bmmo - om - universiti putra malaysia · japar sidik bujang is professor of biology...

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