Ph.D., Plant Cell and Molecular Biology (2013-2018)

The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia

M.Sc., in Genetics and Plant Breeding (2008-2010)

Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh, Bangladesh.

B.Sc. Agriculture (Plant Science) (2003-2008)

Patuakhali Science and Technology University, Patuakhali, Bangladesh.

Plant Genome Editing and Transformation

Guide RNA and vector design for CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockout, base and prime editing in plants. Gene delivery in Arabidopsis via Agrobacterium-mediated floral dip transformation. Tissue culture-mediated genetic transformation in rice and poplar. RNP (ribonucleoprotein) complex preparation and gene editing in fungi. Protoplast isolation and genetic transformation. Transient gene expression analysis in tobacco. Standardization of plant transformation and regeneration protocols. Preparation and optimization of plant tissue culture media for shoot induction and root development.

Plant Molecular Biology

Design and construction of plasmid vectors for recombinant protein expression in plants and E. coli bacteria. High-throughput gene cloning using gateway, gibson and golden gate assembly. Gene expression analysis using real-time quantitative PCR and RNA blotting. Gene copy number analysis using southern blotting and qPCR. Protein purification and interaction studies using yeast two hybrid (Y2H) and bimolecular florescence complementation (BiFC) assays. Preparation of cDNA library and RNA sequencing. Protein detection by double antibody sandwich ELISA. Promoter activity assays for spatial and temporal gene expression in plants.

Plant Synthetic Biology and Biodesign

Development of novel gene stacking tools for metabolic engineering in plants. Design and construction of biosensors to monitor gene editing events in plants. Synthetic pathway design and construction for atmospheric carbon fixation. Engineering transkingdom gene regulation tools to control microbial communities in plant rhizosphere. 

Plant Pathology

Isolation of bacterial and fungal pathogens from the infected plant tissues. Culturing and subculturing of bacterial and fungi pathogen. Analysis of colony forming unit (CFU). Design and analysis of pathogen specific primers and probe. Identification of plant pathogen using viability qPCR (vqPCR). Real-time PCR for the quantification of pathogen load. Gene editing in plant pathogenic fungi using ribonucleoprotein (RNP) complex. Expression analysis of defense related genes in diseased plants. 

Plant Growth Analysis and Phenotyping

Growth and maintenance of diverse plant species including Arabidopsis, tobacco, Populus, rice, wheat and canola under greenhouse, growth chamber, and field conditions. Imaging and documentation of phenotypic traits using light, fluorescent and confocal microscopy. Root traits analysis using soil and hydroponic systems. Collection and analysis of plant phenotypic data such as plant height, biomass, tiller number, flowering time, seed yield, and root architecture under abiotic stress conditions

Plant Physiology and Functional Genomics

Analysis of plant elemental (e.g., phosphorus and silicon transporters) uptake and accumulation in plants using chemical and genomic approaches.. Determination of proline content in plants. Determination of photosynthetic rate/efficiency in plants. Imaging and documentation of phenotypic traits using light, fluorescent and confocal microscopy. Functional analysis of transcription factor genes involved in flower development. Characterization of floral structures in Canola and Arabidopsis for gene function studies. 

2022 – 2023: Senior Research Scientist , Molecular Biology Assay Development, Invaio Sciences Inc. – Cambridge, MA, United States

Research activities

Establish high-throughput qPCR assays to detect citrus greening disease causing bacteria. Develop high-throughput DNA and RNA extraction and purification protocols, enhancing efficiency in citrus sample processing and high-throughput cloning.

2019 – 2022: Postdoctoral Research Associate, Synthetic Biology Group, Oak Ridge National Laboratory – Oak Ridge, TN, United States

Research projects

Establishing cross-kingdom gene regulation capability in plants. Build synthetic gene circuits to engineer crassulacean acid metabolic pathway in plants. Develop and optimize CRISPR/Cas-based genome editing technologies for bioenergy crops.

2019 – 2022: Assistant Professor, Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding, Patuakhali Science and Technology University – Patuakhali, Bangladesh

Research projects

Improving nutrient use efficiency (nitrogen and phosphorus) in rice using system and synthetic biology.

Patuakhali Science and Technology University – Bangladesh

Assistant Professor, Genetics and Plant Breeding
2021 – Present

Deliver comprehensive lectures and practical sessions in Molecular Genetics at undergraduate level and Plant Biotechnology at graduate level. Design and supervise laboratory exercises in cellular and molecular biology, including advanced techniques suchas PCR and qRT-PCR.

Provide individualised support to students to enhance their understanding and problem-solving abilities in plant genetics and biotechnology. Assess and provide feedback on assignments, tests, and laboratory work to facilitate academic development. Contribute to curriculum development and continuous improvement of educational materials and methods.

• Supervised two master's thesis projects on characterising apomictic genes in cereals.
• Secured $ 3000 grant for study of apomictic genes in cereal crops.
• Recognised as a keynote speaker at 5th International Conference on Biotechnology in Health and Agriculture, underscoring expertise and thought leadership in the field.

University of Melbourne – Australia

Tutor (Part-time), Genetics
2017 – 2017

Facilitated the course Genetics and Evolution of Life, preparing experiments to enhance student comprehension of fundamental concepts. Guided students through intricate laboratory techniques, including gene cloning, bacterial and yeast transformation, and fluorescence protein expression in yeast. Developed instructional materials and methodologies to optimise learning experience.

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