From Lab Bench to Leave a Nest: Turning Molecules to Impact

Hi! I’m Anis Nadyra.

I am a new member of Leave a Nest Malaysia. I hold a BSc in Biotechnology from the University of Adelaide, Australia, and later pursued a Master’s degree in Biotechnology at Universiti Malaya, Kuala Lumpur. Most recently, I completed my PhD at the Institute of Systems Biology, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), where my research focused on the biochemical characterization of farnesol dehydrogenase, a rate-limiting enzyme in the juvenile hormone pathway of insects.

My study specifically examined the structure and function of this enzyme, with a particular focus on identifying inhibitors that could serve as a foundation for developing biorational insecticides. These are intended to target bagworms, one of the most devastating pests in oil palm plantations. Through high-throughput virtual screening, I evaluated a vast library of potential inhibitor compounds to identify the most promising candidates, followed by enzymatic assays to experimentally validate their inhibitory effects. This project was conducted in collaboration with Felda Global Ventures (FGV), one of the leading organizations in the oil palm industry.

I was first introduced to Leave a Nest during a session in the Sakura Science Exchange Program organized by JST, Japan, in 2024. That experience left a strong impression on me and inspired me to join the company right after completing my PhD. I value a growth mindset, thoughtful progress, and creative thinking, all of which I believe begin with a spark of curiosity. I also believe that fundamental research, especially in molecular biology, plays an essential role in advancing scientific knowledge. By understanding biological processes at the molecular level, we can uncover insights that contribute to developing practical solutions for real-world challenges. At Leave a Nest, I hope to bridge scientific knowledge with social good, supporting innovation that creates meaningful and lasting impact in society. I am particularly keen to highlight research from Malaysia and to build connections across countries through this international platform. Looking forward to connecting with like-minded people in science and beyond.