Maria Afzal | Plants | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Maria Afzal | Plants | Best Researcher Award

Recently graduated at PMAS Aric Agriculture University Rawalpindi, Pakistan

Maria Afzal is a motivated and skilled botanist with a strong background in plant genomics, molecular biology, and functional genetics. With an MPhil in Botany (Plant Sciences) from PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi, she specializes in genomic approaches for enhancing crop stress tolerance, particularly in rice and cotton. Her research integrates classical botany with modern genomic tools and bioinformatics to address critical challenges in plant science, including salinity stress, metal toxicity, and gene function characterization. She has contributed to high-impact publications and is proficient in both wet-lab and computational techniques, making her a versatile early-career scientist with great potential in plant biotechnology and agricultural research.

Publications Profile

Scopus

🎓 Education Details

  • MPhil in Botany (Plant Sciences)
    PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi
    Sept. 2022 – Nov. 2024 (Expected)
    Thesis: Salt Tolerance Mapping in Rice: GWAS Insights and Genomic Patterns

  • Bachelor of Science (Hons.) in Botany
    Government Gordon College, affiliated with University of Gujarat
    Aug. 2016 – Aug. 2020
    Relevant Coursework: Plant Systematics, Molecular Biology, Plant Physiology, Biochemistry, Genetics


👩‍🔬 Professional Experience

  • Research Experience
    Hands-on expertise in functional genomics and molecular biology including:

    • DNA/RNA extraction, PCR/qRT-PCR

    • Primer design, gene docking, phenotypic data collection

    • Genetic transformation and gene editing

    • Hydroponics and infusion cloning

    • Bioinformatics tools (TBtools, Cytoscape, MEGA7, ClustalX, SMART, NCBI, Pfam, Phytozome)

  • Internship

    • National University of Science and Technology (NUST)
      Internship Duration: Dec 2019 – Jan 2020 (1 Month)

🌱 Research Interests

  • Functional Genomics & Gene Editing in Crops

  • Stress Tolerance Mechanisms in Plants (Salinity, Heavy Metals)

  • Molecular Breeding and Trait Mapping using GWAS

  • ABC Transporters and Plant Defense Mechanisms

  • Evolutionary Genomics and Bioinformatics Applications in Agriculture

  • Nanotechnology in Plant Tissue Culture

🏆 Awards and Honors

  • Selected Participant in multiple international seminars and webinars hosted by prestigious universities and international organizations.

  • Contributor to peer-reviewed journals with high impact factors (up to 6.0).

  • Recognized for scientific writing and data analysis contributions to plant genomics publications.

🔍 Conclusion

Maria Afzal is a forward-thinking plant scientist whose multidisciplinary training in plant biology, genomics, and molecular biotechnology equips her to tackle global agricultural challenges. With strong research credentials, diverse technical skills, and active engagement in scientific communities, she is well-positioned to contribute to academic, research, and industry roles in plant science, genetics, and environmental sustainability.

Publications 📚

📘 1. Research Article
Malik W.A., Afzal M., Chen X., Cui R., Lu, Wang S., Wang J., Mahmood I., Ye W.
🔬 Systematic Analysis and Comparison of ABC Proteins Superfamily Confer Structural, Functional and Evolutionary Insights into Four Cotton Species.
📄 Industrial Crops & Products, 177 (2022): 114433.
📈 Impact Factor: 5.6


🧬 2. Nanotechnology in Plant Science
Malik W.A., Mahmood I., Razzaq A., Afzal M., Shah G.A., Iqbal A., Zain M., Ditta A., Asad S.A., Ahmad I., Mangi N., Ye W.
⚗️ Exploring Potential of Copper and Silver Nanoparticles to Establish Efficient Callogenesis and Regeneration System for Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
📄 GM Crops & Food Biotechnology (2021): 1917975.
📈 Impact Factor: 3.1


🌿 3. Environmental Stress & Plant Metabolism
Malik W.A., Afzal M., et al.
🧪 Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Mediated Alkaline Stress Tolerance, Induced by Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase Enzymes in Cotton.
📄 Journal of Environmental Informatics (Accepted).
📈 Impact Factor: 6.0


🧪 4. Heavy Metal Tolerance in Crops
Malik W.A., Afzal M., et al.
🌱 Oxidizing the Odds: FAD-linked Oxidase Flavoenzymes Empower Cotton for Cadmium-Free Harvests.
📄 Industrial Crops & Products (Under Review).
📈 Impact Factor: 5.6


🧬 5. Scientific Commentary
Malik W.A., Afzal M., et al.
🔄 A New Consensus Required for a Unified Nomenclature System of ABC Transporters.
📤 Under Submission.


📊 6. Structural Biology & Evolution
Malik W.A., Afzal M., et al.
🧠 Domain-Based Reorganization of ABC Transporters Confer Novel Structural, Functional and Evolutionary Approaches in Plants.
📤 Under Submission.


