The University of Swabi | Pakistan

Author Profile

🎓 Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Hidayat Ullah embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in agricultural sciences. He completed his Ph.D. in Agriculture (Plant Breeding & Genetics) from The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan, where he specialized in genotype × environment interaction, heritability, and selection response for morpho-physiological and yield traits in mungbean. His dissertation, under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Iftikhar Hussain Khalil (Ph.D., Oklahoma State University, USA), laid the groundwork for his future research endeavors. His academic progression includes an M.Sc. (Hons.) in Agriculture (Plant Breeding & Genetics), where he focused on developing and characterizing elite local and exotic maize inbred lines. His early research contributions extended to tissue culture techniques for callus induction in rice, showcasing his deep-rooted interest in plant genetics and breeding.

🏛️ Professional Endeavors

Dr. Ullah has held several prestigious academic and administrative positions at The University of Swabi, Pakistan. As an Associate Professor of Plant Breeding & Genetics since 2015, he has been actively involved in teaching, research supervision, and curriculum development. His leadership extends to multiple administrative roles, including Chairperson of the Department of Agriculture, Director of Academics, Director of the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), and Chief Proctor. Beyond academia, he has contributed to agricultural policy and extension services in Pakistan, having served as an Agriculture Officer and Subject Matter Specialist for the Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His efforts have focused on training local farmers, monitoring field crops, and implementing best agricultural practices.

🌾 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Ullah's research is centered on cereal and legume breeding, tissue culture, hybridization, and sustainable agriculture. He has played a crucial role in the development of high-yielding wheat varieties, Tarnab Rehbar and Tarnab Gandum-1, known for their zinc-enriched properties. His work also extends to transcriptomics, proteomics, and the biological control of pests, addressing both biotic and abiotic stresses in crop production. His international collaborations have enriched his research portfolio, particularly through his fellowship experiences in Australia, China, and the USA. His projects in fababean breeding, soybean genomics, and pest management strategies have contributed to the global discourse on crop resilience and sustainable farming.

🏆 Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Ullah’s contributions have earned him multiple prestigious awards and fellowships:
Executive Endeavour Fellow (Australia) – Recognized for his outstanding research contributions in plant breeding.
Talented Young Scientist Fellow (China) – Acknowledged for his work in pest management and sustainable agriculture.
Visiting Scholar (USA, IRSIP HEC Fellow) – Selected for advanced research in legume genomics.
University Best Research Award – Honored for his impactful research and scholarly contributions.

His participation in the 2024 International CBEC Summer School in China highlights his commitment to integrating AI and e-commerce in agriculture, expanding his expertise beyond traditional plant breeding methodologies.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Ullah has made a lasting impact on agricultural research, academic leadership, and community outreach. His dedication to teaching and mentoring students has produced a new generation of agricultural scientists and plant breeders. His research has enhanced wheat and legume productivity, providing nutritionally enriched and high-yielding crop varieties that support food security efforts. His administrative leadership has strengthened the academic infrastructure of The University of Swabi, shaping policies, enhancing research facilities, and fostering an environment of excellence in agricultural education.

🚀 Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Ullah’s legacy is defined by his commitment to sustainable agriculture, crop resilience, and academic excellence. Looking ahead, he aims to:
Advance genomic research in plant breeding, focusing on climate-resilient crops.
Expand collaborations with international agricultural research institutes.
Enhance agricultural education by integrating AI, machine learning, and precision farming techniques.
Promote sustainable farming practices to combat the challenges of climate change and food security.

His work continues to inspire future scientists, policymakers, and farmers, ensuring a more resilient and productive agricultural future.

