Dr. Md Mehedi Iqbal | Food Microbiology | Food Safety Innovation Award

Project Researcher at Nagasaki University, Japan

Dr. Md. Mehedi Iqbal Rocky is a marine microbiologist and bioinformatician with multidisciplinary research expertise in microbial ecology, marine science, and environmental bioinformatics. With over a decade of academic training and research experience in Bangladesh and Japan, he has significantly contributed to the understanding of microbial communities in marine ecosystems, particularly eelgrass (Zostera marina) beds. He is also experienced in AI and machine learning applications in environmental science and currently works as a Project Researcher at Nagasaki University.

 Publications Profile

Scopus

Orcid

🎓 Education Details

• Ph.D. (2018–2022)
  Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
  Thesis: Microbial Community Composition and Diversity in the Eelgrass Bed
  Supervisor: Assoc. Prof. Susumu Yoshizawa

• M.Sc. (2016–2018)
  Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Japan
  Thesis: Microbial community structure associated with eelgrass along the coast of Japan
  Supervisor: Prof. Kazuhiro Kogure

• M.Sc. in Marine Science (2013–2015)
  University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
  Thesis: Phytoplankton species assemblages in the Rezu Khal estuary
  CGPA: 3.54/4.00

• B.Sc. (Hons.) in Marine Science (2008–2013)
  University of Chittagong, Bangladesh
  Term Paper: Zooplankton biodiversity and environmental dynamics in Rezu Khal estuary
  CGPA: 3.51/4.00

👩‍🔬 Professional Experience

• Dec 2024 – Present: Project Researcher, Institute for East China Sea Research, Nagasaki University, Japan
  Topic: CO₂ logger evaluation in ocean systems

• Sep 2023 – Nov 2024: Bioinformatician/Data Scientist, Japan AI Consulting, Osaka
  Work: R&D in AI/ML applications for environmental data

• Apr 2022 – Sep 2023: Project Researcher, AORI, The University of Tokyo
  Research: Seagrass microbiome interactions

• Oct 2021 – Mar 2022: Research Assistant, AORI, The University of Tokyo
  Research: Microbial succession in eelgrass decomposition

• 2013 – Present: Ongoing research in microbial ecology, phytoplankton, and estuarine biodiversity through various research and academic roles in Japan and Bangladesh

🌱 Research Interests

• Marine microbial ecology and environmental microbiology

• Microbial diversity and dynamics in seagrass ecosystems

• Oceanographic data analysis and hydrological factors

• Environmental DNA (eDNA) and next-generation sequencing

• AI and machine learning for ecological data analysis

• Aquatic pollution, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem modeling

🏆 Awards and Honors

• Best Poster Presentation Award, ISME Microbial Ecology Summit, 2020

• MEXT Scholarships (2015–2021) for Doctoral, Master’s, and Research Programs in Japan

• Research Assistant/Project Researcher Awards, University of Tokyo (2021–2023)

🔍 Conclusion

Dr. Md. Mehedi Iqbal Rocky has built an impressive research trajectory blending marine science, microbial ecology, and AI-powered data analysis. His scholarly contributions are evident through high-quality journal publications, international conference presentations, and academic collaborations. With strong technical skills in bioinformatics, statistical modeling, and environmental monitoring, he is well-positioned for leadership roles in interdisciplinary research on marine ecosystems, environmental safety, and sustainable resource management.

 Publications 📚

1. 🧫 Iqbal, M.M., Nishimura, M., Yuya Tsukamoto, Yoshizawa, S. (2024).
   Changes in microbial community structure related to biodegradation of eelgrass (Zostera marina).
   🔬 Science of the Total Environment, 930, 172798.
   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.172798

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2. 🧪 Iqbal, M.M., Nishimura, M., Sano, M., Yoshizawa, S. (2024).
   Particle-attached microbes in eelgrass vegetation areas differ in community structure depending on the distance from the eelgrass bed.
   🌱 Microbes and Environment, 38(3): ME23013.

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3. 🌊 Iqbal, M.M., Nishimura, M., Haider, M. N., Yoshizawa, S. (2023).
   Microbial communities on eelgrass (Zostera marina) thriving in Tokyo Bay and the possible source of leaf-attached microbes.
   🧬 Frontiers in Microbiology, 13, 1102013.
   https://doi.org/10.3389/fmicb.2023.1102013

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4. 🎤 Iqbal, M.M., Nishimura, M., Sano, M., Yoshizawa, S. (2022).
   Diversity and dynamics of particle-associated and free-living bacteria in eelgrass (Zostera marina) bed along the coast of Japan.
   📃 Proceedings of the Microbiology Society Conference.
   https://doi.org/10.1099/acmi.ac2021.po0237

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5. 🌍 Iqbal, M.M., Nishimura, M., Haider, M.N., Sano, M., Ijichi, M., Kogure, K., Yoshizawa, S. (2021).
   Diversity and composition of microbial communities of an eelgrass (Zostera marina) bed in Tokyo Bay, Japan.
   🧫 Microbes and Environment, 36(4): ME21037.

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6. 🐡 Wassel, M.A., Makabe‐Kobayashi, Y., Iqbal, M.M., Takatani, T., Sakakura, Y., Hamasaki, K. (2024).
   The impact of tetrodotoxin (TTX) on the gut microbiome in juvenile tiger pufferfish (Takifugu rubripes).
   📊 Scientific Reports, 14, 16684.
   https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-024-66112-y

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7. 💧 Haider, M.N., Nishimura, M., Iqbal, M.M., Ikemoto, E., Ijichi, M., Kogure, K. (2023).
   Bacterial response to glucose addition – growth and community structure in seawater microcosms.
   🔬 Scientific Reports, 13, 341.

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8. 🧪 Souhardya, S.M., Kumar, U., Iqbal, M.M., et al. (2025).
   Phytoplankton in contrasting ecosystems of the southeastern coast of Bangladesh: effects of seasonality and environmental factors.
   🌿 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 197, 260.
   https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-025-13699-y

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   🐾 Shawon, R.A.R., Rahman, M.M., Dandi, S.O., Agbayiza, B., Iqbal, M.M., et al. (2025).
   Knowledge, perception, and practices of wildlife conservation and biodiversity management in Bangladesh.
   🐘 Animals, 15(3), 296.
   https://doi.org/10.3390/ani15030296

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    📸 Shawon, R.A.R., Rahman, M.M., Iqbal, M.M., Russel, M.A., Moribe, J. (2024).
    An assessment of the diversity and seasonal dynamics of small- and medium-sized mammals in Pittachhara Forest, Bangladesh, using a camera trap survey.
    🦝 Animals, 14(24), 3568.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14243568

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    ⚗️ Mazed, M.M., Haque, A., Iqbal, M.M., Rana, S., Ahammad, K., et al. (2023).
    Heavy metal (As, Cr, and Pb) contamination and associated human health risks in two commercial fish species in Bangladesh.
    🐟 Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 195, 1400.
    https://doi.org/10.1007/s10661-023-11985-1

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    🐣 Nahid, S.A.A., Rana, S., Sultana, N., Mawa, J., Iqbal, M.M., et al. (2023).
    Larval fish assemblages in coastal waters of Bangladesh: Spatial and seasonal dynamics.
    🌐 Conservation, 4, 36–50.
    https://doi.org/10.3390/conservation4010003

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