Postgraduate Studies

"Research Collaboration with UM's Centre of Advanced Materials"

My Postgraduate Journey!

Recently, I began my postgraduate journey at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), pursuing a Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering focused on biomaterials engineering and biomedical applications. Building on my background in computer science and engineering, I am now expanding into research that bridges materials science with healthcare solutions. My work at UTP centers on developing Europium-doped calcium silicate for biomedical applications, a project that not only strengthens my expertise in advanced materials but also aligns with my passion for contributing to sustainable, innovative solutions in medicine and technology. This step marks an exciting new chapter in my academic and professional growth, providing opportunities to collaborate, explore cutting-edge research, and prepare for future contributions in both academia and industry.

Introduction

My Master’s research focuses on the development of Europium-doped calcium silicate (Eu-CS) for biomedical applications, with particular emphasis on its potential as a bone regeneration material. Calcium silicate ceramics are widely recognized for their bioactivity, as they can form hydroxyapatite in simulated body fluid (SBF), making them promising candidates for bone repair and tissue engineering. However, their relatively high dissolution rate and limited mechanical strength present challenges for clinical use.

Incorporating Europium (Eu³⁺) ions into calcium silicate introduces exciting new possibilities. Beyond its well-known luminescent properties useful for bioimaging Eu³⁺ doping can also influence key material characteristics such as crystallinity, dissolution behavior, and mechanical performance. My work investigates how different concentrations of Eu affect these properties, particularly in pellet form, which is more relevant for practical biomedical applications compared to powders or thin films.

The research examines apatite formation, mechanical strength, and dissolution behavior of Eu-CS pellets in vitro. By establishing a systematic understanding of how Eu³⁺ doping alters the material’s performance, this study aims to bridge the gap between basic materials science and real-world biomedical applications.

This project represents the first stage of a broader research program. Following the successful completion of these in vitro assessments, I plan to extend the work into cell culture studies and in vivo testing, to evaluate the biocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and long-term performance of Eu-CS under physiological conditions. Ultimately, this research seeks to contribute to the development of multifunctional biomaterials that combine bioactivity, mechanical reliability, and imaging capability for next-generation regenerative medicine.

My Supervisor(s) & Principle Investigator

Dr. Mazli Bin Mustapha

(Main Supervisor)

Dr. Mazli’s research expertise lies in materials processing and characterization, particularly involving innovative processes like carbothermal reduction, fabrication of aluminium foam, and pressure-assisted sintering. His work spans energy storage materials (e.g., silicon carbide synthesis), plus coatings for corrosion protection in oil and gas environments Notably, his doctoral thesis focused on a novel approach to fabricating aluminium foam using pressure-assisted, high-frequency induction-heated sintering and dissolution techniques

Professor Dr. Hendrik Simon Cornelis Metselaar

(Field Supervisor 1 & PI)

Prof. Metselaar's research encompasses processing of ceramics and bioceramics, phase change materials (PCMs), composite materials, tribological behavior of ceramics, and advanced material characterization techniques such as X-ray diffraction. He has also contributed extensively to sustainable energy technologies. He leads and contributes to numerous cutting-edge research initiatives, including the development of doped graphene-ceramic bio composites for high load-bearing bone grafts and other biomaterials-focused projects relevant to tissue engineering and energy storage

Assoc. Prof. Ts. Dr. Shuaib Saheed

(Co-Supervisor)

Dr. Saheed’s research lies at the intersection of thin films, carbon-based nanomaterials, and their diverse applications. His expertise includes developing and characterizing carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, MXene, and hybrid nanocomposites for applications in:

Sensors (strain, gas, and biosensors)
Water treatment (absorption/adsorption of oil, dyes, heavy metals, and organic solvents)
Protective coatings (anti-erosion modeling and experimentation)

He has co-authored significant publications, such as:

A comprehensive review on MXene as an emerging low-dimensional material for energy and biological applications (Journal of Nano Research, 2022)

Dr. Kee Chia Ching

(Field Supervisor 2)

Dr. Kee completed her Ph.D in Material Science in 2023 from the University of Malaya as well as holds a Bachelors and Masters in Material Engineering from Universiti Sains Malaysia. She was a member of the advanced material group in Segi University College as well as a former postgraduate member in the Centre of Advanced Materials (CAM) at University of Malaya.

Throughout her research she focuses on Bioceramics particularly on Calcium Silicate doped with a rare earth materials known as Europium for Bone and Tissue Application under the supervision of Prof. Dr Hendrik Simon Cornelis Metselaar.

Currently she serves as a Lecturer at Sunway University starting on September 2025.

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