Professional Profile
Evolutionary and computational biologist specializing in population & landscape genomics, , hybridisation genetics, phylogeography, systematics, and plant climate adaptation. My research combines whole-genome sequencing with custom bioinformatics pipelines to quantify evolutionary responses to environmental change across spatial and temporal scales. Research recognized by the Erich Oberdorfer Foundation Research Award (2019) and published in New Phytologist, Molecular Ecology, and Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences. Aims to establish an independent research program integrating evolutionary genomics with interdisciplinary collaboration and contributing to biodiversity-informed policy through engagement with the IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management and the IUCN Commission on Education and Communication.
Personal Information
- Nationality: German
- Languages: English (Fluent); German (Proficient); Urdu (Native)
Computational and Technical Skills
Computational Methods, AI & Data Science
- Artificial Intelligence & Genomic Modelling: Application of AI-based Large Language Models (LLMs) for genome analysis, functional annotation, variant interpretation, and integrative bioinformatics workflows.
- Machine Learning: Deep learning (PyTorch, TensorFlow), model development and deployment; ensemble learning frameworks (Random Forest, BRT)
- Statistical Modelling: GLM/GAM, Bayesian inference, multivariate statistics; environmental association analyses (genome-environment relationships)
- High-Performance Computing & Workflow Management: HPC environments, Slurm job scheduling, parallel processing, Nextflow, Snakemake
- Programming Languages: R (Bioconductor, tidyverse), Python, Bash, Perl
- Data Analysis & Visualization: R (ggplot2, dplyr), Python (pandas, NumPy, matplotlib, seaborn), Jupyter Notebooks
Bioinformatics, Genomics and Population Genetics
- Genome Assembly & Annotation: De novo assembly using Illumina, ONT, PacBio HiFi and Hi-C (Flye, hifiasm, HiCanu, SPAdes, miniasm, Velvet)
- Temporal Population Genomics: Analysis of allele‑frequency change across time points to infer selection, simulation-based outlier detection using Wright–Fisher model and Moran model frameworks (ANGSD, GATK, BCF/SAMtools, BEAGLE, PLINK)
- Hybridisation Genomics: Introgression and gene flow analysis using ABBA‑BABA, TreeMix, and STRUCTURE/ADMIXTURE
- Population Structure & Demographic Inference: fastsimcoal2, ∂a∂i, DIYABC, demografr; phylogenomics using RAxML, MrBayes, BEAST, SplitsTree
- Functional & Evolutionary Genomics: Integration of conservation-based functional scores (phyloP score, GERP score, GPN) to prioritise candidate loci and link constraint with allele frequency dynamics
Landscape Ecology and Geospatial Modelling
- Landscape Genomics: Spatial integration of genomic and environmental data; analysis of climate-driven allele frequency shifts and isolation-by-environment patterns using GIS tools (ArcGIS, QGIS) and R
- Species Distribution Modelling (SDM): Ecological niche modelling (MaxEnt, GLM, GAM, Random Forest, BRT) to contextualize genomic variation within environmental suitability landscapes
Wet-lab Skills
- Molecular Techniques: High-throughput DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, qPCR, gel electrophoresis, Sanger sequencing
- Genomic Library Preparation: ddRAD-seq, Oxford Nanopore (DNA/RNA), Illumina library preparation
- Microbiology: Aseptic technique for the isolation, culturing, and maintenance of bacteria and fungi for plant microbiome analysis and pathogen assays.
Professional Experience
Teaching Assistant & Postdoctoral Researcher
University of Cologne, Germany | 2022 – Present
- Coordinate theoretical modules and teach practical classes in Quantitative Biology and Population Genetics; mentor students in experimental design, phenotyping, whole‑genome sequencing (WGS) data analysis, and scientific interpretation; prepare and assess examinations.
- Organize and lead field excursions, guiding students in designing and conducting plant ecology experiments in the Ecology and Applied Biology module.
- Investigate plant evolutionary dynamics under climate change through temporal genomics, hybridisation genetics, and common garden experiments.
- Assemble and annotate plant genomes using HiFi long-read, Hi-C, and Illumina short-read sequencing technologies.
- Associated Member, DFG TRR 341; mentor and guide MSc/PhD students within TRR‑affiliated projects.
Postdoctoral Researcher
Senckenberg/LOEWE Center for Translational Biodiversity Genomics | 2019 – 2022
- Characterized the impact of landscape heterogeneity on fine-scale genetic structure and gene flow in Microthlaspi erraticum using whole genome resequencing.
- Dissected the effects of host genotype, microbiome, and abiotic factors on plant disease incidence.
- Assembled microbial genomes from Oxford Nanopore long-reads, polished with Illumina data.
- Validated functional roles of microbial taxa via synthetic microbiome inoculations in contrasting host genotypes
- Governance and community roles: Member, Diversity & Inclusion Committee and TBG Steering Committee; part of the Young Scientists main speaker team (ECR network collaborating with the Board of Directors).
