Molecular Biology Quality Control

Dr. Saima Shahzad Mirza, PhD

Visiting Research Scholar

University of Tennessee

Associate Professor (BS-20)

University of Education, Lahore

Cell phone: (092) 303-***-****, +1-865-***-****

E-mail: *****.*****@**.***.**; *****.*****.****@*****.***

**************@*****.***

Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=O6ATpcYAAAAJ&hl=en

EDUCATION AND TRAINING:

Institution

Major

Degree

Govt. Girls High School Pasrur, Sialkot

Science

SSC

Govt. Degree College for Women Satellite Town, Gujranwala

Pre-Medical

HSSC

Queen Mary College, Lahore, Pakistan

Zoology, Botany

B.Sc. 1999

Government College, University Lahore, Pakistan

Zoology (Microbiology)

M.Sc. 2001

University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan (course work) & Washington State University, USA (research work)

Zoology (Microbiology)

Ph.D. 2013

IMPACT FACTOR: 75.00

Subjects Studied & Taught:

oMedical Microbiology

oMicrobial Biotechnology

oMolecular Biology

oMicrobial Bioenergy and Biofuels

oGeneral Microbiology

oEnvironmental Microbiology

oApplied Microbiology

oIndustrial Microbiology/ Biotechnology

oBiochemistry

oEnvironmental and occupational epidemiology

oEnvironmental Health and Safety

oAdvanced Molecular Biology

oBiochemistry

oMedical Microbiology

Research Interest

My whole research career was started from microbiology and microbiology, My research and teaching till now is related to the understanding of different microbial actions including microbial infections and antimicrobial resistance of different microbes isolated from different habitats. I have executed animal house where I was working with animal models to find out the role different microorganism and diet combinations, tested immunologically and molecular biology.

AWARDS & HONORS

2011 Appreciation award from Washington State University, Pullman, USA

2012 Innovation award from Ministry of Science and Technology of Pakistan

2013 1st Position for poster competition in 1st Women Inter Collegiate and University Science Model and Poster Competition on ''Impact of Biotechnology in today's world'' held at Lahore College for Women University at 12th March 2013.

President Hydrogen Energy Student Chapter, UET Pakistan with International Association for Hydrogen Energy, US since 2015.

Liaison Officer of MOU between Montreal University Canada and UET, Lahore, 2015.

2017 1st Position for poster competition 1st National Graduate Conference 15-16 March 2017, held at Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad.

2018 1st position World Water Day, held in Islamabad.

2018 3rd position Sustainable and Environmental Conservation Expo, held in Islamabad.

Research Incentive Award 2021-2022, University of Education Lahore.

Won IsDB (Islamic Development Bank) Postdoc Fellowship for the year 2022-2024, but not availed.

ATAS Certification approval from UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), UK.

Current Positions

Visiting Research Scholar, University of Tennessee Knoxville, USA since 20th May 2025 to Todate.

Associate Professor (BPS-20), University of Education, Bank Road Campus, Lahore, Pakistan. From 01.03.2021-todate.

Current Administrative Duties

Coordinator/ HOD of Department of Zoology, Bank Road Campus, University of Education Lahore. 23.07.2022 to 05.07.2024.

Evening Coordinator of Department of Zoology and Botany, Bank Road Campus, University of Education Lahore. 05.10.2022 to 05.07.2024

Convener Discipline Committee 15.08.2022 to Todate

Convener Deadstock Committee 15.08.2021 to Todate.

Convener Auction Committee 15.08.2021 to 05.07.2024.

Convener Day care center committee 10.07.2022 to 05.07.2024

Convener Purchase Committee 15.08.2021 to 19.05.2022

Superintendent Girls Hostel 15.07.2021 to 08.06.2022.

Experience

InCharge/ Director, Punjab Bioenergy Institute (PBI), taught in Institute of Microbiology (IOM), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) 02.02.2021 to 28.02.2021.