Publications

📄 Utilizing Target Sequences with Multiple Flanking Protospacer Adjacent Motif (PAM) Sites Reduces Off-Target Effects of the Cas9 Enzyme in Pineapple
Author(s): Haiyan Shu, Aiping Luan, Hidayat Ullah, Junhu He, You Wang, Chengjie Chen, Qing Wei, Rulin Zhan, Shenghe Chang
Journal: Genes
Year: 2025

📄 Aphid-resistant alfalfa cultivar minimizes the survival of spotted alfalfa aphid through upregulating plant defense compounds
Author(s): Kaihui Zhu, Neng Zhang, Daogang Zhang, Cai Ni, Rong Liu, Wunan Che, Ullah Hidayat, Xiongbing Tu
Journal: Crop Protection
Year: 2025

📄 Growth, Biomass Partitioning and Chlorophyll Fluorescence Response to Drought Stress: A Comparative Study of Commelina Communis L. Biotypes
Author(s): Hidayat Ullah
Journal: Pakistan Journal of Botany (Pak. J. Bot)
Year: 2023

📄 Biochemical Response of Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) to Selenium (Se) under Drought Stress
Author(s): Jawad Ali, Ibadullah Jan, Hidayat Ullah, Shah Fahad, Shah Saud, Muhammad Adnan, Baber Ali, Ke Liu, Matthew Tom Harrison, Shah Hassan et al.
Journal: Sustainability
Year: 2023

📄 Preference and Performance of Peach Fruit Fly (Bactrocera zonata) and Melon Fruit Fly (Bactrocera cucurbitae) under Laboratory Conditions
Author(s): Saeed M., Ahmad T., Alam M., Al-Shuraym L.A., Ahmed N., Ali Alshehri M., Ullah H., Sayed S.M.
Journal: Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences
Year: 2022

Kefala Taye Mekonnen | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 19/10/202419/10/2024 by Book of Award

Dr. Kefala Taye Mekonnen | Agricultural and Biological Sciences | Best Researcher Award

Sunchon National University | South Korea

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Kefala Taye Mekonnen began his academic journey at Hawassa University in Ethiopia, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Animal and Range Science in 2011, graduating with distinction. His passion for animal genetics led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Animal Breeding at the same institution, which he completed in 2017 with great distinction. During his master's program, he focused on phenotypic characterization and the production and reproduction performance of indigenous chickens in southeastern Ethiopia. His educational foundation laid the groundwork for a robust career in animal science and breeding.

Professional Endeavors 🌍

Following his master's graduation, Dr. Mekonnen joined Arsi University as a senior lecturer and researcher. His role involved not only teaching but also contributing significantly to projects aimed at enhancing dairy farming practices in Ethiopia. In 2020, he was awarded a prestigious scholarship by the Republic of South Korea, enabling him to study the Korean language for a year at Daegu University before pursuing his PhD in Agriculture at Sunchon National University. He completed his doctorate in Animal Science and Technology in August 2024, specializing in animal breeding and genetics. His professional journey reflects a dedication to academia, research, and community service.

Contributions and Research Focus 🧬

Dr. Mekonnen's research primarily focuses on animal breeding, genetics, and reproductive performance. His PhD thesis, titled Genome-wide Association Studies on Reproductive Performance, Runs of Homozygosity, and Inbreeding Coefficient Estimation in Korean Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire Breeds, underscores his commitment to advancing genetic research in livestock. He has published numerous papers on topics such as the impact of abiotic stressors on poultry production, carcass traits in indigenous chickens, and the morphological characteristics of Ethiopian native chickens. His work aims to enhance livestock productivity and sustainability in Ethiopia and beyond.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Dr. Mekonnen has received notable recognition for his research efforts. In 2024, he was awarded the Outstanding Research Excellence Award from Sunchon National University, acknowledging his impactful research presentations and contributions to the academic community. His research has been published in reputable journals, further establishing his reputation as a leading scholar in animal breeding and genetics.

Impact and Influence 🌱

Dr. Mekonnen's work has significantly impacted the fields of animal science and agriculture, particularly in Ethiopia. By focusing on local livestock species, he has contributed to the understanding of indigenous breeds and their potential for enhancing food security. His involvement in community engagement projects showcases his commitment to translating academic research into practical solutions that benefit local farmers and communities.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

As Dr. Mekonnen continues his academic and research journey, he aims to foster collaboration between Ethiopian and international agricultural institutions. His commitment to teaching, research, and community service positions him as a valuable asset to the field of animal science. Looking ahead, Dr. Mekonnen plans to explore innovative breeding techniques and sustainable practices that can improve livestock productivity and contribute to the global discourse on agricultural sustainability. His legacy will likely inspire future generations of researchers and practitioners in animal breeding and genetics.

