Mazleenda Mazni-Innovative ledership -Women researcher Award 

Mrs. Mazleenda Mazni-Innovative ledership -Women researcher Award 

Universiti Teknologi MARA-Malaysia 

Author profile

 

Early Academic Pursuits

Mazleenda Binti Mazni embarked on her academic journey with a strong focus on mechatronics and engineering, earning her Bachelor of Mechatronics Engineering with Honors from Universiti Teknikal Malaysia Melaka in 2010. Demonstrating a commitment to continuous learning, she pursued a Master of Engineering in Mechatronics & Automatic Control at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, successfully completing her studies in 2014. These formative years laid the foundation for Mazleenda's expertise in the intricate intersection of mechanical engineering and automation.

Professional Endeavors

Mazleenda's professional journey is characterized by a diverse and enriching set of experiences. She began her career as an Executive in Total Quality Management at Hicom Teck See Manufacturing Sdn Bhd, showcasing her early commitment to quality processes within the manufacturing sector. Following this, she took on the role of a Project Engineer at Malaysia Sumitomo Metal Mining Sdn Bhd, where she further honed her engineering skills.

Transitioning to academia, Mazleenda assumed the position of a Senior Lecturer at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) in Johor, Malaysia, starting in June 2014. This marked a pivotal point in her career, combining her academic background with hands-on experience in the field. Her teaching portfolio spans a range of courses in mechanical engineering, covering topics such as Control System and Instrumentations, Material Science, and Strength of Materials. With a total teaching load of 16-18 hours per week, Mazleenda has been instrumental in shaping the knowledge and skills of future engineers.

Contributions and Research Focus

Mazleenda's contributions extend beyond the classroom, with a strong emphasis on research and innovation. As a Ph.D. student at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, her research focuses on the intricate field of mechatronics, specifically exploring human driving skills for Human Adaptive Mechatronics Application using Neural Network Systems. Her work reflects a keen interest in developing intelligent systems that adapt to human behavior, showcasing her dedication to advancing the field.

Her involvement in various innovation awards, such as the Anugerah Akademik for book publication and multiple medals for innovative projects, underscores Mazleenda's commitment to pushing the boundaries of conventional thinking. Notable projects include the "Ezcare Wheelchair," "iPLC," and the "Integrated Concurrent Programmable Logic Controller Based IR4.0 Practical Educational Training Device."

Accolades and Recognition

Mazleenda's excellence has not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her receipt of several prestigious awards. These include the Anugerah Perkhidmatan Cemerlang (Excellent Service Award) in 2018 and the Anugerah Kecemerlangan Perundingan (Consultant Excellent Award) in 2017, both at the university level. Additionally, her innovative projects have earned her multiple medals at various competitions, including gold, silver, and bronze awards.

Impact and Influence on innovative leadership 

As a Senior Lecturer, Mazleenda's impact extends to her students, colleagues, and the academic community. Her commitment to excellence in service, consulting, and research has left an indelible mark on the institutions she has been associated with. Through her innovative projects, she contributes to the advancement of technology and inspires others in the field of mechatronics.

Innovative leadership is a transformative approach that goes beyond traditional management styles, emphasizing creativity, adaptability, and forward-thinking strategies. A true innovative leader fosters an organizational culture that encourages experimentation, values diverse perspectives, and embraces change as a catalyst for growth. By promoting an environment where team members feel empowered to voice new ideas without fear of failure, an innovative leader cultivates a culture of continuous improvement and learning. This style of leadership not only inspires teams to think outside the box but also positions organizations to thrive in dynamic and competitive landscapes. Innovative leaders are adept at navigating uncertainty, leveraging emerging technologies, and steering their teams towards visionary goals, fostering a culture of innovation that propels both individuals and the organization to new heights.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Mazleenda Binti Mazni's legacy is one of academic excellence, innovative thinking, and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of mechatronics and engineering. Her continued contributions to research, teaching, and industry collaborations underscore her commitment to shaping the future of engineering education and technology. As she progresses in her career, Mazleenda is poised to make further strides, leaving an enduring legacy in the field of mechatronics and inspiring future generations of engineers.

Effective innovative leadership involves not only generating creative ideas but also implementing them successfully. It requires the ability to recognize and capitalize on emerging opportunities, often challenging the status quo to drive positive change. An innovative leader serves as a role model, demonstrating agility, resilience, and a passion for exploration. By fostering collaboration and providing a platform for idea-sharing, this leadership style creates a dynamic synergy that fuels innovation. Ultimately, innovative leaders leave a lasting impact on their teams and organizations by instilling a mindset that embraces change, disruption, and continuous evolution, ensuring sustained success in an ever-evolving business landscape.

Notable publications

 

Tahereh (Neda) Hayeri-Innovative Leadership-Best Researcher Award 

Dr. Tahereh (Neda) Hayeri-Innovative Leadership-Best Researcher Award 

Eastern Michigan University-United States 

Author profile 

Early Academic Pursuits

Tahereh (Neda) Hayeri has demonstrated a passion for science from the early stages of her academic journey. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Applied Chemistry from Khajeh Nasir Toosi University of Technology (KNTU) in 2010. This foundation laid the groundwork for her future pursuits in the dynamic field of polymers and coatings technology.

