Dr. Omer Dad | Vertebrate Zoology | Zoology Honour Award

🎓 Education 

Dr. Omer Dad has pursued a rigorous academic journey focused on biological sciences. He began with a BSc in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry from the University of Malakand (2011), followed by an MSc in Zoology from Hazara University (2013). Driven by a desire to delve deeper into research, he earned an M.Phil. in Zoology from SBBU Sheringal in 2018, with a thesis on malaria prevalence and Plasmodium spp. His academic excellence culminated in a Ph.D. in Zoology from Hazara University (2024), where he focused on the genetic diversity and cryptic species identification of the genus Triplophysa in Malakand’s freshwater ecosystems. He also holds a B.Ed. from AIOU Islamabad (2015), reflecting his interest in pedagogy. Throughout his education, Dr. Dad maintained English as the medium of instruction, which has enhanced his global academic communication. His academic record reflects his passion for science, research integrity, and societal impact through biological inquiry.

🏗 Experience 

Dr. Omer Dad has over eight years of active research experience in Zoology, focusing on parasitology, ichthyology, and molecular taxonomy. Since 2016, he has been involved in impactful projects, including the assessment of pesticide effects on fish health in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He has extensive hands-on experience with laboratory techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, and molecular data analysis using software like MEGA, ClustalW, and SPSS. Dr. Dad’s research activities span both academic and fieldwork environments. His strong writing skills are reflected in several peer-reviewed publications and manuscripts under review. He has attended numerous national workshops in scientific ethics, biostatistics, and scientific writing. Apart from research, he contributes to academia as a peer reviewer in reputable journals. His dedication to education and passion for research make him an invaluable asset to scientific communities, especially in developing regions where biodiversity conservation and disease research are crucial.

🏆 Awards & Honors 

Dr. Omer Dad has received multiple recognitions for his academic excellence and research contributions. He was awarded a laptop under the Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme—an initiative recognizing high-achieving students across Pakistan. He also benefited from the Prime Minister’s Fee Reimbursement Scholarship for two years during his postgraduate studies, supporting his academic growth without financial hindrance. Dr. Dad has had the honor of presenting his work at the International Congress of Zoology and has published abstracts in notable proceedings. Additionally, he serves as a reviewer for three international journals, including Global Ecology and Conservation and the Asian Journal of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering. These roles reflect his standing in the academic community and his commitment to scholarly excellence. His active involvement in research, publications, and peer review highlights a profile shaped by merit, dedication, and the ambition to advance zoological sciences both locally and globally.

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Omer Dad’s research revolves around the molecular taxonomy, biodiversity, and conservation of freshwater fauna in Pakistan. His Ph.D. dissertation delved into the genetic diversity and cryptic species identification of the genus Triplophysa, an ecologically significant freshwater fish group in Malakand Division. He also explores zoonotic diseases, with earlier work examining the prevalence of malaria and Plasmodium spp. in Dir Lower. Dr. Dad is passionate about bridging classical taxonomy with modern molecular approaches to solve ecological and public health challenges. His studies incorporate histopathology, genotoxicity, and environmental toxicology, particularly in aquatic ecosystems. Furthermore, he investigates disease dynamics in poultry and livestock, contributing to zoonotic surveillance in northern Pakistan. His research outputs aim to influence both scientific understanding and policy in biodiversity conservation and health monitoring. With a strong foundation in laboratory techniques and statistical analysis, Dr. Dad exemplifies a modern interdisciplinary researcher committed to advancing zoological science.

🛠 Skills