Publications

📄 Genomic and Conventional Inbreeding Coefficient Estimation Using Different Estimator Models in Korean Duroc, Landrace, and Yorkshire Breeds Using 70K Porcine SNP BeadChip
Authors: Mekonnen, K.T., Lee, D.-H., Cho, Y.-G., Son, A.-Y., Seo, K.-S.
Journal: Animals
Year: 2024

📄 Abiotic stressors in poultry production: A comprehensive review
Authors: Ncho, C.M., Berdos, J.I., Gupta, V., Mekonnen, K.T., Bakhsh, A.
Journal: Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition
Year: 2024

📄 Estimation of Carcass Trait Characteristics, Proportions, and Their Correlation with Preslaughter Body Weight in Indigenous Chickens in Southeastern Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen, K.T., Lee, D.-H., Cho, Y.-G., Son, A.-Y., Seo, K.-S.
Journal: Agriculture (Switzerland)
Year: 2024

📄 Biometric Trait Characterization and Multivariate Discriminant Analysis of Traditionally Bred Autochthonous Chickens in Ethiopia
Authors: Mekonnen, K.T., Lee, D.-H., Cho, Y.-G., Son, A.-Y., Seo, K.-S.
Journal: Agriculture (Switzerland)
Year: 2023

📄 A Review on Production, Reproduction, Morphometric, and Morphological Characteristics of Ethiopian Native Chickens
Authors: Mekonnen, K.T., Lee, D.-H., Cho, Y.-G., Seo, K.-S.
Journal: Journal of World's Poultry Research
Year: 2023

Ahmed Emam | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research for community Impact Award

Posted on 28/09/202428/09/2024 by Book of Award

Dr. Ahmed Emam | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research for community Impact Award

Animal Production Research Institute | Egypt

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Early Academic Pursuits 🎓

Dr. Ahmed Emam began his academic journey with a B.Sc. in Agricultural Sciences from Cairo University, majoring in Animal Production. His early interest in animal genetics grew as he pursued an M.Sc. in Poultry Science, investigating the "Effect of leptin on in vitro oocytes maturation in rabbits." His academic achievements culminated in a PhD in Poultry Science, where he focused on comparing genetic biodiversity in Egyptian and European rabbit breeds using genetic markers, a testament to his international collaboration with Porto University in Portugal.

Professional Endeavors 💼

Starting as an Agricultural Engineer in 2005, Dr. Emam climbed the ranks to become a researcher at the Department of Rabbit, Turkey, and Water Fowl Research at the Animal Production Research Institute (APRI). Since 2020, he has been heavily involved in animal genetics research, particularly focusing on rabbit breeds. His dedication is evident through his participation in numerous international projects, including ECOFISH, which explored the organic conversion of fish farms, and collaborations between Egypt and Spain under the Cattleconikta project.

Contributions and Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Emam's research primarily revolves around animal genetics, with a focus on rabbit biodiversity. His work spans various aspects, from microsatellite markers and mitochondrial DNA analysis to the conservation of Egyptian rabbit populations. He has contributed significantly to the field through several key publications, such as his research on the genetic diversity of native Algerian rabbits and the productive efficiency of growing rabbits in Egypt. His role in international conferences, including presenting at the 11th World Rabbit Congress, highlights his influence in the scientific community.

Accolades and Recognition 🏆

Throughout his career, Dr. Emam has received various accolades, including winning the first prize for his scientific poster at the 15th scientific conference of the Egyptian Society of Animal Production. His excellence in research was further recognized when he secured a full grant to attend the prestigious 11th World Rabbit Congress in Qingdao, China. These awards demonstrate his commitment to advancing the field of animal genetics and production.

