Omer Dad | Zoology | Young Scientist Award

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Dr. Omer Dad | Zoology | Young Scientist Award

PhD Zoology at Hazrara University , Mansehra , Pakistan

Dr. Omer Dad is a dedicated zoologist and molecular biologist from Pakistan, specializing in fish taxonomy, genetic diversity, and forensic entomology. He earned his PhD in Zoology from Hazara University (2024), focusing on the molecular identification of Triplophysa species. His expertise includes DNA extraction, PCR, and bioinformatics tools like MEGA and ClustalW. Dr. Dad has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and serves as a reviewer for international scientific journals. His research spans parasitology, disease ecology, and fisheries conservation. He has also received scholarships and awards for academic excellence. 📧 Omerdad173@gmail.com | 📍 KPK, Pakistan

 

Publication Profile

Orcid

🎓 Academic Qualifications

Dr. Omer Dad has an extensive academic background in zoology and education. He completed his Matriculation in Science from B.I.S.E Malakand (2007) and his Intermediate in Pre-Medical from B.I.S.E Peshawar (2009). He earned a BSc in Zoology, Botany, and Chemistry from the University of Malakand (2011), followed by an MSc in Zoology from Hazara University (2013). His M.Phil. in Zoology from SBBU Sheringal (2018) focused on Prevalence of malaria and status of Plasmodium spp. at Dir Lower, Pakistan. He recently obtained his PhD in Zoology from Hazara University (2024), researching Genetic Diversity and Cryptic Species Identification of Genus Triplophysa in the Fresh Waters of Malakand Division. Additionally, he holds a B.Ed. from AIOU Islamabad (2015). 📚🔍

🔬 Research Experience

Since 2016, Dr. Omer Dad has been actively engaged in research, contributing to projects like Effects of Pesticides on Histopathological, Hematological, Biochemical Parameters, and Genotoxic Responses in Common Fishes of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. His laboratory expertise includes DNA extraction, PCR, and Gel Electrophoresis. Proficient in data analysis tools such as MS Office, SPSS, ClustalW, MEGA, dNASP, and Endnote, he has presented research at the International Congress of Zoology in Pakistan and published in reputed journals. With strong English communication skills and extensive training in scientific writing and biostatistics, he is dedicated to advancing scientific research and innovation. 📊📝

🏆 Awards & Scholarships 🎓

Dr. Omer Dad has been recognized for his academic excellence with prestigious awards and scholarships. He was honored with a Laptop Award by the Prime Minister of Pakistan, a testament to his dedication to research and education. Additionally, he received the Prime Minister’s Fee Reimbursement Scholarship for two years, supporting his higher studies. These accolades highlight his commitment to academic achievement and scientific contribution. With continuous pursuit of knowledge, Dr. Omer Dad remains dedicated to advancing research in zoology and related fields. 🎖️📚

🔬 Research Focus

Dr. Omer Dad specializes in zoology, with a strong research focus on fish taxonomy, genetic diversity, and disease surveillance in aquatic and avian species. His studies cover morphological and genetic assessments of freshwater fish (Cyprinidae, Triplophysa), and the impact of environmental stressors on fish health. Additionally, he investigates avian virology, including avian influenza and Newcastle disease, highlighting his expertise in wildlife diseases. His research also extends to parasitology (fascioliasis, malaria) and forensic entomology. His multidisciplinary approach contributes significantly to biodiversity conservation, epidemiology, and aquatic ecology. 🌊🐔🔬🦟

 

Publication Top Notes

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Isolation of newcastle disease virus from commercial broilers in district Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

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

  • Isolation of avian influenza virus from backyard poultry population of tehsil Abbottabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan

 

Shyam Kumar Thapa | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

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Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa | Ecology | Best Researcher Award

Programme Manager, Zoological Society of London Nepal Office, Nepal

Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa is a dedicated conservation ecologist with over 10 years of experience managing biodiversity conservation projects in Nepal. His work has focused on preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable practices to create resilient ecosystems. He excels in collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and local communities to achieve significant positive impacts on conservation. In his leisure time, he enjoys observing environmental changes outdoors, often accompanied by his family.

