AI researcher in Energy Systems and Lecturer

Mirza Rayana Sanzana  

I’m an AI researcher and lecturer (equivalent to U.S. Assistant Professor) at Monash University Malaysia (School of Information Technology), with an interdisciplinary background bridging computer science, civil engineering, and energy systems. My work focuses on developing AI-driven solutions for thermal energy storage and renewable energy systems, with an emphasis on climate resilience and sustainable cities. As a dedicated early career researcher, I am committed to harnessing technology for positive global impact. Explore how my research integrates innovation with equity to build smarter, greener, and more inclusive infrastructures.

PhD interdisciplinary (Computer Science & Civil Engineering) | MSc in Computer Science | BSc in Software Engineering 

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Mirza Rayana Sanzana

About Me

I am a dedicated researcher with a unique interdisciplinary background, bridging Computer Science and Civil Engineering. My doctoral journey focused on leveraging Machine Learning to optimize Thermal Energy Storage Air Conditioning (TES-AC) systems in commercial buildings, ensuring energy efficiency without compromising occupant comfort—a critical area in tropical climates where sustainable alternatives to conventional AC systems are increasingly necessary due to global warming.

Academic Journey:
My academic path began with a foundation in engineering, where I was awarded a high achievers scholarship. I then pursued a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering, graduating with first-class honors. My passion for research was ignited during my Master of Science in Computer Science, where I received a scholarship and began exploring the vast potential of the field. This passion led me to apply for a competitive, fully-funded PhD program, where I successfully secured an honorable scholarship after presenting my research proposal during the interview.

The journey of my PhD was filled with challenges, from securing commercial collaborators to mastering the intricacies of thermal energy storage chillers. These experiences tested my resilience and determination, but ultimately strengthened my resolve. After passing my MPhil, I continued with my PhD, successfully balancing the demands of academia and motherhood. I defended my thesis on November 17, 2023, and proudly graduated on March 9, 2024 (view my educational qualifications). Throughout this journey, I published in Q1 and Q2 journals, presented at international conferences, and authored a chapter in an academic book by Clemson University (check my selected publications).

Current Role and Research Focus:
I am commencing my role as a Lecturer at Monash University Malaysia, where I will contribute to teaching and research within the School of Information Technology. As part of my career trajectory, I am preparing a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) proposal and plan to pursue a European Research Council (ERC) Starting Grant to advance my research on applying Artificial Intelligence for optimizing renewable energy systems and facilitating the transition from fossil fuel consumption to sustainable energy exports. I hope to establish my own AI research lab —one that champions diversity, transparency, and real-world impact-focusing on green AI, renewable-powered cities, and inclusive AI models. 

Projects and Awards:
Beyond my doctoral research, I am involved in several innovative projects, including autonomous vehicle security, early cancer detection, sustainable building practices, and AI-driven environmental mapping. My work has earned recognition through numerous awards, including IT Graduate of the Year (2nd place), semi-finalist in the poster presentation at the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences (AAAS), and Thesis in 5 Minutes (second place). I am also passionate about teaching, having served as a teaching assistant, where I developed lab materials, marked assignments, and completed postgraduate teacher training. My commitment to education is evident in my publications and my dedication to making complex concepts accessible to students. 

Outreach and Personal Interests
As a global ambassador for the Women Tech Network, I have spoken at international conferences to inspire women to pursue their dreams. I also contribute to the technical committee of an international conference organized by the University of Nottingham, Malaysia, and mentor higher education students from the university as part of my alumni network involvement. Outside of academia, I maintain a healthy lifestyle, actively participate in charity events, and am currently training for a triathlon. I enjoy activities such as CrossFit, chess, and Pilates. Driven by a desire to contribute to society, I appreciate the small things in life. My journey has been one of perseverance, passion, and a commitment to advancing knowledge and making a meaningful impact.


Collaboration & Opportunities 
I am currently looking to join as an observer for COST Actions and welcome opportunities for international collaboration. I am also exploring applications for fellowships such as the McLaren, and ERC Starting Grant; if you are open to hosting, I would be delighted to connect. Just send me an email or Linkedin connect request.