Impact and Influence 🌍

Dr. Emam's contributions extend beyond academia into the practical realm of animal biodiversity and food security. His studies on the genetic diversity of rabbits have not only enhanced understanding of local breeds but have also impacted food security strategies in Egypt. His work has helped shape policies related to livestock production, ensuring the sustainability of native rabbit breeds amidst changing environmental conditions.

Legacy and Future Contributions 🌟

Dr. Emam’s ongoing projects and upcoming publications promise to further deepen his impact on the field. With his current work focusing on genetic markers for climate-adapted rabbit lines and the status of Egyptian native rabbits along the Nile, he is paving the way for future advancements in animal genetic resources conservation. His legacy will likely be defined by his role in fostering sustainable agricultural practices and enhancing biodiversity within Egypt’s livestock industry.

Publications

📄 Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) Genetic Variability of Cytochrome B Gene (CYTB) in Three Populations of Native Rabbits in Egypt

Authors: Hesham Y.A. Darwish; A.M. Emam
Journal: Reproduction and Breeding
Year: 2024-09

📄 Egyptian Native Rabbits Along The Nile River: A Microsatellite Marker-Based Genetic Field Study

Authors: Ahmed Emam; Reem Mourad; Eslam Faidalah
Journal: Journal of Applied Molecular Biology
Year: 2024-07-01

📄 Assessment of Genetic Diversity Among Native Algerian Rabbit Populations Using Microsatellite Markers

Authors: Abdelbaki Bouhali; Abdelkader Homrani; Nuno Ferrand; Susana Lopes; Ahmed Mostafa Emam
Journal: Archives Animal Breeding
Year: 2023-07-31

📄 Status and Origin of Egyptian Local Rabbits in Comparison with Spanish Common Rabbits Using Mitochondrial DNA Sequence Analysis

Authors: Ahmed Mostafa Emam; Sandra Afonso; Pedro González-Redondo; G.M.K. Mehaisen; A.A.A. Azoz; N.A. Ahmed; N. Fernand
Journal: World Rabbit Science
Year: 2020-06-30

📄 Rabbits Meat Production in Egypt and Its Impact on Food Security, Small Holders' Income, and Economy

Authors: Ahmed M. Emam
Journal: Agricultural Research & Technology: Open Access Journal
Year: 2020-03-20

Ahmed Emam | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research for community Impact Award

Posted on 18/06/202418/06/2024 by Book of Award

Dr. Ahmed Emam | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Research for community Impact Award

Animal production Research Institute | Egypt

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Ahmed Emam's academic journey is marked by a deep focus on animal production and poultry science. He earned his B.Sc. in Agriculture Sciences from the Faculty of Agriculture at Cairo University, Egypt, in June 2003. This foundational education set the stage for his advanced studies. He pursued an M.Sc. in Poultry Science, with a proposed thesis titled "Effect of leptin on in vitro oocytes maturation in rabbits," at the same institution. In April 2018, Dr. Emam completed his Ph.D. in Poultry Science from Cairo University. His doctoral research, conducted in collaboration with the CIBIO Center at the Faculty of Science, Porto University in Portugal, focused on using genetic markers to compare the biodiversity among Egyptian and European rabbit breeds.

Professional Endeavors

Dr. Emam has a rich and varied professional career in the field of animal production and research. He began his career as an Agriculture Engineer from March 2005 to September 2015. He then transitioned to a research assistant role from September 2015 to April 2016, subsequently advancing to Assistant Researcher from April 2016 to April 2020. Since April 2020, he has been a researcher at the Department of Rabbit, Turkey, and Water Fowl Research at the Animal Production Research Institute (APRI), part of the Agricultural Research Center (ARC).

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Emam's research contributions are extensive and impactful. His work includes assessing genetic diversity among rabbit populations, enhancing the productive and economic efficiency of growing rabbits, and examining the rabbit breeding situation in Egypt. Notable publications include studies on genetic diversity using microsatellite markers, the productive efficiency of rabbit diets, and the origin and status of local rabbit breeds using mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis. His research often involves international collaborations, highlighting his commitment to advancing the field of animal production on a global scale.

