Molecular Genomics Intern - Genomics & Systems Biology at Prof Dr. Faisal Saeed Awan's Laboratory, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (2025-05 – Present)
- Performed molecular fingerprinting on wheat and tomato breeding lines, utilizing SSR markers to confirm hybridity, evaluate parentage, and assess genetic purity and safety practices.
- Documented and catalogued DNA fingerprint profiles for parent and hybrid lines to maintain an organized genetic reference database for crop improvement tracking.
- Conducted high-throughput SSR marker profiling to detect polymorphism, resolve co-dominant alleles, and differentiate parental genotypes from commercial hybrids.
- Executed routine nucleic acid extraction, PCR amplification, and gel electrophoresis to generate clear, reproducible DNA banding patterns for accurate allele scoring.
- Trained and supervised junior interns on standard laboratory protocols, including proper micro pipetting, reagent preparation, thermal cycler programming.
Agriculture Graduate Intern - CM Punjab's Internship Scheme at Office of Deputy Director Agriculture (Extension), Faisalabad (2025-09 – 2026-09)
- Provided crop-health and disease-management guidance through field diagnosis, symptom assessment, demonstrations, and farmer consultations.
- Translated plant pathology and crop-stress information into practical recommendations and contributed to public-sector agricultural initiatives.
- Supported biotech laboratory diagnostic workflows, utilizing molecular and physiological assays to confirm field-identified disease symptoms and stress responses.
- Collected, processed, and maintained field samples for lab analysis, ensuring accurate sample preparation for nucleic acid extraction and tissue testing.
M.Sc. Thesis Researcher - Molecular Profiling of EMS Wheat Mutants at Genomics And Fingerprinting Laboratory, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (2024-01 – 2026-06)
- Applied Ethyl Methane sulfonate (EMS) chemical mutagenesis to induce genetic variability in wheat lines and systematically screened populations for agronomic trait variations.
- Executed high-throughput CTAB DNA extraction protocols, evaluating DNA concentration and purity to ensure optimal template quality for downstream molecular applications.
- Designed and optimized PCR cycling profiles using Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) primers to identify polymorphism and track allele segregation in mutant populations.
- Performed gel electrophoresis (PAGE/agarose) to resolve micro-satellite alleles, accurately scoring bands to distinguish homozygous and heterozygous mutant lines.
- Analyzed genetic similarity matrices and constructed UPGMA dendrograms to evaluate genetic distance, diversity metrics, and overall population structure among wheat mutants.
Research Intern - Plant Molecular Biology & Genetic Engineering at Wheat Lab, NIBGE (2024-03 – 2024-05)
- Screened CRISPR-Cas9 transformed wheat plants using selective antibiotic media, identifying successful transformants and assessing trait integration efficiency.
- Designed specific primer sequences for target gene loci and optimized PCR amplification protocols to confirm transgenic inserts and allele variations.
- Confirmed transgene integration using DNA extraction, PCR, agarose/PAGE gel electrophoresis, and gel documentation.
- Prepared MS, YEP, and LB media, buffers, and stock solutions under sterile conditions; supported tissue-culture and workflows.
- Applied aseptic tissue culture techniques to support the growth, maintenance, and acclimatization of targeted wheat lines under controlled lab conditions.
