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TITLE OF PHD AND MASTER RESEARCH PROJECT AVAILABLE AT THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE AND TECNOLOGY, UKM
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DISCIPLINE:
BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
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APPLICATION LINK:https://join.ukm.my/
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NoNAME OF SUPERVISORLEVEL OF STUDYPROJECT TITLERESEARCH AREAPROJECT SYNOPSIS
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1Assoc. Prof Dr. Abdul Munir Abd. Murad PhDIntegrated Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria-Mediated Strategies for Enhancing Drought and Salinity Tolerance in RiceMicrobiology, Molecular BiologyRice plants face multiple environmental stresses, including both drought and salinity, which often occur simultaneously in many agricultural regions. While individual PGPRs have shown promise in mitigating these stresses, their combined effect and mechanisms under dual stress conditions remain largely unexplored. This study will compare the effectiveness of PGPR strains in enhancing rice tolerance to both drought and salinity stress and determine how they interact to provide comprehensive stress protection
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2Dr. Sylvia ChiengPhDCombating Biofilm-Related Antibiotic Resistance in Burkholderia pseudomallei by Targeting Ketol-acid Reductoisomerase (IlvC) EnzymeMolecular biology, host-pathogen interaction, bacteriologyBurkholderia pseudomallei, the bacterium responsible for melioidosis, is a significant global health threat due to its high mortality rate, intrinsic antibiotic resistance, and ability to form biofilms that make infections up to 1000 times more resistant to treatment. This study focuses on ketol-acid reductoisomerase (IlvC), a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), which are essential for bacterial survival but absent in mammals, making IlvC an ideal drug target. Using computational and experimental approaches, potential IlvC inhibitors will be identified and tested for their ability to disrupt biofilm formation and enhance antibiotic efficacy.
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3Dr. Sylvia ChiengPhDSustainable siderophore-assisted bioleaching of silicate mineralsMolecular biology, host-pathogen interaction, bacteriologyThe presence of iron impurities in silicate minerals like kaolin reduces its commercial value and refractory properties, necessitating efficient removal methods. This study explores siderophore-assisted bioleaching as a sustainable and eco-friendly alternative to conventional methods. Siderophores are high-affinity iron-chelating molecules produced by microorganisms under iron-starvation conditions, with demonstrated potential in removing iron from various substrates. This research aims to evaluate siderophore production by three indigenous Bacillus species and their effectiveness in removing iron from kaolin. By optimizing production conditions, characterizing siderophore structures, and conducting bioleaching experiments, the study seeks to develop a novel, efficient approach for kaolin purification.
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4Dr. Babul Airianah OthmanPhDFractionation, Physicochemical Characterisation and Antidiabetic Potential of Polysaccharides from Malaysian Local Plant ExtractPlant Polysaccharides BiochemistryPolyphenols, triterpenoids, alkaloids, saponins, and flavonoids are common metabolites derived from plants identified as significant bioactive metabolites that may contribute to regulating glycemia. Other promising candidates are plant polysaccharides, that have been reported to have antidiabetic properties for the past decade. Even though these polysaccharides and their derivatives have been reported to cause the same effect, no attention has been given to them despite the number of polysaccharides per gram sample being much higher compared to the amount of phenolic and the other metabolites in the crude plant extract, thus their potential needs to be highlighted.This proposed study will not only be important theoretically for filling the scientific gap but will have economic value and social benefits as part of glycemic regulation novel ingredient from our own Malaysia
resources with the potential to be developed as supplements for prediabetic individuals.
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5Dr. Jasper E. JamesPhDInvestigating Antifungal Resistance Mechanisms in Fusarium Species and Their Role in Banana Wilt DiseaseMolecular MycologyFusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense (Foc), is a devastating disease affecting banana crops worldwide. The pathogen invades the plant’s vascular system, blocking water and nutrient transport, ultimately causing wilting and death. Current challenges include the persistence of the fungus in soil and the emergence of Tropical Race 4 (TR4), a strain that overcomes traditional disease management strategies. Resistance mechanisms in Fusarium involve efflux pumps, detoxification enzymes, and genetic mutations that confer insensitivity to antifungal compounds. Investigating these mechanisms is crucial for understanding the pathogen’s adaptability and developing targeted approaches to protect banana cultivation and global food security.
