Prof. Dr Ismail holds a PhD in Hydrogeology specializing in Groundwater Hydrology and Environment from the distinguished University of East Anglia, England. He joined the Department of Geology, University of Malaya as one of the youngest lecturers in the break of the new millennium. Hydrogeology remains his forte and being an enterprising researcher, he dwells in various forms of applications and impactful ventures. To date, he has published more than 80 journals in ISI-ranked publications and has been granted 2 patents. By far, 11 PhD and 6 MSc students have graduated, and a few are still under his guidance and supervision. His current research focuses on groundwater modeling and geochemistry on sustainable material development i.e. for ion remediation in groundwater system applications. He generally believes that genial affability works a long way in research, so he maintains cordial relationship with both local (Jabatan Mineral dan Geosains, Jabatan Alam Sekitar, Syarikat Air Kelantan, UniMAS, UMK, UKM, USM) & international collaborators (UK, Pakistan, Iran, Australia, Taiwan).

Besides research, Prof. Ismail is adept in administrative duties as well. He was the Head of Geology Department (2011), Deputy Dean of Higher Degree (2018), Deputy Dean of Development (2019) and he had recently been promoted as the Dean, Faculty of Science, Universiti Malaya (2019 – 2021). His achievements were recognized by the university through the Excellent Service Award which he received for more than ten times throughout his career so far.

He is involved in quite a number of consultancy work, bearing the responsibility as a Consultant in different projects such as Petronas Rapid Project on Groundwater Hydrogeological Regime Study, Monitoring and Scientific Research Works at Lake and Wetland Putrajaya Hydrology Project, Kelantan Groundwater Monitoring, Dry Weather Flow and Sedimentation in ‘Upper Bisa wetland’ Putrajaya, Horizontal Collector Well Projects in Kelantan and also as Expert Advisor for Program Pasca Banjir under sponsorship of CIMB, Media Prima, and MAA in Kelantan back in year 2015. Program Pasca Banjir is one of his notable contributions in giving back to the community. The installation of 79 tube wells in Kelantan and Pahang (Tanah Merah, Tumpat, Rantau Panjang, Machang, Pasir Mas, Jerantut, Temerloh) is a relief aid that ensure access to clean water supply amidst water disruption during the 2015 flood.