Passion for research
FOR Assoc Prof Dr Bimo Ario Tejo, new dean of UCSI University ( UCSI)’ s Faculty of Applied Sciences, it was in the pharmaceutical chemistry laboratory of the University of Kansas, United States, that he discovered his research interest.
“Back then, I remember not having a specific research field in mind and going abroad was just an excuse for me to travel and see the world,” he says.
But by stepping out of his comfort zone and choosing a research field completely different from the one he was previously majoring in, Assoc Prof Bimo found a discipline he could dedicate his academic life to.
It is a testament to his research interest and dedication that he has already contributed to more than 50 publications over the course of his career.
Having had his hand in the research field of biotechnology, peptide and protein chemistry as well as pharmaceutical chemistry for more than 15 years, Assoc Prof Bimo is very much the right person to spearhead the faculty’s research endeavours as UCSI gears towards being the hub of postgraduate studies for research.
UCSI’s wide variety of postgraduate degrees, which range from research- based programmes to coursework- based ones and include full- time and part- time modes, accommodates both fresh graduates and working adults.
The programmes offered at UCSI’s Faculty of Applied Sciences are MSc Food Science with Business Management, MSc Biotechnology, MSc Biotechnology with Business Management, MSc in Applied Sciences by Research and Doctorate of Philosophy ( Science).
Another programme, MSc in Nutrition with Management, is in the pipeline and will be launched next.
To ensure that its postgraduate programmes are accessible to the best and brightest, the university has allocated funds under the UCSI University Trust Graduate Fellowship.
Great lengths have been taken to ensure that the teaching and learning environment suits local and international students alike.
Joko Logis, UCSI’s MSc Applied Sciences by Research student whose passion lies in discovering a solution to reduce dye pollutants in the environment, cannot agree more.
Previously a BSc ( Hons) Biotechnology student at the university, the Indonesian student decided to further his education at UCSI due to his passion for research and the culture in the laboratory.
“I cannot think of a reason not to continue my postgraduate studies here; I am surrounded by supervisors who are helpful and laboratories equipped with cutting- edge equipment. Of course, having friends here also helps tip the scale,” he says.
UCSI’s emphasis on research saw more than 30 publications published in 2015 by its lecturers.
With more than 50% of the lecturers in the Faculty of Applied Sciences having PhD qualifications – the highest among private universities – postgraduate candidates can rest assured that they will have the opportunity to conduct meaningful research with award- winning academicians who are respected researchers in their own right.
For more information, call the Office of Postgraduate Studies at 03- 9102 4739 or visit www. ucsiuniversity. edu. my.