If you're a student interested in working with me on research projects related to AI and sustainable systems, I welcome your interest! Please explore my current research themes and feel free to reach out. I also welcome invitations to serve as an  examiner or academic reviewer in areas aligned with my research expertise  Please see more related to collaborating with me here.
 

Research Interests & Motivation

Artificial Intelligence; Energy Optimization; Renewable Energy Integration; Multi-Agent Systems; Digital Twin Technology; Transfer Learning; Smart Cities; Climate Change Mitigation; Deep Learning; Real-Time Forecasting; Sustainable Energy Systems. 

Energy is the foundation of modern life. Without reliable, clean energy, sustainable development, urban resilience, and technological progress stall. The transition to renewable energy is critical for combating climate change, reducing pollution, and building equitable, future-ready societies.

My research centers on renewable energy integration and energy storage systems—including thermal, hydrogen, and emerging storage technologies—because they are key enablers of this energy transition. Renewable sources like solar and wind are inherently intermittent, making efficient storage solutions essential to balance supply and demand, stabilize the grid, and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Thermal energy storage plays a pivotal role in buildings and district energy networks by capturing and releasing heat or cold when needed, boosting efficiency, and reducing peak energy loads. On a broader scale, integrating various storage forms—including hydrogen and battery-based systems—supports sustainable charging infrastructure for electric autonomous vehicles and reinforces the resilience of urban and industrial energy ecosystems.

Artificial Intelligence is more than just a tool for optimization—it enables energy systems to become intelligent, transparent, and policy-aligned. Through predictive modeling, digital twins, and multi-agent systems, AI allows for real-time forecasting, scenario simulation, and adaptive control across various storage technologies. These capabilities make it possible to design energy infrastructures that are not only efficient, but also explainable, responsive to environmental demands, and aligned with regulatory and sustainability goals. In doing so, AI transforms static energy networks into dynamic, data-informed systems that support long-term resilience and informed decision-making.

Ultimately, my work aims to bridge advanced AI with practical energy storage and renewable integration strategies to accelerate the global shift toward low-carbon, intelligent, and resilient urban energy systems. My long-term goal is to contribute as a thought leader and technical expert in building AI-powered solutions that address energy justice, climate resilience, and sustainable innovation.

→Renewable energy integration and storage as the backbone of sustainable energy systems
→Optimization of thermal, hydrogen, and battery storage for buildings, districts, and EV charging
→AI-driven real-time energy system management and adaptation
→Multi-agent coordination for intelligent, resilient energy infrastructures
→Climate resilience through interdisciplinary innovation in energy systems

Research and Teaching Experience

Currently, I am preparing a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) proposal in collaboration with Associate Professor Fadi Al Machot at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), focusing on applying Artificial Intelligence to optimize sustainable energy systems and support the global energy transition. As an early-career researcher, I have contributed to advancing knowledge through multidisciplinary research projects and teaching roles. My experience spans conducting interdisciplinary research and supporting student education, enriching my academic journey and fueling my passion for innovation and impactful learning. 

As an educator, my teaching philosophy revolves around active, interdisciplinary learning where students are not only exposed to theoretical AI concepts but also engage with real-world applications. I believe in the power of project-based learning and industry collaborations to deepen understanding and spark innovation.

Doctoral Researcher

University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Full-time | Sep 2019 - Nov 2023


• Led multidisciplinary research optimizing thermal energy storage systems for air conditioning in commercial buildings using ML techniques.

• Published 7+ articles in Q1 and Q2 journals, contributed a book chapter, and presented at 4+ international conferences.

• Proposed innovative strategies for enhancing commercial building sustainability using deep learning and rainwater harvesting techniques.

• Recognized as a Semi-Finalist in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) competition for poster presentation.

• Awarded second place by MNFF Network for a 5-minute thesis presentation.

• Acknowledged as a Global Changemaker for research endeavors.