Accolades and Recognition

Dr. Emam's work has garnered significant recognition. He was awarded the first prize for the best scientific poster at the 15th Scientific Conference of the Egyptian Society of Animal Production. Additionally, he received a full grant to attend the 11th World Rabbit Congress in Qingdao, China, in June 2016. These accolades underscore his contributions to the field and his standing as a respected researcher.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Emam's impact extends beyond his research to include active participation in various professional organizations. He is a member of several societies, including the Egyptian Society of Animal Production, the Egyptian Society of Poultry Science, and the Egyptian Society of Rabbits. He is also involved in national committees focused on animal genetic resources and is a founding member of associations dedicated to improving Egyptian buffalo and rabbit production.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Emam's legacy is built on his significant contributions to the understanding and improvement of animal production systems, particularly in rabbit and poultry science. His ongoing research and involvement in international projects, such as the ECOFISH project and the Cattleconikta project, position him to continue influencing the field. Future contributions are expected to further advance genetic research and sustainable practices in animal production, ensuring food security and economic stability for smallholders in Egypt and beyond.

Notable Publications

Assessment of genetic diversity among native Algerian rabbit populations using microsatellite markers 2023

Status and origin of Egyptian local rabbits in comparison with Spanish common rabbits using mitochondrial DNA sequence analysis 2020 (8)

Rabbits Meat Production in Egypt and its Impact on Food Security, Small Holders Income and Economy 2020 (6)

Diversity assessment among native Middle Egypt rabbit populations in North Upper-Egypt province by microsatellite polymorphism 2017 (7)

Amutha Swaminathan | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Posted on 26/04/202426/04/2024 by Book of Award

Dr. Amutha Swaminathan | Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology | Best Researcher Award

Avinashilingam institute for Higher Education for Women | India

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Early Academic Pursuits

Dr. Amutha Swaminathan embarked on her academic journey with a Bachelor's degree in Botany, followed by a Master's and M.Phil. She culminated her academic pursuits with a Ph.D. from the University of Madras, Chennai, India, focusing on the isolation of anthocyanins and their anticancer properties.

Professional Endeavors

With a strong foundation in academia, Dr. Amutha ventured into various professional roles, including research fellowships, lecturer positions, and her current role as an Assistant Professor at the Avinashilingam Institute of Home Science and Higher Education for Women. Her tenure includes stints at esteemed institutions such as the Indian Institute of Technology Madras.

Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Amutha's research focuses on diverse areas such as DNA isolation and quantification, fermentation of bacterial cultures, enzyme assays, and molecular diagnostic techniques. Her expertise spans across plant biotechnology, microbiology, molecular biology, pharmacology, fungal biotechnology, virology, and cancer biology.

Accolades and Recognition

Throughout her academic and professional journey, Dr. Swaminathan has garnered prestigious awards, including the PROF. R. KALYANASUNDARAM MEMORIAL PRIZE for Best Thesis , Junior Research Fellowships and Senior Research Fellow funded by the University Grant Commission.

Impact and Influence

Dr. Swaminathan's contributions extend beyond her research endeavors. She has conducted numerous workshops, seminars, and training programs, fostering knowledge exchange and skill development among students and peers. Her publications in reputed journals reflect her commitment to advancing scientific knowledge.

Legacy and Future Contributions

Dr. Swaminathan's legacy lies in her multifaceted contributions to academia, research, and community engagement. With her ongoing projects and collaborations, she continues to inspire future generations of scientists and contribute significantly to the fields of botany, biotechnology, and cancer research.

Notable Publications

In vitro seed culture optimization of Cynanchum tunicatum (Retz.) Alston using Response Surface Methodology 2023

In vitro propagation, qualitative phytochemical analysis and antioxidant activity of Ruta chalapensis L. 2014 (1)

In vitro callus induction and comparative antimicrobial activity of wild plant and callus of a medicinal plant Mukia maderaspatana (L.) Cogn 2013 (3)

Micropropagation of Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC and determination of tyrosinase 2013 (7)