Mehwish Jaffer | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Dr. Mehwish Jaffer | Phytochemistry | Best Researcher Award

Assistant Professor At Ucp Lahore, Pakistan

Dr. Mehwish Jaffer is a passionate and accomplished botanist specializing in algal biotechnology, phytochemistry, and microscopy. With a Ph.D. in Botany, she has contributed significantly to the fields of algal biofertilizers, plant-based dyes, and microbial diversity. Known for her dedication to teaching and research, Dr. Jaffer blends academic excellence with innovative science. She has published extensively in high-impact journals and co-authored several botanical guides. Her active participation in national and international conferences highlights her commitment to knowledge dissemination and scientific networking. As an educator and researcher, she brings energy, clarity, and a strong sense of purpose to every role she undertakes. Her work is deeply rooted in sustainable applications of plant science, with a forward-looking approach toward bioresource utilization. 🌱📚🔬

Professional Profile 

 

🎓 Education

Dr. Jaffer earned her Ph.D. in Botany (2020) from Lahore College for Women University, where her thesis focused on the bioculturing of freshwater green algae and their use as eco-friendly fertilizers. She completed her M.Phil. in Botany (2014) at GC University Lahore with a GPA of 3.66, conducting research on natural color dyes from plant sources. Her BS (Hons.) in Botany (2012), also from GC University Lahore, involved soil fungal diversity research, and she earned third position in her class. Her earlier studies include a First Division in Intermediate (Pre-Medical) from Govt. College for Women and Matriculation in Science from Crescent Model School. Additionally, she holds a B.Ed. in Science and certifications in Biology (Alison Portal) and Creative Designing. Her educational path reflects a consistent focus on botanical sciences and applied plant research. 📖🎓🧪

👩‍🏫 Professional Experience

Dr. Jaffer is currently serving as an Assistant Professor at the University of Central Punjab (UCP). Previously, she worked as a Lecturer in Botany at Queen Mary College Lahore, and as a College Teaching Intern at Government College of Science, Wahdat Road, Lahore. Her academic roles are complemented by administrative responsibilities, such as work in registrar offices and organizing departmental activities. She served as In-charge of the Botanical Society for three years, fostering student engagement in botanical events. Her early career includes experience as a science teacher and as an external examiner for practical exams. With a background combining research, teaching, and administration, she showcases a comprehensive academic portfolio that reflects her leadership and commitment to excellence in plant science education. 🧑‍🏫📊🌿

🔍 Research Interests

Dr. Jaffer’s research interests span several subfields of botany. She is deeply involved in algal biotechnology, particularly in exploring freshwater algae for biofertilizer and bioenergy applications. Her work extends into phytochemistry, where she investigates plant-based natural dyes, antioxidants, and antimicrobial compounds. She has also contributed significantly to palynology, microscopy, and morphoanatomical studies of plants and microbes. Dr. Jaffer’s interdisciplinary focus includes environmental monitoring, microbial diversity, and medicinal plant taxonomy. She is particularly passionate about microscopy-based characterization using LM and SEM techniques, which she applies to study algae, fungi, and medicinal flora. Her projects often align with sustainability, ecological restoration, and phytoremediation, addressing contemporary environmental challenges through plant science. 🌊🔬🍃

🧠 Research Skills

Dr. Jaffer possesses a rich blend of technical and analytical skills. She is highly proficient in light and scanning electron microscopy (LM & SEM), which she employs for detailed taxonomic and anatomical plant studies. Her strengths lie in phytochemical extraction, bioassays, and algal culturing techniques for agricultural and environmental applications. She is skilled in scientific writing, data analysis, and presentation at academic conferences. Her lab expertise includes microbiological assessments, palynological analysis, and ecological monitoring. Technologically, she is adept at using Microsoft Office, data presentation tools, and digital platforms for virtual learning and research. Her ability to design and execute experiments, synthesize findings, and co-author scientific publications reflects her capacity for independent research and team collaboration. 🧪📈💻

🏆 Awards and Honors

Dr. Mehwish Jaffer has received academic distinctions throughout her educational and professional journey. She secured the 3rd position in her undergraduate program and has actively participated in numerous national and international conferences, often as an oral or poster presenter. She co-authored three published botanical guides, including Introduction to Algae, recognized for their educational value. Dr. Jaffer has also contributed to organizing high-impact scientific events, such as international conferences and specialized workshops in phycology. Her book contributions and international publications are testaments to her scholarly influence. Additionally, she has served as an external examiner, demonstrating institutional trust in her academic integrity. Her growing body of impactful research makes her a compelling candidate for accolades such as the Best Researcher Award. 🥇📚🌟

Conclusion📝

Dr. Mehwish Jaffer demonstrates strong eligibility for the Best Researcher Award based on her:

  • solid academic foundation,

  • diverse and rich publication record,

  • book authorship,

  • conference engagement,

  • and teaching contributions.

