CURRICULUM VITAE

PERSONAL DETAILS:

Name: Dr. Insha Zahoor Father‟s name: Mr. Zahoor Ahmad Hussaini Qualifications: M.Sc (Gold Medalist), M.Phil, Ph.D CSIR-NET (Twice), JK-SLET, UGC-BSR JRF, GATE Field of research: Molecular Neurobiology Permanent address: Hussaini Villa, Sheshgari Bagh, Hyderpora, -190014, J&K. Phone: +91-9797088530, +91-9419015653 E-mail: [email protected]; [email protected]; [email protected]

CURRENT POSITION:

 Working as Assistant Professor (Contractual) at Centre, University of , Hazratbal, Srinagar, J&K, India, with effect from 11th May, 2017 onwards.

 Actively involved in teaching at post-graduate level and research in the field of molecular neurobiology with emphasis on epidemiology and neurogenetics of multiple sclerosis.

ACADEMIC PROFILE:

Board/ Marks/Grade S. No. Degree Year of Passing University (%) Ph.D. University of 1. 2016 Not Applicable Biotech Kashmir M.Phil. University of 2. 2012 Grade-A Biotech Kashmir 1467/2000 (73.35%) M.Sc. University of 3. 2010 1st Division/1st Rank Biotech Kashmir Gold Medalist B.Sc. University of 1255/1800 (69.72%) 4. 2008 Biochem Kashmir 1st Division Hr.Sec. II J&K Board of 465/600 (77.5%) 5. (12th) 2005 School Education Distinction Medical 435/500 (87%) J&K Board of 6. Matriculation 2003 Distinction School Education 15th Rank in State

COURSES TAUGHT AT PG LEVEL:

S. No. Course Title Department Semester

1. Computer Applications in Biology-I Bioinformatics Centre 1st

2. Computer Applications in Biology-II Bioinformatics Centre 2nd

3. Computer Applications in Biology-III Bioinformatics Centre 3rd

4. Bioinformatics Biotechnology 3rd

 Have supervised 8 M.Sc. students in their research projects in collaboration with Dr. Ehtishamul Haq, Lab Head, Drug Therapeutics & Neurobiology Lab, Department of Biotechnology, School of Biological Sciences, .  Actively involved in the process of paper setting and evaluation for the courses being taught.

TRAINING COURSES UNDERTAKEN IN BIOINFORMATICS:

 Participated and completed 2 weeks Science Academies Refresher Course on “Molecular Biology of Cell with Basics in Bioinformatics and Molecular Modeling”, held at Department of , University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India, from 23rd October to 6th November, 2017.

 Participated and completed 2 weeks training course on “Gene Cloning, Protein Biochemistry, Structural Biology & Bioinformatics”, organized by DBT Biotechnology/Bioinformatics Training Centre and Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research & Education in Cancer (ACTREC), Tata Memorial Centre, held at ACTREC, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai, India, from 4th to 15th December, 2017.

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE:

 Worked as Women Scientist & Principal Investigator (PI) for a period of 3 years from 1st April, 2014 to 31st March, 2017, at Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, J&K, India, for Ministry of Science & Technology, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Govt. of India, New Delhi, funded project entitled “Molecular and functional analysis of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B 5 (EIF2B5) gene in white matter disease of the brain” sanctioned under Women Scientists Scheme (WOS „A‟), vide Order No. SR/WOS-A/LS- 72/2013(G), Dated: 01/01/2014 (Total Grant Received: Rs. 17, 44,000/-).

 Worked as Junior Research Fellow (JRF) from 6th September, 2013 to 31st March, 2014, at Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Hazratbal, Srinagar, J&K, India, under University Grants Commission-Basic Science Research Scheme (UGC- BSR) vide Order No. F(UGC-BSR-Res)DFBS/KU/2013/52, Dated: 05/09/2013.

PROFESSIONAL EXPOSURE:

 Ph.D. Biotechnology-„2012-2016‟ from Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, J&K, India.

Supervisor: Dr. Ehtishamul Haq, Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, J&K, India. Co-Supervisor: Dr. Ravouf Asimi, Professor, Head, Department of Neurology, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), J&K, India.

