Postdoctoral Candidate in Vector Biology and Computational

CURRICULUM VITAE

DR. WASIA ULLAH, PhD

Medical Entomologist & Molecular Parasitologist

[+923*********] [*********.***@*****.***] [Date of Birth: 20 August 1991]

[Google Scholar Account: [https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Wasia%20Ullah] Address: Timergara Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Nationality: Pakistani PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY

A highly motivated and interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Researcher with a PhD in Zoology

(Parasitology/Entomology) and extensive hands-on experience in vector-borne disease

(VBD) management. Expertise spans spatial epidemiology (GIS), molecular diagnostics

(PCR, sequencing, phylogenetic), and computational drug discovery (in silico docking and dynamics). Proven ability to lead research from field surveillance and lab analysis to data interpretation and publication. Seeks to apply this integrated skill set to advance innovative research in parasite biology and VBD control within a collaborative academic environment.

EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Zoology (Parasitology/Entomology) Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan.

Thesis: Spatial-Temporal Patterns, Molecular Epidemiology, and In Silico Drug Discovery for Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan.

Supervisor: Prof. Dr. Sadaf Niaz 2020 – 2023

Postgraduate Diploma (PGD) in Medical Entomology & Disease Vector Control Health Services Academy, Islamabad, Pakistan 2023

Master of Philosophy (M.Phil) in Zoology (Parasitology/Entomology) Islamia College University, Peshawar, Pakistan 2019

Master of Science (M.Sc) in Zoology Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, Pakistan 2013 RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

PhD Research Fellow Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan Feb 2020 – Dec 2023

Designed and executed a comprehensive research project on the eco-epidemiology of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis.

Fieldwork: Conducted active surveillance, collected patient samples and insect vectors from endemic regions.

Molecular Biology: Extracted DNA (Phenol-Chloroform, Qiagen kits); performed parasite diagnosis via microscopy and species-specific PCR; conducted Sanger sequencing.

Bioinformatics: Analyzed sequence data using MEGA11 for phylogenetic reconstruction and population genetics.

Spatial Analysis: Mapped disease distribution and identified risk clusters using ArcGIS software.

Computational Biology: Performed molecular docking (MOE software) and dynamics simulations (GROMACS) to evaluate phytochemicals as novel anti-leishmanial compounds.

Data Analysis: Utilized SPSS, R, and STATA for statistical analysis of epidemiological data. PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

District Medical Entomologist Health Department, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Dec 2021 – Present

Leading the district-level entomological surveillance and control program for VBDs (Malaria, Dengue, Leishmaniasis).

Managing and analyzing surveillance data to monitor vector populations, disease incidence, and intervention efficacy.

Developing and implementing Integrated Vector Management (IVM) strategies, including insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) and indoor residual spraying (IRS).

Directly supervising and training a team of field staff and community health workers on vector sampling, identification, and control protocols.

Liaison with WHO, UNICEF, and other international partners on disease outbreak response and policy implementation.

Key Achievements:

o Successfully reduced vector-borne disease incidence in assigned areas through data-driven interventions.

o Recognized as a Master Trainer for Malaria, Dengue, Leishmainiasis, Polio, EPI and Integrated Disease Surveillance for Health Professionals.

Lecturer in Zoology/Biology Education Department, KPK, Pakistan Jul 2013 – Dec 2021

Developed and delivered curriculum for college-level Biology and Zoology courses.

Supervised student laboratory sessions and research projects. CORE COMPETENCIES & TECHNICAL SKILLS

Molecular Biology: DNA/RNA Extraction, PCR, RFLP, Gel Electrophoresis, Sanger Sequencing, Primer Design

Bioinformatics: Phylogenetic Analysis (MEGA11, Gene Bank, NCBI), Sequence Alignment, Basic NGS Data Handling

Computational Chemistry: Molecular Docking (MOE, AutoDock), Molecular Dynamics Simulations (GROMACS, AMBER, CHARMM)

Geospatial Analysis: ArcGIS (Spatial Pattern Analysis, Risk Mapping, Data Interpretation)

Statistics & Data Analysis: SPSS, R, STATA, Epi Info, Microsoft Excel (Advanced)

Field Entomology: Vector Surveillance, Vector Species Identification (Microscopy & Molecular), Insecticide Resistance Monitoring

