University of Nottingham Malaysia
Faculty of Science
     
  
 

Image of Jaya Kumar Karunagharan

Jaya Kumar Karunagharan

Assistant Professor,

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Biography

Jaya Kumar graduated from University Putra Malaysia with a BSc in Biotechnology and from University Kebangsaan Malaysia with an MSc in Genetics. He also has a Cambridge International Diploma for Teachers and Trainers. Eventually, he pursued and completed a Postgraduate Certificate for Higher Education from the University of Nottingham Malaysia. Jaya has a PhD in Psychology from the University of Nottingham Malaysia (UNM), through which he studied the effects of stereotype threat on students within a classroom setting.

Jaya taught A Level, UNSW Foundation Year and AUSMAT Biology for 7 years prior to joining UNM in 2013 to teach Biology in the Foundation in Science. He currently Heads the Foundation in Science in UNM.

Jaya Kumar is a Senior Fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (now know as Advance HE) and the Director of the Nottingham Recognition Scheme in UNM. These roles has provided the opportunity for Jaya to also be the pioneering Deputy Chair of the Malaysian Senior Fellows Working Group. He is also a Professional Technologist with the Malaysian Board of Technologists (MBOT). His interest in teaching and learning has also led to his involvement in the Teaching and Learning Observation College as an Associate and he is a two-time Lord Dearing Award recipient.

Expertise Summary

Biology, Genetics, Stereotypes and Prejudice, Social Psychology, Stereotype Threat, Stereotype Inoculation, Role Model Effect

Teaching Summary

Previously taught on these courses in the Foundation in Science and School of Psychology:

  • SCIFF005 Cells & Molecules
  • SCIFF006 Ecology, Energy and the Environment
  • SCIFF007 Genetics & Living Systems
  • SCIFF022 Biomolecules & Genetics
  • SCIFF012 Laboratory Practicals in Science
  • SCIFF019 Study Skills for Science
  • C83SIP The Self and Intergroup Processes

Currently teaching on the following modules:

  • SCIFF024 Biology 1
  • SCIFF025 Biology 2
  • PSGY1010 Cognitive Psychology 1
  • PSGY1011 Biological Psychology

Research Summary

Malaysia needs more Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) literate professionals as it becomes more digitalised and demand for healthcare-related skills increase amidst the pandemic… read more

Selected Publications

  • ARVAREE, T., YAP, C. L., YAP, J. and KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., 2024. Enhancing Aquaculture Sustainability: Investigating White Shrimp Growth via IOT-Monitored Water Quality In: 11th International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 (ICFA 2024).
  • ARVAREE, T., KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., CHIA, J., RAMAKRISHNAN, K., LI, M. Y. S., SIVAPALAN, S. and SELVARAJOO, A., 2024. Integrating STEM Education Approach Using Inquiry-Based Learning in Enhancing Higher Order Thinking Skills Among Foundation Students in UNM In: Conference of Pre-University Education 2024 (COPE24).
  • KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., 2024. Malaysia’s Senior Fellows Network: connecting educators, cultivating excellence. Available at: <https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/news-and-views/malaysias-senior-fellows-network-connecting-educators-cultivating-excellence>
  • SANZANA, M. R., ABDULRAZIC, M. O. M., WONG, J. Y., KARUNAGHARAN, J. K. and CHIA, J., 2024. Gamified virtual labs: Shifting from physical environments for low-risk interactive learning Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. 16(1), 208-221

Current Research

Malaysia needs more Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) literate professionals as it becomes more digitalised and demand for healthcare-related skills increase amidst the pandemic threat. However, the persistent gender gaps in STEM make it difficult to meet the demand and stand in the way of scientific and economic progress. Although female participation in education has improved over the years, fewer female students tend to pursue STEM-related fields even though female students, in total, outnumber their male counterparts. One prominent explanation is that there aren't enough female role models in STEM education to boost women's confidence in pursuing this profession, given the anxiety they face due to the stereotype that STEM is not for women. However, despite the positive effects of role models, these effects are disproportionate which suggests that there could be other factors that counter the inoculating effect of role models. My research work examines the impact that exposure to female (vs. male) role models could have on female STEM students' educational outcomes. The findings could challenge the current thinking around the persistent gender gap in STEM and will help to inform a robust/inclusive government policy around STEM education in Malaysia.

Apart from this, I'm also involved in the following studies:

Development of Augmented Reality Based Training to Enhance Future Representation of Females in STEM.

Addressing the Gender Gap in Spatial Ability Among Engineering Students Using Augmented Reality

Improving the Quality of Teamwork Assessments in the Foundation in Science Programme Through a Peer Assessment System.

Augmenting Teaching with Augmented Reality: A Case for Chemistry and Biology in Foundation in Science.

