Muhammad Taimoor Shakeel | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | Best Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr. Muhammad Taimoor Shakeel | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | Best Researcher Award

The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan

Profiles:

Current Position🌾

Dr. Muhammad Taimoor Shakeel is currently serving as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Pathology at the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan. Since his appointment on 11th January 2021, he has been a key figure in advancing research and teaching in the field of plant pathology. His previous experience includes a year-long tenure as an Assistant Professor at Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan (19th July 2017 – 18th July 2018), which further solidified his academic credentials.

Contributing to Scientific Knowledge 📚

Dr. Shakeel has an impressive publication record, primarily focused on plant diseases and viruses, particularly whitefly-transmitted Criniviruses. His research project on detecting Criniviruses infecting vegetables in the Multan Region, Pakistan stands out as a significant contribution to the understanding of plant virus transmission, funded by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan. His work has been critical in safeguarding crops and addressing food security challenges in Pakistan.

He has authored and co-authored numerous research papers in renowned journals, contributing to the body of knowledge in plant pathology. These publications not only elevate his academic standing but also have practical implications in agriculture, plant disease management, and biosecurity.

Focus on Plant Viruses and Pathogen Control 🦠

Dr. Shakeel’s current research revolves around plant viruses, pathogen-host interactions, and integrated disease management. He continues to investigate whitefly-transmitted viruses, which are responsible for causing significant economic losses in Pakistan’s agricultural sector. His ongoing projects aim to develop effective diagnostic methods and strategies to control the spread of these viruses, ensuring the health of crops and minimizing their economic impact.

In addition to his work on plant viruses, Dr. Shakeel is also exploring fungal pathogens affecting staple crops and developing biological control methods to manage these diseases sustainably.

 Strengthening Agricultural Resilience 🌾🔬

  • Plant Virology: Understanding the mechanisms of virus transmission, specifically whitefly-transmitted Criniviruses.
  • Fungal Pathogens: Investigating fungal diseases that affect vital crops in Pakistan.
  • Biological Control: Developing sustainable pest management techniques using biological agents.
  • Integrated Disease Management (IDM): Promoting eco-friendly practices for managing plant diseases.

His work is crucial for improving agricultural resilience and productivity, especially in developing regions like Pakistan.

A Solid Foundation in Plant Pathology 🎓

Dr. Shakeel earned his M.D. in Plant Pathology from a reputed university in Pakistan, which laid the groundwork for his research career. His academic background has been instrumental in his growth as a researcher and educator. Through advanced studies, he has mastered the science of plant disease diagnostics, treatment, and prevention, making him a key contributor to the field.

Recognizing Excellence 🏆

Throughout his career, Dr. Shakeel has been recognized for his contributions to science and academia. He has secured HEC-funded research grants and was awarded for his outstanding research in plant pathology. His ability to secure competitive grants speaks volumes about his expertise and reputation in the scientific community.

Harnessing Data to Combat Plant Diseases 🧬

Dr. Shakeel has also ventured into the world of bioinformatics, using computational tools to analyze plant virus genomes and their interactions with host plants. His application of bioinformatics enables him to identify genetic markers for resistance in crops and devise more effective control measures for plant diseases.

Professional Associations and Contributions 🌍

As an active member of various professional associations, including the Pakistan Society for Plant Pathology and international plant pathology bodies, Dr. Shakeel is deeply involved in advancing the global plant pathology community. His participation in these organizations allows him to collaborate with researchers worldwide, share findings, and remain at the cutting edge of his field.

Continuously Expanding Knowledge 🧑‍🏫

Dr. Shakeel regularly attends and organizes training sessions and workshops for both students and fellow researchers. These training sessions focus on modern diagnostic techniques, disease management strategies, and bioinformatics tools. By fostering a culture of continuous learning, he helps elevate the skills of those around him, contributing to the future of agricultural research.

Sharing Insights with the Scientific Community 🎤

A skilled communicator, Dr. Shakeel frequently presents his research at national and international conferences. His presentations on whitefly-transmitted viruses, plant disease management, and biological control have been well-received, establishing him as a thought leader in his field.

Tasks Completed as a Researcher 📝

As a researcher, Dr. Shakeel has:

  • Led multiple research projects funded by prestigious organizations.
  • Published groundbreaking papers on plant pathology.
  • Trained the next generation of plant pathologists through mentoring and teaching.
  • Played a pivotal role in establishing and managing a plant pathology journal.

Success Factors🌟

Dr. Shakeel’s success as a researcher is driven by his passion for plant science, his collaborative spirit, and his dedication to sustainable agriculture. By working closely with local farmers, governmental organizations, and international researchers, he ensures that his work is both impactful and relevant.

Expertise in Action 🔬

Dr. Shakeel’s laboratory experience is extensive, encompassing advanced virological techniques, pathogen isolation, and crop disease diagnostics. His research lab has produced several highly cited papers, solidifying his place as a leader in plant pathology research.

📖Publications:

Paper Title: Molecular characterization of divergent isolates of Citrus bent leaf viroid (CBLVd) from citrus cultivars of Punjab, Pakistan

  • Authors: A. Ali, U.D. Umar, S.A.H. Naqvi, M.T. Shakeel, M.N. Tahir, M.F. Khan, M.T. Altaf, 
  • Journal: Frontiers in Genetics,
  • Year: 2023

Paper Title: Current status and coat protein-based comparative In silico analysis of Zucchini yellow mosaic virus (ZYMV) infecting cucurbits in Pothwar, Pakistan.

