Short presentation

I am a dedicated researcher committed to advancing the field of parasitology and improving animal welfare. My research carries profound significance for both academia and industry. By providing evidence-based solutions to challenges in animal health and welfare, I strive to contribute to a sustainable future. As I continue my academic journey at the University of Copenhagen, I am excited to engage in impactful research, inspire students, and collaborate with fellow researchers to drive positive change in animal science.

Primary fields of research

My main fields of research are

• Discover novel anthelmintic compounds from natural plant sources
• Investigate biomarkers for host resilience/ resistance of pathogens
• Exploring biochemical and molecular aspects of host-parasite interactions
• Develop novel means to control intestinal parasites by understanding resistance mechanisms and developing potential resistance-reversing strategies
• Develop area-wide insect control strategies for sustainable control of livestock pests

CV

Positions

• 2022-2023: Senior Research Fellow, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland.
• March-June 2022: Senior Scientist (Section Leader, Parasitology) Biosecurity Sciences Laboratories, Animal Welfare & Biosecurity Division, Department of Agriculture & Fisheries, Queensland Government, Australia
• 2018-2022: Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland.
• 2018-2022: Postdoctoral Research Scientist, Queensland Alliance for Agriculture and Food Innovation, University of Queensland.
• 2017-2018: Lecturer, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan
• Oct 2016-Jan 2017: Scientific Research Officer, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Australia
• 2013-2017: PhD fellow, University of Queensland
• 2010-2013: Lecturer, Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan.

Awards and Honours

• 2023: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship
• 2021: Touring Western QLD–Bursary grant ($1000), awarded by Western Queensland Regional Beef Research Committee
• 2021: First Prize in the poster competition under the ‘Future Farming’ category at ‘Animal Science Olympics 2021’ organised by QAAFI, University of Queensland, Australia (AU$ 1800)
• 2020: Rising Star Award, QAAFI Excellence Awards 2020- This award is awarded to a QAAFI EMCR staff member who is a mover and shaker in their field, engaged in capacity building for EMCRs, and/ or making an impact in their industry.
• 2019: Young Leaders Award “Research and Development Category” awarded by Positive Pakistan Organisation
• 2017: Marie Skłodowska-Curie Individual Fellowship
• 2015-16: Graduate School International Travel Award, University of Queensland, Australia
• 2015-16: Australian Society for Parasitology Researcher Exchange, Training and Travel Award
• 2015: Daniel Walker McLeod Bursary Award, School of Veterinary Science, University of Queensland, Australia
• 2014: First Prize in the poster competition under the ‘Future Farming’ category at ‘Animal Science Olympics 2014’ organised by QAAFI, University of Queensland, Australia (AU$ 1000)
• 2013-16: International Post-Graduate Research Scholarship awarded by the Australian Government
• 2013-16: UQ Centennial Scholarship awarded by the University of Queensland, Australia
• 2010: Gold Medal awarded by Nestlé Pakistan Ltd. on an excellent performance in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
• 2009: Gold Medal awarded by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan (being the best candidate in the whole session of 5-year degree) on scoring the highest Cumulative Grade Point Average (3.87/4.00) in the DVM degree program.
• 2004-2009: University Merit Scholarship awarded by the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan

Service

• 2022-2023: Member ParaBoss Technical Committee (The national authority for livestock parasite control in Australia) 
• 2022-2023: Special Issue Editor, MDPI Pathogens “Parasites: Epidemiology, Treatment and Control”
• 2020-2023: Student outreach activities at Corinda State High School
• 2020-2022: Vice President, QAAFI Early & Mid-Career Researchers Association
• 2019-2022: Queensland State Representative: Australian Society for Parasitology
• Examiner: Honours thesis and Master research reports