Professor Ts. Dr. Nanthini Sridewi Appan is a distinguished academic, researcher and scientific advisor with a multidisciplinary background spanning marine science, oceanography, microbial biotechnology, nanotechnology, environmental science and advanced materials. She currently serves as a Professor at the Faculty of Defence Science and Technology, National Defence University of Malaysia (UPNM). She holds a Doctor of Philosophy in Microbial Biotechnology from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Marine Science from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT).    

As Co-Founder and Advisor of Aqvaspace Sdn. Bhd., Professor Nanthini plays an important role in shaping the company’s scientific direction, research capabilities and long-term development. Her academic and research experience provides Aqvaspace with a strong scientific foundation, particularly in areas related to marine and environmental studies, oceanography, environmental biotechnology, pollution assessment, advanced materials and emerging technologies. She provides strategic advice on research methodology, innovation, technical development, collaborative research and the application of scientific knowledge to practical marine and environmental challenges.

Her academic career at UPNM has progressed from Senior Lecturer to Associate Professor and Professor, alongside leadership experience as Deputy Director (Science & Technology), UPNM Press. Her teaching portfolio includes Oceanography, Marine Pollution, Marine Environmental Biotechnology, Marine Corrosion, Inspection & Survey, Maritime Law and Enforcement, and Research Methodology.

Professor Nanthini has led and participated in numerous research projects involving nanocomposites, marine environmental protection, crude-oil degradation, antifouling technology, wastewater treatment, advanced coatings, tribology and biomedical nanomaterials. She has also supervised PhD, Master’s and undergraduate researchers across a broad range of marine, environmental and advanced-material research topics, while serving as an internal and external examiner for universities in Malaysia and abroad.     

Her extensive research and publication record, including work published in ISI- and Scopus-indexed journals, strengthens Aqvaspace’s commitment to technically sound, evidence-based and research-driven solutions. Through her role as Co-Founder and Advisor, Professor Nanthini bridges academic research with industry practice, supporting Aqvaspace in developing innovative, sustainable and scientifically robust solutions for the marine, coastal, environmental and technology sectors.