Focal person of Punjab BioEnergy Institute (PBI), taught in Institute of Microbiology (IOM), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) From 15.07. 2015 to 09.02.2021.

Assistant Professor (TTS), Punjab BioEnergy Institute (PBI), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) From 15.07.2015 to 28.02.2021. (1st – 4th SARs successfully evaluated, Mid Term report submitted, 4 increments and two honoraria each equivalent to one month TTS salary)

InCharge Microbiology Laboratory, Punjab BioEnergy Institute (PBI), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) From 15.07.2015 – 28.02.2021.

Isolation, Characterization and molecular identification of microbes from different medical and environmental samples.

InCharge Environmental Science Laboratory, Punjab BioEnergy Institute (PBI), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) From 15.07.2015 – 28.02.2021.

InCharge Biogas Production and Management Laboratory, Punjab BioEnergy Institute (PBI), University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) From 15.07.2015 to 01.08.2017.

Member of Curriculum Committee for project “Capacity Building and Strengthening of Biomass Gasification Technology Support Systems” Energy Center NUST (Oct, 2014- todate).

Member of Committee for Student Start-up business center, PBI, UAF (Nov, 2015- to date).

Committee member for revision of PC-1 (Punjab Bioenergy Institute), UAF.

Focal person for Integrated energy and agriculture concept (additional scope) at PBI, UAF.

• Appointed as Teacher Research Assistance in Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University, USA (paid position).

• Assistant professor, Environmental Science Department, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore. From 03-09-2013 to 04-09-2014.

• Assistant professor/Research Consultant, Center for Energy and Research Development (CERAD) and Biomedical Engineering Department, University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore (Kala Shah Kaku Campus). From 05-09-2014 to 14-07-2015.

• InCharge (Lab leader) Biofuel lab., CERAD, UET. From 05-09-2014 to 14-07-2015.

• InCharge Basic Biology lab., Biomedical Engineering Technology, UET. From 24-10-2014 to 30-03-2015.

• Co-InCharge Cell Biology lab., Biomedical Engineering Technology, UET. From 24-10-2014 to 30-03-2015.

Organized Events

1-An International Conference on “Bioenergy as an alternative fuel” at 26-27th August, 2014 with collaboration of Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry and PCSIR, Lahore and Umeed Foundation Trust held at LCCI, Lahore.

2-A Seminar on “Fermentation Technology” at 12th December 2013 held in Chemistry Theater, Environmental Science Department, Lahore College for Women University, Lahore, Pakistan.

3-A Seminar on “Global Cleantech Innovation Programme for SMEs and Startups

Launch of the GCIP Call for Awards 2015 for UNIDO at 28th May 2015 held in Center for Energy Research and Development (CERAD), UET, Lahore.

4-A Seminar on “Global Cleantech Innovation Programme for SMEs and Startups Launch of the GCIP Call for Awards 2016 for UNIDO at 23rd May 2016 held in New Senate Hall, UAF, Faisalabad.

5-A “One-day International workshop and Demonstration of Biomass Gasification Power Generation Plant” held on July 25, 2016.

Pilot & Research Projects

Pilot project “Integrated Energy and Agriculture Concept” for the integrated uplift of the rural areas of Punjab: Hybrid renewable energy technology (Solar + Biogas) assisted drip irrigation (Focal person). Funded by Punjab Government. (Total Budget: 177 million Pak Rs). Completion date: June-2019.

Establishment of Pak-Korea Hi-Tech Agriculture Innovation Center at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad/Technology Park Phase I. (Total Budget: 300 million Pak Rs Principal Investigator Bioenergy component)

Research project entitled “Design and development of Anaerobic digestion process with enriched biomethane for power generation for industrial applications/Dairy Farms (Principal Investigator– awarded by HEC) Cost 5.6 Million Pak Rs.

Start up research grant of 0.5 by HEC, Pakistan entitled “Process development for mono and co-digestion systems for biomethane production from biowaste. (awarded by HEC: Co-PI).

