Assistant Professor at Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research (PCMD) International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS) University of Karachi, Karachi-75270, Pakistan.
Dr. Saima Rasheed, Ph.D. ๐, is an Assistant Professor at the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, ICCBS, University of Karachi ๐ต๐ฐ since 2018. Her work bridges chemistry and biology, with a strong focus on structural biology, natural products, and drug discovery ๐งฌ. She completed prestigious postdocs in Germany ๐ฉ๐ช and Sweden ๐ธ๐ช, and actively mentors M.Phil. and Ph.D. scholars ๐ฉโ๐ฌ. Her expertise in X-ray crystallography and enzymology aids in exploring bioactive compounds and protein structures ๐งช๐ฌ. Passionate about scientific innovation, she is internationally recognized and aims to advance molecular insights for therapeutic development ๐๐ก.
Professional Profile:
ORCID
Google Scholar
Suitability for Best Researcher Award โ Dr. Saima Rasheed
Dr. Saima Rasheed stands out as a brilliant interdisciplinary researcher, seamlessly connecting bio-organic chemistry, structural biology, and drug discovery. As an Assistant Professor at the Dr. Panjwani Center, ICCBS, she has built an impressive international research portfolio with postdoctoral experiences in Germany and Sweden, focusing on cutting-edge structural biology techniques like X-ray crystallography. Her role as a mentor to numerous graduate students, along with her contributions to international collaborations and her presence in prestigious forums such as the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, demonstrate her global recognition and leadership in scientific research.
๐ Education & Experience
-
๐ Ph.D. in Chemistry (Bio-Organic Chemistry) โ ICCBS, University of Karachi (CGPA 3.87/4.00)
-
๐ฌ Postdoctoral Fellow โ IAEA-SESAME Fellowship, DESY & University of Hamburg, Germany (2016โ2017) ๐ฉ๐ช
-
๐งช Postdoctoral Fellow โ MAX IV-SESAME Fellowship, Lund University, Sweden (2018โ2019) ๐ธ๐ช
-
๐ฉโ๐ซ Assistant Professor โ Dr. Panjwani Center, ICCBS, University of Karachi (Since Oct 2018) ๐ต๐ฐ
๐ Professional Developmentย
Dr. Rasheed has completed various international certificate courses and workshops focused on structural biology, X-ray crystallography, and spectroscopy ๐ฌ๐. Her training includes advanced usage of scientific tools like SHELX, COOT, CCP4, PyMOL, and GraphPad ๐ง ๐ป. These programs have significantly boosted her analytical and research skills in protein crystallization and structural determination ๐งฌ. She is deeply involved in continuous learning and keeps her research techniques updated through collaborations and training from institutes in Europe and the Middle East ๐๐. Her participation in SESAME and IUCr initiatives reflects her global engagement in scientific progress and technical development ๐.
๐ Research Focusย
Dr. Saima Rasheedโs research lies at the crossroads of natural product chemistry, enzymology, and structural biology ๐ฌ๐ฟ. Her primary focus is the isolation and characterization of bioactive natural compounds, especially those with therapeutic potential ๐งช๐. She investigates structureโactivity relationships (SAR) and conducts crystallization studies of key enzymes like ฮฒ-lactamase, carbonic anhydrase II, and plant lectins ๐๐งฌ. Using X-ray crystallography, she deciphers molecular mechanisms and interactions relevant to drug discovery ๐งซ. Her goal is to unravel the structural insights of biomolecules to contribute towards rational drug design and understanding of disease pathways ๐ก๐ง .
๐ Awards & Honorsย
-
๐ง Selected for the 64th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (2014) โ Germany ๐ฉ๐ช
-
๐ BIOVISION.NEXT Fellowship (2013) โ France ๐ซ๐ท
-
โ๏ธ Multiple Travel Grants โ IAEA, IUCr, SESAME, and NOVARTIS ๐
-
๐ฅ Recognized for International Scientific Excellence in Structural Biology ๐งฌ
-
๐ Supervisor of multiple M.Phil. and Ph.D. researchers in chemistry and biology ๐ฉโ๐ฌ๐จโ๐ฌ
Publication Top Notes
Conclusion
Dr. Saima Rasheed is exceptionally suited for the Best Researcher Award, thanks to her cross-disciplinary excellence, international exposure, and innovative contributions to molecular medicine and drug discovery. Her work in natural product chemistry and protein structure analysis not only contributes to fundamental scientific understanding but also supports therapeutic advancements with global relevance. Through her scholarly publications, international collaborations, and mentorship, Dr. Rasheed has significantly advanced Pakistanโs presence in the global scientific community. Her dedication to bridging chemistry and biology for societal benefit makes her a model candidate for this prestigious recognition. ๐๐งฌ๐