Jianyi Lin | Carbon neutrality | Best Researcher Award

Prof Dr. Jianyi Lin | Carbon neutrality | Best Researcher Award

 Professor at Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China

Dr. Jianyi Lin is a Professor of Environmental Planning and Management at the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences. With a background in Civil and Hydraulic Engineering from Dalian University of Technology, he holds a Ph.D. in the same field. Dr. Lin’s research focuses on Low Carbon Planning and Management, Carbon Peak and Neutrality strategies, and Complex System Modeling. His work integrates environmental sustainability with urban development, aiming to mitigate carbon footprints and promote sustainable practices.

Author Metrics

Scopus Profile

Dr. Jianyi Lin has established a significant presence in the academic community with numerous publications in reputable journals such as “Resources, Conservation and Recycling”, “The Science of the Total Environment”, and “Energy”. His research contributions are widely cited, reflecting his impact in the fields of urban environmental management, carbon footprint assessment, and sustainable development.

Dr. Jianyi Lin is affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China. His research has garnered significant recognition with 1,640 citations across 69 documents, resulting in an h-index of 25. His work spans diverse topics within environmental planning and management, focusing on strategies such as Low Carbon Planning and Management, Carbon Peak and Neutrality initiatives, and Complex System Modeling. Dr. Lin’s contributions are notable for their impact on urban sustainability and carbon management strategies, reflecting his commitment to advancing environmental sciences.

Education

Dr. Lin completed his Bachelor’s and Ph.D. degrees in Civil and Hydraulic Engineering at Dalian University of Technology. His academic journey equipped him with deep insights into engineering principles, which he applies to his interdisciplinary research in environmental sciences and urban planning.

Research Focus

Dr. Lin’s research interests are centered around three main areas: reducing carbon emissions through Low Carbon Planning and Management strategies, exploring pathways to achieve Carbon Peak and Neutrality goals, and employing Complex System Modeling to analyze urban environmental interactions and impacts.

Professional Journey

Dr. Lin’s professional career began at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, where he progressed from Assistant Professor to his current position as Professor at the Institute of Urban Environment. His journey includes significant contributions to research projects supported by national and provincial funding bodies, focusing on urban environmental sustainability and carbon management strategies.

Honors & Awards

Throughout his career, Dr. Lin has received recognition for his contributions to environmental science and urban planning. His honors and awards highlight his dedication to advancing sustainable development practices and his impact on academic and professional communities.

Publications Noted & Contributions

Dr. Lin’s publications are noted for their relevance to contemporary environmental challenges. His research on CO2 mineralization, urban water-energy nexus, and carbon footprint assessments has significantly contributed to the understanding of sustainable urban development. His work is characterized by its interdisciplinary approach and practical applications in environmental policy and management.

Unlock city-scale energy saving and peak load shaving potential of green roofs by GIS-informed urban building energy modelling:

  • Authors: Wang, M., Yu, H., Liu, Y., Guo, H., Jing, R.
  • Journal: Applied Energy, 2024, 366, 123315
  • Summary: This paper likely explores the potential of green roofs to save energy and reduce peak load demand in urban areas, using GIS (Geographic Information System) to inform urban building energy models.

CO2 mineralization and utilization by tailings sand in China for potential carbon sinks and spatial project layout:

  • Authors: Li, H., Bian, Y., Liu, M., Yin, J., Xue, L.
  • Journal: Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2024, 206, 107598
  • Summary: This study appears to investigate the use of tailings sand for CO2 mineralization and its potential as a carbon sink, along with considerations for project layout in China.

A balanced staple food structure effectively curbs the environmental impact and counters the nutrient losses from elevated CO2:

  • Authors: Yin, J., Lin, J., Zhang, X., Wang, L., Liu, M.
  • Journal: Resources, Conservation and Recycling, 2024, 205, 107545
  • Summary: This article likely discusses how maintaining a balanced staple food structure can mitigate environmental impacts and address nutrient losses due to increased CO2 levels.

PM2.5 air quality and health gains in the quest for carbon peaking: A case study of Fujian Province, China:

  • Authors: Bian, Y., Huang, X., Lin, S., Lin, J., Ye, X.
  • Journal: Science of the Total Environment, 2024, 915, 170161
  • Summary: This paper probably examines the relationship between PM2.5 air quality improvements and health benefits in the context of efforts to peak carbon emissions, focusing on Fujian Province, China.

Mitigation synergy and policy implications in urban transport sector: a case study of Xiamen, China:

  • Authors: Bian, Y., Lin, J., Han, H., Li, H., Chen, X.
  • Journal: Environmental Research Letters, 2023, 18(8), 084030
  • Summary: This study likely explores the synergy of mitigation strategies and the policy implications for the urban transport sector, using Xiamen, China, as a case study.

Research Timeline

Dr. Lin’s career timeline includes roles as an Assistant Professor (2007-2010), Associate Professor (2010-2018), and currently as a Professor at the Institute of Urban Environment, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Throughout these phases, he has focused on advancing knowledge and solutions in urban environmental management and sustainable development.

Collaborations and Projects

Dr. Lin has collaborated extensively with research groups and institutions both nationally and internationally. His projects, supported by prestigious grants and funding bodies, focus on urban energy-water footprint nexus, carbon neutrality strategies, and the application of complex system modeling in environmental planning. These collaborations underscore his leadership in interdisciplinary research and his commitment to addressing global environmental challenges.