COLLABORATOR: Dr. Jing Ying Wong (Main Supervisor); Prof Tomas Maul (Co-Supervisor); Dr. Chun-Chieh Yip (Co-Supervisor Ext); Dr. Kher Hui Ng (Advisor); Dr. Yousif Abdalla Abakr (Advisor); Prof Andy Chan (Advisor); Dr. Mostafa Abdulrazic (Collaborator)

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Jun 2023 - Sep 2023


• Developed a VR experience using Oculus Quest for BIM education to enhance student engagement and understanding of complex concepts in Civil Engineering for a Teaching and Learning research.

• Conducted research on immersive learning experiences for higher education, resulting in the successful implementation of VR technologies in the curriculum. 

COLLABORATOR: Dr. Jing Ying Wong

Postdoctoral Researcher

Independent
Apr 2024 - May 2025


• Developed a machine learning–based urban heat island (UHI) mitigation framework as an independent researcher for the EY Open Science Data Challenge 2024, focusing on sustainable urban planning strategies.

• Collaborated with international teams to apply AI and machine learning models for early detection of breast cancer, contributing to advancing diagnostic accuracy and supporting global health initiatives.

• Initiated research on AI-driven solutions for waste management challenges in least developed countries (LDCs), aiming to optimize resource use and promote environmental sustainability.

• Conducting research on autonomous vehicle security, emphasizing safe V2X (Vehicle-to-Everything) communications and the ethical deployment of AI in future mobility systems.

COLLABORATOR: Dr. Vimal Rau, Dr. Jing Ying Wong, Prof Tomas Maul, Dr. Iman Liao, Prof Shafi Mohamed Tareq

Lecturer (Researcher and Teaching)

Monash University, Malaysia
Jun 2025 - Present


• Educational content delivery for the School of Information Technology.

• Contributing to multidisciplinary research utilizing AI.

• Open to interdisciplinary collaborations. 

SUPERVISORS: Associate Prof Vishnu Monn (Associate Head), Prof Raphael Phan (Head)

Research Team Lead

Taara Quest: AI Mentorship for Women in Leadership
Jun 2025 - Present


•Taara functions as a 24/7 AI "influencer" mentor, advocating for women's rights in male-dominated fields—offering career guidance, stress‑management practices, and mental health support through relatable roleplay and chat .

• The project emphasizes creating a supportive community where women share real experiences about work‑life balance and leadership pressures—especially meaningful for women with disabilities striving to assert themselves and lead effectively .

• Taara Quest actively solicits feedback on its mentor persona (style, representation, tone), aiming to tune the AI to genuinely reflect diverse women's lived experiences—an effort that aligns with your goal to explore impact and usability in meaningful, realistic settings.

COLLABORATORS: Dr. Luise Frohberg

Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant

University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Dec 2020 - Jul 2021


• Designed and developed a 3D Chemistry and Biology Lab Game using Unity, enhancing interactive learning in higher education settings for a Teaching and Learning research.

• Co-authored a research paper on the impact of gamified virtual labs, presented at an international conference.

• Mentored students and assisted faculty in the delivery of lectures and lab sessions during remote learning transitions. 

COLLABORATORS: Dr. Jing Ying Wong; Jaya Kumar Karunagharan, Jason Chia; Dr. Mostafa Abdulrazic

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Dec 2019 - Jan 2020


• Developed a VR simulation with Oculus Go for Pharmaceutical students, enhancing student learning outcomes and career preparation.

• Conducted usability studies and iteratively improved the VR simulation based on student feedback and learning analytics. 

COLLABORATORS: Dr. Jim Chai;  Dr. Mostafa Abdulrazic

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Oct 2019 - Dec 2019


• Collaborated in developing an immersive Virtual Reality Lab game to teach complex chemistry topics to higher education students.

• Created an innovative experience for visualizing molecules from various angles, enhancing knowledge retention.

• Delivered engaging lectures using a holographic AI, incorporating science fiction elements to make learning enjoyable.

• Designed the lab as a task-based environment with quizzes, promoting active student participation.

• Utilized Oculus Go with Controllers to enhance the immersive and interactive learning experience.

COLLABORATORS: Dr. Jing Ying Wong; Dr. Khoo Teng Jing; Dr. Mostafa Abdulrazic

Research Assistant

CAPE, University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Aug 2019 - Feb 2020


• Collaborated for a research related to an alumni social media platform using React, promoting networking and soft-skills development among graduates.

