Senior lecturer at Faculty of Health Sciences, Univrsiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Malaysia
Associate Professor Dr. Ts. Hasnah Haron is a distinguished researcher in nutritional sciences at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, specializing in food composition analysis, soy health benefits, and innovative food product development. With a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences, she has garnered international recognition through prestigious fellowships at Cornell University and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Dr. Hasnah has significantly contributed to Malaysia’s nutritional landscape as a national representative for the Asia Pacific Food Analysis Network and a key member of committees developing the country’s Food Composition Database and Dietary Guidelines. Her impactful research is reflected in high-quality publications addressing public health challenges, particularly in salt reduction and nutritional interventions. A dedicated mentor, she has supervised nearly 50 postgraduate students, fostering future leaders in the field. Dr. Hasnah’s commitment to research excellence, innovation, and public health policy makes her a leading figure in advancing nutritional science and wellness.
Professional Profile
Education
Associate Professor Dr. Ts. Hasnah Haron possesses a robust academic foundation in nutritional sciences and food science. She earned her Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from Universiti Putra Malaysia in 2009, where her research focused on calcium absorption and the bioavailability of isoflavones from tempe compared to milk among postmenopausal women. She also holds an M.Sc. in Food Sciences from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (2002), where she honed her expertise in food composition and analysis. Her academic journey began with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Food Science and Nutrition from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (1996), providing her with a comprehensive understanding of nutrition and food technology. Dr. Hasnah’s education laid a strong foundation for her career in nutritional research and public health, enabling her to contribute significantly to areas such as food product development, nutritional policy formulation, and the advancement of scientific knowledge in food and health sciences.
Professional Experience
Associate Professor Dr. Ts. Hasnah Haron has extensive professional experience in nutritional sciences and food technology. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM) since 2013, she has been pivotal in advancing research and education in the field. Prior to this role, she was a Lecturer at UKM from 2002 to 2012, shaping the academic journey of numerous students. Dr. Hasnah’s career began as a Science Officer at UNIPEQ, UKM (1996–1999), where she contributed to food quality and safety initiatives. Beyond academia, she has served in influential roles, including as the National Representative for the Asia Pacific Food Analysis Network and as a member of technical working groups for Malaysia’s Food Composition Database and Dietary Guidelines. Dr. Hasnah’s professional trajectory highlights her dedication to research excellence, policy development, and the promotion of nutritional health, making her a key figure in her discipline.
Research Interest
Associate Professor Dr. Ts. Hasnah Haron’s research interests lie at the intersection of nutrition, health, and food science, with a focus on addressing pressing public health challenges. Her expertise encompasses food composition analysis, where she investigates the nutritional profiles of various foods to inform healthier dietary choices. She is particularly renowned for her work on the health effects of soy consumption, exploring its role in promoting bone health and preventing chronic diseases. Dr. Hasnah is also deeply involved in innovative food product development, emphasizing sustainable and functional foods tailored to diverse consumer needs. Additionally, her research utilizes stable isotope techniques to study calcium absorption and protein quality, contributing to advancements in maternal and child nutrition. Dr. Hasnah’s work is characterized by its multidisciplinary approach, integrating nutrition science, public health, and technology to enhance food safety, improve dietary guidelines, and support the development of evidence-based nutritional policies.
Award and Honor
Associate Professor Dr. Ts. Hasnah Haron has been recognized for her outstanding contributions to research, education, and innovation through numerous awards and honors. She received the prestigious Fellowship from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) for her groundbreaking research on calcium absorption using stable isotopes at Cornell University, USA. Dr. Hasnah also earned the UKM Young Researcher Fellowship for her research attachment at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, USA. Her dedication to bone nutrition research earned her a Publication Prize from the Nutrition Society of Malaysia in 2013. Dr. Hasnah has been honored with multiple Excellent Service and Teaching Awards from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, reflecting her commitment to academic excellence. Additionally, she has received accolades for research innovation, including bronze and silver awards at the Invention, Innovation & Design Exposition (IIDEX). These recognitions underscore her contributions to advancing nutritional science and innovative food research on both national and international levels.
Conclusion
Dr. Hasnah Haron is highly suitable for the Best Researcher Award due to her extensive contributions to nutritional sciences, leadership in national and regional food initiatives, impactful research on public health nutrition, and dedication to academic mentorship. Strengthening her international collaborations and focusing on translating research into global health policies would further solidify her case for the award.
Publications Top Noted
- Title: Daidzein and genistein contents in tempeh and selected soy products
Authors: H Haron, A Ismail, A Azlan, S Shahar, LS Peng
Year: 2009
Citations: 125
- Title: Comparison of total phenolic contents (TPC) and antioxidant activities of fresh fruit juices, commercial 100% fruit juices, and fruit drinks
Authors: KH Wern, H Haron, CB Keng
Year: 2016
Citations: 69
- Title: Toxicological evaluation of some Malaysian locally processed raw food products
Authors: R Sharif, AR Ghazali, NF Rajab, H Haron, F Osman
Year: 2008
Citations: 69
- Title: Amylose and amylopectin in selected Malaysian foods and its relationship to glycemic index
Authors: SN Shanita, H Hasnah, CW Khoo
Year: 2011
Citations: 64
- Title: Effect of Talbinah food consumption on depressive symptoms among elderly individuals in long-term care facilities, randomized clinical trial
Authors: MM Badrasawi, S Shahar, ZA Manaf, H Haron
Year: 2013
Citations: 58
- Title: Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of beans: organic vs inorganic
Authors: YH Mastura, H Hasnah, TN Dang
Year: 2017
Citations: 50
- Title: Comparison of physicochemical analysis and antioxidant activities of Nigella sativa seeds and oils from Yemen, Iran, and Malaysia
Authors: H Haron, C Grace-Lynn, S Shahar
Year: 2014
Citations: 44
- Title: Changes in macronutrient, total phenolic and anti-nutrient contents during preparation of tempeh
Authors: H Haron, N Raob
Year: 2014
Citations: 39
- Title: Absorption of calcium from milk and tempeh consumed by postmenopausal Malay women using the dual stable isotope technique
Authors: H Haron, S Shahar, KO O’Brien, A Ismail, N Kamaruddin, SA Rahman
Year: 2010
Citations: 28
- Title: Bone health status and lipid profile among post-menopausal Malay women in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur
Authors: H Hasnah, I Amin, S Suzana
Year: 2012
Citations: 23
- Title: More ulam for your brain: a review on the potential role of ulam in protecting against cognitive decline
Authors: Y You, S Shahar, H Haron, HM Yahya
Year: 2018
Citations: 20
- Title: Total phenolic content and antioxidant capacities of instant mix spices cooking pastes
Authors: Y Hanis Mastura, H Hasnah, YT Yap
Year: 2017
Citations: 20
- Title: Apparent bioavailability of isoflavones in urinary excretions of postmenopausal Malay women consuming tempeh compared with milk
Authors: H Haron, A Ismail, S Shahar, A Azlan, LS Peng
Year: 2011
Citations: 20
- Title: Development and validation of food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) for estimation of the dietary polyphenol intake among elderly individuals in Klang Valley
Authors: S Shahar, CH Lin, H Haron
Year: 2014
Citations: 16
- Title: Hubungan di antara Amalan Kebersihan Diri Pengendali Makanan dan Kebersihan Kafetaria di Kolej Kediaman UKM
Authors: H Sino, Z Mahadi, H Haron, MA Misrin, NI Ismail, MH Mustapa
Year: 2013
Citations: 14