Publication Profile

Strengths for the Award:

  1. Extensive Experience in Conservation Ecology: Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa has over a decade of experience in biodiversity conservation, with a focus on managing large-scale conservation projects in Nepal. His ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and local communities to achieve measurable impacts on biodiversity is a significant strength.
  2. Strong Academic Background: Dr. Thapa holds a PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, with research focused on managing subtropical monsoon grasslands for the preservation of flagship species like tigers. His academic credentials are further strengthened by his M.Sc. and B.Sc. in Environmental Science.
  3. Notable Achievements and Contributions: He has successfully managed and executed donor-funded projects, developed project proposals aligned with national and international conservation policies, and contributed to post-disaster management efforts. His work on the Hariyo Ban Programme and various projects in Bardia-Banke Complex are noteworthy.
  4. Publications and Research Contributions: Dr. Thapa has authored multiple peer-reviewed articles in respected journals. His research on grassland management, pyric herbivory, and human-tiger conflicts demonstrates his ability to address complex ecological challenges.
  5. Professional Recognition and Awards: Dr. Thapa has received prestigious grants, including the National Geographic Society’s Explorer Grant and Early Career Grant. His professional affiliations with IUCN and contributions to species monitoring and deer specialist groups underscore his recognition in the field.

Areas for Improvement:

  1. Diversification of Research Focus: While Dr. Thapa’s work on grassland management and flagship species is highly commendable, expanding his research focus to include a broader range of ecosystems and species could further enhance his impact and expertise.
  2. Global Collaboration and Networking: Although Dr. Thapa has strong ties to conservation efforts in Nepal, increasing his involvement in international collaborations could broaden his influence and allow for the exchange of innovative ideas and practices.
  3. Leadership in Policy Advocacy: Dr. Thapa could further develop his role in conservation policy advocacy, both at national and international levels. Engaging more actively in policy-making processes and contributing to global conservation frameworks could amplify his contributions.

Conclusion:

Dr. Shyam Kumar Thapa is a highly qualified and dedicated conservation ecologist whose extensive experience, strong academic background, and significant contributions to biodiversity conservation make him a strong candidate for the Research for Best Researcher Award. His work in Nepal, particularly in managing complex conservation projects and addressing human-wildlife conflicts, showcases his ability to tackle pressing ecological challenges. While there is room for further development in terms of research diversification, global collaboration, and policy advocacy, Dr. Thapa’s achievements and commitment to conservation make him deserving of recognition.

 

Education 🎓

Dr. Thapa completed his PhD in Wildlife Ecology and Conservation from Wageningen University and Research, The Netherlands (2017-2023). His PhD thesis, “Deer for the Tiger: Managing Subtropical Monsoon Grasslands for the Preservation of Flagship Species,” highlights his research dedication. He also holds an M.Sc. in Environment Science with a focus on Natural Resource Management (2002-2004) and a B.Sc. in Environment Science (1997-2001) from Kathmandu University, Nepal.

Experience 🌱

Dr. Thapa has held several significant roles in the field of conservation. He is currently a Programme Manager at the Zoological Society of London Nepal Office, where he oversees the planning, implementation, and monitoring of various projects. He has also served as a Senior Conservation Officer and Conservation Officer at the National Trust for Nature Conservation (NTNC), where he contributed to project design, execution, and liaising with national and international stakeholders. His earlier roles included managing field offices and community empowerment in the Western Terai Landscape Complex Project.

Research Focus 🔬

Dr. Thapa’s research is centered around wildlife ecology, grassland management, and the conservation of flagship species like the tiger. His work involves integrating the landscape of fear concept into grassland management, investigating the effects of mowing and nutrient input on grazing lawns, and studying postfire regrowth quality in subtropical grasslands. His research aims to balance the needs of wildlife with sustainable habitat management practices.

Awards 🏆

Dr. Thapa has been recognized for his contributions to conservation with several awards, including the National Geographic Society’s Explorer Grant (2020) and Early Career Grant (2017). He also received a Netherlands Fellowship to participate in Project Identification, Development, and Management Training at Maastricht School of Management in 2008.

Publications

Integration of the landscape of fear concept in grassland management: An experimental study on subtropical monsoon grasslands in Bardia National Park, Nepal

Fire and forage quality: Postfire regrowth quality and pyric herbivory in subtropical grasslands of Nepal

Data underlying the publication: Forage quality in grazing lawns and tall grasslands in the subtropical region of Nepal and implications for wild herbivores.

Fire and forage quality: post-fire regrowth quality and pyric herbivory in subtropical grasslands of Nepal.

Forage quality in grazing lawns and tall grasslands in the subtropical region of Nepal and implications for wild herbivores