  • SANZANA, M. R., ABDULRAZIC, M. O. M., WONG, J. Y., KARUNAGHARAN, J. K. and CHIA, J., 2024. Gamified virtual labs: Shifting from physical environments for low-risk interactive learning Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education. 16(1), 208-221
  • KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., 2024. Malaysia’s Senior Fellows Network: connecting educators, cultivating excellence. Available at: <https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/news-and-views/malaysias-senior-fellows-network-connecting-educators-cultivating-excellence>
  • ARVAREE, T., KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., CHIA, J., RAMAKRISHNAN, K., LI, M. Y. S., SIVAPALAN, S. and SELVARAJOO, A., 2024. Integrating STEM Education Approach Using Inquiry-Based Learning in Enhancing Higher Order Thinking Skills Among Foundation Students in UNM In: Conference of Pre-University Education 2024 (COPE24).
  • ARVAREE, T., YAP, C. L., YAP, J. and KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., 2024. Enhancing Aquaculture Sustainability: Investigating White Shrimp Growth via IOT-Monitored Water Quality In: 11th International Conference on Fisheries and Aquaculture 2024 (ICFA 2024).
  • TANJITPIYANOND, PORNTIDA, JETTEN, JOLANDA, PETERS, KIM, ASHOKKUMAR, ASHWINI, BARRY, OUMAR, BILLET, MATTHEW, BECKER, MAJA, BOOTH, ROBERT W., CASTRO, DIEGO, CHINCHILLA, JUANA, COSTANTINI, GIULIO, DEJONCKHEERE, EGON, DIMDINS, GIRTS, ERBAS, YASEMIN, ESPINOSA, AGUSTIN, FINCHILESCU, GILLIAN, GOMEZ, ANGEL, GONZALEZ, ROBERTO, GOTO, NOBUHIKO, HATANO, AYA, HARTWICH, LEA, JARUKASEMTHAWEE, SOMBOON, KARUNAGHARAN, JAYA KUMAR, NOVAK, LINDSAY M., KIM, JINSEOK P., KOHUT, MICHAL, LIU, YI, LOUGHNAN, STEVE, ONYISHI, IKE E., ONYISHI, CHARITY N., VARELA, MICAELA, PATTARA-ANGKOON, IRIS S., PEKER, MUJDE, PISITSUNGKAGARN, KULLAYA, RIZWAN, MUHAMMAD, SUH, EUNKOOK M., SWANN, WILLIAM, TONG, EDDIE M. W., TURNER, RHIANNON N., VANHASBROECK, NIELS, VAN LANGE, PAUL A. M., VAUCLAIR, CHRISTIN-MELANIE, VINOGRADOV, ALEXANDER, WACERA, GRACE, WANG, ZHECHEN, WIBISONO, SUSILO and YEUNG, VICTORIA WAI-LAN, 2023. A 32-society investigation of the influence of perceived economic inequality on social class stereotyping EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY. 53(2), 367-382
  • KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., YONG, S. T., KHIEW, P. S. and CHIA, J., 2023. Learning science via simulations: Evaluating the impact on student learning. In: T. BYROM and J. CAWKWELL, eds., The teaching and learning challenges of 21st-century higher education: Prioritising pedagogy Cambridge Scholars Publishing.
  • YAP, C. L., KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., CHIA, J. K. L., LIAO, I. Y. and LEE, H. S., 2023. Developing augmented reality mobile app for learning nucleophilic substitution reaction mechanisms in organic chemistry: User perception and experience In: Proceedings of the 2023 4th International Conference on Education, Knowledge and Information Management (ICEKIM 2023). 1177-1185
  • CAWKWELL, J., RAMOS, H., STORER-SMITH, A. and KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., 2023. Collaborative practices in pursuit of effective teaching In: University of Nottingham Teaching and Learning Conference 2023.
  • KARUNAGHARAN, J. K. and OWUAMALAM, C. K., 2022. The Impact of Role Models on “Spotlighted” Underrepresented Students in STEM. In: Malaysian Psychology Student Assembly (MAPSA).
  • KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., RAMAKRISHNAN, K. and CHIA, J., 2021. Bridge the Student Evaluating Teacher tool and Student Evaluating Module tool with students’ performance at higher learning institutions in Malaysia. In: 13th International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies (EDULEARN21). 1386-1390
  • KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., 2021. Collaborative community: Fellowship at its best! Available at: <https://www.advance-he.ac.uk/news-and-views/collaborative-community-fellowship-its-best>
