Omer Dad | Vertebrate Zoology | Zoology Honour Award

Dr. Omer Dad | Vertebrate Zoology | Zoology Honour Award

Research Scholar at Hazara University, Pakistan

Dr. Omer Dad is a dedicated and dynamic researcher in the field of Zoology, hailing from Lower Dir, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. With a Ph.D. in Zoology from Hazara University (2024), he specializes in genetic diversity, species identification, and ecological assessments of freshwater fauna. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to collaborative science and multidisciplinary studies, evident in his numerous roles as a corresponding author in reputed journals. His academic path—from BSc to Ph.D.—has been marked by consistent scholarly engagement and participation in national and international conferences. Dr. Dad’s research emphasizes molecular taxonomy and public health issues like malaria and zoonotic diseases. A recipient of government scholarships and the Prime Minister’s laptop award, he exhibits excellence in both scientific inquiry and academic integrity. With his passion for teaching, keen analytical skills, and exceptional communication, Dr. Dad continues to contribute meaningfully to the field of Zoology in Pakistan and beyond.

Professional Profiles📖

Scopus 

ORCID 

Google Scholar

🎓 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 

Dr. Omer Dad possesses a comprehensive skill set that merges laboratory expertise, field research, and data analysis. His technical proficiencies include DNA extraction, PCR, Gel Electrophoresis, and bioinformatics tools such as MEGA, ClustalW, dNASP, and NCBI. He is also adept at statistical software like SPSS for conducting ANOVA, ANCOVA, and T-tests. Additionally, he is skilled in Microsoft Office, Endnote for reference management, and multiple operating systems. Dr. Dad’s strengths extend to scientific communication—having authored several research papers, abstracts, and presentations. His language proficiency in English supports his international collaborations and peer review responsibilities. He is highly capable in public speaking, academic writing, and curriculum development, with a B.Ed. certification to enhance his teaching skills. His dedication to lifelong learning, precision in scientific methods, and adaptability in both individual and team environments make him a valuable contributor to academia, research institutions, and policy-driven zoological programs.

Publications Top Notes

🐠 Taxonomic, morphometric and limnological assessment of the commercially important ichthyofauna of Sakhakot Stream, Malakand, Pakistan

Journal: Brazilian Journal of Biology 82, e243774

Cited by: 11

Year: 2021

🦠 Have we forgotten the threat posed by fascioliasis? A potential threat to public health

Journal: Iranian Journal of Public Health 49 (4), 814

Cited by: 10

Year: 2020

🦟 Prevalence of malaria and status of Plasmodium spp. in Dir Lower, Pakistan

Journal: Journal of Biodiversity and Environmental Sciences (JBES) 15 (2), 83-87

Cited by: 3*

Year: 2019

🧬 Genetic Diversity and Cryptic Species Identification of Genus Triplophysa from River Swat in Malakand Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Journal: Journal of Applied Ichthyology 2023 (1), 8600951

Cited by: 2

Year: 2023

🐓 Phenotypic Analysis and Growth Performance of Rhode Island Red, Barred Plymouth Rock and their Hybrid at Jaba Mansehra, Pakistan

Journal: Proceedings of the Pakistan Academy of Sciences: B. Life and Environmental Sciences

Cited by: 1

Year: 2023

🧬 Molecular Phylogeny and Cryptic Species Identification of the Genus Triplophysa in the Freshwater of Malakand Division, Pakistan

Journal: Zoologischer Anzeiger 315, 97–104

Cited by: — (recent/submitted)

Year: 2025

🐟 Morphological study of fish species belonging to the family Cyprinidae in Panjkora River, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

Journal: Zoo Botanica 2 (2), 101–103

Cited by: — (recent)

Year: 2025

🧪 Design and Synthesis of Oxadiazole Derivatives Based on 2-Mercaptobenzimidazole

Journal: International Journal of Novel Research and Development (IJNRD) 8 (2)

Cited by: —

Year: 2023

🔬 Genetic Diversity and Cryptic Species Identification of Genus Triplophysa from River Swat in Malakand Division

Type: Duplicate / Research article (possibly revised version)

Cited by: —

Year: 2023

🐟 Avaliação taxonômica, morfométrica e limnológica da ictiofauna comercialmente importante do Riacho Sakhakot, Malakand, Paquistão

Journal: Brazilian Journal of Biology 82, e243774

Cited by: — (duplicate entry, Portuguese version)

Year: 2021

🐜 Entomofauna of forensic importance on Canis domesticus carcasses at Dir Lower, Pakistan

Journal: International Journal of Biosciences 15 (2), 532–538

Cited by: —

Year: 2019

Conclusion✅

Beatriz Pires da Silva | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Ms. Beatriz Pires da Silva | Parasitology | Best Researcher Award

Master’s student in Parasitic Biology at Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Brazil

Beatriz Pires da Silva is a passionate biomedical scientist and Master’s student in Parasitic Biology at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute (Fiocruz), Brazil 🧪. From her undergraduate days, she has worked closely with the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), a reference center in the extra-Amazon region 🇧🇷. Beatriz’s early scientific contributions focus on zoonotic malaria transmission and molecular diagnostic markers for Plasmodium falciparum. Her first-author publication has contributed to raising awareness of lesser-known transmission pathways of malaria in Brazil, with implications for public health policies. She has collaborated with respected international scientists such as Didier Menard and George Snounou 🌍. Though at the beginning of her career, Beatriz exhibits exceptional dedication to research, public health, and scientific development. Her goal is to continue building knowledge that supports malaria control, elimination, and innovation through evidence-based molecular research and collaborative science 🤝.