- Organised institute-level events (annual retreats, Diversity Days, training workshops); participated in committee meetings on organisational issues and budgeting, gaining practical insight into decision-making processes.
PhD Research Associate
Goethe University & Senckenberg (SBiK-F), Frankfurt | 2011 – 2019
- Clarified the systematics of Microthlaspi (Brassicaceae) by describing two new genera (Ihsanalshehbazia, Friedrichkarlmeyeria) and three new species.
- Reconstructed Pleistocene range dynamics and post-glacial colonization routes of Palearctic plant populations using phylogeographic and demographic modelling.
- Integrated ecological niche modelling with population genetics to explain spatial patterns of biodiversity.
- Coordinated international fieldwork across Europe, North Africa, and Asia (planning, permits, sampling logistics)
- Disseminated results through peer‑reviewed publications and conference presentations
Research Internship / MRes Project
The James Hutton Institute, UK | 2009 – 2010
- Investigated alternative splicing in barley under cold/drought stress, identifying stress-responsive variants via RNA assays (RT-PCR/qPCR).
Lecturer in Botany/Biology
Khawaja Fareed Govt. College, Pakistan | 2002 – 2008
- Taught undergraduate biology; designed curricula and assessments; supervised labs; advised students.
GCE Advance Level Biology Teacher
The City School, Lahore/Vehari Branches, Pakistan | 1998 – 2002
- Taught A‑Level Biology; prepared students for examinations; coordinated practicals.
Research Internship / MSc Project
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad | 1997 – 1998
- Evaluated drought resistance in wheat germplasm from arid regions, using greenhouse/field screens and statistical analysis (ANOVA).
Education and Qualifications
- Doctor of Philosophy (Dr. rer. nat.)
Goethe University & Senckenberg (SBiK-F), Frankfurt, Germany | 2019
Dissertation: “Morphology, systematics and phylogeography of Microthlaspi (Brassicaceae, Coluteocarpeae)” - Master of Research (MRes), Crops for the Future
University of Dundee, UK | 2010
Dissertation: “The Role of Alternative Splicing in Barley in Response to Cold/Drought Stress” - Master of Science (MSc), Botany
University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Pakistan | 1998
Dissertation: “Drought Resistance of Wheat Germplasm Collected from some Arid Regions of Baluchistan and Punjab” - Bachelor of Science (BSc), Chemistry, Botany, Zoology
B.Z. University Multan, Pakistan | 1995
Collaboration Projects
- Assessed urbanization impacts on Solidago canadensis and Tanacetum vulgare via AFLP/MS-AFLP genotyping (University of Potsdam, Germany).
- Conducted phylogenomics of fungal pathogens (Technical University of Munich, Germany).
- Analyzed spatial diversity patterns and phylogeography of endangered plants (Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic)
Awards & Professional Service
- Associate Editor & Science Mentor, Frontiers for Young Minds Journal
- Member, IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM) & Education & Communication (CEC)
- Erich Oberdorfer Foundation Research Award (2019), Karlsruhe, Germany
- Goethe Graduate Academy Fellowship (2011-2015), Frankfurt, Germany
- Global Excellence Postgraduate Scholarship (2009), University of Dundee, UK
- Students’ Award for Outstanding Biology Teaching (2005, 2007), Higher Education Dept., Pakistan
Selected Conferences, Workshops, and Invited Talks
- Environmental Statistics and Spatial Modelling for Conservation (2026) Punjab University, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Ecosystem Restoration: An overlooked opportunity for Economic growth (2021) Bahria University, Karachi, Pakistan.
- Role of Biodiversity and Ecosystem Restoration in Climate Change Mitigation (2020), International Conference on One Health, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan.
- Misconceptions about Evolution and the Mechanisms of Evolution (2020), University of Peshawar, Pakistan.
- From jargon to human: Translating Science to Kids (Workshop 2020), Friends For Future International Youth Conference.
- The Talking Climate Workshop (2020), SDGs Academy, Pakistan.
- Pleistocene Glaciation and Palearctic Phylogeography: Inferring Species Glacial Refugia and Recolonization Routes (2019), Monrepos Archaeological Research Center, Neuwied, Germany.
- Modelling of Range-Wide Pathogen Pressure in an Annual Member of the Brassicaceae (2019), Wild Plant Pathosystems Conference, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Genomics and Climate Adaptation (2018), Senckenberg Translational Biodiversity Genomics, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
- Determination of Genetic Diversity of Arabidopsis thaliana in the Italian Peninsula Using Next-Generation Genotyping (RAD-Seq) (Workshop, 2015), Botanikertag, Munich, Germany.
- Influence of Climate and Geography on Occurrence of Infection in Microthlaspi perfoliatum (2014), German Mycological Society Congress, Mettlach-Orscholz, Germany.
- Diversity of Arabidopsis thaliana in Italy as Inferred from Next-Generation Genotyping in Relation to Biotic and Abiotic Factors (2013), Wild Plant Pathosystems Conference, Olomouc, Czech Republic.