Lecturer at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak, Malaysia
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Devagi Kanakaraju is a Malaysian chemist and educator dedicated to the advancement of sustainable environmental practices through science and education. With a Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry from James Cook University, Australia, she has established herself as a prominent researcher and academic leader at UNIMAS. Her contributions to both research and pedagogy have earned her numerous accolades, including the Distinguished Alumni Award from the Malaysian Australian Alumni Council and multiple innovation medals at national and university expos. She continues to drive impact through research excellence, innovative teaching, and academic leadership.
Profile
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🎓 Education
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Ph.D. in Environmental Chemistry, James Cook University, Australia – 2014
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Postgraduate Diploma in Teaching and Learning, Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS) – 2005
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M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia – 2003
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B.Sc. Ed (Hons) in Chemistry, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia – 2000
👨🔬 Experience
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Devagi Kanakaraju is an academic with over two decades of experience in higher education, currently serving as Deputy Director at the Centre for Academic Development and Management at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). Since joining UNIMAS in 2003, she has held various leadership and academic positions, including Program Coordinator at the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology (2015–2017, 2019–2023). She has contributed significantly to curriculum innovation, teaching excellence, and academic management. She began her professional career as a Publishing Editor at Penerbitan Pelangi Sdn Bhd (2002–2003). Dr. Kanakaraju is also an active member of the Malaysian Institute of Chemistry, the American Chemical Society, and the Malaysian Young Chemists Network.
🔍 Research Interest
Dr. Kanakaraju’s research spans across Environmental Chemistry, Materials Chemistry, and Analytical Chemistry. Her work focuses on water and wastewater treatment, photocatalysis, green chemistry, and the development of novel composite materials for environmental remediation. She is particularly known for innovations like the “Capture and Break (Cab)” and “DARe-CP” photocatalyst systems for dye and waste degradation. Her multidisciplinary research integrates chemistry, environmental science, and sustainability.
📚 Publications
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Kanakaraju, D., Anak Kutiang, F.D., Lim, Y.C., Goh, P.S.
“Recent progress of Ag/TiO₂ photocatalyst for wastewater treatment: Doping, co-doping, and green materials functionalization”
Applied Materials Today, Volume 27, 101500 (2022)
📈 Citations: 121
🔬 This paper reviews cutting-edge advancements in Ag/TiO₂ photocatalysts, highlighting the role of metal/non-metal doping, co-doping, and eco-friendly functionalization techniques to enhance photocatalytic efficiency for wastewater treatment.
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Kanakaraju, D., Ravichandar, S., Lim, Y.C.
“Combined effects of adsorption and photocatalysis by hybrid TiO₂/ZnO-calcium alginate beads for the removal of copper”
Journal of Environmental Sciences, Volume 55, pp. 214–223 (2017)
📈 Citations: 116
🧪 This study explores a dual-function hybrid bead system incorporating TiO₂/ZnO and calcium alginate, capable of simultaneously adsorbing and degrading copper ions from aqueous systems, paving the way for multifunctional treatment technologies.
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Kanakaraju, D., Chandrasekaran, A.
“Recent advances in TiO₂/ZnS-based binary and ternary photocatalysts for the degradation of organic pollutants”
Science of the Total Environment, Volume 868, 161525 (2023)
📈 Citations: 105
🧫 A comprehensive review of TiO₂/ZnS photocatalyst systems, this article details their mechanisms, synthesis techniques, and potential in degrading persistent organic pollutants through advanced photocatalytic reactions.
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Al-Sharqi, A., Apun, K., Vincent, M., Kanakaraju, D., Bilung, L.M.
“Enhancement of the antibacterial efficiency of silver nanoparticles against gram‐positive and gram‐negative bacteria using blue laser light”
International Journal of Photoenergy, 2019(1), Article ID 2528490
📈 Citations: 81
💡 This paper demonstrates the synergistic use of silver nanoparticles and blue laser light in improving antibacterial efficacy, showing promise for non-antibiotic antimicrobial strategies.
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Wahi, R., Zuhaidi, N.F.Q., Yusof, Y., Jamel, J., Kanakaraju, D., Ngaini, Z.
“Chemically treated microwave-derived biochar: An overview”
Biomass and Bioenergy, Volume 107, pp. 411–421 (2017)
📈 Citations: 81
🌱 This overview assesses the potential of chemically modified, microwave-derived biochar for environmental applications, particularly in adsorption and soil enhancement.
Conclusion
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Devagi Kanakaraju stands out as a leading researcher in materials and environmental chemistry, with an outstanding record in sustainable innovation, high-impact publications, academic leadership, and applied research. Her contributions to novel photocatalyst systems and hybrid materials have direct implications for environmental sustainability and green technology.
She is a highly deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award in Materials Chemistry, with both the academic pedigree and real-world impact to represent excellence in this field.