She stands out particularly in plant and algal science, microscopy, and applied botanical research. Addressing the few areas of improvement—especially international research visibility and grant acquisition—would elevate her candidacy even further.

Publications Top Noted📚

  1. Authors: [Unavailable]
    Year: 2022
    Title: Morpho-anatomical characters of family Oscillatoriaceae (algae) identified using primitive (LM) and advance technique (SEM) from Punjab, Pakistan
    Journal: Microscopy Research and Technique
    Citations: 1

  2. Authors: [Unavailable]
    Year: 2022
    Title: Light and scanning electron microscopy of Datura stramonium L. extract and its biological applications
    Journal: Microscopy Research and Technique
    Citations: 2

Sara Ouari | Ethnomedicine | Young Researcher Award

Ms. Sara Ouari | Ethnomedicine | Young Researcher Award

PhD Student at Setif 1 University Ferhat Abbes, Algeria

Ms. Sara Ouari is a dedicated third-year PhD student at Setif 1 University Ferhat Abbes, Algeria, specializing in biochemistry with a research focus on the anti-inflammatory effects of medicinal plants. Her academic journey is marked by high academic achievement and hands-on training in advanced molecular biology techniques through internships in Algeria and Italy. She has published two peer-reviewed articles in prestigious journals—Journal of Ethnopharmacology and Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology—and actively participates in national and international conferences. Her research is part of a government-funded project (PRFU) and involves in vitro and in vivo studies to investigate the pharmacological mechanisms of Inula viscosa. Sara is also collaborating with international institutions, including the University of Messina and the University of West Attica. With a solid foundation in research, international exposure, and a clear focus on phytotherapy, Ms. Ouari shows significant promise as a young scientist in the fields of immunology and molecular pharmacology.

Professional Profile 

Education 🎓

Ms. Sara Ouari has pursued a strong academic path in the field of biochemistry and life sciences. She earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from Abderrahmane Mira University of Bejaia in 2019 with a commendable grade of 16.09, followed by a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and Biology in 2021 from the same institution, graduating with distinction (final grade: 17.70). Her master’s thesis focused on the epidemiological and immunohistochemical study of breast cancer in young Algerian patients. Currently, she is a PhD student at Setif 1 University Ferhat Abbes, where she is conducting research on the anti-inflammatory properties of medicinal plants. Alongside her formal degrees, Sara has enriched her academic experience with several certifications, including training in animal experimentation (Pasteur Institute of Algeria), statistics with R (University of Paris-Saclay), cancer diagnostics, and clinical biology. Her educational background reflects both academic excellence and a strong commitment to interdisciplinary learning and research development.

Professional Experience 💼

Ms. Sara Ouari has gained diverse and valuable professional experience in both academic and clinical research environments. She has served as a part-time teacher at Abderrahmane Mira University of Bejaia and University of Setif 1, delivering practical and directed work sessions in cellular biology, genetics, immunological engineering, biochemistry, and animal biology. Her hands-on laboratory experience includes internships at the Plant Biotechnology and Ethnobotany Laboratory and the Cancer Biological Engineering Laboratory in Bejaia, where she conducted molecular biology and biochemical tests. Currently, she is interning at the Clinical Pharmacology Laboratory (Navarra’s Lab) at the University of Messina, Italy, focusing on cell culture, PCR, and flow cytometry. She has also undergone clinical training in oncology, histopathological analysis, and central medical laboratory diagnostics in various hospital settings. This blend of teaching, laboratory research, and clinical exposure highlights her practical expertise and commitment to advancing biomedical and pharmacological research through applied science.

