Hello, Meet Dania: New Member of Leave a Nest Malaysia

Hello, I’m Dania Qarrina!

I recently joined Leave a Nest Malaysia in the Frontier Development Division, and I’m excited to finally share a little bit about my journey.

I started my academic path in Environmental Technology at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu, then continued into a fast-track PhD in Chemical Engineering at Universiti Malaya. During my PhD, I managed to publish six Q1 journal articles, mostly driven by my curiosity about how we can turn everyday waste into something useful. My research focused on transforming polystyrene plastic into liquid fuels like gasoline and diesel through a process called liquefaction. I studied how different solvents and reaction conditions affected the efficiency and quality of the fuel, and the project was supported by Lotte Chemical Titan, giving me a valuable perspective on how research can connect with real-world applications.

Beyond the lab, I am deeply passionate about waste management and sustainable solutions. I have always believed that science has the power to not only innovate but also to mitigate environmental impact, and finding ways to turn plastic waste into useful fuel is one example of how research can contribute to a greener and more sustainable future.

My first time hearing about Leave a Nest was during TECH PLANTER 2023, where LiquePro, a startup initiated by my supervisor based on my research, took part in the program. Watching how scientific ideas could spark real innovation made a lasting impression on me. It also introduced me to Leave a Nest’s mission of advancing science and technology for global happiness, which instantly felt like something I wanted to be part of.

Now at Leave a Nest, I hope to contribute to sustainability efforts, especially in waste management, and to be involved in projects that drive meaningful innovation. I believe Malaysia has a strong foundation of ideas and expertise, and I’m excited to play a role in connecting these strengths with real-world impact.

When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me travelling, exploring new places or hiking a trail somewhere. Being outdoors always reminds me why sustainability matters, and it keeps me motivated to work on solutions that protect the environment we love. I’m really looking forward to connecting with more people who share the same curiosity and passion for science, sustainability, and meaningful impact.