Assoc. Prof. Dr. Maizah Mohd Abdullah’s academic journey began at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), where she pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Biology and graduated in 2007. Her deepening interest in ecological science led her to a Master of Science (Research) in marine ecology. Dr. Maizah later completed her Ph.D. at Griffith University, Australia, specialising in the same field, before returning to UMT to serve as a lecturer and researcher.

Dr. Maizah’s primary research interest lies in understanding the dynamics of marine ecosystems, particularly the habitat use and species interactions of charismatic marine fauna such as sea turtles, marine mammals, sharks, and rays. Using advanced tools such as stable isotope analysis, fatty acid profiling, and field ecology, her research sheds light on the ecological processes that underpin marine ecosystem function. “In a time of climate change, pollution, and habitat degradation, it’s critical to understand not just visible impacts, but also the complex trophic relationships that can trigger cascading effects across ecosystems,” she explains.

Dr. Maizah’s research is not confined to the lab or field, it extends into society. She collaborates with stakeholders from corporate partners like RHB Bank to run public education and conservation programmes under the Ocean Hope initiative, aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 14: Life Below Water. At the national level, she works closely with the Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) and SEAFDEC to support the management of marine protected areas and advise on marine resource conservation strategies.

On the international stage, Dr. Maizah is a founding member and Vice President of the Asian Shark and Rays Alliance (ASRA), a platform to elevate Malaysia’s role in shark and ray conservation and align national efforts with broader regional strategies. “This role allows us to strengthen regional cooperation and contribute meaningfully to global marine conservation discourse,” she says.

One of Dr. Maizah’s most impactful projects, launched in 2019, used stable isotope analysis to investigate predator-prey relationships specifically between blacktip reef sharks and sea turtle hatchlings. This pioneering work not only advanced local scientific capacity but positioned stable isotope analysis as a vital tool for ecological research across Malaysia. “Introducing new technology came with challenges, but I saw those as opportunities,” she said. “It allowed us to train researchers and foster national collaboration in marine science.”

Looking ahead, Dr. Maizah aims to deepen interdisciplinary research and adopt innovative technologies to tackle complex ecological questions. Her approach bridges the gap between research, policy, and conservation, reinforcing her commitment to safeguarding marine biodiversity for future generations.

Dr. Maizah continues to inspire the next generation of marine scientists while playing a pivotal role in advancing Malaysia’s contribution to regional and global marine conservation.