SHORT BIOGRAPHY

Ricca Rahman Nasaruddin is naturally observant, always picking up on the little things, whether it’s a hidden pattern in human behavior, a subtle detail in the lab, or a bridge that needs building between frontier science and everyday life. It’s this curious, thoughtful approach that shapes everything she does, making her journey as an educator, researcher, and creator wonderfully rich and multi-layered.

At the International Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM), she serves as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Sustainability. Over nearly a decade, Ricca has found true joy in guiding, mentoring, and learning alongside the next generation of engineers. While her research dives deep into the microscopic world, focusing on nanomaterials, gold nanoclusters, and catalysis, her heart is always set on real-world impact. She is deeply passionate about green hydrogen, turning agricultural waste into valuable resources, and finding sustainable tech solutions for our planet. Recently, she brought this passion to life in the deep-tech sector during a year-long attachment with nanoSkunkWorkX Sdn. Bhd., exploring how raw science transforms into meaningful commercial products.

In the classroom, whether she is teaching complex subjects like Thermodynamics and Reaction Engineering or exploring Technology Entrepreneurship, Ricca’s true goal is to foster a supportive space where students learn how to think. She brings a healthy dose of patience and grit to the learning process, firmly believing that education has the power to transform lives, a reality she has happily lived herself.

When she steps away from the lab and lecture halls, Ricca loves to explore the world through different lenses. You can often find her sharing stories on stage, experimenting with digital art and programming, or simply observing the beauty of human nature. She genuinely treasures quiet moments for deep reflection, just as much as she values the vibrant energy of connecting with a community.