Ph.D. Title: “Molecular analysis of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2B 5 (EIF2B5) gene in multiple sclerosis”.

 M.Phil. Biotechnology-„2011-2012‟ with Grade-A from Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, J&K, India.

Supervisor: Dr. Ehtishamul Haq, Associate Professor, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, J&K, India.

M.Phil. Title: “Molecular analysis of the eukaryotic initiation factor 2B (EIF2B) gene in white matter disease of the brain”.

 M.Sc. Research Project undertaken at the Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, J&K, India, for a period of six months.

Title: “Variants of BRCA 2 and their potential to associate with Breast Cancer: Emphasis on Exon 11”. Supervisor: Prof. Khurshid Iqbal Andrabi, Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, J&K, India.

RESEARCH SKILLS:

 Molecular Biology Techniques: DNA and RNA extraction from mammalian systems (blood, cell lines and tissue), Plasmid isolation, Agarose gel electrophoresis, DNA quantification using spectrophotometry, Primer designing, Polymerase Chain Reaction, PCR product purification using different methods, Protein isolation and purification, SDS- and Native-PAGE, Western blotting, Gene cloning, Transformation, Mammalian cell culture, Site-directed mutagenesis, Transfection, Expression profiling by RT-PCR and qRT-PCR, XRD, FPLC, Mass Spectrometry.

 Bioinformatics: Data retrieval from different biological databases available on NCBI like PubMed, GenBank, Swiss-Prot, PDB, OMIM etc.; 3-D Protein structure visualization and measurement of bond length, bond angle and torsion angles using various web tools like RasMol; Secondary, tertiary and quaternary structural analysis; Protein structure prediction tools-PROCHECK, SOPMA; RNA structure prediction analysis software; Chemical structure drawing tool-CHEMSKETCH; Accession to drug bank, Chembank, Pubchem; Finding ORF of a given sequence; Similarity search using the BLAST and interpretation of the results; Phylogenetic analysis using web tools; Pairwise sequence alignment using BLAST and multiple sequence alignment using ClustalX; Primer

designing using different online tools and programs like ApE, Primer 3, Primer 3Plus, NCBI/Primer-BLAST, DNASTAR, Primer Premier, OligoPerfect, PerlPrimer, Primer3Plus etc.; Sequence analysis using EMBOSS, Sequencher, Finch TV, BioEdit and Chromas Pro; Retrieving details of a drug molecule; Homology modeling; In silico mutational analysis using tools like Mutation Taster, PROVEAN, SNPs & GO, I-Mutant, Align GVGD Program, I-TASSER, PANTHER, Fathmm, ConSurf, HOPE etc.

 Statistics: Basic applied biostatistics using GraphPad Prism software.

PUBLICATIONS:

1. Ramzan S, Zahoor I, Ahmad P, Ashraf I, Wani AM, Rasool R. Effect of agricultural land-use on carbon sequestration in soils. Biological Forum–An International Journal. 2019;11:117-125. ISSN: 0975-1130. Second Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

2. Shafi A, Zahoor I, Gill T, Ahuja PS, Kumar S, Singh KA. Ectopic co-expression of the SOD and APX genes enhanced callus growth and in vitro regeneration in Arabidopsis. Plant Biotechnology Reports. 2019. ISSN: 1863-5466. Second Author. International. Refereed. Indexed.

3. Shafi A, Gill T, Zahoor I, Ahuja PS, Sreenivasulu Y, Kumar S, Singh KA. Ectopic expression of SOD and APX genes in Arabidopsis alters metabolic pools and genes related to secondary cell wall cellulose biosynthesis and improve salt tolerance. Molecular Biology Reports. 2019;1-18. ISSN: 0301-4851. Third Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

4. Shafi A, Zahoor I, Patial V. Effect of salt stress on ultra-structural, biochemical and physiology of Arabidopsis thaliana. South African Journal of Science. 2019. ISSN: 0038-2353. Second Author. International. Referred. Indexed. (Accepted)

5. Zahoor I, Haq E. Multiple Sclerosis in India: Iceberg or Volcano. Journal of Neuroimmunology. 2017;307:27-30. ISSN: 0165-5728. First/Corresponding Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

