Muhammad Maaz Zahid

MSc (Hons) Agricultural Entomology researcher with hands-on laboratory experience in insect toxicology, bioassay design, and statistical data analysis. Skilled in evaluating insecticide efficacy and plant-based biopesticides against stored-grain pests and insect-rearing systems using rigorous experimental designs (CRD, ANOVA, Tukey's HSD). Committed to advancing sustainable, science-based pest management solutions for agriculture and food security.

MSc Thesis Research: Toxicological Studies of Different Insecticide Formulations on Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) at Dengue Vector Research Laboratory, Department of Entomology, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2025-01 – Present)

• Evaluated lethal and sub-lethal effects of four insecticide formulations — Lambda-cyhalothrin, Spinosad, Chlorpyrifos, and Imidacloprid — on third-instar Hermetia illucens larvae under controlled conditions (27 ± 2°C; 65 ± 5% RH).
• Designed and executed a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) bioassay with three concentrations per insecticide, three replications, and 20 larvae per replicate; recorded mortality and larval weight at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exposure.
• Analyzed data using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD test (Statistix 8.1), identifying highly significant (p = 0.0000) dose- and time-dependent mortality and growth suppression across all treatments.
• Established a toxicity ranking of Lambda-cyhalothrin > Spinosad > Chlorpyrifos > Imidacloprid, with Lambda-cyhalothrin producing 100% mortality at 3 ppm within 72 hours.
• Findings inform residue-monitoring practices and safer insecticide selection for BSF larvae-based organic waste management and sustainable insect-protein production systems.

BSc Thesis Research: Toxic and Repellent Effects of Plant Extracts Against Stored-Grain Pests at Department of Entomology, The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (2024-02 – 2024-05)

• Evaluated the toxic and repellent effects of plant extracts — tobacco, garlic, eucalyptus, and chili pepper — against major stored-grain pests (Tribolium castaneum and Rhyzopertha dominica).
• Prepared plant extracts via solvent extraction and conducted bioassays at three concentrations (5%, 10%, 20%) under controlled laboratory conditions.
• Assessed insect mortality and repellency over multiple time intervals; analyzed results using Completely Randomized Design (CRD) and ANOVA.
• Determined tobacco extract as the most effective treatment, followed by garlic, eucalyptus, and chili pepper — demonstrating the potential of plant-based biopesticides for eco-friendly pest management.

Climate Leadership Development Internship (CLDI) at Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Punjab, Pakistan (2025-03 – Present)

• Conducted environmental awareness seminars and community engagement sessions on climate change and sustainability.
• Participated in afforestation campaigns and public-awareness initiatives supporting climate action and environmental protection.

MSc (Hons.) in Agricultural Entomology – University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (2024-01 – 2026-12)

BSc (Hons.) in Agriculture, Entomology – The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (2020-01 – 2024-12)

Higher Secondary Education in F.Sc. Pre-Medical – Punjab Group of Colleges, Kot Addu Campus (2018-01 – 2020-12)

Matriculation in Biology – Government High School Chak No. 518/T.D.A, Muzaffargarh (2016-01 – 2018-12)