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

EARLY ACADEMIC PURSUITS 📚

Rida Javed's academic journey began in Faisalabad, Pakistan, where she completed her Secondary and Higher Secondary School Certificates. Her passion for plant sciences led her to pursue a Bachelor of Science at Punjab College of Science, followed by a Master's degree in Botany at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad. During her Master's, Rida's research focused on the "Distribution of Panicoideae in Faisalabad region," which solidified her foundation in plant biology and research methodologies.

PROFESSIONAL ENDEAVORS 🧪

Rida's professional career took a significant leap when she joined Kwangwoon University in Seoul, South Korea, as a Ph.D. researcher. Her research focuses on innovative plant stress biology, particularly the effects of plasma-treated water and high-power microwave on plants. Throughout her academic and research journey, she has developed expertise in a wide range of techniques, including PCR Expression Analysis, Histochemical Staining, and Metabolites Profiling. Her work experience also includes roles as a Principal Consultant in Data Science at Earth Now Private Limited.

CONTRIBUTIONS AND RESEARCH FOCUS 🌾

Rida's research has primarily centered on enhancing plant growth and tolerance to salinity stress, a critical issue exacerbated by climate change. Her Ph.D. thesis, "Enhancement of Plant Growth and Salinity Tolerance by Plasma-Treated Water and High-Power Microwave," investigates the Botantist physiological and molecular mechanisms underlying plant responses to these treatments. Her innovative approach combines plasma technology and microwave treatments to improve plant resilience, making significant strides in sustainable agriculture and environmental science.

ACCREDITATIONS AND RECOGNITION 🏆

Throughout her career, Rida has presented her findings at numerous international conferences and seminars, showcasing her research on plasma-treated water and its impact on plants. Notably, she has been an active participant in the International Conference on Microelectronics and Plasma Technology, the International Symposium on Plasma Bioscience, and the Korean Vacuum Society Annual Conferences. Her Botantist presentations and publications have earned her recognition in the scientific community for her groundbreaking work in plant science.

IMPACT AND INFLUENCE 🌍

Rida's research has had a profound impact on the field of plant stress biology, particularly in understanding and mitigating the effects of salinity stress on crops. Her innovative use of plasma-treated water and high-power microwave has opened new avenues for improving crop resilience Botantist and productivity, offering practical solutions to global agricultural challenges. Her work contributes to the broader goal of sustainable agriculture and environmental conservation, making a significant difference in the lives of farmers and communities.

LEGACY AND FUTURE CONTRIBUTIONS 🔮

Rida Javed's legacy lies in her pioneering contributions to plant stress biology and her commitment to advancing sustainable agricultural practices. Her work has set a new standard for the application of advanced technologies in plant science, and she continues to explore new frontiers in her field. As she progresses in her career, Rida aims to further enhance our understanding of plant responses to environmental stresses and develop innovative solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future.