Muhammad Piracha | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

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.

Mona Soliman | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Published on by Cell Biologist

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mona Soliman | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mona Soliman , Cairo University , Egypt

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman is an accomplished Associate Professor with significant academic and research contributions in plant physiology and biochemistry. She holds academic positions at Cairo University in Egypt and Taibah University in Saudi Arabia. With a profound expertise in agricultural innovations, sustainable farming practices, and food security, Dr. Soliman’s work focuses on improving crop productivity and soil health. She has contributed to several high-impact journals and collaborated with top international researchers. Her dedication extends to mentoring postgraduate students and guiding secondary school students in science competitions. Her work is consistently recognized, with her inclusion in the top 2% of scientists worldwide as per Elsevier’s updated citation index. Dr. Soliman’s research and leadership make her a standout figure in agricultural science.

Publication Profile:

Google Scholar

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Outstanding Research Impact:
    • Dr. Soliman has a substantial record of publications in renowned, peer-reviewed journals like Plant Physiology and Biochemistry, Functional Plant Biology, and Chemosphere, among others.
    • With a citation index of 3102, she demonstrates considerable influence in her research field, especially in crop enhancement, sustainable farming, and bio-remediation.
    • Her research has direct relevance to global challenges like food security, environmental sustainability, and the enhancement of agricultural practices.
  2. Innovative Research Contributions:
    • Dr. Soliman has focused on areas like improving soil health, crop productivity, and sustainability, including innovations like nanotechnology and biochar for agricultural production.
    • She has worked on diverse agricultural and environmental issues such as plant stress tolerance, biofortification, and phytoremediation, showcasing her interdisciplinary approach to solving complex challenges.
  3. Leadership and Collaboration:
    • As an Associate Professor, she has demonstrated leadership in teaching, mentoring, and supervising students and researchers, guiding them through impactful projects that contribute to both academic development and real-world applications.
    • Her collaboration with global institutions and involvement in the International Science and Engineering Fairs further emphasizes her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and mentoring the next generation of researchers.
  4. Academic and Professional Recognition:
    • Dr. Soliman’s recognition in the world’s top 2% of scientists as per the 2024 update and her editorial board memberships in reputable journals highlight her credibility and leadership in the scientific community.
  5. Books and Patents:
    • She has contributed to multiple published books on topics related to plant physiology, stress tolerance, and biofortification, alongside her work in other research publications and patents.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Broader Public Engagement:
    • While Dr. Soliman has made great strides in scientific research and academia, expanding her work into more public or industry-facing platforms might increase the real-world application of her research outcomes. In particular, her work in sustainable farming practices could be shared more widely through workshops or public outreach initiatives.
  2. Further Mentorship Opportunities:
    • Given her significant academic experience, an expansion in mentoring more diverse research groups (e.g., from other regions or disciplines) could strengthen the global impact of her work.
  3. Additional Collaborative Research:
    • Dr. Soliman has demonstrated impressive collaboration with national researchers, but expanding her global collaborations in emerging agricultural technologies or interdisciplinary fields (such as climate change solutions) could open new avenues for research impact.

Education:

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman earned her degree from Cairo University, where she specialized in plant physiology and biochemistry. She holds advanced qualifications that have propelled her academic career, including her position as an Associate Professor. She has continuously pursued further professional development to expand her research and teaching knowledge. With a strong foundation in the scientific principles behind plant biochemistry, she has refined her skills in advanced research techniques and laboratory instrumentation. Dr. Soliman’s academic journey has been characterized by her commitment to excellence, as she has been recognized both in Egypt and internationally for her scientific accomplishments. Her education provided the groundwork for her extensive contributions to the fields of agriculture, crop enhancement, and sustainable farming practices.

Experience:

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman brings over two decades of experience in academic teaching, research, and scientific leadership. Currently, she holds positions at Taibah University in Saudi Arabia and Cairo University in Egypt. Dr. Soliman has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals, including top-tier journals in her field, contributing significant advancements in plant physiology and agricultural innovations. She has worked on several research projects that focus on crop improvement, sustainability, and bioremediation. With hands-on expertise in laboratory techniques, Dr. Soliman has trained postgraduate students and mentored young researchers, equipping them with the necessary skills for future success. Furthermore, her research projects, such as those investigating soil health, crop stress tolerance, and bio-remediation, have garnered significant recognition globally. Her diverse experience as a researcher, educator, and consultant makes her a highly valued figure in the scientific community.

Awards and Honors:

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman’s career has been marked by numerous accolades recognizing her research and contributions to science. She has been listed in the World’s top 2% of scientists, a distinction based on citation indices and global recognition of her impact in the fields of plant physiology and biochemistry. Dr. Soliman has received a certificate from Taibah University for her work in mentoring secondary school students who participated in the International Science and Engineering Fairs. Furthermore, her research projects have been published in high-impact journals such as Functional Plant Biology and Journal of Biobased Materials and Bioenergy, showcasing her influence in the scientific community. As an editorial board member of journals related to plant physiology and biochemistry, Dr. Soliman’s leadership is recognized globally. Her awards underscore her commitment to innovation, excellence in research, and making impactful contributions to agriculture and sustainability.

Research Focus:

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman’s research focuses on agricultural innovations, sustainable farming practices, and crop productivity. Her work investigates ways to improve soil health, fertility, and crop resilience through sustainable approaches such as biochar, nanotechnology, and natural products. Additionally, Dr. Soliman is passionate about the application of genomics and gene editing technologies to enhance agricultural output and food security. She emphasizes the circular economy and eco-friendly practices that align with reducing waste and improving the efficiency of agricultural systems. Another area of her expertise is the development of solutions for plant stress tolerance, particularly under abiotic stress conditions such as drought, salinity, and heavy metals. Dr. Soliman’s interdisciplinary approach, integrating biochemistry, genetics, and sustainable agriculture, aims to improve crop yield, reduce environmental degradation, and promote food security across the globe.

Publication Top Notes:

  1. Potential of Azo Dye-Degrading Enzymes for Bioremediation in the Textile Industry 🧬
  2. Investigating the Combined Effects of β-Sitosterol and Biochar on Nutritional Value and Drought Tolerance in Phaseolus Vulgaris 🌱
  3. Prediction of Promiscuous Multiepitope-Based Peptide Vaccine Against RdRp of Rotavirus Using Immunoinformatics Studies 💉
  4. Jasmonic Acid Priming and Foliar Application of Spermidine Up-Regulates the Tolerance Mechanisms to Alleviate Cadmium Stress in Wheat 🌾
  5. Potassium Silica Nanostructure Improved Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Sorghum Plants Under Drought Stress 🌾

 

Conclusion:

Dr. Mona Hassan Soliman is highly deserving of the Best Researcher Award. Her innovative contributions to agricultural sciences, particularly in improving crop productivity and sustainability, have had a significant impact on both the scientific community and practical applications. Her leadership, high citation index, and active role in mentoring and collaborations further cement her eligibility for this prestigious award. While there is room for growth in terms of broader public engagement and expanding global collaborations, her body of work is exemplary, and she has shown significant promise in both academic and applied research.