Mr Thao Liang Chiam
Higher Degree by Research Candidate
School of Dentistry
College of Health
I am a graduate researcher in the field of Forensic Odontology, with a research focus on the application of palatal morphology in forensic human identification and biological profiling. My work investigates how anatomical variation of the palate can contribute to forensic casework, particularly in situations where conventional identification methods are limited.
My research explores the role of palatal morphology in estimating population affinity, assessing sexual dimorphism, and understanding craniofacial variation associated with growth and development. Through the integration of advanced analytical approaches, my project also examines the application of machine learning techniques to improve the accuracy, reliability, and efficiency of forensic profiling methods.
I am particularly interested in the intersection of forensic science, dental anthropology, and emerging digital technologies, with the aim of developing innovative tools that can support forensic investigations and human identification practices.
| Date | Position | Institution name |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 - ongoing | Trainee dental lecturer | The National University of Malaysia |
| 2018 - 2021 | Dental officer | Ministry Of Health |
| Date | Type | Title | Institution Name | Country | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Award | Images of Learning and Teaching Competition - 1st Place | University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2025 | Award | Florey Postgraduate Conference - Adelaide Dental School Prize | University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| 2024 | Award | Adelaide Dental School Research Day - Best Poster Presentation | University of Adelaide | Australia | - |
| Language | Competency |
|---|---|
| Chinese (Mandarin) | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| English | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| Malay | Can read, write, speak, understand spoken and peer review |
| Date | Institution name | Country | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | University of Adelaide | Australia | PhD candidate |
| 2022 - 2022 | University of Adelaide | Australia | Grad Dip For Odont |
| 2012 - 2017 | The National University of Malaysia | Malaysia | DDS |
| Year | Citation |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Chiam, T., Gurr, A., Hughes, T., Palmer, L., & Higgins, D. (2026). Three-dimensional variation of the human hard palate across populations: a geometric morphometrics study. Dentistry Journal, 14(5), 258-1-258-22. |
| 2025 | Perkins, H., Chiam, T. L., Forrest, A., & Higgins, D. (2025). 3D dental images in forensic odontology: A scoping review of superimposition approaches utilizing 3D imaging. Forensic Imaging, 40, 11 pages. Scopus7 WoS6 |
| 2025 | Chiam, T. L., Perkins, H., Hughes, T., Palmer, L., & Higgins, D. (2025). Palatal Morphology: A Systematic Review of the Association of Palatal Shape with Genetic Ancestry, Sex and Age. Archives of Oral Biology, 175, 106275-1-106275-22. Scopus1 |
| 2023 | Liang, C. T., Higgins, D., & Ashar, A. (2023). Evidentiary value of smile photographs from the internet for human identification: A pilot study. Forensic Imaging, 33, 9 pages. Scopus2 WoS2 |
| - | Chiam, T. L., Choo, J., Ashar, A., Hussaini, H. M., Rajandram, R. K., & Nordin, R. (2024). Efficacy of natural enzymes mouthwash: a randomised controlled trial. Clinical Oral Investigations, 28(5). |
| Date | Role | Research Topic | Location | Program | Supervision Type | Student Load | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 - ongoing | Co-Supervisor | The Relationship Between Palatal Morphology Development and Crowding Severity in the Permanent Dentition | School of Dentistry, Adelaide University | BSciDent(Hons) | Honours | Part Time | Darcie Sweet |
| 2025 - ongoing | Co-Supervisor | Exploring early life influences on craniofacial growth using genetically informative data | School of Dentistry, Adelaide University | BSciDent(Hons) | Honours | Part Time | Rayyan Saqib |
| Date | Role | Committee | Institution | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 - ongoing | Representative | HDR Student Representative, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences | University of Adelaide | Australia |
| 2024 - ongoing | Representative | HDR Student Representative, Adelaide Dental School | University of Adelaide | Australia |