Research project entitled “Overcoming an electron transfer limitations for low cost anaerobic digestion and enrichment of CH4 by membrane separation and absorption process” (Principal Investigator – awarded by HEC) Cost 4.33 Million PAK Rs.

Thesis Supervised: 42 MS/ MPhil and 05 BS by employing different biological techniques

01 PhD- Co-supervision & 03 MS/ MPhil under progress

Conference Presentations

Mirza, S., (2017). Biocatalyst Mediated Photoheterotrophic Conversion of Lignocellulose into Biohydrogen. 6th invention to innovation Summit 2017. March 08-09, 2017 held at University of the Punjab Lahore.

Mirza, S., (2017). Innovative Hybrid Renewable Energy Technology Microgrid Unit for Sustainable Powering of Agriculture in Pakistan. 6th invention to innovation Summit 2017. March 08-09, 2017 held at University of the Punjab Lahore.

Mirza, S., Ali, E., (2017). Mass cultivation of algae for biofuel and biomolecules in raceway system using emissions from gas generator. 6th invention to innovation Summit 2017. March 08-09, 2017 held at University of the Punjab Lahore.

Mirza, S., (2016). BioH : The Fuel of the Future; Photoheterotrophic Biocatalytic Conversion of Lignocellulosic Biomass into Biohydrogen. Published in “All Pakistan Dice energy and water” Dec. 19-20, 2016, was held at University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, Pakistan.

Mirza, S., (2016). Biocatalyst assisted biohydrogen production from lignin. International workshop on Sustainable Energy Solutions for Community Development in Pakistan” was held in new senate hall, UAF. Nov 08-09, 2016.

Mirza, S. S., 2017. Photoheterotrophic biocatalyst assisted biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic waste. Energy & Environment Management Summit-2017, being held in November 09-11, 2017 at Washington DC, USA. (Accepted for oral presentation).

PUBLICATIONS

1.Mirza, S.S., Rehman, H., Siddique, S., Fatima, A., Shahid, I. (2024). Assessment of oleaginous yeast for lipid production potential from raw sugarcane bagasse: A Sustainability Concept. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessment (In Press).

2.Mirza, S.S., Rehman, H., Siddique, S., Fatima, A., Shahid, I. (2024). Optimization of lipid production potential of salt tolerant algal strains for soil reclamation by response surface methodology. Sustainable Energy Technologies and Assessment (In Press).

3.Mirza, S.S., Abbas, A. S., Andleeb. A., Ijaz, M. U., Nasreen, Z. (2024). Microbial bioflocculation: a sustainable microalgal biomass harvesting approach for a biorefinery concept. Sustainablility (In Press).

4.Mirza, S.S., Mahmood, J., Morrowvat, M. H., Nasreen, Z. (2024). Potential Evaluation and optimization of exoelectrogenic activity of Rhodobacter capsulatus in microbial fuel cell (MFC): A sustainability strategy for bioelectricity production. Biotechnology Advances (Submitted).

5.Mirza, S.A. and Mirza, A. M., 2002. Study of bacterial Flora of Water Samples from Educational Institutions of Lahore as Pollution Indicator. Biologia 48, (1&2): 351-355.

6.Qazi, J. I., Chaudhry, N. and Mirza, S. S., 2011. Biofuel from cellulosic mass with incentive for feed wastes. In: Bernardes, M. A. S., editor Biofuel production: recent developments and prospects. Intechweb.org. p: 247-292.

7.Mirza, S. S., Qazi, J. I. Chen, S., 2013. “Photobiohydrogen production of Rhodobacter capsulatus-PK from wheat straw. Biotechnology for Biofuels, 6: 144. (IF 6.5)

8.Mirza, S. S., Rehman, H., Mahmood, W. and Qazi, J. I., 2016. Potential of cellulosic ethanol to overcome energy crisis in Pakistan" Intechweb.org. p: 207-223.

