Ph.D. – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
2015 – 2021
Research Project:
Comprehending the biological potencies of selected medicinal plants through comprehensive in vitro and in vivo investigations.
Supervisor:
Prof. Dr. M. Rashid Khan
M.Phil. – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
2013 – 2015
CGPA: 4.0/5.0
Research Project:
Evaluation of Solanum vilosum, its antioxidant potential and in vivo CCl₄ investigation.
BS – Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
University of Gujrat, Pakistan
2009 – 2013
CGPA: 3.29/4.00
F.Sc. (Pre-Medical)
Allama Iqbal Degree College, Gujrat
Matriculation
Govt. Girls Model High School Ghareeb Pura, Gujrat
Professional Experience
Research Scholar – Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad
Responsibilities:
- Conducted extensive in vitro and in vivo pharmacological investigations.
- Evaluated medicinal plants for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-depressant, analgesic, and anti-cancer activities.
- Performed biochemical, molecular, and toxicological analyses.
- Supervised and participated in multidisciplinary research projects.
Key Contributions:
- Published multiple research articles in internationally recognized journals.
- Contributed to advancing knowledge in phytomedicine and molecular pharmacology.
- Investigated novel plant-derived therapeutic compounds for disease management.
International Research Scholar
Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, Kingsville, Texas, USA
Responsibilities:
- Worked on breast cancer cell lines and signaling pathways.
- Conducted anti-cancer studies using advanced cell culture techniques.
- Performed molecular and cellular biology experiments.
- Participated in translational biomedical research projects.
Key Achievements:
- Gained international research exposure through the IRSIP Scholarship Program.
- Developed expertise in cancer biology and molecular research methodologies.
Teacher Assistant
Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad
Responsibilities:
- Assisted faculty members in laboratory and classroom teaching.
- Guided students in practical biochemical and molecular biology techniques.
- Supported research and laboratory management activities.
Teaching Intern
Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, University of Gujrat
Responsibilities:
- Assisted in undergraduate teaching and laboratory instruction.
- Supported practical training sessions and academic activities.
Research Assistant
Pharmacological Evaluation Laboratory, Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad
Responsibilities:
- Assisted in pharmacological screening and experimental studies.
- Conducted laboratory analyses and data interpretation.
- Participated in scientific writing and research publications.
Areas of Expertise
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
- Toxicology
- Cancer Biology
- Medicinal Plant Research
- Phytochemistry
- Drug Discovery
- Cell Biology
- Biomedical Research
- Molecular Diagnostics
- Translational Research
Technical & Research Skills
Laboratory Techniques
- Cell Culture Techniques
- In Vivo Studies on Albino Rats
- Animal Handling, Feeding & Dissection
- Cytotoxicity Assays
- Antimicrobial Assays
- Antioxidant Assays
- Anti-inflammatory Assays
- Antidepressant Assays
- Analgesic Assays
- Anticoagulant Assays
- Comet Assay
Molecular Biology & Analytical Techniques
- PCR & RT-PCR
- Western Blotting
- Gel Electrophoresis
- Chromatography
- Flash Chromatography
- HPLC
- FTIR
- NMR (¹H & ¹³C)
- UV-Visible Spectrophotometry
- Fluorescence Microscopy
- Docking & BLAST Analysis
Phytochemical & Biochemical Analysis
- Extraction of Phytochemicals
- Qualitative and Quantitative Phytochemical Estimation
- Biochemical Marker Analysis
- In Vitro and In Vivo Bioassays
Research Publications
Dr. Zartash Zahra has authored and co-authored numerous research articles in internationally recognized journals, including:
- Journal of Ethnopharmacology
- BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine
- Toxicology Research
- Environmental Health and Preventive Medicine
- Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy
- BMC Chemistry
- Andrologia
Her research primarily focuses on medicinal plants, oxidative stress, inflammation, hepatoprotection, reproductive health, cancer biology, and molecular pharmacology.
Major Courses Studied
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Human Stem Cell Biology
- Nutritional Biochemistry
- Bioinformatics
- Cancer Genetics
- Protein Chemistry
- Genomics
- Immunochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Human Genetics
- Metabolism
- Clinical Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Microbiology
- Biostatistics
Awards & Achievements
- IRSIP Scholarship awarded by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, for research at Texas A&M University, USA.
- Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme recipient for talented Ph.D. scholars.
- Merit Fellowship awarded by Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
- 2nd Position in Poster Presentation at the Department of Biochemistry, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
Professional Interests
- Cancer Biology
- Molecular Therapeutics
- Drug Discovery
- Medicinal Plants Research
- Translational Medicine
- Toxicological Sciences
- Biomedical Innovation
- Pharmacological Evaluation
- Precision Medicine
Professional Objective
To contribute to the advancement of biomedical and life sciences through innovative research, scientific collaboration, and evidence-based discoveries that improve human health and deepen our understanding of biological systems.