6. Zahoor I, Asimi R, Haq E, Wani IF. Demographic and clinical profile of Multiple Sclerosis in Kashmir: A short report. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders. 2017;13:103-106. ISSN: 2211-0348. First/Corresponding Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

7. Zahoor I, Haq E, Asimi R. Multiple Sclerosis in Kashmir: Where we stand? Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 2017;373:129-133. ISSN: 0022-510X. First/Corresponding Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

8. Zahoor I, Shafi A, Asimi R. Association of interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R) gene polymorphisms with multiple sclerosis in Kashmir: Preliminary report. International Journal for Science and Advance Research in Technology. 2017;3:711-788. ISSN: 2395-1052. First/Corresponding Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

9. Zahoor I, Shafi A, Mir MA. Lack of association between CD45 C77G polymorphism and multiple sclerosis in Kashmir. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development. 2017;1:1333-1337. ISSN: 2456-6470. First/Corresponding Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

10. Zahoor I, Asimi R, Haq E. No evidence for a role of Ile587Val polymorphism of EIF2B5 gene in multiple sclerosis in Kashmir Valley of India. Journal of the Neurological Sciences. 2015;359:172-176. ISSN: 0022-510X. First Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

11. Haq E, Zahoor I, Asimi R. Multiple Sclerosis and Gene Polymorphisms: Are we Groping in the Dark? Journal of Multiple Sclerosis. 2015;2:162. ISSN: 2376-0389. Second Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

12. Khan M, Zahoor I, Haq E. Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Multiple Sclerosis Risk: Probing for a Connection. Journal of Multiple Sclerosis. 2015;2:141. ISSN: 2376-0389. Second Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

13. Zahoor I, Hamid Z, Asimi R, Haq E. Novel Mutations Identified in EIF2B5 Gene in Kashmiri Patients as Susceptibility Factor for Multiple Sclerosis. Indian Journal of Biochemistry and Biophysics. 2014;51:115-120. ISSN: 0301-1208. First Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

14. Zahoor I, Hamid Z, Haq E. Multiple Sclerosis: Searching a Link between Eukaryotic Translation Initiation Factor-2B and Multiple Sclerosis. International Journal of Applied Biotechnology and Biochemistry. 2014;4:1-7. ISSN: 2248-9886. First Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

15. Hamid Z, Zahoor I, Haq E. Arnebia benthamii aggravates potassium dichromate Induced hepatotoxicity in wistar rats. International Journal of Pharmaceutical, Chemical and Biological Sciences. 2014;4:234-240. ISSN: 2249-9504. Second Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

16. Hamid Z, Zahoor I, Banday MZ, Haq E. Exploiting the Combinatorial Therapeutic Approach in Glutamate toxicity induced neurodegenerative diseases – A mini review. International Journal of Advanced Research. 2015;3:514-518. ISSN: 2320-5407. Second Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

17. Ramzan S, Zahoor I. Distribution and speciation of copper under different landuses of lesser Himalayas. International Journal of Chemical Studies. 2018. ISSN: 2321–4902. Second Author. International. Referred. Indexed. (Accepted)

18. Zahoor I, Abid Z, Shafi A, Mir MA. Comparative analysis of depression between care givers of cancer patients and general population: A short report. International Journal of Advance Research and Innovative Ideas in Education. 2017;3:1891-1893. ISSN: 2395-4396. First/Corresponding Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

19. Malik J, Zahoor I, Shafi A, Hameed A, Rasool R, Haq E. Analysis of FAM13A Gene in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Kashmir Valley of India: A Preliminary Study. International Journal for Science and Advance Research in Technology. 2017;3:390-393. ISSN: 2395-1052. First Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

20. Shafi A, Zahoor I, Mir MA. Structural and Functional Changes in Arabidopsis thaliana Cell Wall under Drought Stress. International Journal for Research & Development in Technology. 2017;8:168-174. ISSN: 2349-3585. Second Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

21. Mir MA, Shafi A, Zahoor I. RAPD based Molecular Characterization of Lavatera cachemiriana cambess. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development. 2017;2:377-383. ISSN: 2456-6470. Third Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

22. Mir MA, Shafi A, Zahoor I. Mining of Genetic diversity of Lavatera cachemiriana native to Kashmir Valley. International Journal of Advance Research and Innovative Ideas in Education. 2017;3:812-815. ISSN: 2395-4396. Third Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

