Naser Farrokhi | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

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Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naser Farrokhi | Plant Cell Biology | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Naser Farrokhi | Shahid Beheshti University | Iran

Dr. Naser Farrokhi is an accomplished Associate Professor in the Department of Cell & Molecular Biology at Shahid Beheshti University, Tehran, Iran. With a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology from the University of Adelaide, his expertise lies in plant genomics, particularly in functional gene analysis for crop improvement. Over two decades, he has led impactful research projects focusing on rice genomics, plant peptides, cell wall biosynthesis, and nanotechnology in agriculture. His work bridges cutting-edge molecular biology with practical breeding strategies, aiming to develop ideotype rice varieties adapted to future environmental demands. Dr. Farrokhi has received prestigious national and international scholarships and has published extensively in high-impact journals. He collaborates globally across disciplines, contributing to sustainability, biotechnology, and agricultural resilience. His multidisciplinary approach has also explored biomedical applications of plant-derived materials. With a strong teaching and mentorship record, Dr. Farrokhi exemplifies innovation, leadership, and scientific rigor in plant science and biotechnology.

Publication Profile:

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Education:

Dr. Naser Farrokhi holds a Ph.D. in Plant Molecular Biology from the University of Adelaide, where he studied the functional analysis of barley glycosyltransferases under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Geoffrey Bruce Fincher. He earned his M.Sc. in Plant Breeding from Azad University, Karaj, Iran, with a thesis on genotypic and phenotypic variation of quantitative traits in mungbean, guided by Prof. Dr. Alireza Taleie. His academic journey has been supported by competitive scholarships from Iran’s Ministry of Science and the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO). These solid academic foundations in plant breeding and molecular biology have enabled Dr. Farrokhi to integrate classical breeding approaches with modern genomics. His academic training across continents has equipped him with advanced technical skills, a global research perspective, and the capacity to lead in interdisciplinary collaborations focused on crop improvement and plant biotechnology.

Experience:

Dr. Farrokhi has over 20 years of experience in plant molecular biology and functional genomics. Currently an Associate Professor at Shahid Beheshti University, he teaches and supervises graduate students in plant biotechnology, cell biology, and molecular breeding. His postdoctoral research at California State University, Long Beach, focused on gene function in plant systems using transcriptomic approaches. He has worked extensively with GWAS, CRISPR genome editing, and bioinformatics for trait dissection in rice and other crops. His leadership in multi-institutional projects has contributed to advancements in crop biofortification, stress tolerance, and sustainability. He is also involved in translational research, such as nanomaterials in regenerative medicine and environmental applications. His career is marked by collaborative, cross-disciplinary work and a strong publication record. Dr. Farrokhi has served as a peer reviewer, scientific advisor, and mentor, demonstrating commitment to both research and academic excellence across national and international platforms.

Awards & Honors:

Dr. Naser Farrokhi has been the recipient of several prestigious awards throughout his academic and research career. he earned a scholarship from the Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Organization (AREEO) of Iran to pursue his M.Sc., he was awarded a Ph.D. scholarship by the Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology of Iran to study in Australia. His postdoctoral research in the United States was supported by the National Science Foundation Fellowship at California State University Long Beach in 2005. These accolades highlight his consistent academic excellence and potential for innovative research. He is frequently invited to collaborate in national and international projects due to his proven expertise in plant genomics, biotechnology, and sustainable agriculture. His track record of publications and contributions to interdisciplinary research have earned him recognition in plant sciences, biotechnology, and even biomedical fields.

Research Focus:

Dr. Farrokhi’s research is centered on plant molecular biology, functional genomics, and crop improvement, with a major focus on rice as a model and target crop. He employs genome-wide association studies (GWAS), transcriptomics, and post-GWAS analysis to identify key genes involved in vitamin E biosynthesis, yield-related traits, and stress responses. His goal is to develop future-ready rice ideotypes using conventional breeding or genome editing. His research extends to safflower developmental biology, cannabis-derived materials for biomedical applications, and nanotechnology-based agricultural inputs. He integrates bioinformatics, co-expression network analyses, and proteomics to dissect gene regulatory pathways. His collaborative work across plant and animal systems has also explored osteoinduction, tissue regeneration, and nanoscience applications. Dr. Farrokhi’s research is impactful, interdisciplinary, and focused on sustainability, nutrition, and climate resilience, positioning him at the forefront of innovative agricultural biotechnology.

Publications Top Notes:

  1. Comparative transcriptome analysis of multi-branched safflower mutant vs. WT

  2. Unraveling molecular mechanisms of phytohormonal regulation in safflower buds

  3. Enhanced osteoinduction using porous herbal cellulose nanostructures

  4. Interplay of rice vitamin E under abiotic stresses via in-silico transcriptomics

  5. rGO-coated cannabis-derived nanogrooved scaffolds for bone regeneration

  6. Recent advances on GLA-producing organisms – future biotechnological directions

  7. Post-GWAS analysis of tocopherol content in rice seeds

  8. GWAS-based dissection of yield components in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

  9. Gene expression in coral bleaching under high temperature stress

  10.  Co-expression network of microproteins in plant embryo development

Conclusion:

Dr. Farrokhi’s robust publication record, innovative research in rice genomics, and commitment to academic excellence make him a highly suitable candidate for the Best Researcher Award. His work contributes meaningfully to addressing current and future challenges in sustainable agriculture and plant biotechnology.

 

 

 

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.