Professional Profiles📖

ORCID

Education 🎓

Beatriz Pires da Silva is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Parasitic Biology at the Oswaldo Cruz Institute / Fiocruz in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 📘. Her educational journey began during her undergraduate studies in Biomedical Sciences, where she engaged in research at the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), a leading center for malaria studies in the Brazilian extra-Amazon region 🔬. During this time, she was actively involved in molecular diagnostic activities, gaining hands-on training in techniques crucial to infectious disease analysis. Her graduation thesis focused on zoonotic malaria transmission and has since evolved into a published scientific article 📝. Through her academic path, Beatriz has demonstrated a commitment to mastering the molecular aspects of parasitology and developing research that bridges field data with laboratory science. She continues to expand her academic skills in genetics, epidemiology, and malaria diagnosis, setting a strong foundation for a career in tropical disease research 🌿.

Work Experience💼

Beatriz’s research experience began at the Malaria Research Laboratory (LPM), where she worked during her undergraduate years as a student researcher 👩‍🔬. She actively participated in the molecular diagnosis routine at CPD-Mal (Malaria Research, Diagnosis, and Training Center), gaining valuable practical exposure to real-time diagnostics, PCR, and gene analysis 🧬. Her main contribution during this time was compiling and analyzing data related to zoonotic malaria transmission in Brazil’s extra-Amazon region — a project that led to her first scientific publication. Currently, she is researching deletions and mutations in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes in Plasmodium falciparum, which are vital for improving rapid diagnostic tests in Brazil ⚕️. Although early in her career, Beatriz has already formed international collaborations and contributed meaningfully to understanding malaria transmission patterns. Her experience reflects a blend of laboratory precision, scientific writing, data interpretation, and an evolving understanding of global parasitic diseases 🌎.

Awards and Honors 🏆

As a rising early-career researcher, Beatriz Pires da Silva is now entering the stage of her academic journey where formal recognitions are beginning to emerge 🌟. While she has not yet received major individual awards, her recent first-author publication and active research involvement at one of Brazil’s premier public health institutions (Fiocruz) are testaments to her growing impact 🧬. Her collaborations with leading global malaria experts such as Didier Menard and George Snounou are prestigious achievements that reflect her research potential. Beatriz’s current nomination for the Best Researcher Award stands as her first significant external recognition — highlighting her commitment to science, molecular innovation, and public health improvement. As her publication count grows and her research reaches broader audiences, she is poised to earn academic and scientific honors in the near future for her efforts in neglected tropical diseases and molecular parasitology 🏆.

Skills💡

Beatriz Pires da Silva brings a strong foundation in molecular biology techniques including DNA extraction, PCR, gel electrophoresis, and molecular diagnostics 🧪. She is skilled in scientific literature review, data analysis, and academic writing, as demonstrated by her first-author publication in the area of zoonotic malaria 📖. Her analytical thinking, precision in lab work, and structured approach to scientific inquiries allow her to handle complex datasets and molecular evidence efficiently. Beatriz is also adept at collaborating across disciplines and engaging with international research teams 🤝. Her experience at CPD-Mal equipped her with practical knowledge in real-time diagnostics and laboratory routines for parasitic diseases. Additionally, she is developing competencies in bioinformatics and gene analysis tools, specifically in studying genetic deletions in Plasmodium falciparum. Bilingual communication (Portuguese and English) adds to her strengths, enabling global academic collaboration. She continues to expand her skill set to support research excellence and innovation 🌐.

Research Focus 🔬

Beatriz Pires da Silva’s research is centered on the molecular biology of malaria, with particular attention to zoonotic transmission and gene deletions affecting diagnostic tools 🔍. Her first major contribution involved a review of zoonotic malaria in Brazil’s extra-Amazon region, where she synthesized ecological, entomological, and molecular data to clarify underreported transmission pathways 🦟. This work addresses a gap in malaria control strategies and has implications for Brazil’s elimination goals. Currently, Beatriz is investigating deletions in the pfhrp2 and pfhrp3 genes of Plasmodium falciparum, which can impair the accuracy of rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) — a key issue in malaria diagnosis and treatment 📊. Her research bridges molecular genetics, epidemiology, and diagnostic innovation, reflecting a multidisciplinary and impactful approach to parasitic disease management. With strong analytical skills and a commitment to applied science, Beatriz is contributing to more effective public health interventions through molecular-level insights 🧫.

Conclusion✅

Beatriz Pires da Silva, although at the beginning of her academic career, demonstrates remarkable promise, rigor, and a deep commitment to solving real-world challenges in malaria research. Her work already contributes to an underrepresented but vital domain — zoonotic malaria — and has implications for national health strategies. While not yet seasoned enough to compete with established senior researchers for the “Best Researcher Award,” she stands out as an exceptional candidate for an early-career or emerging researcher category. Her profile suggests a bright future marked by meaningful contributions to parasitology and global health.

Publications Top Notes📚

Publication Title: Autochthonous malaria in Brazil outside the Amazon: Emergence, zoonotic transmission and implications for disease control

Journal: One Health

Publication Date: December 2024

DOI: 10.1016/j.onehlt.2024.100928