Hayeri continued her academic journey by obtaining a Master's degree in Marine Chemistry from Islamic Azad University, Science & Research Branch, in 2016. Her thesis, titled "Elimination of Organic Dyes Pollutant from Water and Wastewater by Activated Bentonite Composite (Using Nanoparticles) as an Adsorbent," showcased her early commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative solutions.

Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Polymers and Coatings Technology at Eastern Michigan University, Hayeri is expected to graduate in 2024. Her doctoral research, titled "Development of Sustainable Hydrophobic Thermoset Coatings using Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Technology," reflects her dedication to advancing eco-friendly coating technologies.

Professional Endeavors

Tahereh (Neda) Hayeri has accumulated over 12 years of invaluable experience in the automotive coating industry, demonstrating a versatile and comprehensive skill set. Her roles as a QC chemist, R&D senior scientist, laboratory supervisor, and field inspector underscore her commitment to excellence and innovation.

As a Graduate Assistant at Eastern Michigan University since August 2021, Hayeri has been actively involved in developing hydrophobic sustainable coatings for various substrates, eco-friendly topcoats utilizing sol-gel reactions, and sustainable clearcoats for automotive applications. Her contributions extend to the development of non-acrylate UV-LED Nail Gel and dual-curable coatings, showcasing her expertise in cutting-edge technologies.

During her summer internships at Rust-Oleum and Chemical Dynamic in 2022 and 2023, respectively, Hayeri delved into optimizing wood-care coatings, architectural water-borne coatings, anti-corrosion epoxy and polyurethane coatings, and superhydrophobic clearcoats for the automotive industry. These experiences further enriched her understanding of industry dynamics and sustainability practices.

As an R&D Senior Scientist at Gamma Thinner in Iran from 2016 to 2021, Hayeri played a pivotal role in formulating and optimizing properties of OEM and refinish primers, basecoats, clearcoats, and their thinners. She contributed significantly to the development of anti-dirt refinish clearcoats and explored various colors for solid, metallic, and pearl basecoats. Her research on weatherability and durability of different resins and the optimization of paint processes highlighted her commitment to enhancing coating performance.

Contributions and Research Focus:

Tahereh (Neda) Hayeri's research focus revolves around the development of sustainable and innovative coating technologies. Her work encompasses various aspects, including the formulation and optimization of coatings for different substrates, exploration of eco-friendly topcoats, and advancements in UV-curable nail gels. Notably, her research on the value of wet organic waste for carbon neutrality demonstrates her commitment to environmentally conscious practices.

In her role as a Laboratory Supervisor at Metra Research Group in Iran, Hayeri showcased leadership by organizing and overseeing laboratory projects. Her efforts in establishing ISO 17025 requirements, conducting proficiency tests, and collaborating in the revision of Standard Test Procedures underscore her commitment to quality control and standardization.

Accolades and Recognition

Hayeri's contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized with awards such as "The Best Paper Award" at the Waterborne Symposium (February 2024) and CoatingsTech Conference (June 2023). Her patent pending for "LED Nail Gel Based on Non-Acrylate Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Bio-Based Binder System" reflects her innovative approach to coating solutions.

Moreover, innovative leadership extends beyond idea generation; it involves effective implementation and the ability to navigate ambiguity. Leaders in this category are adept at leveraging emerging technologies, trends, and market insights to drive transformative initiatives. They foster an atmosphere that embraces failure as a stepping stone to success, encouraging experimentation and learning from setbacks. By promoting a culture of inclusivity, where diverse perspectives are valued and creativity flourishes, innovative leaders create high-performing teams capable of adapting to change and driving sustained success. In essence, innovative leadership is about catalyzing a mindset shift that sees challenges as opportunities, embraces change, and propels organizations toward continuous improvement and future success.

Impact and Influence on innovative leadership 

Tahereh (Neda) Hayeri's impact on the coatings industry is evident through her extensive research contributions, innovative formulations, and commitment to sustainability. Her work has the potential to shape the future of eco-friendly coatings, and her leadership in laboratory supervision has influenced quality control standards.

Innovative leadership is a dynamic approach to guiding teams and organizations that goes beyond traditional methods, emphasizing creativity, adaptability, and forward-thinking strategies. An innovative leader fosters a culture that encourages employees to think outside the box, take calculated risks, and explore unconventional solutions to challenges. Such leaders prioritize continuous learning and create environments where team members feel empowered to contribute their unique perspectives. They understand that innovation often involves embracing change and navigating uncertainty, and they actively cultivate a mindset that sees challenges as opportunities for growth. Innovative leaders not only introduce groundbreaking ideas themselves but also inspire and facilitate collaborative innovation within their teams, driving a culture of experimentation and adaptation to stay ahead in rapidly evolving landscapes.

Legacy and Future Contributions

As Hayeri continues her Ph.D. journey and contributes to conferences, her legacy is bound to be one of innovation and environmental responsibility. Her focus on sustainable coating technologies and commitment to academic and industrial collaboration position her as a future leader in the coatings industry, leaving a lasting impact on both research and application.

In summary, Tahereh (Neda) Hayeri's academic pursuits, professional journey, research focus, accolades, and future contributions collectively paint a picture of a dedicated scientist making significant strides in the field of polymers and coatings technology.

Notable publications