23. Mir MA, Zahoor I, Shafi A. Isolation, Characterization and Bioactivities of Sambucus wightiana derived Dotriacontanoic acid. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development. 2017;1:1323-1332. ISSN: 2456-6470. Second Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

24. Shafi A, Mir MA, Zahoor I. Effect of Salinity Stress on Germination, Tolerance and Antioxidant Response in Arabidopsis thaliana Overexpressing Cu/Zn-SOD. International Journal of Life Sciences Research. 2017;5:69-78. ISSN: 2348-313X. Third Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

25. Shafi A, Mir MA, Zahoor I. Ultra structural deformation of plant cell wall under heavy metal stress in Arabidopsis thaliana. International Journal of Advanced Research and Development. 2017;2:352-358. ISSN: 2455-4030. Third Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

26. Shafi A, Mir MA, Zahoor I. Oxidative Stress Response Induced by PEG in Arabidopsis Engineered with the Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD Antioxidant System Genes. International Journal of Scientific Research in Science, Engineering and Technology. 2017;3:40-46. ISSN: 2395-1990. Third Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

27. Shafi A, Zahoor I, Mir MA. In vitro Regeneration of Arabidopsis Thaliana from Suspension and in vitro Cultures and Analysis of Regeneration and Antioxidant Enzyme Levels. International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development. 2017;2:37-45. ISSN: 2456-6470. Second Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

28. Shafi A, Mir MA, Zahoor I. Understanding The Anatomical Organisation of Arabidopsis thaliana Using Scanning Electron, Confocal And Bright Field Microscopy. International Journal for Science and Advance Research in Technology. 2017;3:126- 129. ISSN: 2395-1052. Third Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

29. Shafi A, Zahoor I, Mir MA. Plant Abiotic Stress Challenges from the Changing Environment: How to Develop Plants Capable of Mitigating Climate Change? International Journal of Creative Research Thoughts. 2017;5:517-529. ISSN: 2320- 2882. Second Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

30. Shafi A, Mir MA, Zahoor I. Understanding the Functional Architecture of the Arabidopsis thaliana cell wall under cold stress. World Journal of Science and Research. 2016;1:63-67. ISSN: 2455-2208. Third Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

31. Shafi A, Zahoor I, Mir MA. Primary and Secondary Cell Wall Changes in Arabidopsis thaliana under Salinity Stress. Asian Journal of Innovative Research. 2016;1:53-57. ISSN: 2455-7285. Second Author. International. Referred. Indexed.

CONFERENCE PAPERS:

1. Shafi A, Mir AH, Zahoor I, Mushtaq U, Niaz S. International Journal of Science, Engineering and Management. 2017;2:104-109. ISSN: 2456-1304. Third Author. International Conference on “BioTechnology and BioMedicines (ICBTBM-17)”. International. Referred. Indexed.

2. Shafi A, Zahoor I, Singh KA. International Journal of Advance Research in Science and Engineering. 2018;7:112-121. ISSN: 2319-8354. Second Author. 2nd International Conference on “Recent Researches and Innovations in Sciences, Management, Education and Technology (ICRISMET-18)”. International. Referred. Indexed.

BOOK CHAPTERS:

1. Zahoor I, Shafi A, Haq E, Fazili KM. Bioinformatics and Medicinal Plant Research: Current Scenario. In: Essentials of Bioinformatics, Volume III - In Silico Life Sciences: Agriculture. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland. 2019. First/Corresponding Author. International. Indexed. (Accepted)

2. Shafi A, Zahoor I, Haq E, Fazili KM. Bioinformatics and Plant Stress Management. In: Essentials of Bioinformatics, Volume III - In Silico Life Sciences: Agriculture. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland. 2019. Second Author. International. Indexed. (Accepted)

3. Shafi A, Zahoor I, Fazili KM, Haq E. Impact of Bioinformatics on Plant Science Research and Crop Improvement. In: Essentials of Bioinformatics, Volume III - In Silico Life Sciences: Agriculture. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland. 2019. Second Author. International. Indexed. (Accepted)

