BIOGRAPHY

I am an organic chemist with experience in synthesising photoactive organic molecules and polymeric materials for various applications. Besides research, I am passionate about teaching especially in the use/integration of technology and analogies in enhancing students’ learning experience. I am a STEM ambassador, a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) and the youngest council member of the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry (IKM) to date. I am a science communication enthusiast and have been actively involved in public engagement events both in Malaysia and in the UK since 2010. I am driven to inspire the next generation through teaching and be engaged in materials research, working hand-in-hand with other researchers in the field.  

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Synthetic Chemistry, Supramolecular Chemistry, Artificial Photosynthesis, Blue Sky Research, Energy Materials, Additive Manufacturing Materials

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND

PhD (Chemistry), School of Chemistry, Newcastle University, United Kingdom (2018)

BSc (Hons) Pure Chemistry, Universiti Sains Malaysia (2014)

WORKING EXPERIENCE  

1. Lecturer in Chemistry, School of Energy and Chemical Engineering, Xiamen University Malaysia (2019 to Present).

2. Lab Buddy for Student with Special Needs, School of Chemistry, Newcastle University, United Kingdom (2018)

3. Lecturer for Get Ahead Study Skills Sessions, Newcastle University, United Kingdom (2017 to 2018)

4. Visiting Scholar, Facultat de Química Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Tarragona, Spain (Feb – May 2016, June – July 2017)

5. Postgraduate Demonstrator for Undergraduate Laboratory Modules, School of Chemistry, Newcastle University, United Kingdom (2015 to 2017).

6. Intern, Forensic Toxicology Unit, Department of Chemistry Malaysia (JKM) – Penang Branch, Malaysia (2013)

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE / GRANTS

 Research Experience

1. Design and Synthesis of Functionalised Polyethers and Polyesters, PhD Research (2014 to 2018)

2. Synthesis and Characterisation of Chalcone-based Side Chain Photoluminescent Poly(Azomethine) Esters, BSc (Hons) Final Year Project Research (2013 to 2014)

3. Alternative Screening of Drug of Abuse (Barbiturates) in Blood and Urine Specimens using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay, ELISA, Internship Research Project (2013)

 Research Grants

1. Xiamen University Malaysia Research Fund (Grant No: XMUMRF/2021-C7/IENG/0036) (2021 to 2023)

REPRESENTATIVE PUBLICATIONS

1. Y.S.L. Choo, M. Giamberini, J.A. Reina, P.G. Waddell, A.C. Benniston, Functionalized fluorescent terephthalate monomers and their attempted polyester formation, Org. Biomol. Chem. (Q1, IF: 3.412), 2020, 18, 8735-8745. doi: 10.1039/d0ob01533d.

2. Q. Yang, Y.Y. Cai, Z.Y. Zhu, L.X. Sun, Y.S.L. Choo, Q.G. Zhang, A.M. Zhu, Q.L. Liu, Multiple Enhancement Effects of Crown Ether in Tröger’s Base Polymers on the Performance of Anion Exchange Membranes, ACS Appl. Mater. Interfaces. (Q1, IF: 8.456), 2020, 12, 22, 24806-24816. doi: 10.1021/acsami.0c05411.

3. Y.S.L. Choo, P.G. Waddell, A.C. Benniston, Synchronized “Click” and Templated Synthesis of a Fluorescent Pyrene Crown Ether, Eur. J. Org. Chem. (Q1, IF: 3.029), 2019, 14, 2560-2565. doi:10.1002/ejoc.201900125.

4. W.L. Lim, C.W Oo, Y.S.L. Choo, S.T. Looi, New generation of photosensitive poly(azomethine)esters: Thermal behaviours, photo-crosslinking and photoluminescence studies, Polymer (Q1, IF: 3.771), 2015, 71, 15-22. doi: 10.1016/j.polymer.2015.06.041.

HONORS/AWARDS

1. 100 Scientists of Malaysia (2019)

2. IUPAC Periodic Table of Younger Chemists as Bohrium, Bh (2019) 

3. Second Place Oral Presentation Award in School of Chemistry Newcastle University’s Postgraduate Research Conference (2017)

4. Gold Award & Roscoe Medal for Physical Sciences (Chemistry) Category in STEM for BRITAIN (2017)

5. Best Poster Presentation Prize in Emerging Areas of Photochemistry: From Fundamentals to Applications Symposium (2017)

6. Sustainable Energy and Fuels Best Poster Prize in 5th UK Solar Fuels Symposium and Postgraduate Afternoon (2017)

7. Joyce Lockhart Prize - School of Chemistry, Newcastle University (2016)

8. First Prize Winner of IUPAC International Video and Essay Competition “A World Without Polymers” (2011)

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES  

 Professional Body – Institut Kimia Malaysia

1. Council Member, 2020/2021 Term

2. Chairperson of Industrial Chemistry Section (ICS-IKM), 2020/2021 Term

3. Co-Chair of Community Chemistry Committee CATIS & Chemistry Festival, 2020/2021 Term

4. Media Ambassador of Malaysian Young Chemists Network, 2020/2021 Term

 Conference Organising Committee Member

1. 1st International Conference on Energy Materials (ICEM 2021), Website Development Team Leader, Xiamen University Malaysia, 5-8 November 2021

2. International Congress on Pure and Applied Chemistry (ICPAC KK 2021), Institut Kimia Malaysia, Nov 2021 (TBC)

 Advisory

1. Chemistry Subject Advisor, Curriculum Department, Education Affairs Division, United Chinese School Committees’ Association of Malaysia (Dong Zong), 2018-2021 Term