Research Interest 🔬

Ms. Sara Ouari’s research interests lie at the intersection of biochemistry, immunology, molecular biology, and phytotherapy. She is particularly focused on exploring the therapeutic potential of medicinal plants, with an emphasis on their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Her PhD research investigates the pharmacological mechanisms of Inula viscosa through in vitro and in vivo models, aiming to identify bioactive compounds and their molecular pathways involved in inflammation control. She is also interested in the histological and immunohistochemical analysis of disease models, bridging traditional plant-based medicine with modern biomedical research. Her scientific curiosity extends to cancer biology, especially in understanding the molecular and immunohistochemical profiles of breast cancer in young patients. Sara actively participates in interdisciplinary collaborations, integrating molecular techniques such as PCR, flow cytometry, and biochemical assays into her work. Her long-term goal is to contribute to the development of plant-derived therapeutic agents and improve diagnostic strategies in chronic and inflammatory diseases.

Research Skill🔎

Ms. Sara Ouari possesses a strong and well-rounded set of research skills in the fields of molecular biology, biochemistry, and pharmacology. She is proficient in a variety of laboratory techniques, including PCR, DNA extraction, electrophoresis, cell culture, and flow cytometry, which she has applied in both clinical and academic research settings. Her experience with in vivo experimentation and histopathological analysis demonstrates her competence in handling animal models and evaluating tissue responses, particularly in studies involving inflammation and cancer. Sara is also skilled in immunohistochemical staining and biochemical assays, essential for understanding molecular mechanisms of disease and therapeutic effects. She has strong data analysis capabilities using software like SPSS and GraphPad, and she has completed training in statistical analysis with R. Additionally, her ability to design and execute complex experiments, interpret scientific data, and present findings in peer-reviewed journals and international conferences reflects her growing expertise and promise as a biomedical researcher.

Award and Honor🏆

Ms. Sara Ouari, though early in her scientific career, has begun to earn recognition for her promising contributions to biomedical and phytotherapy research. She is a nominee for the prestigious Young Scientist Award, reflecting her active engagement in innovative research and international collaboration. Her academic excellence has been consistently evident throughout her studies, graduating with distinction at both the bachelor’s and master’s levels. She has successfully published her research in reputable international journals such as Journal of Ethnopharmacology (Elsevier) and Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology (Springer), a notable achievement for a doctoral student. Moreover, she has presented her work at numerous national and international scientific conferences across Algeria, Italy, and Türkiye, showcasing her commitment to scientific dissemination and networking. Sara’s research has also been selected for support under the PRFU program by the Algerian Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research, affirming the national value and relevance of her doctoral work.

Conclusion📝

Sara Ouari demonstrates strong potential and merit as a young researcher. Her academic foundation, publication record, international collaborations, and dedication to ethnopharmacological research position her as a worthy candidate for the Young Researcher Award. While she is still in the early stages of her career, her trajectory suggests promise, particularly if she broadens her research scope and deepens engagement with the scientific and professional community.

Publications Top Noted📚

  • Chemical composition, biological activities, and molecular mechanism of Inula viscosa (L.) bioactive compounds: a review
    S. Ouari, N. Benzidane
    Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Archives of Pharmacology, Vol. 397(6), pp. 3857–3865
    Year: 2024
    Cited by: 6

  • Histological and Immunohistochemical study of Anti-Inflammatory effect of Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton Leaf Extract in Formaldehyde-induced arthritis in Mice
    S. Ouari, N. Benzidane, C. Bencharif, N. Bribi
    MDPI Biomedicines (ECB2025 Conference)
    Year: 2025

  • Inula viscosa (L.) Aiton leaves extract ameliorate arthritis by antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects in formaldehyde-induced arthritis in mice
    S. Ouari, N. Benzidane, M.S. Merakeb, C. Bencharif, L. Arrar, N. Bribi
    Journal of Ethnopharmacology, Vol. 339, Article 119154
    Year: 2025

  • Epidemiological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Study of Breast Cancer in Young Algerian Patients from “Bejaia”
    C.B.C.M. Sara Ouari, Hania Ouahmed-Boudaoud
    International Conference on Engineering, Natural Sciences, and Technological Developments (ICENSTED)
    Year: 2024

  • Epidemiological, Immunohistochemical, and Molecular Study of Breast Cancer in Young Algerian Patients from “Bejaia”
    S. Ouari, H. Ouahmed-Boudaoud, C. Bencharif, C. Mazouzi
    Conference Proceedings
    Year: 2024