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6Dr. Mohd Asif Mohd SukriMScDeciphering antibiotic resistance mechanism in Helicobacter pylori using whole genome sequencing platformPathogenesis of BacteriaHelicobacter pylori is a Type I carcinogen that causes gastric cancer. Eradication of H. pylori is important to prevent gastric cancer development. Nevertheless, the emergence of multidrug-resistant H. pylori has complicated eradication strategy. Current understanding of H. pylori resistance mechanism from Malaysian strains is still lacking. This study will adopt whole genome sequencing technique to decipher antibiotic resistance mechanism and pathogenesis in H. pylori. We are currently looking for Masters student with interest in bacterial pathogenesis to join this project.
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7Dr. Shamsul KhamisMScSystematic study on selected genus in Rubiaceae familyBotany/Plant TaxonomyTo systematically study the selected genera of the Rubiaceae family, focusing on aspects like taxonomy, phylogenetics, morphology, and ecological roles and explore how these genera relate to each other within the family and their significance in different ecosystems.
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8Dr. Izwan BharudinPhDCharacterization of Post-Harvest Fungal Pathogens of Papaya (Carica papaya): Implications for Fruit Quality and Storage ManagementFungal Genetics and BiologyThis study investigates the fungal pathogens affecting papaya (Carica papaya) during post-harvest storage, focusing on their identification, pathogenicity, and impact on fruit quality. Fungal isolates were obtained from symptomatic papaya samples, and their morphological and molecular characteristics were analyzed. The study examines the conditions favoring fungal growth and evaluates the effectiveness of various management strategies, including biological, chemical, and physical treatments. Findings highlight the prevalence of key pathogens, their deterioration mechanisms, and potential control measures to reduce post-harvest losses. This research provides insights into sustainable approaches to enhance papaya shelf life, ensuring better marketability and reduced economic losses.
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9Dr. Doris QuayPhDStructural and functional studies of proteins from the bacterial pathogens Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Burkholderia pseudomallei, and the psychrophilic yeast Glaciozyma antarcticaStructural and molecular biologyTo investigate the three-dimensional structures and biological functions of proteins from M. tuberculosis and B. pseudomalleito understand their roles in disease mechanisms and identify potential targets for therapeutic intervention. To examine proteins from G. antarctica to elucidate the structural adaptations that enable enzymatic function in extreme cold environments, contributing to our understanding of psychrophilic organisms.
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10Assoc. Prof. Dr. Wan Syaidatul Aqma Wan Mohd NoorMScCharacterisation of biosurfactant-producing bacteria for fat, oil and grease (FOG) biodegradationEnvironmental MicrobiologyResearch focuses on the isolation and characterization of biosurfactant-producing bacteria with the potential to biodegrade fat, oil, and grease (FOG). The study aims to identify bacterial strains capable of producing biosurfactants that enhance FOG degradation, addressing waste management challenges in industrial and municipal settings. Laboratory experiments will evaluate biosurfactant production, FOG biodegradation efficiency, and environmental adaptability.
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11Prof Ts Dr Shahrul Hisham bin Zainal AriffinPhDMitochondria Genome Analysis of modern and ancient human Cell Stem, Cell Biology, Molecular BiologyWill be discussed further.
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12Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mahanem Mat NoorPhD
Development of a Herb-Based Chicken Feed Diet to Enhance Growth and Meat Quality
Reproductive BiologyPoultry farming plays a critical role in meeting the global demand for meat and eggs, but conventional feed ingredients have raised concerns related to cost, sustainability, and the health impacts of chemical additives. This study focuses on developing a herb-based chicken feed diet that integrates natural plant materials known for their nutritional and medicinal properties. The primary aim is to enhance the growth rate, feed conversion efficiency, and meat quality of broiler chickens while promoting sustainable and healthier farming practices. The herb-based feed is anticipated to improve growth performance, reduce the need for synthetic growth promoters, and enhance meat quality attributes such as flavor, tenderness, and shelf life. Additionally, it may contribute to healthier poultry products with higher antioxidant activity and lower fat oxidation.
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Prof. Dr Salmah YaakopPhDNot specific but in Insect Systematics (Morphology and Molecular) Insect SystematicsWill discuss later
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Prof. Dr Salmah YaakopMScNot specific but in Insect Systematics (Morphology and Molecular) Insect SystematicsWill discuss later
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Dr. Noraziyah Abd Aziz Shamsudin PhD
Development of climate resilient crops
Genetic and Plant Breeding, AgronomyDevelopment of climate resilient crops (esp. rice) through difference breeding approaches & understanding abiotic stress tolerance mechanism in plants.
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Dr. Noraziyah Abd Aziz Shamsudin MSc
Development of climate resilient crops
Genetic and Plant Breeding, AgronomyDevelopment of climate resilient crops (esp. rice) through difference breeding approaches & understanding abiotic stress tolerance mechanism in plants.
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