4. Shafi A, Zahoor I, Mushtaq U. Proline accumulation and oxidative stress: Diverse roles and mechanism of tolerance and adaptation under salinity stress. In: Salt Stress, Microbes, and Plant Interactions Causes and Solution - Volume 1. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland. 2019. Second Author. International. Indexed. (Accepted)

5. Shafi A, Zahoor I. Plant survival and tolerance under high salinity: Primary and secondary cell wall sensing mechanism. In: Salt Stress, Microbes, and Plant Interactions Mechanisms and Molecular Approaches: Volume 2. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland. 2019. Second Author. International. Indexed. (Accepted)

6. Zahoor I, Shafi A, Haq E. Pharmacological treatment of Parkinson‟s disease. In: Parkinson's Disease: Pathogenesis and Clinical Aspects. Codon Publications, Brisbane, Australia. ISBN: 978-0-9944381-6-4, 2018. First/Corresponding Author. International. Indexed.

7. Zahoor I, Shafi A, Taban Q, Iqbal KM, Mir HA, Haq E. Long Non-Coding RNAs in Multiple Sclerosis: An Update. In: LncRNAs: From disease biomarkers to targeted therapeutics. Cambridge Scholars Publishing Ltd, England. 2018. First/Corresponding Author. International. Indexed. (Accepted)

8. Zahoor I, Haq E. Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis: An Update. In: Multiple Sclerosis: Perspectives in Treatment and Pathogenesis. Codon Publications, Brisbane, Australia. ISBN: 978-0-9944381-3-3, 2017. First/Corresponding Author. International. Indexed.

9. Zahoor I, Haq E, Asimi R. Multiple Sclerosis and EIF2B5: A Paradox or a Missing Link. In: Multiple Sclerosis: Bench to Bedside, Global Perspectives on a Silent Killer. Springer International Publishing, Switzerland. ISBN: 978-3-319-47860-9, 2017. First/Corresponding Author. International. Indexed.

10. Haq E, Zahoor I, Khan M. Association Between Multiple Sclerosis Risk and Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection: Insights and Challenges. In: Trending topics in Multiple Sclerosis. InTech Publications. ISBN: 978-953-51-2656-0, 2016. Second Author. International. Indexed.

BOOKS:

1. Insha Zahoor, Amrina Shafi, Mudasir A Mir, Ehtishamul Haq. Multiple Sclerosis: A Silent Killer, An Overview. Sara Book Publication, India. ISBN: 978-1-73041-537-1, 2017. National.

2. Amrina Shafi, Umar Mushtaq, Insha Zahoor, Umer Majeed, Zubair A Wani. Abiotic Stress Induced Changes in Plant Cell Wall Structure, Organisation and Composition. GBS Publishers and Distributors, India. ISBN: 978-93-87388-10-9, 2017. National.

3. Amrina Shafi, Mudasir A Mir, Insha Zahoor. Concise Practical Biotechnology. Harman Publications, India. ISBN: 978-9-384008-25-3, 2017. National.

4. Amrina Shafi, Insha Zahoor, Mudasir A Mir, Umar Mushtaq. Plant Abiotic Stress Biology: Effect of Cold and Salinity Stress on Plants. Sara Book Publications, India. ISBN: 978-1-73031-369-1, 2017. National.

5. Mudasir A Mir, Amrina Shafi, Insha Zahoor. Basic Techniques in Natural Products Isolation against Pathogenic Micro-organisms. Harman Publications, India. ISBN: 978- 9-384008-19-2, 2017. National.

ABSTRACTS WITH ISBN No.:

1. Zahoor I, Asimi PR, Haq E. Association of interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R) gene variants rs6897932 and rs201268331 with multiple sclerosis in an Indian population: A preliminary report. In: Proceedings of the 13th Session of Jammu and Kashmir Science Congress, J&K, India. ISBN: 978-93-5291-653-5, 2018. First/Corresponding Author. National.

2. Shafi A, Khan N, Zahoor I, Mushtaq U, Niaz S. Plant Abiotic Stress Challenges from the Changing Environment: How to Develop Plants Capable of Mitigating Climate Change. In: Proceedings of Asian Society for Academic Research (ASAR) International Conference, New Delhi, India. ISBN: 978-93-87405-58-5, 2017. Third Author. International.

