Hello everyone. Meet Syuhada, new RD member!

It’s a pleasure to meet all the amazing members of Leave A Nest! My name is Nursyuhada Othman, but you can call me Syuhada. I recently joined Leave a Nest Malaysia as an Assistant Manager in the Research Development Division, and I’m excited to embark on this new journey with LVNS. Transitioning into this role is a big step for me, and I’m eager to learn, contribute, and grow alongside passionate individuals who are dedicated to advancing science and technology. Before joining LVNS, I was deeply involved in research and academia, focusing on wildlife conservation, microbiome studies, and molecular biology. I hold a PhD in Science from Universiti Tun Hussein Onn Malaysia (UTHM), where I studied the gut microbiome and dietary habits of mammals using Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS). My academic journey also includes an Masters in Conservation Biology at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia and a Bachelor’s degree in Biological Science from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu.

I have always been fascinated by the diversity of wildlife, especially in Malaysia, where we are lucky to have such rich ecosystems filled with unique species. My research allowed me to explore how cutting-edge technologies can help us better understand ecosystem health and conservation efforts, particularly in addressing urgent challenges such as habitat loss and climate change. The more I studied, the more I realized how much work is needed to protect our biodiversity. Joining several scientific expeditions opened my eyes to the reality of conservation work, and I knew that I wanted to contribute in a meaningful way. After completing my PhD, I decided it was time for a change. The laboratory had been my second home, a place where I spent countless hours running experiments, analyzing DNA, and collecting field data. While I loved research, my interactions were mostly limited to my colleagues and fellow scientists. I realized that to truly make an impact, I needed to step out of my comfort zone and engage with people from different backgrounds. That’s what brought me here. I wanted to challenge myself—not just in research but also in communicating science beyond the academic world. Many times, people don’t fully understand what scientists do or why our work matters. I believe it’s our responsibility to bridge that gap and make knowledge accessible to all generations, including those in rural areas. I want to contribute to a world where science and innovation are not just confined to research papers but are actively shaping communities and industries.

For most of my career, my world revolved around the lab. But now, I am stepping into a space where I can collaborate with industry leaders, researchers, and changemakers. I am excited to engage in meaningful discussions, explore new perspectives, and work on initiatives that drive real-world solutions.