I am a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Geology at the University of Malaya, Malaysia. I obtained my Ph.D. in Biogeochemistry from the University of Cambridge in 2018, focusing on calcium carbonate mineral formation. My current research focuses on microbial processes, elemental cycling, and geochemical interactions in marine and terrestrial environments. I am particularly interested in understanding how sediment mineralogy and microbial activity influence global biogeochemical cycles. Over the years, I have published 22 peer-reviewed articles, including a Best Paper Award at IC-DLI Deep Life 2022 and the won the Excellent Service award in 2023. In addition to my research, I have had the opportunity to contribute to international journals as a reviewer and serve on multiple funded projects, both as a principal investigator and collaborator. These experiences have enriched my perspective on tackling complex environmental challenges through interdisciplinary approaches. I am passionate about fostering research excellence, mentoring students, and contributing to solutions for global environmental issues. Through collaboration and continuous learning, I hope to advance my understanding in geosciences while supporting sustainable development.

🎓 Calling New Graduates — Master’s & PhD Opportunities (Universiti Malaya, Dept. of Geology)

I’m welcoming motivated graduates to join my research group in March 2026 or October 2026 (earlier start is possible—message me to discuss). Supervision available at Master’s and PhD levels across these themes:

Research Areas (tropical & coastal focus): • Enhanced Rock Weathering (ERW) & Carbon Capture (CCUS) (basalt/dunite/limestone kinetics, PHREEQC modelling + microorganism) • Aqueous Geochemistry of CaCO₃ (alkalinity–pH dynamics; calcite/aragonite/vaterite polymorphs + sulfate reducing bacteria) • Acid Sulfate Soils / Marine Clays (Malacca Straits) — Fe–S–C coupling, metals & arsenic mobility • Surface & Groundwater Quality (estuary–aquifer interactions, redox processes, seawater intrusion) • Iron-mediated Carbon Burial in tropical peat–mangrove–marine continua • Rare Earth Elements (REE) — eco-leaching, lixiviant selection, separation chemistry • Microplastics along Peninsular Malaysia coasts (lithology/ecosystem contrasts, FTIR/SEM) • Biogeochemistry of Coastal Environments (DOC, nutrients, trace metals, isotopes)

What you’ll gain: • Fieldwork in Malaysian peat–mangrove–coastal systems (incl. Malacca Straits) • Lab experience (ICP-OES/ICP-MS, IC, UV-VIS spectrophotometer, XRD/SEM, FTIR/Raman, AVS/CRS, carbonate system analysis) • Quantitative modelling (CO₂SYS, PHREEQC / reactive-transport)

• Opportunities to work with reputed universities in China, UK, US, Canada and around the world.

Funding: These projects are not funded but, some data are already available for a couple of projects, and some simple laboratory analysis are covered. Scholarship applications are strongly encouraged (recommended); self-funded students are welcome if keen to continue studies at the Department of Geology, Universiti Malaya.

Eligibility: • Bachelor’s/Master’s in Geology, Geochemistry, Environmental Science, Chemistry, or related fields • Highly persevere, strong motivation and passion for research, good writing skills, good learning attitude, and readiness for field + lab work

Intakes: • March 2026 or October 2026 • Immediate start can be arranged — contact me to discuss

How to express interest (quick checklist and email me the following documents):

1. CV
2. Academic transcript(s)
3. 1–2 paragraph statement: your preferred topic + why it fits you

My email address: chinyik@um.edu.my

If interested, PM me at +6017-8990685 (WhatsApp) to chat about details.

🌍 Embark on a scientific journey where your curiosity shapes knowledge, and your contribution becomes truly irreplaceable.