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. π, is an Assistant Professor at the Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, ICCBS, University of Karachi π΅π° since 2018. Her work bridges chemistry and biology, with a strong focus on structural biology, natural products, and drug discovery π§¬. She completed prestigious postdocs in Germany π©πͺ and Sweden πΈπͺ, and actively mentors M.Phil. and Ph.D. scholars π©βπ¬. Her expertise in X-ray crystallography and enzymology aids in exploring bioactive compounds and protein structures π§ͺπ¬. Passionate about scientific innovation, she is internationally recognized and aims to advance molecular insights for therapeutic development ππ‘.
Professional Profile:
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Suitability for Best Researcher Award β 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.
π Education & Experience
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π Ph.D. in Chemistry (Bio-Organic Chemistry) β ICCBS, University of Karachi (CGPA 3.87/4.00)
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π¬ Postdoctoral Fellow β IAEA-SESAME Fellowship, DESY & University of Hamburg, Germany (2016β2017) π©πͺ
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π§ͺ Postdoctoral Fellow β MAX IV-SESAME Fellowship, Lund University, Sweden (2018β2019) πΈπͺ
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π©βπ« Assistant Professor β Dr. Panjwani Center, ICCBS, University of Karachi (Since Oct 2018) π΅π°
π Professional DevelopmentΒ
Dr. Rasheed has completed various international certificate courses and workshops focused on structural biology, X-ray crystallography, and spectroscopy π¬π. Her training includes advanced usage of scientific tools like SHELX, COOT, CCP4, PyMOL, and GraphPad π§ π». These programs have significantly boosted her analytical and research skills in protein crystallization and structural determination π§¬. 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 ππ. Her participation in SESAME and IUCr initiatives reflects her global engagement in scientific progress and technical development π.
π Research FocusΒ
Dr. Saima Rasheedβs research lies at the crossroads of natural product chemistry, enzymology, and structural biology π¬πΏ. Her primary focus is the isolation and characterization of bioactive natural compounds, especially those with therapeutic potential π§ͺπ. She investigates structureβactivity relationships (SAR) and conducts crystallization studies of key enzymes like Ξ²-lactamase, carbonic anhydrase II, and plant lectins ππ§¬. Using X-ray crystallography, she deciphers molecular mechanisms and interactions relevant to drug discovery π§«. Her goal is to unravel the structural insights of biomolecules to contribute towards rational drug design and understanding of disease pathways π‘π§ .
π Awards & HonorsΒ
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π§ Selected for the 64th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting (2014) β Germany π©πͺ
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π BIOVISION.NEXT Fellowship (2013) β France π«π·
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βοΈ Multiple Travel Grants β IAEA, IUCr, SESAME, and NOVARTIS π
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π₯ Recognized for International Scientific Excellence in Structural Biology π§¬
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π Supervisor of multiple M.Phil. and Ph.D. researchers in chemistry and biology π©βπ¬π¨βπ¬
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 Pakistanβs 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. ππ§¬π