Mr. MD AKHTAR-E EKRAM | Ancient DNA | Best Researcher Award

Professor at University of Rajshahi, Bangladesh.

Dr. Md. Akhtar-E Ekram 👨‍🔬 is a Professor at Rajshahi University, Bangladesh 🇧🇩, specializing in Molecular Ecology, Geomicrobiology, and Environmental Microbiology 🧫. With a Ph.D. from Curtin University, Australia 🇦🇺 (2024), he focuses on ancient DNA (sedaDNA) to reconstruct past terrestrial ecosystems 🌍. He has been teaching since 2009 and became a full Professor in 2024 👨‍🏫. Dr. Ekram is actively involved in research on microbial interactions, nanoparticle biosynthesis, and environmental DNA metabarcoding 🔬. He is affiliated with renowned societies 🌐 and has published widely in top-tier journals 📚, contributing to ecological and microbiological knowledge globally 🌱.

Professional Profile:

ORCID

Google Scholar

Suitability for Best Researcher Award – Dr. Md. Akhtar-E Ekram

Dr. Md. Akhtar-E Ekram is an ideal candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given his pioneering research in molecular ecology, geomicrobiology, and environmental microbiology, combined with an impressive academic trajectory and international collaborations. With a recently earned Ph.D. from Curtin University (2024) and a steady rise through academia culminating in his promotion to Professor in 2024, Dr. Ekram has demonstrated consistent scholarly excellence. His cutting-edge work on sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) and microbial ecosystems places him at the forefront of environmental and ecological research in South Asia and globally.

🎓 Education & Experience

• 🎓 Ph.D. in Geomicrobiology & Molecular Ecology, Curtin University, Australia (2024)

• 🎓 M.Phil. in Environmental Microbiology, Rajshahi University, Bangladesh (2015)

• 🎓 M.Sc. in Genetic Engineering, Rajshahi University (2004)

• 🎓 B.Sc. (Hons) in Genetics & Breeding, Rajshahi University (2003)

• 👨‍🏫 Teaching since 2009 at Rajshahi University

• 🧑‍🔬 Promoted to Professor in 2024

• 🎯 Supervised multiple M.S. and undergraduate research projects

🚀 Professional Development

Dr. Ekram continuously advances his expertise through scholarly engagement and professional collaborations 🌐. He is an active member of international scientific communities, including the European Geosciences Union 🌍, The sedaDNA Scientific Society 🧬, and the American Society for Microbiology 🦠. His lab activities are enriched by the use of cutting-edge molecular tools like PCR, electrophoresis, DNA extraction, and R-based bioinformatics 📊. He has also participated in workshops and global conferences, fostering innovation and interdisciplinary knowledge exchange 🧠. His mentorship of young researchers and commitment to academic excellence make him a dynamic force in environmental microbiology and molecular ecology 🌱.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Ekram’s research centers on microbial ecology, biodegradation, and sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) 🧫. He investigates microbial communities in environmental samples to understand ecological dynamics and past ecosystem structures 🌿. His work incorporates metabarcoding, bioremediation, and nanoparticle biosynthesis using microorganisms 🌐. Through advanced molecular techniques like PCR, gel electrophoresis, and high-throughput sequencing 🧬, he deciphers the roles of microbes in environmental sustainability. His studies significantly contribute to ecosystem reconstruction, geomicrobiology, and climate change insights ⛅. Dr. Ekram’s interdisciplinary approach enhances our understanding of microbial life and its role in natural and impacted habitats 🌍.

🏅 Awards & Honors

• 🥇 Curtin International Postgraduate Research Scholarship

• 🏆 Shaheed Habibur Rahman Gold Medal

• 🧬 Membership in European Geosciences Union

• 🧫 Member of American Society for Microbiology

• 🌍 Member of The sedaDNA Scientific Society

Publication Top Notes

1. 🔬 Title: Efficacy of soil‐borne Enterobacter sp. for carbofuran degradation: HPLC quantitation of degradation rate

   • Authors: MAE Ekram, I Sarker, MS Rahi, MA Rahman, AK Saha, MA Reza

   • Journal: Journal of Basic Microbiology, 60(5), 390–399

   • Cited by: 31

   • Year: 2020

   • Summary: This study investigates a soil-isolated Enterobacter species for its ability to degrade the toxic pesticide carbofuran. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was used to quantify the degradation, highlighting the strain’s bioremediation potential.

2. 🍇 Title: Probiotic potential of Lactobacillus plantarum DMR14 for preserving and extending shelf life of fruits and fruit juice

   • Authors: S Islam, S Biswas, T Jabin, M Moniruzzaman, J Biswas, MS Uddin, et al.

