📢 Exciting News! I’m thrilled to share that my latest research paper, titled "Application of Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) to Study the Colorization Occurring in the Process of Lactulose Production Following Lactose Electro-Activation" has been published in the International Dairy Journal.

Why This Research Matters

Lactulose plays a significant role in both food and pharmaceutical industries, yet conventional methods for its production often introduce unwanted coloration. In this study, we applied an artificial intelligence-based approach—Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS)—to analyze and model this colorization process in electro-activated lactose isomerization. This work provides valuable insights that could help optimize lactulose production while minimizing color development.

Key Findings

- Electro-activation is a promising eco-friendly alternative for lactulose production.

- The MARS model identified reaction type, reaction time, and colorimetric factors (a*, b*) as the most influential parameters in color development.

- Machine learning enhances process optimization, potentially improving product clarity and yield.

Where You Can Read It

If you're curious about our findings, you can check out the full article on the publications page!

Some achievements mark pivotal moments in a journey, and today, I am thrilled to share one of my own: I have successfully completed my PhD candidacy exam, held on April 28, 2025. This milestone represents a year of dedication, learning, and perseverance—an important step toward the realization of my doctoral research.

The candidacy exam was a rigorous process, expertly overseen by a distinguished board. I extend my deepest gratitude to Dr. Josée Fortin, who chaired the examination, as well as Dr. Seddik Khalloufi and Dr. Pierre Emerson Cayemitte, for their invaluable insights, challenges, and encouragement throughout the evaluation. Their expertise and thoughtful feedback pushed me to sharpen my ideas and refine my research vision.

I would especially like to express my appreciation to my PhD research advisor, Dr. Mohammed Aider, whose guidance and unwavering support have been instrumental in my academic journey. His mentorship has shaped the way I approach my research, inspiring me to think critically and push the boundaries of knowledge in my field.

This accomplishment is more than a personal victory; it is a testament to the collaborative spirit of academia. Every discussion, every late-night revision, and every moment of doubt conquered has brought me closer to this point. As I look ahead to the next phase of my doctoral work, I remain excited to dive deeper into my research, contribute meaningful insights, and grow as both a scholar and a thinker.

I am profoundly grateful to everyone who has been part of this journey—colleagues, family, friends, and mentors. Your support and encouragement have fueled my persistence.

Here’s to the road ahead! 🚀

Last summer, I had the incredible honor of receiving the Andrew Legacy Bursary from IChemE, enabling me to attend the Catalysis Summer School organized by the Chemistry Department at Liverpool University. This opportunity was more than just an academic milestone—it was an enriching blend of knowledge, networking, and exploration.

A Catalyst for Learning and Innovation

The summer school brought together brilliant minds from around the globe, all passionate about catalysis development and its groundbreaking applications. The lectures were captivating, offering deep insights into cutting-edge research and practical innovations in catalysis. It was a privilege to engage with future leaders in the field, exchanging ideas that have the potential to shape tomorrow's technology.

Discovering Liverpool’s Charm

Beyond the academic rigor, Liverpool proved to be a city full of vibrancy and heritage. Evenings were spent exploring the stunning Royal Albert Dock, with its picturesque views over the River Mersey, blending modern energy with historic charm.

The city's rich history unfolded as I visited iconic landmarks:

• Liverpool Cathedral: Its grandeur and breathtaking architecture left me in awe.

• Anfield Stadium: A must-see for any football enthusiast, echoing the spirit of Liverpool FC.

• World Museum and Museum of Liverpool: These gems showcased Liverpool’s cultural and industrial history, deepening my appreciation for its global significance.

A Perfect Harmony of Knowledge and Culture

This experience was a perfect balance of academic inspiration and cultural exploration. The Catalysis Summer School not only expanded my knowledge but also allowed me to connect with a dynamic community of peers. At the same time, Liverpool’s rich heritage offered a beautiful backdrop to this transformative journey.

Reflecting on my time in Liverpool, I am immensely grateful to IChemE for this opportunity. It wasn’t just a summer school—it was a catalyst for personal and professional growth. For anyone considering a similar adventure, I highly recommend diving into the world of catalysis while soaking in the rich history of this remarkable city.

Liverpool taught me that innovation and tradition can beautifully coexist. Whether you’re pursuing advancements in science or exploring cultural treasures, this city will leave you inspired. Here’s to more opportunities like this, where learning transcends the classroom and creates lasting memories!

Environmental pollution is one of the most pressing concerns in today's world. My research focused on an innovative approach to combating heavy metal contamination, using waste cooking palm oil as a crosslinker to develop a novel adsorbent.

This adsorbent was created through inverse vulcanization, combining sulfur and waste cooking oil to form a polysulfide material. Its porous structure efficiently removed iron (Fe³⁺) ions from contaminated water. We explored various conditions like pH, adsorbent dosage, and iron concentrations, optimizing adsorption. Our findings showed that this eco-friendly method successfully removed over 90% of iron ions!

This research paves the way for greener chemistry, converting industrial waste into valuable environmental solutions. The method holds promise for applications in wastewater treatment, heavy metal remediation, and beyond. Stay tuned as I continue exploring greener solutions for environmental challenges!

I have successfully completed my final viva for my Master of Science in Chemical Engineering at Universiti Malaysia Pahang Al Sultan Abdullah on 20 September 2022! My research focused on heavy metal removal (Fe (III)) using inverse vulcanized polysulfides derived from waste cooking palm oil—a project that has been both challenging and rewarding.

One of the proudest outcomes of this work has been its contribution to the scientific community. From this research, I managed to publish two Q1 journal papers, one Q3 journal paper, and a conference proceeding, further solidifying its impact.

This accomplishment would not have been possible without the unwavering support of some incredible individuals. My heartfelt gratitude goes to my supervisor, Dr. Jun Haslinda Shariffuddin, and co-supervisor, Dr. Faizal Bin Ali, for their invaluable guidance. A huge thank you to my family and friends, who stood by me through the toughest times—I truly couldn’t have done it without you!

The viva board was led by Dr. Jaya Vejayan, with Dr. Mohd Irfan Hatim from Universiti Malaysia Perlis serving as the external examiner, and Dr. Rozaimi Abu Samah as the internal examiner. I am deeply grateful for their time and expertise in reviewing my work.

As I move forward, I ask for your prayers and support as I embark on the next chapter of my journey. Thank you all for being part of this milestone with me!