• Managed project challenges related to funding and COVID-19, ensuring the platform's timely delivery.
 

COLLABORATORS: Dr. Simranjeet Kaur Judge; Dr. Rozilini M Fernandez; Dr. Mostafa Abdulrazic; KR Selvaraj

Teaching Assistant

University of Nottingham, Malaysia
2019-2022


• Assisted in grading, tutoring, and student support for Civil Engineering and Computer Science courses.

• Prepared lab materials and assessed coursework for Computer Science and Software Engineering.

• Provided academic mentorship to students, helping them navigate coursework and develop a deeper understanding of complex concepts.

• Completed postgraduate teacher training and achieved certification to
teach at the university level.

MODULE CONVENORS: Dr. Radu Muschevici; Dr. Jing Ying Wong

Master’s Research Project

University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Jul 2019 - Sep 2019


• Created a VR game for higher education using Oculus Rift and Unity, resulting in a publication in the Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education.

• Conducted user studies and refined game design to enhance educational outcomes, demonstrating that combining VR games with traditional lectures significantly improves learning gain, memory, and knowledge retention.

• The research shows that immersive VR games, when blended with traditional lectures, can be an effective pedagogical tool, potentially transforming educational delivery and engagement.

COLLABORATORS: Dr. Kher Hui Ng (Supervisor); Dr. Jing Ying Wong (Supervisor); Dr. Mostafa Abdulrazic

Research Project: Serious 3D Cultural Game with IoT Integration

University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Jul 2019 - Sep 2019


• Collaborated to research 3D cultural game for UNESCO’s Malacca site, incorporating IoT elements like RFID for interactive learning. where players engaged in trading using RFID cards and interacted with NPCs to learn about cultural heritage.

• Designed to promote cultural awareness and heritage preservation, specifically tailored for the UNESCO World Heritage Site in Malacca.

• Employed a storytelling approach to engage players, emphasizing cultural significance to resonate with the youth and align with UNESCO's goals of cultural preservation.

COLLABORATORS: Dr. Mostafa Abdulrazic; Dr. Kher Hui Ng

Research Project: Maker-based Serious 3D Game Authoring Tool for Digital Cultural Learning

University of Nottingham, Malaysia
Nov 2019 - Nov 2023


• Collaborated on researching a serious 3D game authoring tool focused on cultural heritage education and maker education, integrating IoT technology to engage younger generations.

• Aligned research outputs with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in education and cultural preservation, and validated the tool through expert interviews and user interaction.

• Presented findings at conferences, including the "1st Postgraduate and Early Career Researcher Conference" in Kuala Lumpur (December 2022) and the "9th Electronic Conference on Sensors and Applications" in Basel (November 2022), highlighting innovative approaches in cultural game authoring. 

COLLABORATORS: Dr. Mostafa Abdulrazic; Dr. Kher Hui Ng

Educational Qualifications

PhD in Civil Engineering

Earned the doctoral degree (36 month Doctoral degree) at the University of Nottingham. I had maternity leave 54 weeks and an extension of 6 months due to COVID19 pandemic.

Mirza Rayana Sanzana Certificate
MSc in Computer Science

Earned the Master of Science in Computer Science (12 months) and my Masters Research Project achieved a distinction (74%) and in overall degree achieved a Merit (64.5%).

Mirza Rayana Sanzana Certificate
BSc in Software Engineering

First completed my Foundation in Engineering (12 month). Earned the Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering (36 months) with Honors and First Class (73%). My Final Year Project achieved a First Class (80%). 

Mirza Rayana Sanzana Certificate

Research Projects

Computer Vision for Cancer Research

Driven by a long-standing interest in cancer research, I am currently focusing on computer vision techniques for early diagnosis of breast cancer as part of the ACROBAT Challenge. My work aims to leverage advanced imaging and machine learning methods to enhance diagnostic accuracy and support medical professionals in identifying cancer at its earliest stages, potentially saving lives through early intervention.
Collaboration: Dr. Iman Yi Liao; Dr. Mostafa Abdulrazic, Cancer Research Malaysia