   • Journal: Heliyon, 9(6)

   • Cited by: 22

   • Year: 2023

   • Summary: The research demonstrates how L. plantarum DMR14, a probiotic strain, can extend the shelf life of fruits and juices by inhibiting spoilage organisms, showcasing potential for natural food preservation.

3. 🧵 Title: Efficacy of Pseudomonas sp. and Bacillus sp. in textile dye degradation: a combined study on molecular identification, growth optimization, and comparative degradation

   • Authors: SAJ Rima, GK Paul, S Islam, M Akhtar-E-Ekram, S Zaman, MA Saleh, et al.

   • Journal: Journal of Hazardous Materials Letters, 3, 100068

   • Cited by: 20

   • Year: 2022

   • Summary: This paper evaluates two bacterial strains (Pseudomonas and Bacillus) for their ability to degrade harmful textile dyes. Molecular techniques and optimized growth conditions were employed to enhance bioremediation efficiency.

4. 🦠 Title: Cell-Free Supernatants (CFSs) from the Culture of Bacillus subtilis Inhibit Pseudomonas sp. Biofilm Formation

   • Authors: S Islam, ML Mahmud, WH Almalki, S Biswas, MA Islam, MG Mortuza, et al.

   • Journal: Microorganisms, 10(11), 2105

   • Cited by: 17

   • Year: 2022

   • Summary: This study finds that extracellular metabolites from Bacillus subtilis cultures significantly inhibit biofilm formation by Pseudomonas species, suggesting anti-biofilm applications in healthcare and food industries.

5. 🌾 Title: Hydrogen-rich water: a key player in boosting wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) seedling growth and drought resilience

   • Authors: MA Islam, MNA Shorna, S Islam, S Biswas, J Biswas, S Islam, AK Dutta, et al.

   • Journal: Scientific Reports, 13(1), 22521

   • Cited by: 8

   • Year: 2023

   • Summary: The paper reveals that hydrogen-rich water significantly enhances wheat seedling growth and improves resilience under drought stress, offering a promising strategy for sustainable agriculture.

6. 🌴 Title: A 1 Ma sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) record of catchment vegetation changes and the developmental history of tropical Lake Towuti (Sulawesi, Indonesia)

   • Authors: MAE Ekram, M Campbell, SH Kose, C Plet, R Hamilton, S Bijaksana, et al.

   • Journal: Geobiology, 22(3), e12599

   • Cited by: 3

   • Year: 2024

   • Summary: This study utilizes ancient DNA extracted from sediments to reconstruct a 1-million-year history of vegetation changes around Lake Towuti, providing critical insights into tropical ecosystem evolution.

7. 🧬 Title: Klebsiella pneumoniae Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) Protect Artemia salina from Fish Pathogen Aeromonas sp.: A Combined In Vitro, In Vivo, and In Silico Study

   • Authors: ML Mahmud, S Islam, S Biswas, MG Mortuza, GK Paul, MS Uddin, et al.

   • Journal: Microorganisms, 11(1), 172

   • Cited by: 3

   • Year: 2023

   • Summary: The paper explores how VOCs produced by K. pneumoniae protect Artemia salina from Aeromonas infection, combining lab, animal, and computational approaches to reveal therapeutic potentials.

8. 🌿 Title: Biological Activities of the Methanolic Extracts of Coccinia indica and Mikania scandens Leaves Available in Bangladesh

   • Authors: MAE Ekram, MEH Sarker, AP Talukder, B Sarker, MS Uddin, S Zaman

   • Journal: Dhaka University Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 16(1), 87–93

   • Cited by: 2

   • Year: 2017

   • Summary: This research evaluates the antioxidant, antimicrobial, and cytotoxic properties of methanolic leaf extracts of Coccinia indica and Mikania scandens, supporting their use in traditional medicine.

9. 🧪 Title: Assessing Bioaccumulation Potentiality of Lead-and Chromium-Tolerant Bacterial Strain from Tannery Effluents of Bangladesh through Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer

   • Authors: M Akhtar-E-Ekram, AP Talukder, N Haque, S Tazrian, S Zaman, S Uddin, et al.

   • Journal: Journal of Environmental Microbiology and Toxicology, 7(1), 36–43

   • Cited by: 1

   • Year: 2019

   • Summary: This study identifies and analyzes heavy metal-tolerant bacteria from tannery waste, using atomic absorption to quantify lead and chromium uptake, suggesting a microbial solution for industrial pollution.

Conclusion

With a rich combination of academic rigor, technical excellence, and international scholarly influence, Dr. Md. Akhtar-E Ekram stands out as a deserving recipient of the Best Researcher Award. His interdisciplinary contributions are not only advancing scientific frontiers in microbiology and ecology but are also shaping our understanding of environmental change and sustainability.