Prof. Dr. Nazneen Naher Islam is an accomplished researcher and academic with a distinguished career in microbial genetics, genetic disorders, and molecular pathogenesis. She currently serves as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Her academic journey is marked by a strong international background, having completed her Ph.D. in Microbial Protein Engineering at Osaka City University, Japan. Dr. Islam’s work focuses extensively on genetic mutations, the molecular basis of diseases, microbial metabolite screening, and antibiotic resistance, which are highly relevant to public health concerns in Bangladesh and beyond. She has published numerous research articles in national and international journals and has contributed significantly to conference proceedings. Her leadership extends beyond research as she has successfully supervised 35 graduate students and actively teaches advanced courses in genetics and biotechnology. Dr. Islam has received several prestigious awards and scholarships throughout her academic career, reflecting her dedication and scientific excellence. Her professional affiliations with international and national microbiology and biotechnology societies further illustrate her active role in the scientific community. Prof. Dr. Nazneen Naher Islam’s academic contributions, research leadership, and dedication to mentoring the next generation of scientists make her a standout figure in her field.
Professional Profile
Education
Prof. Dr. Nazneen Naher Islam’s educational background showcases her progression through rigorous scientific training and specialization. She earned her Ph.D. in Microbial Protein Engineering from Osaka City University, Japan, between 2004 and 2008. Her doctoral research focused on the synthesis and degradation of acyl peptides by ATP and CoA-independent N-myristoyltransferase enzymes derived from Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli. This work laid the foundation for her later contributions to microbial genetics and biotechnology. Prior to her doctoral studies, Dr. Islam completed both her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Botany at the University of Chittagong, Bangladesh. Her master’s research concentrated on microbial enzymes, where she graduated with First Class distinction. She completed her Higher Secondary Certificate and Secondary School Certificate from the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Comilla, securing First Division results in both examinations. Her educational journey not only reflects academic excellence but also demonstrates her early commitment to the biological sciences. The blend of local and international education has uniquely positioned her to lead complex research projects that address both national health priorities and global scientific challenges.
Professional Experience
Prof. Dr. Nazneen Naher Islam has built an impressive professional career as a professor, researcher, and leader at the University of Chittagong, where she currently serves as Professor and Chairman of the Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Over the years, she has gained extensive experience in leading multidisciplinary research teams and supervising graduate-level research. Her professional journey includes teaching specialized subjects such as microbial genetics, cytogenetics, pharmaceutical biotechnology, recombinant DNA technology, and industrial biotechnology. In addition to her academic roles, Dr. Islam has been involved in significant institutional responsibilities, including past service as a house tutor and member of the Teachers Association at Chittagong University. She has also worked as a reviewer for several national and international journals, ensuring the quality and rigor of scientific publications. Her research portfolio features numerous externally funded projects, particularly from the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, where she has led studies on genetic mutations, microbial resistance, and public health microbiology. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated a strong commitment to advancing the fields of microbial genetics and public health while nurturing the academic growth of her students and contributing actively to the scientific community.
Research Interest
Prof. Dr. Nazneen Naher Islam’s research interests are deeply rooted in microbial genetics, genetic diseases, and the molecular mechanisms of disease development. She focuses on the prevalence and mutation spectrum of genetic disorders within the Bangladeshi population, including studies on beta-thalassemia and other inherited diseases. Dr. Islam is also passionate about exploring the molecular pathogenesis and genomics of genetic diseases, aiming to uncover the biological underpinnings that can lead to improved diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Another significant area of her research involves the screening, molecular characterization, and industrial application of microbial secondary metabolites, which hold potential in the pharmaceutical and biotechnological industries. Her work also addresses pressing public health issues, such as antibiotic resistance, microbial contamination in food, and transmission of drug-resistant pathogens. She is particularly interested in the application of molecular biology techniques, such as PCR-based diagnostics, in improving disease detection and management. Dr. Islam’s research is both applied and translational, with a focus on generating solutions that are locally relevant and globally significant. Her wide-ranging interests enable her to contribute to the intersection of genetics, microbiology, and public health, making her research impactful on both scientific and societal levels.
Research Skills
Prof. Dr. Nazneen Naher Islam possesses a robust set of research skills that position her as a leading scientist in the fields of microbial genetics and biotechnology. She is highly proficient in molecular biology techniques, including PCR, RT-PCR, plasmid profiling, gene mutation analysis, and molecular characterization of microbes. Her expertise extends to the purification and biochemical characterization of enzymes, particularly microbial enzymes with potential industrial applications. Dr. Islam is also skilled in antimicrobial susceptibility testing, which is essential for monitoring drug resistance patterns. Her ability to conduct metagenomic studies and comparative analyses of gut microbiota further enhances her multidisciplinary research capabilities. She is well-versed in public health microbiology, particularly in the detection and molecular typing of foodborne and waterborne pathogens such as Salmonella typhi, Staphylococcus aureus, and Vibrio cholerae. Additionally, Dr. Islam’s experience in supervising graduate students has refined her project management, experimental design, and scientific communication skills. Her involvement in collaborative and independently funded research projects demonstrates her capacity for grant writing, research planning, and data analysis. Altogether, her comprehensive research skill set supports her ability to address complex scientific questions and contribute meaningfully to advancements in microbial and genetic research.
Awards and Honors
Prof. Dr. Nazneen Naher Islam has been the recipient of several prestigious awards and honors throughout her academic and research career, reflecting her scientific excellence and leadership. She was awarded the National Scholarship for Foreign Students by Osaka City University in 2008, which recognized her outstanding academic performance and research contributions during her Ph.D. studies. Between 2004 and 2007, she also received the competitive Nishimura Scholarship while pursuing her doctoral degree in Japan. Earlier in her career, she was awarded the National Science and Technology Fellowship in Bangladesh during 1996-1997, which supported her postgraduate research. Additionally, Dr. Islam has secured multiple research grants from the University Grants Commission (UGC) of Bangladesh, including funding for significant projects related to genetic mutation analysis and the detection of foodborne pathogens. Her project on the mutation analysis of the HBB gene in beta-thalassemic patients and the detection of Staphylococcus aureus in frozen chicken rinse are examples of her impactful, grant-funded research. These honors and recognitions underline her dedication to advancing genetic and microbial research and affirm her position as a respected leader in the academic and scientific communities.
Conclusion
Prof. Dr. Nazneen Naher Islam is a distinguished researcher, educator, and leader whose contributions to microbial genetics, public health microbiology, and genetic disease studies have had significant impact both within Bangladesh and in the broader scientific community. Her multidisciplinary research integrates cutting-edge molecular biology techniques with practical applications in public health and the food industry. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated remarkable dedication to education by supervising a large number of graduate students and by delivering high-quality teaching in genetic engineering and biotechnology. Her professional affiliations, international collaborations, and consistent involvement in research grants and scholarly publishing reflect her commitment to academic excellence and community service. While further engagement in international conferences and collaborations could amplify her global presence, Dr. Islam’s track record clearly positions her as a leading researcher in her field. Her ability to address critical health issues through research, coupled with her passion for student mentorship and institutional leadership, make her a highly deserving candidate for prestigious recognitions such as the Best Researcher Award. Her continued work is expected to contribute substantially to the advancement of biotechnology, public health, and genetic research in Bangladesh and beyond.