My View: Qualities of a Good Researcher

A research scientist needs to be efficient. Efficiency measures the ratio of output to input and a scientist needs to first understand what he/she desires (the output). Set a clear direction. Science is a process of building knowledge, and a scientist is contributing perhaps to one block of knowledge that may construct a new idea or invention. The idea or invention may benefit humankinds in many ways. Upon knowing the direction or what to contribute to the whole massive intricate network of knowledge, a scientist needs to work on the input. This is a process which must be seen as a journey, which ought to be enjoyed. Succeeding this journey requires certain sets of traits: intellectual qualities are perhaps the most important including ability to acquire, disseminate, and impart knowledge. A scientist may face obstacles during this journey. It is best to quickly review all choices made, construct a plan, and solve. A scientist needs to be agile and adaptive: the world is changing and has becoming unfair for some people. The way science is being viewed has also changed, and the relevance of a scientist is being scrutinised by many. Changes is not a choice, when something is evolving, evolve with it, if it is not possible, do not hinder others.

My Research: Contribution & Expertise

Being a materials scientist, I obviously keen in synthesising and characterising materials (specifically nanomaterials). Basically, my team and I have perfected the recipe of making various types of nanomaterials in USM. The materials have specific purpose, which is to contribute in solving many of pressing issues faced by humankind including scarcity of water, environment degradation and food security. I make (nano)materials by metal surface oxidation process, and I have been oxidising metal for 25 years perfecting the art of producing oxide nanotubes, nanowires or nanorods. The oxides such as zirconia, tungsten trioxide, zinc oxide or titanium dioxide have unique electronic properties and are rather useful due to their photoactive nature, hence can be used to remove pollutants from the environment. I study light, and what light can do to electrons within these materials. Then I venture into semiconductor junction and hybrid materials. Coupling the oxides with graphene or with metal nanoparticles would create advanced materials of unprecedented applications.