9.Iqtedar, M., Qazi, J. I., Baqri, N., Mirza, S. S., Abdullah, R., Kaleem, A., Naz, S. 2017. Bioconversion of agro-industrial feather waste utilizing thermophilic Bacillus megatarium D1. Romanian Biotechnological Letters 122**-*****. (IF 0.59)

10.Janjua, M. R. S. A., Jamil, S., Khan, S. R., Jahan, N., Mirza, S. 2017. Morphologically Controlled Synthesis of Ferric Oxide Nano/Micro Particles and their Catalytic Application in Dry & Wet Media: A New Approach. Chemistry Central Journal 11:49. (IF 2.5)

11.Bhatti, I. A., Malik, U., Mirza, S., Ashar, A. 2017. Characterization and evaluation of plant mediated antibacterial potential of Calcium Oxide (CaO) Nanoparticles by using Mentha pipertia extract. Materials Research Express 4: 1-29. (IF 1.410)

12.Rehman, H., Hasan, M., Ali, Q., Yasir, M., Saleem, M., Mirza, S., Shakir, H. U., Alvi, A., and Ahmed, H. M., (2018). Potential of three indigenous plants extracts for the control of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) and Rhyzopertha dominica (Fab.). Pak. Entomol., 40 (1):31-37.

13.Mirza, S., Siddique, S., Doggar, M. G. 2018. Optimization of Lipid Production Potential of Oleaginous Yeast by Response Surface Methodology Cultivated in Agro-Industrial Waste. International Journal of Environmental Science and Technology 16 (7): 3221-3230 (IF 2.24).

14.Doggar, M. G., Khurram, M. S., Mirza, S., Ghauri, M., Jamil, F., Muhammad, N., Rafiq, S., Jaffer, M. H. (2018). Biomass power generation potential and utilization in Pakistan. Current Organic Chemistry 22: 1-16. (IF 2.5).

15.Rehman, H., Mirza, S., Mansoor ul-Hassan, Ali, Q., Shakir, A. H., Yasir, M., (2018). Repellent potential of three medicinal plant extracts against Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Punjab University Journal of Zoology 33:121-126.

16.Mirza, S., Qamer, H. M., (2018). Trend Towards Weaning Process of Infants Visiting OPD Pediatrics Unit: An Institutional Based Study. Punjab University Journal of Zoology 33(2):139-144.

17.Rehman, H., Ali, Q., Hasan, M., Mirza, S., Anjum, N. A., Amjad, F., Faisal, M., Sharif, S. (2018). Toxic potential of three indigenous plants against two stored grains insect pests. J.Glob. Innov. Agric. Soc. Sci. 6: 28-31.

18.Ali, Q., Hasan, M., Rehman, H., Mirza, S., Shakir, H. U., Anjum, N. A., Khan, J. (2018). Comparative effect of Ricinus communis, Moringa oleifera and Citrus sinensis extracts against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Pak. Entomologist 40 (1): 1-5.

19.Doggar, M. G., Alvi, F., Mirza, S. S., Ali, E. Baig, S. 2024. Biogas energy resource potential and utilization in Pakistan: Lessons learned and policy recommendations. (Revision submitted to Renewable and sustainable energy reviews). (IF 9.5).

20.M. U. Chattha, M. B. Chattha, I. Khan, U. Anwar, M.U. Hassan, M. Nawaz, S. A. Anjum, A. Mahmood and S. Mirza (2017). Effect of seeding rate and seed soaking duration on productivity of relay-intercropped wheat in cotton. Pakistan Journal of Science 69 (2): 190- 194.

21.Rehman, H., Ali, Q., Mirza, S. (2019). Comparative Entomotoxic Potential of Some Medicinal Plant Extracts and Spinetoram, Against Tribolium castaneum (Herbst) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae). Turkish Journal of Entomology 43 (2): 201-210. (IF 0.4).

22.Mirza, S., Qazi, J. I., Liang, Y., Chen, S. (2019). Growth characteristics and single stage photofermentative hydrogen production potential of purple non sulfur bacteria from sugar cane bagasse. Fuel 255: 115805 (IF 5.7).

