Plant Biotechnology Expert

Shakeel Ahmad
Ph.D.

Expert - Biotechnology and Plant Genetic Resources

Leading biotechnology and genomics initiatives at the Seed Center and Plant Genetic Resources Bank, dedicated to safeguarding plant genetic resources for global food security.

Get in Touch View Publications
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
shakeelpbg@gmail.com
Dr. Shakeel Ahmad

Awards

5+

Publications

30+

Genes Cloned

5

About Me

Dedicated to Plant Science

Profile Summary

Dr. Shakeel Ahmad is a seasoned plant biotechnologist and molecular biologist with a Ph.D. in Crop Genetics and Breeding from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, China. He leads biotechnology and genomics initiatives at the Seed Center and Plant Genetic Resources Bank in Riyadh.

6 Rice Lines

High-yielding, climate-resilient varieties developed

5 Genes Cloned

Key genes including YGL3, DTN1, PGL10

30+ Publications

Peer-reviewed articles in top journals

Skills & Expertise

Professional Competencies

Plant Breeding & Genetics

95% proficiency

CRISPR/Cas9 Gene Editing

90% proficiency

Molecular Biology

92% proficiency

Genetic Engineering

88% proficiency

Plant Tissue Culture

95% proficiency

Bioinformatics & NGS

85% proficiency

Statistical Analysis (R, SAS)

80% proficiency

Project Management

85% proficiency

Experience

Professional Journey

Expert - Biotechnology and Plant Genetic Resources

Sep 2022 - Present
Seed Center and Plant Gene Bank • Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Leading biotechnology and genomics initiatives for plant genetic resources conservation
  • Curating Saudi gene bank through next-generation sequencing technologies
  • Developing improved crop varieties using advanced genetic engineering techniques
  • Collaborating with international research institutions on plant breeding programs

Postdoctoral Fellow

Nov 2021 - Aug 2022
University of Agriculture Faisalabad • Pakistan
  • Optimized tissue culture protocols for various crop species
  • Developed and implemented CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing protocols
  • Supervised graduate students in gene editing technology
  • Conducted advanced molecular biology research

Research Associate

Apr 2021 - Nov 2021
Ayub Agricultural Research Institute • Pakistan
  • Developed maize hybrids through doubled-haploid technology
  • Conducted field trials for hybrid evaluation
  • Analyzed genetic data using statistical software

Teaching Assistant

Feb 2016 - Sep 2017
King Saud University • Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
  • Assisted in teaching plant breeding and genetics courses
  • Supervised laboratory experiments
  • Guided undergraduate research projects
Education

Academic Background

Ph.D. in Crop Genetics and Breeding

Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences
Beijing, China
2017 - 2021
  • Thesis: Molecular cloning and functional analysis of key rice genes
  • Beijing Government Scholarship recipient
  • Winner of 3-Minute Thesis (3-MT) competition

M.Sc. (Hons.) in Plant Breeding and Genetics

University of Agriculture Faisalabad
Pakistan
2013 - 2015
  • Specialized in molecular plant breeding
  • Research on crop improvement

B.Sc. (Hons.) in Plant Breeding and Genetics

University of Agriculture Faisalabad
Pakistan
2009 - 2013
  • Foundation in plant sciences
  • Graduated with honors
Achievements

Key Accomplishments

6 High-Yielding Rice Lines Developed

5 Key Rice Genes Cloned

30+ Peer-Reviewed Publications

CNRRI Student's S&T Award 2021 & 2024

IUPAC Next-Gen Idea Award 2019

3-Minute Thesis (3-MT) Winner

Publications

Research Contributions

Selected publications from over 30 peer-reviewed articles in high-impact journals

Loss-of-function of PGL10 impairs photosynthesis and tolerance to high-temperature stress in rice

Physiologia Plantarum • 2024 • Ahmad S, et al.

Photosynthesis regulates tillering bud elongation and nitrogen-use efficiency via sugar-induced NGR5 in rice

New Phytologist • 2024 • Ahmad S, et al.

The elite eating quality alleles Wxb and ALKb are regulated by OsDOF18 and coordinately improve head rice yield

Plant Biotechnology Journal • 2024 • Ahmad S, et al.

YGL3 encoding an IPP and DMAPP synthase interacts with OsPIL11 to regulate chloroplast development in rice

Rice • 2024 • Ahmad S, et al.

CRISPR-Cas System, a possible "Savior" of Rice threatened by Climate Change: An Updated Review

Rice • 2023 • Ahmad S, et al.

NRL3 Interacts with OsK4 to Regulate Heading Date in Rice

Rice Science • 2022 • Ahmad S, et al.
Contact

Let's Connect

Feel free to reach out for collaborations, research opportunities, or any inquiries.

Location

Seed Center and Plant Genetic Resources Bank
Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

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