PhD Microbiology
Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
A research profile built around useful biology.
Dr. Shakira Ghazanfar is a microbiologist and Senior Scientific Officer at NIGAB-NARC, Pakistan Agricultural Research Council (PARC). Her work connects probiotic genomics, gut microbiome science, whole-genome sequencing, antimicrobial resistance and artificial intelligence.
01 / SHORT BIOGRAPHY
From microbial discovery to validated application.
Dr. Shakira Ghazanfar works at the intersection of experimental microbiology and data-enabled biological research. She has led national projects involving indigenous probiotic development, yeast-based products, animal health and machine-learning-supported assessment.
Her current research direction brings together genome and microbiome data, laboratory validation, AI/ML methods, product development and One Health relevance. The goal is to move microbial discoveries from strain and sequence data toward evidence-based solutions for animal health, agriculture, food systems and sustainable production.
Scientific identity
Download current CV Microbiologist | Probiotic Genomics & Microbial AI Researcher | Senior Scientific Officer, NIGAB-NARC-PARC
02 / EDUCATION
Academic preparation in microbiology and animal biology.
Qualifications supporting an applied research portfolio across microbial biotechnology, genomics, nutrition and biological AI.
MPhil Microbiology
Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad.
MSc Zoology
Animal Biology, University of Arid Agriculture, Rawalpindi.
HEC Supervisor
Recognized supervisor and mentor for research students.
03 / EXPERIENCE
Research leadership grounded in public-sector science.
Research, programme leadership, scientific service, teaching and collaboration across microbiology and biotechnology.
2014 — PRESENT
Senior Scientific Officer
Pakistan Agricultural Research Council, NIGAB-NARC, Islamabad.
2021 — 2024
Principal Investigator / Probiotic Developer
Agricultural Linkages Programme and probiotic research focused on microbial characterization, safety and applied product development.
2018 — 2021
Project Manager — Probiotic Feed Additives
Indigenous probiotic feed additive products and whole-genome sequencing-based safety assessment.
ONGOING SERVICE
Scientific leadership and mentoring
Book editor, guest editor, reviewer, trainer, speaker and founder of Women in AI Pakistan / Islamabad AI.
04 / SCHOLARLY PROFILES
Academic links that remain easy to verify.
Public researcher identifiers and professional profiles provide direct routes to the wider scholarly record.