3. Zahoor I, Shafi A, Asimi R, Haq E. In Silico analysis of EIF2B5 gene (c.580A>G) in multiple sclerosis patients from Kashmir region of India. In: Proceedings of the Disaster Resilience of Kashmir in the Face of Climate Change. Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree College, Bemina, Cluster University Srinagar, J&K, India. ISBN: 978-93-5288- 706-4, 2017. First/Corresponding Author. National.

4. Shafi A, Zahoor I, Mir AM. Oxidative stress response induced by PEG in Arabidopsis engineered with the Cu/ZnSOD and MnSOD antioxidant system genes. In: Proceedings of the 4th International Conference on Recent Trends and Advancements in Engineering and Technology (ICRTAET). Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, J&K, India. ISBN: 978-93-86074-31-7, 2017. Second Author. International.

MEMBERSHIP:

 Editorial board member of Current Updates in Neurology and Neuroscience.  Editorial board member of SM Journal of Autoimmune Diseases.  Editorial board member of Annals of Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders.  Reviewer Annals of Indian Academy of Neurology.  Editorial board member and reviewer of Theranostics of Brain Disorders (TBD).  Editorial board member of Austin Journal of Multiple Sclerosis & Neuroimmunology.

HONOURS/AWARDS/ACHIEVEMENTS/FELLOWSHIPS:

 Awarded cash prize for acquiring 3rd rank in Poster Presentation in the National Symposium on “Biodiversity, Biology and Bioprospecting”, 2015.  Received UGC-JRF fellowship under Basic Science Research Scheme during Ph.D for a period of six months from 6th September 2013 to 31st March 2014.  Awarded cash prize for being Best Poster Presenter in the International Conference on “Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Processes” (CMMDP), 2014.  Awarded cash prize for being Best Oral Presenter in the 9th JK Science Congress, 2013.

 Qualified CSIR-UGC NET (LS): Dec-2012, with 21st rank.  Qualified CSIR-UGC NET (LS): Dec-2010, with 84th rank.  Qualified SLET, 2010.  Qualified GATE, 2011 with 98 percentile.  Gold medalist in Biotechnology. Recipient of Gold Medal in the 18th Annual Convocation of Kashmir University, held on 28th September 2012, for having secured first class first position in M.Sc. Biotechnology.  Received Merit certificate for having secured first position in M.Sc. Biotechnology.  Received Merit scholarship from University of Kashmir for pursuing M.Phil in Biotechnology.  Received Merit scholarship during M.Sc by Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Govt. of India, New Delhi, India.  Secured 15th rank in J&K Board exams of 10th standard and was awarded for the same.  Awarded medal for being the extraordinary student of the school by Department of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, India.

SCIENTIFIC PRESENTATIONS/SEMINARS/WORKSHOPS/TRAINING COURSES:

A. INTERNATIONAL

1. Participated and made Poster Presentation in the International Conference on “Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Disease Processes” (CMMDP), organized by Department of Biotechnology, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, held at University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, from 13th to 16th April, 2014. Was adjudged as Best Poster Presenter.

2. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the 1st Annual International Conference of “Metabolic syndrome-Prediabetes-PCOS Society (M P PCOS CON 2017)”, organized by Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar in collaboration with JK Universities, Medical Colleges, Dental Colleges & Directorates of Health Services, jointly sponsored by Science & Technology Council, Govt. of J&K, and Metabolic Syndrome- Prediabetes-PCOS Society, held at SKICC, Srinagar, India, from 12th to 13th May, 2017.

3. Participated and made Poster Presentation in the International Conference on “Recent Trends in Agriculture, Biotechnology & Food Processing”, organized by University of Agricultural Sciences, Bengaluru, and College of Agriculture, Hassan, held at College of Agriculture, Hassan, India, from 5th to 7th July, 2017.

4. Participated and made Poster Presentation as Co-Author in the 4th International Conference on “Recent Trends and Advancements in Engineering and Technology (ICRTAET)”, organized by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU), Katra, sponsored by SMVDU-TBIC & TEQIP-III, held at SMVDU, Katra, Jammu, India, from 3rd to 4th November, 2017.

5. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the 3rd International Conference on “Bioresource & Stress Management”, held at Jaipur, Rajasthan, India, from 8th to 11th November, 2017.

6. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the International Conference on “Renewable Energy, Green Technology & Environmental Science (ICREGTES)”, organized by Asian Society for Academic Research in association with IRAJ Research Forum, held at New Delhi, India, on 3rd December, 2017.

7. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the International Conference on “BioTechnology and BioMedicines (ICBTBM-17)”, organized by NIER, India, held at Ludhiana, Punjab, India, on 17th December, 2017.

8. Participated and made Oral Presentation in 2nd International Conference on “Recent Researches and Innovations in Sciences, Management, Education and Technology (ICRISMET-18)”, held at JCD PG College of Education, Jan Nayak Ch. Devi Lal Vidyapeeth, Haryana, India, from 27th to 28th March, 2018.

9. Participated and made Poster Presentation in the International Symposium on “Management of Cancer in Countries with Limited Resources”, organized by Hakim Sanaullah Specialist Hospital & Cancer Centre, Sopore, J&K, India, held at SKICC, Srinagar, India, from 24th to 25th April, 2018.

B. NATIONAL

1. Participated in the Second Regional Symposium on “Management of Cancer in Countries with Limited Resources”, organized by Hakim Sanaullah Specialist Hospital & Cancer Centre, Sopore, J&K, India, held at SKICC, Srinagar, India, in September 2007.

2. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the National Conference on “Impact of Biotechnology in India-2007”, organized by SRN Adarsh College, 5th Main, Chamarajpet, Bangalore, India, held at Town Hall, Bangalore, India, from 30th to 31st October, 2007.

3. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the Two Day Education Conference-2009 on “Higher Education in Changing Scenario-Challenges and Prospects”, organized by the Internal Quality Assurance Cell of the Govt. College for Women and sponsored by the University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, held at Govt. College for Women, MA Road, Srinagar, from 25th to 26th May, 2009.

4. Participated and completed course entitled “First Basic Life Support Provider Course, according to American Heart Association guidelines”, organized by Hakim Sanaullah Specialist Hospital & Cancer Centre, Sopore, J&K, India, held at Srinagar on 28th June, 2009.

5. Participated in the National Workshop on “Scientific Writing and Publishing”, organized by The American Society for Microbiology, held at University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, on 23rd July, 2012.

6. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the 8th JK Science Congress, organized by University of Kashmir in collaboration with JK State Council for Science & Technology and DST, Govt. of India, New Delhi, held at University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, from 17th to 19th September, 2012.

7. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the 1st J&K Women‟s Science Conference, organized by Department of Environment and Water Management & Department of Biotechnology in collaboration with J&K State Council for Science & Technology and DST, Govt. of India, New Delhi, held at Sri Pratap College, Srinagar, India, from 11th to 13th December, 2012.

8. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the 9th JK Science Congress, and Regional Science Congress (ISCA), organized by University of Kashmir in collaboration with J&K State Council for S&T, DST, Govt. of India and Indian Science Congress Association, held at University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, from 1st to 3rd October, 2013. Was adjudged as Best Oral Presenter.

9. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the National Conference on “Status and Conservation of Biodiversity in India with Special Reference to Himalaya”, organized by Centre of Research for Development (CORD) and Department of Environmental Science, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, in collaboration with Indian Academy of Environmental Sciences, Haridwar, held at University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, from 4th to 5th October, 2013. 10. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the Two Day National Level Conference- CVEME-2013 on “Microbiology/Endocrinology Update 2013”, organized by J&K Veterinary Doctors Association (Kashmir), held at SKICC, Srinagar, India, from 28th to 29th October, 2013.

11. Participated in the Two Day Workshop on “Data Analysis using SPSS”, organized by P.G. Department of Computer Sciences, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, in collaboration with SPSS South Asia India Ltd., held at University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, from 20th to 21st February, 2014.

12. Participated and made Poster Presentation in the National Symposium on “Biodiversity, Biology and Bioprospecting”, organized by Department of , University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India and sponsored by SERB, Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi, held at University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, from 1st to 2nd April, 2015. Was awarded 3rd prize.

