Assist. Prof. Dr. Hafiza Farhat Mutalib - Botany - Best Researcher Award
Gomal University DI Khan KPK Pakistan - Pakistan
Author Profile
🌱 Early academic pursuits
Dr. Hafiza Farhat Mutalib began her academic journey with a strong foundation in botany from the university of karachi, pakistan. she completed her m.sc in botany (specialization in mycology and plant pathology) in 2013, achieving the highest distinction as a gold medalist. her thesis explored the role of rhizobium in suppressing root rot fungi and root knot nematodes, setting the tone for her future focus on plant-microbe interactions. she further pursued her passion through a ph.d in botany from the university of karachi in 2019, with a dissertation centered on studies on antibiotics producing endophytic fungi associated with healthy plants, showcasing her early inclination towards natural product research and biological control.
🎓 Professional endeavors
Dr. Farhat is currently serving as an assistant professor of botany at the institute of biological sciences, gomal university, dera ismail khan, since october 2020. previously, she contributed as a teaching assistant at the university of karachi from 2016 to 2019. her administrative roles include being the focal person of the department, internal controller for biology and zoology programs, and warden and in-charge of the girls' hostel at gomal university. she also handles library responsibilities as a focal person. these roles reflect her commitment not just to academia but also to institutional development and student welfare.
🔬 Contributions and research focus
Dr. Farhat's research primarily focuses on endophytic fungi, antimicrobial potential, and metabolite profiling using gc-ms techniques. she has delivered several presentations both locally Botany and internationally, including at conferences in rome and european webinars. her work emphasizes the nematicidal and antibacterial potential of fusarium spp. and talaromyces spp., aligning with broader interests in mycology and plant pathology. interestingly, some of her findings on fungal metabolites show promise for bioengineering applications, making a potential crossover into fields like power electronics, where microbial synthesis may offer sustainable alternatives for materials and components.
🌍 Impact and influence
Dr. Farhat has made a notable impact in the scientific community through her multifaceted roles. she has earned certificates of merit, appreciation, and recognition as a gold medalist, Botany underscoring her academic excellence. her contributions extend to editorial and review services for reputable journals such as the journal of plant sciences, primera scientific engineering, and trends of horticulture. her influence is felt not just through publications and presentations but also through training and educational workshops, including a role as an instructor in molecular biology applications. these engagements underline her dedication to the scientific community and capacity-building in pakistan and beyond.
📚 Academic cites
Dr. Farhat's work is gaining visibility through her international conference presentations, notably at the international conference on infectious diseases, clinical microbiology, and euro-global congress on pain medicine. she has presented groundbreaking research on the bioactivity and compound profiling of talaromyces and fusarium spp., which holds promise for Botany application in pharmaceuticals and power electronics, particularly in designing bio-derived insulating or conducting agents. while her citations continue to grow, her presence in international forums has already begun to establish her as a recognized name in microbial biotechnology.
🌟 Legacy and future contributions
As a rising academic leader and researcher, dr. hafiza farhat mutalib is paving the way for a sustainable, bio-based future in plant science and biotechnology. she is fostering interdisciplinary research that could intersect with power electronics and green energy solutions. her future aspirations include expanding her work on endophytic fungi for therapeutic and industrial use, mentoring future microbiologists, and promoting science education among women in pakistan. her dedication, excellence, and vision mark her as a torchbearer for future innovations in microbial sciences and integrated biosolutions.
Notable Publications
Title: Synergistic effect of ZnO nanoparticles and benzyl piperazine on MWCNTs for anti-microbial activity and energy applications
Author(s): Amna Ishtiaq, Saghir Hussain, Tanveer Farid, Sidra Aslam, Muhammad Safdar
Journal: Journal of the Indian Chemical Society, 2025