Autonomous Vehicle Security for Vehicle-to-Everything (V2X) Communication

My research in autonomous vehicle security centers on enhancing V2X communication, a crucial aspect of the evolving landscape of intelligent transportation. I investigate potential vulnerabilities and develop strategies to secure communications between vehicles, infrastructure, and other connected devices, contributing to safer, greener, and more efficient urban mobility systems.
Collaboration: Dr. Vimal Rau; Prof. Tomas Maul; Mostafa Abdulrazic

Artificial Intelligence for Resilient and Sustainable Cities

I am committed to advancing AI-driven solutions for resilient and sustainable urban environments, with a particular focus on optimizing energy systems and mitigating urban heat island effects in densely populated cities. My research explores how Artificial Intelligence can enhance urban design, renewable energy integration, and adaptive environmental management, contributing to healthier, more energy-efficient cities amidst climate change challenges.
Collaboration: Dr. Fadi Al Machot, Dr. Jing Ying Wong,  Dr. Chun-Chieh Yip, Dr. Mostafa Abdulrazic.

Waste Dump Site Detection and Mapping with Drones using GIS

In the pursuit of a cleaner environment, I utilize drone technology combined with GIS for detecting and mapping waste dump sites. This research aims to provide efficient and accurate data to aid in environmental monitoring, policy-making, and urban planning, addressing the pressing issue of waste management in growing urban areas. Collaboration: Dr. Shafi Mohammed Tareq; Mostafa Abdulrazic

Technological Advances for Innovative Teaching and Learning

My passion for enhancing educational experiences drives my research into technological advancements in teaching and learning. From exploring lecture-based and virtual reality game-based education to developing gamified virtual labs, my work aims to create interactive and low-risk learning environments in fields like biology, chemistry, pharmaceuticals, and BIM education. My goal is to harness technology to make learning more engaging, accessible, and effective for students across various disciplines.
Collaboration: Dr. Jaya Kumar Karunagharan, Dr, Jim Chia, Dr. Jing Ying Wong, Dr. Jim Chai, Dr. Kher Hui Ng

My Top Publications

Lecture-based, virtual reality game-based and their combination: which is better for higher education?

This study explores the use of virtual reality (VR) games as educational tools, particularly when combined with traditional lectures. It aims to determine whether blending immersive VR games with lectures enhances learning, memory, and knowledge retention while adding entertainment value. The research compares three learning methods: traditional lectures, a VR game on oil rig exploration, and a combination of both. Results show that the combined approach significantly boosts learning and retention, suggesting it could be a valuable teaching tool. However, the study's findings are based on a single VR game, and varying participant groups may have slightly influenced the outcomes. The research provides evidence that integrating VR games into curricula could enhance educational effectiveness.
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education


DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-09-2020-0302

Gamified virtual labs: shifting from physical environments for low-risk interactive learning

This study investigates the use of gamified virtual labs in higher education, focusing on their effectiveness as educational tools. It explores whether these immersive labs can enhance student engagement and facilitate low-risk active learning. The research includes two gamified virtual labs with nine essential biology and chemistry experiments, integrated into a science foundation course. A post-participation survey assessed the impact of gamification. Results show that gamified labs boost student involvement and knowledge development, making them promising for interactive learning. However, the study's limitation is the absence of a comparison with non-gamified simulations.
Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education




DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-09-2022-0281

Effects of external weather on the water consumption of Thermal-Energy-Storage Air-Conditioning system

Thermal-Energy-Storage Air-Conditioning (TES-AC) is a sustainable cooling method that stores chilled water at night when energy demand is low and uses it to cool buildings during the day. However, external weather conditions might impact the stored thermal energy and water consumption in TES-AC systems. Understanding the relationship between weather and water usage is crucial for applying computational intelligence, like machine learning, to predict maintenance needs in TES-AC systems. Warmer weather may lead to increased water consumption due to evaporation, affecting the system’s efficiency. This research explores how external weather data influences water consumption in TES-AC and emphasizes its importance in predictive maintenance models.
Energy Nexus

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.nexus.2023.100187

Charging water load prediction for a thermal-energy-storage air-conditioner of a commercial building with a multilayer perceptron

