A biophysicist by interest, Dr. Vengadesh Periasamy is based in Low Dimensional Materials Research Centre (LDMRC), Department of Physics, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia as a Senior Lecturer/ Research Fellow. His field of expertise and interest mainly involves DNA electronics, Langmuir-Blodgett (LB), Biophotovoltaics (BPV) and Nanomedicine (Riboflavin, Green Synthesis of Nanoparticles for Antipathogenic and Anticancer Properties). His current research groups consist of numerous final year projects, interns, research assistants, MSc. and PhD. students comprising of various disciplines and nationality. Resulting research outputs have been published in various high impact factor journal papers, proceedings, patent, book and book chapter. Research covers a comprehensive multi-disciplinary approach whereby underlying fundamentals are thoroughly investigated to enable possible applications by constructing, characterizing and testing prototype sensors/devices. Using LB technique to fabricate pure novel DNA films, we are actively pursuing frontier research into fundamental DNA electronics, which would ultimately enable DNA genomic sequencing for rapid DNA detection and also the fabrication of DNA based environmental sensors. LB method also allows flexibility in designing different types of graphene films either as porous anodes or highly transparent conducting material. These highly customized electrodes will then be utilized to investigate bio-signals or intrinsic cellular noises from antipathogenic/anticancer reactions and other biological pathways of interest. Current research directions are therefore directed towards understanding interfacial properties by deciphering extracted bio-signals to be applied in the fields of nano-bioelectronics, nano-medicine and biomedical technology. Dr. Vengadesh’s interest in BPV is partly as a result of an MOU between University of Malaya and Centre of Research for Electrochemical Science and Technology (CREST), Department of Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, University of Cambridge to undertake combined research efforts in algae biotechnology. He and his group is developing LB derived high porosity graphene films for application as an anodic material in BPV platforms. Initial results indicating an increased power output and open potential suggest the possibility of substituting the currently used conventional ITO anodes. The LB method utilized allows for attaining higher electrode surface area and better attachment of biofilms. Coupled with the presence of functional groups, the films fabricated enables easier and effective algae attachment onto the graphene anode surface resulting in superior biocompatibility and hence the improved power output. Dr. Vengadesh visited CREST as a Post-doc/Academic Visitor from 21 January until 20 October 2014 to facilitate the collaborative research further and to establish a roadmap in BPV research between the two research centers.

      Dr Muggundha Raoov s/o Ramachandran is an analytical chemist and currently a Senior Lecturer at Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Malaya (UM), Malaysia. Dr. Muggundha received his Ph.D. degree from the University of Malaya in 2015 and fully funded by Malaysian Ministry of Higher Education (SLAB/SLAI Scholarship). He received his M.Sc. degree in Analytical Chemistry and Instrumental Analysis from University of Malaya and his bachelor degree in Analytical and Environmental Chemistry (1st class) from the University of Malaysia Terengganu in 2011 and 2009, respectively. He was attached to Cluster of Integrative Medicine, Advanced Medical and Dental Institute (AMDI), Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) as a Senior Lecturer after completed his Ph.D. To date, more than 40 ISI journals have been published with h index of 11 which comprised of 358 citations in the field of ionic liquids in separation sciences, extraction techniques and new material development for analytical applications. Besides publication, he has also managed to won few Gold Medals in few research innovation competition such as International Invention, Innovation and Design (IIID UITM CNS 2018), Universiti Teknologi Mara Negeri Sembilan, 2018, Penang International Inventation, Innovation and Research Design Platform (PIID 2017), Universiti Teknologi Mara, 2017 and Johan Pertandingan Inovasi GEN PJ MBPJ 2018 KATEGORI IPT, Majlis Bandaraya Petaling Jaya, 2018. He also received best Oral Presenter award at The International Conference of Analytical Sciences (SKAM), 2018 and Certificate of Excellence in Publication from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), 2018. He has secured few national grants such Fundamental Research Grant Scheme (FRGS, MOE) and Internal Research Grant as a Principle Investigator and Co-researcher. At this moment he is actively supervising BSC, MSC and PHD research mode students and with his expertise, he has been appointed as reviewers, panel, and examiners. Dr Muggundha Raoov s/o Ramachandran has also received professional recognition as Registered Chemist from Institute of Chemistry (IKM, Malaysia), Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and Malaysian Ionic Liquid Research Society (MILRS). He welcomes the potential candidate to join his research group.    Research Interest • Trace Chemical Analysis  • Ionic Liquid Based Extraction Techniques • Separation Science  • Development of Ionic Liquid Materials • Adsorption of Toxic Pollutants  

Professor Dr Gan Shiaw Sze @ Gan Gin Gin is a Professor in Internal Medicine and Clinical Haematology, Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya. She graduated with honours from University of New South Wales, Australia and joined the Department of Medicine, University of Malaya as a lecturer in 2000 after obtaining her MRCP (UK) qualification. In addition to this, she is also a fellow of Academy of Medicine, fellow of Royal College of Physicians, Edinburgh (UK).  Believing in further improving herself, she obtained a Master’s degree with distinction in Clinical Medicine (Leadership & Management) from the University of Newcastle, Australia in 2017. She is currently the head of Department of Medicine. She was the head of the division of clinical haematology in Department of Medicine, (2003 to 2018) and was instrumental in the improvement of haematology daycare services and expanding the haematology clinical services including haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in University Malaya Medical Centre. She has also written many guidelines for haematological procedures for University Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) and spearheaded the well-integrated medical daycare area. Professor Gan is active in Malaysian Society of Haematology where she is the President of the society (2022-2026). She previously held the position of vice president ( 2020-2022), honorary secretary (2004 to 2008) and council member (2008-2018). She has played a key role in shaping the training of clinical haematologists in Malaysia. She is the national chair of the Examination Subcommittee, past chairperson and current committee member of clinical haematology training in Malaysia. In addition, she is also one of the members of Malaysian Medical Council Education Specialty Sub-Committee for clinical haematology. Internationally, she is a respected member in the field of haematology. She the executive board member of Asia Pacific Blood and Marrow Transplantation group and one of the steering committee for Asian Myeloma Network (AMN) and Asia Pacific Myeloma & Related Diseases Registry.  Professor Gan has contributed much to the transfer of her expertise and knowledge in her capacity as a national committee/panel member for formulating clinical practice guidelines on management of blood disorders and national policies on stem cell transplantation, which have served as reference nationwide. She is also actively involved in organizing national conferences and workshops for the continuous professional development for trainees and students. She has been invited to evaluate numerous grants, namely FRGS, UMSC C.A.R.E. fund and Newton Fund. At the international level, she has been a reviewer for many ISI (WOS) publications. Her interest in research, especially in genetic polymorphisms associated with haematological related diseases, haematopoietic stem cell transplantation, lymphoma and myeloma has resulted in numerous publications in peer-reviewed journals. Besides this, she is actively involved in multiple international clinical trials.  She has been engaged as speaker, chairperson for many workshops/seminars and conferences. Apart from that, she has also been awarded several times of excellent service awards for her contributions to academic services and clinical services at the University of Malaya.