23.Hassan, M. U., Chattha, M. U., Barbanti, L., Mahmood, A., Chattha, M. B., Khan, I., Mirza, S., Aziz, S. A., Nawaz, M., Aamer, M. (2019). Cultivar and seeding time role in sorghum to optimize biomass and methane yield under warm dry climate. Industrial Crops and Products. In Press (IF 4.45).

24.Hafiz Abdullah Shakir, H. A., Qazi, J. I., Chaudhry, A. S., Irfan, M., Khan, M., Ali, S., Mirza, S., (2019). Bioaccumulation of Metals in Fishes’ Scales – A Reliable Non-Lethal Assessor of Food Security. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture. In Press.

25.Sohail, S., Mirza, S. S. (2020). Impact of foreign direct investment on economic growth of Pakistan. Asian Journal of Economics, Finance and Management 2: 1-13.

26.Mirza, S. S., Eida, M., Jabeen, F., Iqtedar, M., Mahmood, A., Akmal, M., Sabir, M. (2020). Biosorption of Chromium from Tannery Effluent Using Carbon Activate Algae Granules of Chlorella vulgaris and Scenedesmus obliquus. International Journal of Science and Technology. IF 2.24.

27.Mehwish Iqtedar, Sidra Riaz, Saima Shehzad Mirza, Roheena Abdullah, Afshan Kaleem, Ayesha Aihetasham, Myra Wasim (2020). Bioethanol production from urban cellulosic waste employing Alcaligenes faecalis HI-1 isolated from gut of termite Heterotermes indicola. Accepted in Bioscience Journal. IF 0.34

28.Sohail, S., Mirza, S. S., Sohail, M., Mirza, S. A. (2021). Comparative assessment of economic growth of Pakistan during COVID-19. International Journal of Technical Research & Science (VI): 15-28. IF 1.62

29.Ashar A, Bhatti I A, Siddique T, M. Ibrahim S, Mirza S, Bhutta Z A, Shoaib M, Ali M, Taj M B, Iqbal M, Noor S, Mohsin M (2021). Integrated hydrothermal assisted green synthesis of ZnO nano discs and their water purification efficiency. Journal of Materials Research and Technology 1 5 :1-1 7. IF 5.039

30.Mirza, S S., Al-Ansari M M., Ali M., Aslam S., Akmal M., Al-Humaid L. (2022). Towards sustainable wastewater treatment: influence of iron, zinc and aluminum as anode in combination with salt bridge on microbial fuel cell performance Environmental Research. In Press IF. 8.54

31.Mehwish S., Mirza S., Bano Arjumand (2024). Microbiology of rural floodwaters and quantitative microbial risk assessment of flooding and gastrointestinal illness. Molecular Biology and Evolution (In press). IF 16.50

32.Tamis, Z., Sadeghi, F., Heydari, A., Mirza, S. S., Morowvat, M. H. (2023). Potentials of stem cell therapy in patients infected with COVID-19: A systematic review. Recent Patents on Biotechnology xxxx, xx, 000-000. IF 0.47

33.Sattar, A., Abbas, AS., Naseem, S., Mumtaz, M., Shabbir, A., Mirza, SS. (2024). Evaluation of Phytochemicals and Antibacterial Usefulness of Citrus Limon & Cicer Arietinum in Synergistic Effect with Antibiotics against Clinically Important Bacteria. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research 4 (1), 244-249.

34.Ahmad, N., Akbar, S., Zafar, R., Mirza, SS., Fatima, A., Afzal, U., Aslam, M., (2024). Assessment of soil contamination by heavy metals in the vicinity of the Sahiwal coal power plant, Pakistan, employing an innovative statistical analysis approach. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry, 1-14. IF 2.73

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ABSTRACTS PUBLISHED (Selected)

1.Mirza, S. S., Qazi, J. I. Chen, S., 2012. “Photobiohydrogen production of Rhodobacter capsulatus-PK from wheat straw. Biorefinery Conference 2012, Copenhagen, Denmark. (Accepted for oral presentation).