This research aims to develop a machine learning model to predict the optimal water volume to be chilled in Thermal-Energy-Storage Air-Conditioning (TES-AC) systems. TES-AC stores chilled water during off-peak hours, reducing chiller use, lowering costs, and cutting carbon emissions. Predicting the correct amount of water to chill daily can be difficult. The proposed model uses inputs like weather, day of the week, and occupancy data to predict the needed water volume. A Multilayer Perceptron model was used, achieving 93.4% accuracy. The model offers facility managers specific water ranges to minimize errors and can be retrained for different TES-AC systems, making it a flexible and sustainable solution for greener buildings.
Journal of Building Engineering


DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jobe.2023.107016

Application of deep learning in facility management and maintenance for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

Deep learning has significant potential in Facility Management (FM), especially for optimizing Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems. Despite promising research, its application in FM remains limited. HVAC failures can lead to substantial financial losses, making predictive maintenance vital. This review covers 100 studies on neural networks in FM, emphasizing deep learning's role in predicting issues, reducing energy use, and improving maintenance efficiency. It also highlights the need for public datasets to enhance model effectiveness. Applying deep learning to Thermal-Storage Air-Conditioning (TS-AC) systems could boost sustainability and cost-efficiency in buildings.
Automation in Construction



DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.autcon.2022.104445

Qualifications and Awards

In my commitment to continuous learning and professional development, I successfully completed certification in postgraduate teacher training for the University of Nottingham, adhering to the university's stringent protocols. 
I received the Nottingham Advantage Award, which recognizes commitment to employability by providing valuable skills development, expert guidance, and notable achievements included on my degree transcript and graduation ceremony. This award stands for excellence in leveraging university experiences to enhance career prospects. Additionally, I earned two nanodegrees for Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning from AWS x Udacity, which I attained through two highly competitive international scholarships. My dedication to excellence was further recognized at the prestigious WomenTech Conference, where I was honored with the IT Graduate of the Year award in November 2022. View my Linkedin Profile for more information. 

University of Nottingham Logo
Udacity Logo
Women Tech Network Logo

Collaborate with me

I’m always open to meaningful academic and industry collaboration that aligns with my core research areas: AI, renewable energy systems, sustainable infrastructure, and climate resilience.

Here are some ways we might work together:

Student Supervision
If you’re a final-year or Master’s student interested in AI for energy systems, climate tech, or smart infrastructure, feel free to reach out. You can explore my research interests and projects to see if your ideas align. If you want to pitch your project concept, I would be happy to see if I can assist.

Research & Industry Collaboration
I welcome partnerships with research teams, organizations, and startups exploring real-world applications of AI and sustainable technologies. I am especially interested in co-developing grant proposals (e.g. MSCA, ERC, Horizon Europe, or industry-linked research). I am actively seeking and proposing projects to bridge academic and industrial collaboration. These collaborations also help create project opportunities for my students, building real-world experience and foundational skills.

Speaking Engagements
I have presented at conferences and enjoy speaking on topics like AI for sustainability, academic career paths, and interdisciplinary research. I believe speaking engagements are a powerful means of outreach and exposure. Please get in touch if you’d like to invite me as a speaker, panelist, or guest lecturer.

Internal and External Examination & Reviews
I’m open to serving as an internal or external examiner or reviewer for theses and projects aligned with my areas of expertise. Contact me to discuss potential engagement.

Consulting & Technical Input
On a case-by-case basis, I provide research consulting or strategic input for projects involving AI, renewable energy integration, and smart system design.

References

"I have seen Rayana grow in incredible ways, where her potential qualities have
materialized again and again. I have been most impressed by her boundless energy,
tenacity, sense of initiative, versatility, adaptability, receptivity, creativity, productivity, and overall capability to bring different fields together in order to solve impactful problems."


Tomas Maul Photo

Tomas Maul


Professor in Computer Science


University of Nottingham Malaysia


"She actively engages in publishing her research work to a broader audience, seeking feedback, and contributing significantly to the advancement of her field of study. She consistently demonstrated remarkable dedication, exceptional intellect, critical thinking skills, creativity, and a strong passion for research."




