Core Research Themes
Environmental Hydrology & Water Resources: Investigating watershed dynamics, rainfall-runoff modeling, and sustainable water management.
Climate Change Impacts: Modeling and mitigating the effects of climate change on water quality, flood risks, and coastal vulnerabilities.
Pollution Tracking & Control: Identifying and managing Non-Point Source (NPS) pollution and assessing pollutant release/emissions.
What I Look For in a Graduate Student
A strong academic background in Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or Earth Sciences.
Proficiency or willingness to learn hydrological modeling software (e.g., SWAT, HEC-HMS) and GIS tools.
A proactive mindset, independence in problem-solving, and a readiness to conduct rigorous fieldwork.
Strong scientific writing skills in English for journal publications.
Mentorship Philosophy & Life Beyond the Lab
I believe that a successful postgraduate journey requires not just rigorous research, but also a healthy work-life balance. My goal is to foster a research environment where students are focused yet avoid burnout. When I am not modeling watersheds or drafting journal papers, you can usually find me watching movies or reading manga. I encourage my students to pursue their own outside interests to maintain a sharp and creative mindset. I provide comprehensive support, including structured guidance in technical writing and weekly feedback sessions to ensure your project stays on track and meets rigorous academic standards.
How to Apply
Prepare your documents: Ensure you have an updated CV (including any past publications), your academic transcripts, and a brief 1-2 page research proposal outlining your specific area of interest.
Contact me: Send your documents via email to josilva@utm.my with the subject line: “Prospective Graduate Student – [Your Name] – [Ph.D. or Master’s]”.
Formal Application: Once we have discussed and agreed on a research direction, you can proceed with the formal application through the UTM School of Graduate Studies (SPS) portal – https://sps.utm.my/.
Why Conduct Your Research With Me?
Real-World Industry Experience: Before transitioning entirely to academia, I gained extensive practical experience working as a Site Engineer with IJM Construction and as a Hospital Operations Engineer for the Ministry of Health. I understand the realities of site execution and operational management, which grounds our research in practical, industry-applicable solutions.
Specialized Expertise in NPS Pollution: My core Ph.D. and ongoing research specialize in Non-Point Source pollution, giving students the opportunity to work deeply on one of the most pressing water quality challenges in modern environmental engineering.
Professional Engineering Synergy: As a Professional Engineer (Ir.) and Professional Technologist (Ts.), I bridge the gap between rigorous academic modeling and the practical standards required by the engineering industry.
Hands-on Fieldwork & Modeling: My students gain comprehensive experience in both advanced computational hydrology modeling and active, real-world fieldwork.
