Research

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Choong Chee Yen

Research Grant 2021

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Choong Chee Yen is a lecturer at University Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) with a PhD in Plant Genetics and Molecular Systematics from The Reading University. He is also one of the leading experts on Odonata in Malaysia. Dr. Choong is a recipient of a 2021 Habitat Foundation Research grant to study the Odonata of the proposed Penang Hill Biosphere Reserve.

Despite that, Dr. Choong has a great interest in research on the biodiversity, taxonomy, and biology of dragonflies and damselflies (Odonata) and also in photography. As a macrophotographer, Dr. Choong was drawn into the details of the Odonata and is mesmerized by their colours. His growing love for dragonflies and damselflies has driven his passion as a scientist to document the species diversity and he has since then dedicated himself to this field. With his deep passion for dragonflies and damselflies since 2005, Dr. Choong has described seven new Odonata species.

Recently, Dr. Choong is working on the Diversity of Dragonflies and Needle Dragonflies (Odonata) in Rompin State Park, Pahang in Kebangsaan Program CSR Coopcare Koperasi Prihatin Sejuta Pokok. He hopes to raise awareness among Malaysian to learn and love more about Odonata and the biology in Malaysia can be achieved through his work on Odonata.

Independent Researcher

Rexy Prakash Chacko

Research Grant 2021

Rexy Prakash Chacko wears many hats for nature despite being an electronic engineer by profession. This Penang-born environmentalist is an avid hiker, a sustainable development advocate, and a self-taught orchid researcher. His passion and curiosity has therefore inspired him to do more outside his everyday profession. At present, Rexy has authored and co-authored a total of four books focusing on nature-related topics, two of which are on hiking and trail maintenance and one on orchids which eventually brings him to The Habitat Foundation – the Orchids of Penang Hill. His study on orchid has extended results beyond expectation as he highlighted new areas inside Penang Hill that are having higher orchid diversity!

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia

Dr. Shamsul Khamis

Research Grant 2021

Dr. Shamul Khamis is a senior researcher and lecturer at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) with vast experience in teaching and research for Plant Science and Biodiversity Conservation. A highly-regarded botanist with a specialised focus in plant taxonomy, flora diversity, and ethnobotanical studies in UKM, he has more than 60 papers published to date. His expertise is vital in recognising the forest productivity and biological diversity of an area with significant emphasises on the preservation and conservation of our natural ecosystems.

Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI)

Dr. Marshall Kana Samuel

Research Grant 2022

Dr. Marshall Kana Samuel is a senior research officer with a PhD in Environmental Geochemistry from University of Nottingham. Currently, she is associated with the Malaysian Agricultural Research & Development Institute (MARDI) specialising in soil sciences. Marshall has published 14 papers to date on rewetting peatland and its impact on carbon emission. Marshall had a vision since a child that she wanted to be the reason for a great change. Growing up wanting to be a scientist that could bring a solution to a problem in society had brought her to where she is now. As she believes, “Life without ambition is like a gun without a target”.

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Dr. Rohani Shahrudin

Research Grant 2022

Dr. Rohani Shahrudin is a senior lecturer in University Malaysia Terengganu. She holds a PhD in plant ecology from University of Groningen, Netherlands. During her study, she has gained a deeper appreciation of the plants diversity in Malaysia, especially the non-tree species which has led her to her current study on the biology and ecology of kercut (Lepironia articulata) in Terengganu. This study will help provide guidance to the local community on enhancing the production and harvest of kercut sustainably. As a passionate educator, Dr. Rohani hopes to inspire interest in her students to study the diverse plant species in Malaysia and understand their role and importance to the ecosystem and the people. 

Macaca Nemestrina Project

Dr. Nadine Ruppert

Research Grant 2019/2020

Dr. Nadine Rupert is a wildlife researcher, a conservation biologist, and a senior lecturer in zoology at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM). She is the current vice-president (2020-2024) of the Malaysian Primatological Society (MPS). She obtained her PhD in mammalogy from USM. Dr. Nadine is currently leading the Macaca Nemestrina Project and supervising other primate projects in USM. She is also a member of the IUCN SSC Primate Specialist Group – Asia and Section for Small Apes. Her areas of expertises focuses on primates conservation, human-wildlife interactions, and plant-animal interaction in Malaysia. She has up to 64 publications up to date. 

Dr. Nadine is keen in exploring the role of primates in anthropogenically shaped landscapes and ways to conserve them. The Macaca Nemestrina Project (MNeP) was established to explore the role of Pig-tailed Macaques in seed dispersal and forest regeneration and the potential implications for mitigating human-wildlife conflict. Dr. Nadine hopes to create awareness about the impending and accelerating threats to biodiversity in the Tropics and beyond. She believes that through her work with local and indigenous communities, she could empower the public to take conservation actions.