  • Authors: M Ahsan, M Ashfaq, M Mehmood, M Shakeel, M Hamza
  • Journal: Journal of Agricultural & Marine Sciences (JAMS) 
  • Year: 2023

Paper Title:Molecular Detection of Southern Tomato Amalgavirus Prevalent in Tomatoes and Its Genomic Characterization with Global Evolutionary Dynamics

  • Authors: M.D. Hussain, T. Farooq, X. Chen, T. Jiang, L. Zang, M.T. Shakeel, T. Zhou
  • Journal: Viruses
  • Year: 2022

 

Triparna Das | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Triparna Das | Sustainability and Recycling of FRPs | Best Researcher Award

Fare Labs Pvt Ltd – India

Professional Profiles:

🌟 Triparna Das: Pioneering Scientist in Metal Residue Analysis and Environmental Chemistry

Early Academic Pursuits 🌍

Triparna Das, hailing from Gurgaon, India, has always demonstrated an unyielding passion for science. Fluent in English, Bengali, and Hindi, she laid a strong academic foundation by earning her Bachelor’s degree in Chemistry, Microbiology, and Zoology from the University of Calcutta (2012-2015). She then pursued a Master’s degree in Forensic Science at Banaras Hindu University (2015-2017), where she honed her analytical and investigative skills.

Advanced Research and Development 🧪

Triparna’s journey in research and development began with her role as a UGC Senior Research Fellow at CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (2019-2024). Here, she excelled in method development, validation, and troubleshooting for various sophisticated instruments including HPLC, GC, ICP-MS, and LC-MS/MS. Her work encompassed qualitative and quantitative analysis of food, water, and soil samples to detect pollutants and contaminants.

Environmental and Analytical Expertise🌱

Triparna’s research extends to environmental chemistry, where she has synthesized various adsorbents for wastewater remediation and conducted detailed studies using FTIR, TGA, SEM-EDAX, and other advanced characterization techniques. She applied design of experiments (DOE) and multivariate analysis in her experimental designs, ensuring high-quality and reliable results.

Professional Endeavors🏅

Currently, Triparna serves as a Scientist C in the Metal Residue Analysis Division at Fare Labs Pvt Ltd., Gurgaon. Since June 2024, she has been instrumental in method development and validation according to EC 333:2007, contributing to proficiency testing programs, inter-laboratory comparisons, and internal quality checks. Her commitment to laboratory operations adheres to GLP and NABL guidelines, ensuring precision and excellence in her work.

Published Works and Contributions📚

Triparna’s research contributions are well-documented in prestigious journals. Notable publications include:

  • Remediation of heavy metals using lignin-montmorillonite hydrogel composites (ACS Sustainable Resource Management, 2024)
  • Efficient removal of cationic dyes using lemon peel-chitosan hydrogel composites (Under review)
  • Synthesis of biomass-derived activated carbons for heavy metal removal (ACS Omega, 2022)
  • Classification of edible oils using FTIR and fluorescence spectroscopy (Journal of Food Composition and Analysis, 2024)
  • Heavy metal contaminants in prepared noodles (Environmental Science and Pollution Research, 2021)

Recognitions and Certifications🏆

Triparna’s expertise is further recognized through her qualification for UGC NET-JRF in Forensic Science (2018). She has also participated in significant workshops and certifications, including ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and Quality Management System for Research and Regulatory Laboratories, enhancing her proficiency in quality assurance and laboratory competence.

Technical and Soft Skills🔬

Triparna’s technical skills encompass a wide range of analytical techniques and instruments, including FTIR, TGA, DLS, LC-MS/MS, GC-MS/MS, HPLC, GC, ICP-MS, ICP-OES, AAS, AFS, and DMA. She is proficient in various software tools such as Statistica, Chem-draw, Design Expert, Origin, and Metaboanalyst. Her soft skills, characterized by hard work, responsibility, teamwork, and flexibility, complement her technical abilities, making her a versatile and effective scientist.

Legacy and Future Contributions🚀

Triparna Das continues to impact the field of environmental chemistry and metal residue analysis with her innovative research and dedication to scientific excellence. Her future endeavors promise to contribute significantly to sustainable environmental practices and advanced analytical methodologies.

Publication Top Noted:

Paper Title: Comparative Analysis of Edible Oils Classification Using Fourier Transform Infrared and Fluorescence Spectroscopy Coupled with Chemometrics

  • Authors: Shiv, K., Singh, A., Prasad, L.B., Bharty, M.K., Das, T.
  • Journal: Journal of Food Composition and Analysis
  • Volume: 129
  • Pages: 106056
  • Year: 2024

Paper Title: Evaluation of Heavy Metal Contaminants in Prepared Noodles: Source Allocation and Health Risk Assessment

  • Authors: Thakur, R.S., Kumar, A., Lugun, O., Gupta, N., Patel, D.K.
  • Journal: Environmental Science and Pollution Research
  • Volume: 30
  • Pages: 25181–25192
  • Year: 2023

Paper Title: Synthesis of Biomass-Derived Activated Carbons and Their Immobilization on Alginate Gels for the Simultaneous Removal of Cr(VI), Cd(II), Pb(II), As(III), and Hg(II) from Water

  • Authors: Kumar, A., Das, T., Thakur, R.S., Ansari, N.G., Patel, D.K.
  • Journal: ACS Omega
  • Volume: 7
  • Pages: 41997–42011
  • Year: 2022