My name is Zayar, and I am a graduate student in Materials Science and Engineering at Mahidol University in Thailand. I come from a humble background, as my parents were government employees. It has been a struggle to pursue higher education, but my work ethic, passion for learning, and commitment to my community have driven me to overcome the challenges.
I have always wanted to use science and technology to make a positive impact. That passion led me to establish a youth-led Red Cross team in Myanmar, where I have worked for seven years to alleviate human suffering and build resilient communities through disaster risk reduction, first aid training, and the promotion of humanitarian values.
My volunteer work with the Myanmar Red Cross sparked my interest in combining materials science with disaster management.
As an undergraduate at the University of Technology (Yatanarpon Cyber City) in Myanmar, I studied Materials and Metallurgical Engineering. I participated in projects, competitions, and internships in both materials science and disaster management, and gained field experience at mining and metallurgical companies.
I also had the opportunity to represent Myanmar as head of delegation at the 8th National Youth Gathering and International Youth Camp in Indonesia, and participated in the 2018 GKS for ASEAN Countries Science and Engineering Students Program at Chosun University in South Korea, where I learned about Korean technology, language, and culture.
As a graduate student at Mahidol University, I am researching the synthesis of silver nanoparticles using fungi, with the aim of developing antimicrobial packaging materials that can help counter future pandemics. Infectious diseases continue to pose a significant threat to public health in Myanmar, and silver nanoparticles in packaging materials have the potential to provide an additional layer of protection against harmful pathogens.
About Zayar
- Age: 30
- Ethnicity: Burmese
- Country: Myanmar
School & Program
- Mahidol University
- Master’s, Materials Science & Biomaterials Engineering
- Graduated
Goals & Dreams
- Work in public safety in Myanmar
- Improve antimicrobial packaging using silver nanoparticles
- Hike in the Swiss Alps
Loan Details
- Loan Amount: $3,225
- Amount Left To Fund: $3,025
- Contract Duration: 11 years
- Status: In Deferment
Alongside my research, I work as a teaching assistant in the chemistry department, developing my skills in time management and the communication of complex scientific concepts. Looking ahead, I hope to continue my research in materials science and nanotechnology, focusing on innovative solutions to the challenges faced by Myanmar. I am deeply committed to making a positive impact on the lives of people in my country, and I believe my research and my ongoing work with the Red Cross will play an important role in that effort.
Written by Zayar with editing assistance from Holland, one of Zomia’s volunteer editors.
Zayar
“I have worked for seven years to alleviate human suffering and build resilient communities through disaster risk reduction, first aid training, and the promotion of humanitarian values.”