2.Mirza, S. S., Qazi, J. I., Chen, S., 2011. Photofermentative hydrogen production from purple non sulfur bacteria by employing in sugarcane bagasse. 11th International Conference on Sustainable Energy Technologies, September 2-5, 2012, Vancouver, Canada. (Accepted for oral presentation).

3.Mirza, S. S., Qazi, J. I., 2013. Cellulolytic Potential of Purple Non-Sulfur Bacteria: Efficient Conversion of Cellulose Containing Waste into Biohydrogen. 5th IC-EpsMsO Conference 3-6 July 2013. (Accepted for oral presentation)

4.Mirza, S. S., Ashraf, A., 2014. Evaluation of sugarcane bagasse as a carbon source for the growth and lipid production potential of garden soil yeast. Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy Breakout, 7-9 December 2014, San Diego. (Accepted for oral presentation).

5.Mirza, S. S., Munawar, Z., 2014. Eco-friendly paper production by employing bamboo sheaths as raw material. Pacific Rim Summit on Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy, 7-9 December 2014, San Diego. (Accepted for oral presentation).

6.Mirza, S. S., 2017. Photoheterotrophic biocatalyst assisted biohydrogen production from lignocellulosic waste. Energy & Environment Conference-2017, being held in November 09-11, 2017 at Washington DC, USA.

Advisory, Administrative and Community Services

1.Revision of PBI PC-1, attended and participated in all meetings related to revision of PC-1 in University of Agriculture and in Agriculture Department, Revision was finally approved on 23-09-2016.

2.Actively participated for finalizing EOI and consultants for “Integrated Energy and Agriculture Concept” as an additional scope to PBI.

3.Developed and designed layout of 03 respective laboratories including Microbiology, Environmental science and biogas management and production labs.

4.Finalize Furniture of PBI labs with help of other colleagues.

5.Purchasing and tendering of equipment of above 03 labs including Microbiology, Environmental Science and Biogas management and production Laboratory.

6.Evaluation of research proposals on biofuels submitted to KPK.

7.Member of Mentoring board of Student Startup Business Center (SSBC) program at UAF.

8.Developed collaboration with International Association for Hydrogen Energy for future International Energy Contest by involving ESE graduates.

9.Developed international collaborations for research grants and for future joint research publication.

10.Team member of “Establishment of Pak-Korea Hi-Tech Agriculture Innovation Centre at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad/Technology Park Phase I.

11.Develop Curriculum and edited for improvement of syllabi of Energy students and graduate and postgraduate classes on bioenergy (as per instructions of Honorable Vice Chancellor, Letter attached). Revised as per comments of Dean Agriculture (late). Few contents of one newly designed course are incorporated in BS (6th semester) degree program of ESE for subject titled as “Microbial Bioenergy and Biofuels”

Expertise

Confocal Microscopy Scanning Electron Microscopy

Designing and engineering of bioreactor

Expertise in biocatalytic reactions and biofilm formations

Antimicrobial agent assessments

Expertise in different microbial remediation processes for wastewater treatment

Chromatography

Isolation and Characterization of Aerobic as well as Anaerobic Microbes

Research Related Softwares’ Skills

Mega 5.0 DNAMAN

Conting Express MATLAB

Sigma Plot Minitab

Design Expert MS Word

MS Excel MS power point

Analysis of growth kinetics of Microbes

REFERENCES

1. Prof. Dr. Javed Iqbal Qazi

Zoology Department

University of the Punjab Lahore, Pakistan

****.****@**.***.**

Cell:033*-*******

2. Prof. Dr Ehsan Ali

Punjab Bioenergy Institute (PBI)

Agriculture University Faisalabad, Pakistan

*********@*****.***

Cell: 031********

3. Prof. Dr. Shulin Chen

Biological Systems Engineering

Washington State University, USA

*****@***.***

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