Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Accomplishments
Certification
Skills
Awards
Languages
References
Timeline
ResearchAssistant
Mehra Azam

Mehra Azam

Dubai,DU

Summary

Research Assistant with a strong academic foundation in Plant Pathology and Molecular Biology and over 4 years of hands-on experience in laboratory, greenhouse, and field research. Proven expertise in molecular techniques, fungal phylogenetics, post-harvest pathology, hydroponics, and bioactive compound analysis. Demonstrated experience with high-impact publications and capable of working independently in diverse lab environments. Seeking to contribute to multidisciplinary projects in horticulture, aquaponics, or dairy bioactives.

Overview

12
12
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification

Work History

Research Assistant

Department of Agriculture, Government College University
02.2023 - 06.2025
  • Conducted research on hydroponic cultivation techniques for various plant species
  • Monitored plant growth, nutrient dynamics, and environmental conditions in controlled systems
  • Analyzed yield performance and physiological responses of crops under soilless conditions
  • Documented experimental findings and contributed to scientific reports and publications

Science Teacher

Punjab School Education Department
05.2015 - 05.2025
  • Delivered science curriculum including environmental science and plant biology.
  • Led student research projects focused on water quality and sustainable agriculture.
  • Spearheaded environmental awareness campaigns including waste management and sustainable practices in schools.

Research Assistant

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab
04.2014 - 04.2015
  • Isolated and identified Penicillium and Aspergillus species from apple and citrus
  • Performed ITS sequencing and constructed phylogenetic trees
  • Applied PCR, RAPD, and other molecular techniques for pathogen detection
  • Carried out biochemical and nutritional assays on fruit samples
  • Conducted lab-based research on fungal pathogens in horticultural crops.
  • Analyzed data, prepared reports, and contributed to publications.

Research Intern

Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology
03.2013 - 05.2013
  • Conducted genomic-level drought stress studies in cotton (G. hirsutum and G. arboreum)
  • Utilized molecular tools: DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, transformation protocols
  • Analyzed gene expression and physiological traits under abiotic stress conditions

Education

M.Sc. (Hons.) - Agriculture (Plant Pathology)

University of The Punjab
08-2015

B.Ed - Bachelor of Education

Allama Iqbal Open University
Lahore, Pakistan
08-2017

B.Sc. (Hons.) - Plant Pathology

University of The Punjab
Lahore, Pakistan
09-2013

Skills

  • Postharvest Pathology
  • Hydroponic Research
  • Fruit Quality Assessment
  • Crop Science & Environmental Management
  • Molecular Plant Pathology
  • Water Quality & Biochemical Analysis
  • Data Analysis (SPSS, Lab Techniques)
  • Scientific Writing & Research Publication
  • Sustainable Agriculture in Arid Climates
  • Team Collaboration & Field Experimentation

Accomplishments

  • Escalation in Rice (Oryza sativa L.) Seed Strength and Successive Development through Sustainable Application of Potassium Humate, Journal of Plant and Environment, 3(1): 13-16, 2021
  • Genetic Variation among the Penicillia Isolated from Citrus under Storage Condition, Journal of Plant Pathology and Microbiology, 10(2), 2019
  • First Report of Penicillium biourgeianum Causing Post-Harvest Fruit Rot of Apple in Pakistan, Plant Disease Journal, 100(8): 1778, 2016

Certification

  • Intellectual Property & Patent Writing – GCU, 2024
  • “Research to Publication” – GCU, 2022
  • Hydroponics & Crop Management (Practical Training)
  • SPSS & Quantitative Data Analysis – ORIC Workshop
  • Single National Curriculum: Science – QAUD
  • WordPress & Freelancing for Science Communication – MoIT

Skills

  • Molecular Techniques: DNA/RNA Extraction, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, ITS Sequencing
  • Laboratory Assays: SDS-PAGE, Immunoblotting, EV and OS extraction
  • Microbiology: Fungal Culturing, Pathogen Isolation, Media Preparation
  • Analytical: Biochemical Assays (Protein, Lipid, Carbohydrate Quantification)
  • Hydroponic Systems: Crop monitoring, nutrient management, growth analysis
  • Software: NCBI BLAST, Phylogenetic Tree Construction, MS Office

Awards

Best Teacher Award – GGES Islamia School (2024), Organizer – International Fisheries & Aquaculture Conference, 2023, Club Leader – Environmental & WASH Awareness Initiatives, Presenter – Multiple national/international agricultural science conferences

Languages

English (B2)
Urdu
Punjabi

References

Available on request.

Timeline

Research Assistant

Department of Agriculture, Government College University
02.2023 - 06.2025

Science Teacher

Punjab School Education Department
05.2015 - 05.2025

Research Assistant

Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of the Punjab
04.2014 - 04.2015

Research Intern

Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology
03.2013 - 05.2013

M.Sc. (Hons.) - Agriculture (Plant Pathology)

University of The Punjab

B.Ed - Bachelor of Education

Allama Iqbal Open University

B.Sc. (Hons.) - Plant Pathology

University of The Punjab
Mehra Azam