Dr. Muhammad Piracha | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Dr.  Muhammad Piracha, University of Sargodha, Pakistan

Dr. Muhammad Awais Piracha is a dedicated soil scientist with a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Sargodha (2020). He has specialized in the biogeochemistry of toxic metals and the remediation of contaminated soils using organic amendments such as biochar, compost, and farmyard manure. His academic journey has been marked by significant contributions to plant physiology under metal stress conditions like arsenic and cadmium. Dr. Piracha gained international exposure as a Visiting Research Scholar at Texas A&M University under the HEC-funded IRSIP program. He is currently serving as Assistant Professor at the College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha. With 18 research articles, a book chapter, and multiple presentations at international conferences, he is recognized for his scientific rigor and impactful research. His work has earned him prestigious accolades, including the Agricultural Youth Leadership Award, reflecting his potential as one of Pakistan’s leading young researchers in environmental and agricultural sciences.

Publication Profile: 

Google Scholar

✅ Strengths for the Award:

1. Solid Academic Foundation: Ph.D. in Soil Science with a strong focus on environmental toxicology and remediation.

2. Innovative Research: Specialized in phytoremediation of toxic heavy metals (arsenic, cadmium) using sustainable organic amendments.

3. International Recognition: Selected as a Visiting Scholar at Texas A&M University under the IRSIP (HEC Pakistan), reflecting global acknowledgment of research potential.

4. Publication Record: Published 18 peer-reviewed research articles, 1 book chapter, and 4 abstracts, with growing citations—showing significant contributions to scientific literature.

5. Awards & Distinctions: Winner of the Agricultural Youth Leadership Award (NAYC, 2019), demonstrating leadership in the agricultural research community.

6. Teaching & Mentorship: Currently serving as Assistant Professor, actively engaged in knowledge transfer and capacity building in soil science.

7. Conference Participation: Presented at multiple international conferences, staying engaged in scholarly discourse.

⚠️ Areas for Improvement:

1. Wider International Collaboration: Although he has had international exposure, forming long-term collaborative projects or co-authoring with international teams could increase impact.

2. Grant Acquisition: Securing research grants or funded projects from national or international agencies would strengthen his research leadership profile.

3. Public Engagement & Policy Impact: Translating research into policy briefs, extension programs, or community impact projects could enhance visibility and societal relevance.

4. Diversification of Research Themes: Expansion into emerging topics such as climate-smart agriculture, nanotechnology in soil science, or AI in precision agriculture could broaden research scope.

🎓 Education:

Dr. Muhammad Awais Piracha holds a Ph.D. in Soil Science from the University of Sargodha (2013–2020), where his research centered on toxic metal biogeochemistry, phytoremediation, and plant stress physiology. He previously earned an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Soil Science from the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2011–2013), conducting advanced studies in soil salinity, water management, and soil fertility. His undergraduate studies were also at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, culminating in a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture with a major in Soil Science (2007–2011). Throughout his academic journey, he demonstrated exceptional analytical and experimental skills, contributing to scientific understanding in both national and international settings. A notable highlight of his Ph.D. studies was his selection for the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP), allowing him to conduct research at Texas A&M University, USA. His academic training blends theoretical depth with practical expertise in modern soil and environmental science.

💼 Experience:

Dr. Piracha has over a decade of hands-on and academic experience in soil and environmental sciences. Since September 2023, he has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Soil & Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, University of Sargodha. Prior to that, he worked as a Scientific/Agriculture Officer (Lab) at the Soil and Water Laboratory for Research in D.G. Khan from April 2022 to June 2023. He also held the position of Lab Chemist at Alpha Seed Corporation, Mian Channu, District Khanewal, from November 2021 to March 2022. His career reflects a strong commitment to research, academic instruction, and practical application of soil remediation technologies. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has conducted lab-based research, published scientific articles, and mentored students, making him a well-rounded academician and researcher in the domain of sustainable agriculture and environmental management.

🏅 Awards and Honors:

Dr. Muhammad Awais Piracha’s academic excellence and scientific contributions have earned him prestigious accolades. He was awarded the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) fellowship by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan during his Ph.D. studies, allowing him to conduct collaborative research at Texas A&M University, USA. In recognition of his leadership and research in agriculture, he received the Agricultural Youth Leadership Award in 2019 from the National Agricultural Youth Commission (NAYC) Pakistan. These honors reflect both national and international acknowledgment of his work in soil science, particularly in the areas of soil contamination, phytoremediation, and plant stress physiology. In addition to these formal awards, his consistent presence in international conferences and active participation in scholarly forums underscores his commitment to knowledge exchange and scientific innovation. His award history positions him as a strong contender for the Best Researcher Award, with demonstrated impact and leadership in his field.

🔬 Research Focus:

Dr. Piracha’s research focuses on soil biogeochemistry, particularly the dynamics of arsenic and cadmium in different soil textures. He explores phytoremediation techniques using organic amendments such as biochar, compost, and farmyard manure to reduce toxic metal mobility and improve soil health. His work also delves into the physiological responses of plants under heavy metal stress, aiming to understand tolerance mechanisms and improve crop resilience. Another area of focus includes the interaction between soil salinity, sodicity, and boron toxicity, crucial for arid and semi-arid agricultural systems. His integrated approach combines soil chemistry, plant physiology, and environmental sustainability, making his research highly relevant to modern agricultural challenges. By bridging lab-based experiments with field applicability, Dr. Piracha contributes to both academic knowledge and practical agricultural improvement. His efforts in sustainable soil management underscore his eligibility for recognition as a leading researcher in environmental and soil sciences.

📚 Publications Top Notes:

1. 🧪 Arsenic behavior in different textured soils amended with phosphate rock and farm yard manure – J. Environ. Agric. (2016)

2. 🔬 The production of biochar and its possible effects on soil properties and phosphate solubilizing bacteria – J. Appl. Agric. Biotechnol. (2016)

3. 🌱 Growth behavior of tomato under drought stress with silicon and PGPR – Soil Environ. (2016)

4. 💧 Challenges and opportunities for using wastewater in agriculture: A review – J. Appl. Agric. Biotechnol. (2017)

5. 🔥 Optimization of nitrogen regulates ionic homeostasis and quality of maize under salinity – Environ. Exp. Bot. (2024)

6. 🌻 Arsenic fractionation and physiological response in sunflower in calcareous soils – Environ. Sci. Pollut. Res. (2019)

7. ⚗️ Alteration in arsenic dynamics in response to phosphorus in textured soils – Chemosphere (2022)

8. 🌾 Adequate nutrient regulation improves cotton adaptability under salinity stress – J. Appl. Agric. Biotechnol. (2016)

9. 🌿 Bio-associative effect of rhizobacteria on mungbean under saline conditions – J. Appl. Agric. Biotechnol. (2016)

10. 🚜 Farm yard manure and nutrients improve cotton adaptation to salinity – Internal paper (details inferred)

📝 Conclusion:

Dr. Muhammad Awais Piracha is a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His deep specialization in soil biogeochemistry and phytoremediation, strong academic publication record, international exposure, and commitment to teaching and mentoring make him an outstanding contributor to environmental and agricultural sciences. With minor enhancements in international collaboration and grant leadership, he is well on track to becoming a leading figure in sustainable soil and environmental management.