Profile

DR. KIVAANDRA DAYAA RAO A/L RAMARAO

Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS)

Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS)

kivaandraum.edu.my

Academic Links

I am currently a senior lecturer at the Institute for Advanced Studies (IAS), Universiti Malaya (UM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. My research interests are in postharvest biotechnology, food security, natural products and stem cell fields.

I was a PhD Biotechnology graduate from UM, where I researched on the cytotoxicity and effect of Moringa oleifera leaves on human Wharton's Jelly mesenchymal stem cells (WJ-MSCs). My work involved the postharvest preparation of the leaves via drying technology, evaluating their antioxidant properties, and to study its effects on WJ-MSCs (RNA-seq analysis).

I can converse in English, Malay and Mandarin (Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia), therefore I often guided local students and bridged the language barrier for international students, especially those from China to understand and follow their courses. For my undergraduate studies, I achieved a CGPA of 3.95 and interned at the National Institute of Biotechnology Malaysia.

Besides my academic pursuits, I am passionate about debating and coaching. I have been a debater since 2015 and represented UM in multiple international tournaments both as a debater and an adjudicator. Currently, I serve as Assistant Coach for UM’s English Debate team, and recently won the Top 10 best Judges award in Asia.

My combined expertise in multidisciplinary research, multilingual communication, and competitive debating allows me to bring a unique edge to advancing academia, driving impactful research, and building global academic connections.

Annual Publications
Annual Research Projects
Supervision
Master PhD Dual PhD