  • BRANDT, MARK J., KUPPENS, TOON, SPEARS, RUSSELL, ANDRIGHETTO, LUCA, AUTIN, FREDERIQUE, BABINCAK, PETER, BADEA, CONSTANTINA, BAE, JAECHANG, BATRUCH, ANATOLIA, BECKER, JULIA C., BOCIAN, KONRAD, BODROZA, BOJANA, BOURGUIGNON, DAVID, BUKOWSKI, MARCIN, BUTERA, FABRIZIO, BUTLER, SARAH E., CHRYSSOCHOOU, XENIA, CONWAY, PAUL, CRAWFORD, JARRET T., CROIZET, JEAN-CLAUDE, DE LEMUS, SOLEDAD, DEGNER, JULIANE, DRAGON, PIOTR, DURANTE, FEDERICA, EASTERBROOK, MATTHEW J., ESSIEN, INIOBONG, FORGAS, JOSEPH P., GONZALEZ, ROBERTO, GRAF, SYLVIE, HALAMA, PETER, HAN, GYUSEOG, HONG, RYAN Y., HOUDEK, PETR, IGOU, ERIC R., INBAR, YOEL, JETTEN, JOLANDA, JIMENEZ LEAL, WILLIAM, JIMENEZ-MOYA, GLORIA, KARUNAGHARAN, JAYA KUMAR, KENDE, ANNA, KORZH, MARIA, LAHAM, SIMON M., LAMMERS, JORIS, LIM, LI, MANSTEAD, ANTONY S. R., MEDEDOVIC, JANKO, MELTON, ZACHARY J., MOTYL, MATT, NTANI, SPYRIDOULA, OWUAMALAM, CHUMA KEVIN, PEKER, MUEJDE, PLATOW, MICHAEL J., PRIMS, J. P., REYNA, CHRISTINE, RUBIN, MARK, SAAB, RIM, SANKARAN, SINDHUJA, SHEPHERD, LEE, SIBLEY, CHRIS G., SOBKOW, AGATA, SPRUYT, BRAM, STROEBAEK, PERNILLE, SUEMER, NEBI, SWEETMAN, JOSEPH, TEIXEIRA, CATIA P., TOMA, CLAUDIA, UJHELYI, ADRIENN, VAN DER TOORN, JOJANNEKE, VAN HIEL, ALAIN, VASQUEZ-ECHEVERRIA, ALEJANDRO, VAZQUEZ, ALEXANDRA, VIANELLO, MICHELANGELO, VRANKA, MAREK, YZERBYT, VINCENT and ZIMMERMAN, JENNIFER L., 2020. Subjective status and perceived legitimacy across countries EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY. 50(5), 921-942
  • KARUNAGHARAN, J. K. and OWUAMALAM, C. K., 2017. Do outgroup teachers enhance or diminish academic outcomes of stereotyped students relative to ingroup teachers? In: Malaysian International Psychology Conference 2017.
  • KARUNAGHARAN, J. K. and OWUAMALAM, C. K., 2017. Do outgroup teachers enhance or diminish academic outcomes of stereotyped students relative to ingroup teachers? In: 18th General Meeting of The European Association of Social Psychology. 130
  • OWUAMALAM, C. K., WEERABANGSA, M. M.,, KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., and RUBIN, M., 2016. Chip on the shoulder? The hunchback heuristic predicts the attribution of anger to low status groups and calm to high status groups Cogent Psychology. 3(1), 1210998
  • KARUNAGHARAN, J.K. and OWUAMALAM, C., 2015. West is best? Effects of race-based status and stereotypicality on anxiety and classroom participation of Malaysian science students. In: The Society of Australasian Social Psychologist 44th Annual Conference 2015.
  • KARUNAGHARAN, J. K., 2015. Shedding light on the Stereotype Inoculation Model by infusing predictions from the Stereotype Content Model. In: the British Psychological Society Development Section and Social Section Annual Conference 2015.
  • KARUNAGHARAN, J.K., GAN, S.R., PHANG, S.K.H., SATEL, J., RUBIN, M. and OWUAMALAM, C., 2014. Fact or fiction? An acoustic signalling and neuroimaging test of the hunchback hypothesis of emotional displays. In: The 5th International Neuroscience Symposium (INS'14).
  • JAYA KUMAR KARUNAGHARAN, 2012. Helping students overcome the fear of making mistakes - A barrier to effective learning In: Proceedings of The 2nd Pre-University Conference. 1. 51-54
  • JAYA KUMAR, K., CHOONG, C.Y., WICKNESWARI, R. and RAJA BARIZAN, R.S., 2005. A sex ratio survey of Calamus manan planted in a secondary forest In: Proceedings of Second Regional Symposium on Environment and Natural Resources. 2. 59-61
  • JAYA KUMAR, K., CHOONG, C.Y., WICKNESWARI, R. and RAJA BARIZAN, R.S., 2005. Pembangunan penanda CAP bagi tiga gen pembungaan dalam Calamus manan In: Prosiding Kolokium Siswazah Kelima. 369-371
  • JAYA, K.K., LATIP, M.A.A., CHOONG, C.Y. and WICKNESWARI, R., 2005. Characterisation of flowering gene FIL1 in Calamus manan In: Proceedings of the 6th National Congress on Genetics. 91-94

Faculty of Science

University of Nottingham Malaysia
Jalan Broga, 43500 Semenyih
Selangor Darul Ehsan
Malaysia

telephone: +6 (03) 8924 8000
fax: +6 (03) 8924 8018

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