Zoia Arshad Awan | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Dr Zoia Arshad Awan, Teagasc, Food Research Centre, Ashtown. Ireland

Zoia Arshad Awan is a seasoned researcher specializing in plant pathology and horticulture. 🌿 With a Ph.D. from the University of the Punjab, she has significantly contributed to studies on biocontrol of plant pathogens and the improvement of crop productivity. 🌾 As a Research Officer at Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre, she leads innovative projects in vertical farming and hydroponics. Previously, she provided technical insights at WWF-Pakistan and contributed to various research roles at the University of the Punjab and The University of Queensland. 🌍 Her extensive publication record includes impactful research in plant disease management and agricultural sustainability. 📚

Publication profile

google scholar

Education

Dr. Zoia Arshad Awan earned a Ph.D. in Agricultural Sciences (Plant Pathology) from the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab, Pakistan, with a 3.76/4.00 CGPA. Their thesis focused on the “Antifungal Potential of Bacterial Bioactive Products and Plant Nutrients in Managing Early Blight Disease of Tomato.” They completed their M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture Plant Pathology with a 3.93/4.00 CGPA, researching “A Polyphasic Approach to the Identification of Aspergillus Section Flavi.” Their B.Sc. (Hons.) in the same field had a 3.51/4.00 CGPA, with a report on “Isolation, Purification, and Identification of Phyto-pathogenic Bacteria and Fungi from Guava Orchards.” 🌱🔬📚

Experience

Dr. Zoia Arshad Awan🌿 is a dedicated researcher with extensive experience in horticulture and sustainable agriculture. Currently serving as a Research Officer at Teagasc Ashtown Food Research Centre in Dublin, Ireland (02/2023-09/2024), they focus on designing and managing research in protected and semi-protected horticulture. Previously, they worked at WWF-Pakistan (08/2020-02/2023), providing technical inputs and building field research capacity. They also contributed as a Research Assistant at the University of the Punjab, Pakistan (10/2015-02/2020), and gained international experience as a Visiting Researcher at The University of Queensland, Australia (12/2019-10/2019). Their early career includes roles at the First Fungal Culture Bank of Pakistan and as a Research Intern at WMTI, Lahore. 🌱📈

Awards

Awarded the International Research Support Initiative Program (IRSIP) scholarship by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, during Ph.D. studies 🎓. Received the prestigious Doctoral Programme Coordination Committee (DPCC) merit scholarship from the University of Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan 🏅. Completed an MPhil degree with distinction, showcasing exceptional academic performance 🌟. Earned internal merit scholarships during M.Sc. (Hons.) and B.Sc. (Hons.), highlighting a consistent record of excellence and dedication to academic achievements 📚.

Research focus

Based on the listed publications, the research focus of A Shoaib revolves around plant pathology, specifically in developing resistance strategies for tomato plants against early blight disease. The studies explore various approaches such as using antagonistic bacteria, Bacillus subtilis, and different fertilizers to induce disease resistance. Additionally, Shoaib investigates the biochemical and physiological responses of plants to stressors like heavy metals and pathogens, including the role of antioxidant enzymes and exogenous compounds. This research contributes to improving plant health and disease management in agricultural settings. 🌱🦠🔬