Dr. Ayesha Saeed | Public Health | Applied Science Scholar Award
Public Health Officer at Foundation University Islamabad | Pakistan
Ayesha Saeed is a dynamic and goal-driven biotechnology professional based in Islamabad, Pakistan, with a deep-rooted passion for advancing scientific research and public health. Her academic background is enriched with a Ph.D. in Biotechnology and hands-on research experience both nationally and internationally, including at the University of Florida, USA. She possesses a diverse skill set ranging from molecular biology and microbiology to bioinformatics and next-generation sequencing. Her dedication to scientific excellence is reflected in numerous publications across peer-reviewed journals and her contribution to global conferences and symposia. Ayesha is currently serving as a Public Health Officer at Foundation University Islamabad, where she manages clinical research and health response strategies. Her collaborative nature, leadership potential, and ability to work under minimal supervision make her a valuable asset to any scientific community. With a strong work ethic, adaptability, and commitment to continuous learning, she aims to bridge research and real-world health solutions through innovative biotechnology applications.
Professional Profile
Scopus | ORCID
Education
Ayesha Saeed holds a rich academic background in biotechnology and bioinformatics. She completed her Ph.D. in Biotechnology from Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi, where she focused on the immunomodulatory effects of probiotics from human milk. Her MPhil in Biotechnology from the same institution involved comparative studies of probiotic bacteria from olives. She earned her BS in Bioinformatics from the International Islamic University, Islamabad. Throughout her academic journey, she developed strong capabilities in experimental design, data analysis, and scientific writing. Ayesha also earned multiple merit-based scholarships and scored within the top percentiles in national Graduate Assessment Tests. Her educational trajectory reflects a strong integration of biological sciences, computational tools, and health-related applications, laying a robust foundation for her research and professional pursuits.
Professional Experience
Ayesha Saeed has accumulated diverse professional experience in both research and academic roles. Currently, she serves as a Public Health Officer at Foundation University Islamabad, where she leads clinical research projects, manages campus-wide healthcare responses, and provides guidance on disease management strategies. Her role emphasizes infection mitigation, data evaluation, and team mentorship. Prior to this, she worked as a Research Officer at BJ Micro Lab, Rawalpindi, contributing to DNA/RNA extractions, in silico PCR analysis, reagent preparation, and training students in molecular techniques. Her tenure as a Visiting Fellow at the University of Florida expanded her expertise in molecular microbiology, host-pathogen interactions, and cell line studies, with active participation in symposia and workshops. Earlier in her career, she served as a Lecturer at Minhaj Post Graduate College and conducted indigenous Ph.D. research under a Higher Education Commission fellowship. Ayesha’s career reflects a balanced blend of laboratory expertise, teaching, mentorship, and international exposure, making her a versatile and impactful professional.
Research Interest
Ayesha Saeed’s research interests lie at the intersection of molecular biology, microbiology, and public health. Her primary focus is on the isolation and characterization of probiotic bacteria and their immunomodulatory effects, particularly those derived from human milk and fermented foods. She is passionate about exploring the therapeutic potential of probiotics in enhancing gut health, modulating immune responses, and contributing to disease prevention. Her doctoral work centered on investigating the interactions between host cells and probiotic strains using molecular and cellular techniques. Ayesha also has a keen interest in antimicrobial resistance, genome sequencing, and predictive bioinformatics. Her experience at the University of Florida further shaped her research vision, particularly in the areas of microbial diversity, host-pathogen interaction, and functional genomics. Ayesha seeks to contribute to translational research that addresses global health challenges through microbial therapeutics and biotechnological interventions, aiming for innovations that improve patient outcomes and public health strategies.
Research Skills
Ayesha Saeed is equipped with a comprehensive set of research skills encompassing molecular, microbiological, computational, and analytical techniques. Her molecular biology proficiency includes DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, ELISA, HPLC, Western blotting, and working with human cell lines such as Caco-2. In microbiology, she has expertise in isolating bacterial strains, antibiotic resistance profiling, and conducting phenotypic and biochemical characterizations. She is adept in next-generation sequencing data analysis, including RNA-Seq and whole-genome sequencing for bacterial strains. Ayesha also brings substantial experience in computer-aided drug design, including molecular docking, pharmacophore screening, and homology modeling. Her programming knowledge spans R, C/C++, JavaScript, and SQL, with advanced skills in Microsoft Office, MEGA7, LaTeX, and bioinformatics platforms such as BLAST and PAST. Additionally, she has strong documentation, problem-solving, and presentation skills, along with soft skills like teamwork and time management, making her a well-rounded researcher capable of leading complex projects.
Awards and Honors
Ayesha Saeed has received several accolades that underscore her academic excellence and research capabilities. She was a recipient of the prestigious HEC Indigenous Ph.D. Fellowship and the International Research Support Initiative Program fellowship, which supported her research at the University of Florida. Earlier in her career, she earned merit scholarships from Fauji Foundation and IIUI. She is a reviewer for several high-impact journals including BMC Microbiology, Gut Pathogens, and Future Microbiology, reflecting her scientific credibility. Her research output includes multiple publications in reputed journals like PLoS One, BioMed Research International, and Cytokine. She has also authored book chapters in areas of bioinformatics and gut-brain axis studies. These recognitions highlight her consistent commitment to advancing biotechnology and public health through rigorous research and academic engagement.
Publications Top Notes
Title: CRISPR-Cas: From bacterial immunity to precision genome engineering
Year: 2025
Title: Resistance trend in bacteria isolated from corneal ulcers: A retrospective analysis from Pakistan
Year: 2025
Title: Bioinformatics Applied to Microbiology (Book Chapter in Microbiology in the Era of Artificial Intelligence)
Year: 2025
Title: Microbial goldmine: Investigating probiotic floral diversity in human breast milk
Year: 2024
Title: Unveiling the Antibiotic Susceptibility and Antimicrobial Potential of Bacteria from Human Breast Milk of Pakistani Women: An Exploratory Study
Year: 2023
Conclusion
In summary, Ayesha Saeed exemplifies a dedicated, knowledgeable, and globally experienced researcher in the field of biotechnology. With a Ph.D., diverse international collaborations, and a robust publication record, she combines scientific rigor with practical applications in public health and microbiology. Her expertise spans molecular biology, microbiology, and bioinformatics, backed by strong programming and analytical capabilities. Ayesha’s professional journey, including roles in academia, clinical research, and global symposia, reflects her commitment to leveraging science for societal benefit. She is driven by a vision to develop innovative solutions in probiotic therapy, antimicrobial resistance, and genetic analysis, aiming to impact human health at both individual and community levels. Through continued research, collaboration, and mentorship, Ayesha aspires to contribute to biotechnology advancements that foster sustainable and resilient healthcare systems. Her passion, perseverance, and multidisciplinary approach make her a promising leader in the scientific community.