Jing Ying Wong Photo

Jing Ying Wong


Associate Professor in Civil Engineering

University of Nottingham Malaysia

"She has shown an excellent attitude to disperse a clear knowledge in her field especially in artificial intelligence. She is good in the assigned project
related in design and management that shows a good leadership to pursue excellence."






Chun Chieh Yip Photo

Chun Chieh Yip


Assistant Professor in Civil Engineering

University Tunku Abdul Rahman

"My interaction with her went beyond classroom settings, as recent as in a project in collaboration with Cancer Research Malaysia where she has been helping me with a critical step in building computational analysis for digital
pathology. She has a natural
talent to associate techniques with humanity-side of things."



Iman Liao Photo

 Iman Liao


Associate Professor in Computer Science

University of Nottingham Malaysia

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Inquiries

My core research focuses on applying artificial intelligence to optimize energy systems—particularly renewable energy integration, energy storage, and climate-resilient infrastructure. I explore how AI can enhance sustainable cities, building technologies, and smart mobility. My interests also extend to early cancer detection using computer vision, V2X communication security for autonomous vehicles, and AI-driven solutions for urban climate adaptation. I’m passionate about environmental sustainability, investigating how drone technology and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) can support waste management. Additionally, as an educator, I explore tech-driven, interactive learning environments to advance education and improve accessibility in STEM.

My most significant contributions include applying deep learning in facility management to optimize HVAC systems, leading to improved predictive maintenance, energy efficiency, and reduced operational costs. I have developed a machine learning model with a 93.4% accuracy rate for predicting water load in Thermal-Energy-Storage Air-Conditioning systems, enhancing sustainability in building operations. As part of the EY Open Science Data Challenge, I developed a location-agnostic machine learning model to support urban planning and mitigate Urban Heat Island (UHI) effects. By relying solely on environmental and structural features—without using geolocation data—the model achieved a prediction accuracy of 92%. This approach supports scalable, ethical, and transferable planning solutions for climate-resilient cities, particularly in under-mapped or data-scarce regions. Additionally, my research in educational technology has demonstrated that combining virtual reality games with traditional lectures can significantly boost learning outcomes, and I have pioneered the use of gamified virtual labs for low-risk, interactive learning in science education.

You can find my published work in various journals and conference proceedings, including Automation in Construction, Energy Nexus, Journal of Building Engineering (Elsevier), Simulation and Gaming (SAGE), and the Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education (Emerald Insights). I have also presented at IEEE and MDPI conferences. A complete list of my publications is available on my Google Scholar profile, ResearchGate profile, and LinkedIn profile.

a) Yes, I am open to research collaborations that align with my expertise in artificial intelligence, sustainable building technologies, autonomous vehicle security, and early cancer detection. I am also interested in exploring research in national security, particularly in the areas of cybersecurity and stability in the context of cyberweapons. If you have a project in mind, please feel free to contact me through my LinkedIn profile. 
b) Yes, I am open to supervising final-year or Master’s-level students interested in areas such as AI, renewable energy systems, digital twins, and smart cities. If you're exploring a project aligned with my research interests, feel free to reach out.
c) I enjoy working on interdisciplinary, applied AI research that has societal and environmental impact. This includes themes like energy storage optimization, sustainable urban technologies, and secure autonomous systems.

I am certified to teach and have received certification in postgraduate teacher training. I have experience teaching and mentoring students at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant and lab instructor, focusing on software engineering, civil engineering, and computer science. My roles have included grading, tutoring, preparing lab materials, assessing coursework, and providing academic mentorship to help students deepen their understanding of complex concepts. To commence my role in Monash University Malaysia, I will complete Monash University's Higher Education and obtain Teaching Permit from the Ministry of Higher Education Malaysia. As my modules are finalized, I’ll update the site with more details.

a) Yes, I’ve collaborated with commercial stakeholders during my PhD and am currently developing proposals for MSCA and ERC grants focused on AI for sustainable energy. My goal is to expand into applied, high-impact collaborations.
b)  Absolutely. I actively seek opportunities to collaborate on research that bridges academia with real-world needs—especially in energy systems, green infrastructure, and AI applications. Please reach out if you’re exploring project partnerships or joint proposals.

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