Laboratory Techniques: Parasite Culture, Microscopy (Light, Fluorescent), ELISA, Sterile Technique

Languages: English (Professional Proficiency), Urdu (Native), Pashto (Native) PUBLICATIONS

1. Ullah, W., Wu, W.F., Malak, N., Nasreen, N., Swelum, A.A., Marcelino, L.A., Niaz, S., Khan, A., Ben Said, M., Chen, C.C. (2024). Computational investigation of turmeric phytochemicals targeting PTR1 enzyme of Leishmania species. Heliyon, 10(6), e27907. (IF: 4.0) 2. Ullah, W., Khan, A., Niaz, S., Al-Garadi, M.A., Nasreen, N., Swelum, A.A., Ben Said, M. (2024). Epidemiological survey, molecular profiling and phylogenetic analysis of cutaneous leishmaniasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, 118(4), 273-286. (IF: 2.45)

3. Ullah, W., Yen, T.Y., Niaz, S., Nasreen, N., Tsai, Y.F., Rodriguez-Vivas, R.I., Khan, A., Tsai, K.H. (2023). Distribution and Risk of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Tropical Medicine and Infectious Disease, 8(2), 128. (IF: 3.71). 4. Ullah W. (2025). Epidemiological Surge and Control Challenges of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in Pakistan: A Systematic Review Science Reviews – Biology, 4(2), 1-11. 5. Rabia, R., Ullah, W. (2024). Spatial Distribution, seasonal dynamics and molecular confirmation of Malaria in District Malakand KPK, Pakistan. Transactions of the Royal Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (2025). (IF: 1.6).

6. Ullah, W., Izaz, M., Nasir, A., Miss, R., Islam, Z., Khan, M., ... & Maula, F. (2025). Epidemiology and Risk Factors of Dengue Fever Outbreak in Peshawar, Pakistan: A Hospital-Based Surveillance Study. Indus Journal of Bioscience Research, 3(5), 331-336. 7. Ullah, W., Nasir, A., Ahmad, S. I., Rafi Ullah, Izaz, M., Islam, Z., & Rabia. (2025). Epidemiological and Clinical Determinants of Cutaneous Leishmaniasis in District Dir Upper Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan: A Case-Based Analysis of 336 Confirmed Infections. Indus Journal of Bioscience Research, 3(5), 245–250. (IF: 1.20).

8. Nasir, A., Ullah, W., Izaz, M., & Islam, Z. U. (2025). Resurgent Measles in Pakistan: A 5-Year Analysis of Vaccination Gaps, Surveillance Challenges, and Urban-Rural Disparities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: A 5-Year Analysis of Vaccination Gaps, Surveillance Challenges, and Urban- Rural. Pakistan BioMedical Journal, 28-33.

9. Ullah W, Nasir A, Izaz M, Khan M, Rabia R, Ullah I (2025). Co-infection rate of Malaria and Typhoid in Northern and Central Regions of Khyber Pakhunkhwa, Pakistan. Insights- Journal of Health and Rehabilitation. 2025 February Volume 3 (1).

10. Ullah, W., Nasir, A., Izaz, M., & Rabia, R (2025). Diphtheria outbreak and associated risk factors assessment in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Ricos Biology Journal, 3 (2), 9-18 11. Ullah, W., Nasir, A., & Izaz, M. (2025). The Prevalence of Pinworm Infection in Children of District Mardan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Indus Journal of Bioscience Research, 3(4), 346-351 Doi:

(IF: 1.20)

PROFESSIONAL TRAINING & WORKSHOPS

Annual Conference, APMEN Vector Control Working Group (VCWG) Virtual Dec 2024

Vector Surveillance Training, Asia Pacific Malaria Elimination Network (APMEN) Virtual Aug 2024

Workshop on Scoping Reviews, Chinese Preventive Medicine Association Shanghai, China

(Virtual) May 2023

Workshop on Prevention of Re-establishment of Malaria Transmission: Global Guidance Confirmation, APMEN Thailand Sep 2025

Workshop on Measles and Rubella, WHO & EPI KPK Pakistan Sep 2025

Workshop on Vector Surveillance, WHO & IVMP Pakistan Jun 2023

Workshop on Bio-risk Laboratory Management, PASTIC Islamabad, Pakistan 2020

REFERENCES

Available upon request.

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