Dr. Mohd Aizat Bin Mohd Zain is a dedicated Senior Lecturer and researcher whose work investigates the molecular and behavioral mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders. His long-term goal is to develop a new theory on the pathophysiology of mental disorders, especially schizophrenia, which may help in developing more effective treatments. To achieve this, he is particularly interested in the areas of neurophysiology and psychiatry. Education and Foundational Research Dr. Aizat's academic journey is rooted in the University of Malaya, where he obtained his Bachelor of Biomedical Science (2009). He continued his specialization at the institution, earning his Master of Medical Science (2013) with a dissertation focused on "Gene Expression and Association Analyses of HTR2A and PDLIM5 Genes in Bipolar Disorder." He completed his doctoral studies, achieving a PhD in Medical Science (2019) in the specialized field of behavioural cognitive neuroscience, Pharmacology, and Molecular Biology. His PhD thesis, "Investigation on the Role of PDLIM5 Gene in Cognitive Function Using Mouse Models," paved his expertise in translational neurobiology and the use of sophisticated animal models to study human mental disorders. Research Focus, Impact, and Publications Dr. Aizat's core research investigates how dendritic spine abnormalities contribute to cognitive impairment observed in neuropsychiatric conditions, specifically depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. He employs a multi-faceted approach, specializing in rodents cognitive behavioral testing, animal model development, and molecular profiling to identify brain region-specific changes and potential biomarkers. His contributions to the field are evidenced by several publications and citations in reputable, peer-reviewed Q1 and Q2 journals. He has earned competitive funding, including the Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS) and the Tun Ahmad Sarji Research Endowment Grant (TASREF) to pursue his research interests. Beyond publication, Dr. Aizat is an active member of the Malaysian Society of Neurosciences and regularly engages with the global scientific community. This includes serving as an Invited International Keynote Speaker and Webinar Speaker on the neurobiology of learning and memory, and acting as a scientific judge and external reviewer for international conferences and academic institutions. Professional Experience Currently, Dr. Aizat serves as a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya (since August 2025). His professional career includes significant academic leadership, previously holding roles as a Senior Lecturer and Head of Programme at University College MAIWP (UCMI), and as a Lecturer and Head of Department at Mahsa University. He has also successfully completed a Postdoctoral Research Fellowship at the University of Malaya and contributed to vital public health initiatives, including coordinated research on nicotine addiction; breast and colorectal cancers; AIDS among fishermen in northern Malaysia; and investigating health status among coastal communities in Sabah. This highlights his commitment to applying his scientific knowledge to address societal needs and challenges.  

Dr Sheena Kaur graduated with a doctoral degree in Applied Linguistics from Lancaster University, U.K. An alumnus of Universiti Malaya (U.M.), Malaysia's leading university, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts (English Literature), Diploma in Education (TESL) and Master of English as a Second Language (M.ESL).  She is an Associate Professor at the Department of English Language, Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, U.M. She was formerly Head of Strategic Global Alliances Division at the International Relations Centre (IRC), Universiti Malaya from 15 March 2023 to 15 March 2024. She has also held several other administrative positions in her career at the university, most recently as the Deputy Dean of Postgraduate Studies (1 Sept 2020 - 1st Sept 2022) at the Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, U.M., the Deputy Director of the International Relations Office, U.M. (1st August 2017-31st July 2019), the Head of the Language Unit (17 th Nov 2014-31st July 2016), Faculty of Languages and Linguistics, where she was involved in curriculum planning and design of various English courses for local and international undergraduates. From 2010-2012, she was the Head of the Multimedia Planning Unit at the faculty and was a member of the university's e-learning committee. She is also currently involved in several task force committees under the university's Transformation Plan. Sheena has taught several courses at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. Her research interests include applied linguistics, sociolinguistics, corpus linguistics, and digital humanities. She is a reviewer for several journals including Psychological Trauma: Theory, Research, Practice and Policy; Pertanika (UPM); Journal of Modern Languages (UM), Gema Online Journal of Language Studies (UKM) and SEARCH (Taylor's College).  She is actively involved in community work, and was the coordinator for the faculty's Community Engagement course during its inception, as well as being a member of the university's advisory board for the course. She led the faculty's first community project for the Community Engagement course with the Semai community at Pos Pantos, Kuala Lipis, Pahang, involving first year undergraduates.  Sheena has recently been awarded the US-ASEAN Fulbright Award for 2024/2025 where she is hosted by Prof Vasti Torres, at Indiana University Bloomington, Indiana, USA. Her research project on women leadership in higher education compares the challenges of women leaders in higher academic contexts in the US and Malaysia.    

Dr. Maryani Mohamed Rohani is an Associate Professor in Special Care Dentistry (SCD), Associate Dean of Community and Industry Relations, Head of SCD at the Department of Paediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Malaya, Malaysia.  She holds a Doctor in Clinical Dentistry (Special Needs Dentistry) from the University of Melbourne, Australia (2014), and a Bachelor in Dental Surgery from Universiti Malaya (2007). Her research expertise spans SCD, dental education, oral health, sports dentistry, palliative care, geriatric dentistry and behavior management. Dr. Mohamed Rohani is recognized for her commitment to promoting equality in oral health and dental education for future dental clinicians and specialists, ensuring better outcomes for individuals with special needs. As an educator, she plays a pivotal role in mentoring and guiding aspiring dental professionals, shaping the future of dentistry in Malaysia. Her dedication to fostering a supportive learning environment has earned her widespread respect within the dental community. Dr. Mohamed Rohani's contributions have garnered significant recognition, reflecting her impact on advancing dental education and care for individuals with special needs. Her work continues to inspire and influence the next generation of dental professionals.