13. Participated and made Poster Presentation in the 3-Day Lecture Program on “Mathematical Modelling of Biological Systems” (LPMMBS), organized by Department of Mathematics, University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, under National Network for Mathematical and Computational Biology (NNMCB), India, held at University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, from 2nd to 4th April, 2015.

14. Participated in the “Science Communication Workshop”, organized by Wellcome Trust/DBT India Alliance, held at University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, on 11th May, 2015.

15. Participated and made Poster Presentation in the National Seminar entitled “Clinical Update”, organized by Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sher-I- Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, India, under the aegis of Association of clinical Biochemists of India (ACBI), held at Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar, India, on 25th August, 2015.

16. Participated in the 11th JK Science Congress 2015, organized by University of Kashmir, sponsored by J&K State Science, Technology & Innovation Council and DST, Govt. of India, New Delhi, held at University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, from 12th to 14th October, 2015.

17. Participated in the “YDR cum Research Ethics Workshop”, organized by Young Diabetes Registry (YDR) Collaborating Centre, SKIMS and Institutional Ethics Committee (IEC), SKIMS, held at Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar, India from 9th to 10th November, 2015.

18. Participated in one day CME on “Flow Cytometry and its Applications (FLOW- CYTO 2016)”, organized by Department of Immunology & Molecular Medicine, SKIMS, Soura, Srinagar in collaboration with Beckman Coulter India Ltd. held at Sher- I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, Srinagar, India, on 2nd April, 2016.

19. Delivered invited lecture on “Role of Science & Technology in Helping Differently Abled People” on the eve of National Science Day based on the theme “Science and Technology for Specially Abled Persons”, organized by Islamic University of Science & Technology, Awantipora, sponsored by J&K State Science, Technology & Innovation Council, held at Islamic University of Science & Technology, Awantipora, J&K, India on 28th February, 2017.

20. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the 2nd J&K Medical Science Congress (JKMSC 2017) based on the theme “Non communicable diseases (NCDs) in Developing Nations”, organized by Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Srinagar in collaboration with JK Universities, Medical Colleges, Dental Colleges & Directorates of Health Services, jointly sponsored by Science & Technology Council, Govt. of J&K, and Metabolic Syndrome-Prediabetes-PCOS Society, held at SKICC, Srinagar, India, from 10th to 12th May, 2017.

21. Participated and made Oral Presentation in 3-day National Workshop on “Disaster Resilience of Kashmir in the Face of Climate Change”, organized by Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree College, Bemina, Cluster University Srinagar, J&K, India, held at Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree College, Bemina, Srinagar, India, from 13th to 15th November, 2017.

22. Participated in 2-Day National Seminar-cum-Workshop on “Skill Development in Biotechnology”, organized by Sri Pratap College, Srinagar, sponsored by Cluster University Srinagar, J&K, India, held at S.P. College, M.A. Road, from 20th to 21st November, 2017.

23. Participated in the National Workshop on “Developmental Biology-Gametogenesis and Fertilization”, organized by Biotecnika Info Labs Ltd., held on 10th February, 2018.

24. Participated and made Oral Presentation in the “13th Session of Jammu and Kashmir Science Congress (JKSC-2018)”, organized by University of Kashmir in collaboration with the Jammu and Kashmir State Science, Technology, and Innovation Council, held at University of Kashmir, Srinagar, India, from 2nd to 4th April, 2018.

25. Participated in the National Symposium on “Food and Nutrition Security”, organized by the Department of Food Technology, Institute of Engineering and Technology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi, India, sponsored by TEQIP-3, MHRD, Govt. of India, held on 6th October, 2018.

REFEREES:

 Dr. Ehtishamul Haq Associate Professor Department of Biotechnology University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India-190006 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

 Dr. Ravouf Asimi Professor & Head Department of Neurology Sher-I-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Srinagar, J&K, India-190011 E-mail: [email protected]

 Dr. Khalid M. Fazili Professor & Head Department of Biotechnology University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India-190006 E-mail: [email protected]

 Dr. Raies A. Qadri Professor & Former Head Department of Biotechnology University of Kashmir, Srinagar, J&K, India-190006 E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]

DECLARATION

I hereby declare that the above information furnished by me is true and correct to my belief and best of my knowledge.

Place: J&K, India Dr. Insha Zahoor