Wajiha Ahmed | Immunology and Microbiology | Women Researcher Award

Ms. Wajiha Ahmed | Immunology and Microbiology | Women Researcher Award

Post Doctoral Fellow of Suzhou institute of Nano tech and Nano bionics, China.

Wajiha Ahmed is a distinguished researcher from Pakistan with a diverse background in biomaterials and biology. She earned her PhD from Zhejiang University, China, where she focused on immune regulation and wound healing using innovative biomaterials like chiral polymers and ROS-responsive nanofibers. Her Master’s research involved plant-derived silver nanoparticles for chemical sensing, showcasing her early commitment to impactful research. Wajiha’s significant contributions are reflected in her nine peer-reviewed publications in reputable journals, including ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering and Journal of Biomedical Materials Research Part A. Currently serving as Assistant General Manager at Global Clinical Cura Pvt. Limited, she combines academic expertise with industry experience. Her research addresses critical health issues, particularly in wound healing for diabetic and infectious wounds, emphasizing her dedication to advancing medical science. Wajiha’s international experience and impactful research make her a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award.

Profile
Education

Wajiha Ahmed’s educational journey reflects a strong foundation in biotechnology and biomedical sciences, coupled with advanced research experience in biomaterials. She earned her PhD from Zhejiang University, China, where she specialized in biomaterials with a focus on immune regulation and wound healing. Her doctoral research involved innovative projects such as developing ROS-responsive polymer nanofibers and exploring the impact of enantiomeric polylysine on inflammatory responses, showcasing her expertise in cutting-edge biomedical applications. Prior to her PhD, Wajiha completed her Master’s degree in Biomedical Sciences and Engineering from the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, Pakistan. Her Master’s thesis centered on the chemical sensing of carcinogens using plant-derived fluorescent flavonoids, demonstrating her ability to integrate biological and chemical sciences. Wajiha’s academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Biotechnology from the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Pakistan, where she gained a solid grounding in the life sciences.

Professional Experience

Wajiha Ahmed has a diverse professional background, blending academic and industry experience. She currently serves as the Assistant General Manager at Global Clinical Cura Pvt. Limited, a role she has held since January 2021, where she manages key clinical operations, contributing to the company’s strategic goals. Prior to this, Wajiha held academic positions, including as a Visiting Lecturer at Shifa Tameer-e-Millat University in Islamabad, Pakistan, from February 2016 to 2017, where she was involved in teaching and curriculum development. She also served as a Lecturer at Fazaia Intercollege Jinnah Camp in Islamabad from February 2016 to August 2017, and as a Teacher at Springfield Public School and College in Rawalpindi from March 2014 to 2015. These roles allowed her to hone her teaching skills and foster a deep commitment to education. Her professional experience reflects a solid foundation in both educational and managerial capacities.

Research Interest

Wajiha Ahmed’s research interests are deeply rooted in the interdisciplinary fields of biomaterials and biomedical engineering, with a particular focus on developing innovative solutions for wound healing and immune regulation. Her work spans the synthesis and characterization of advanced materials such as chiral polymers, ROS-responsive polymer nanofibers, and plant-derived silver nanoparticles. Wajiha is particularly interested in exploring the interactions between biomaterials and biological systems, aiming to enhance therapeutic outcomes in conditions such as diabetic wounds and chronic inflammations. Her PhD research on multifunctional drug-loaded nanofibers for smart wound healing and the immune modulation of bone marrow-derived macrophages highlights her dedication to addressing critical health challenges through material science. Additionally, her background in chemical sensing of carcinogens using plant-based materials underscores her commitment to environmental and health safety, making her research both impactful and socially relevant.

Research Skills

Wajiha Ahmed is an accomplished researcher with a robust set of skills in biomaterials and biomedical sciences. Her expertise lies in the synthesis and characterization of advanced nanomaterials, including chiral polymers and ROS-responsive polymer nanofibers, which she has applied to critical areas such as immune regulation and wound healing. Wajiha is proficient in various laboratory techniques, including nanoparticle synthesis, polymer grafting, and in vitro cellular assays. Her ability to design and conduct complex experiments is evident in her contributions to high-impact research projects. Additionally, she is skilled in data analysis and interpretation, employing advanced analytical tools to derive meaningful insights from experimental results. Wajiha’s research is also characterized by strong interdisciplinary collaboration, allowing her to integrate biological, chemical, and material science principles effectively. Her publications in reputable journals further reflect her dedication to advancing knowledge in the field of biomaterials.

 Awards and Recognition

Wajiha Ahmed has earned recognition for her exceptional contributions to the field of biomaterials and biology. Her innovative research on immune regulation, wound healing, and chemical sensing has been published in reputable journals, highlighting her impact on advancing scientific knowledge. Wajiha’s work has been acknowledged through her role as a first and co-author in multiple peer-reviewed publications, reflecting her dedication and expertise. Her international research experience, particularly during her PhD at Zhejiang University, has further solidified her reputation as a promising researcher in her field. Additionally, Wajiha’s involvement in interdisciplinary projects and her ability to address critical health challenges, such as diabetic wound healing, underscore her commitment to research that has tangible societal benefits. While she is still in the early stages of her career, her accomplishments have already positioned her as a rising star in biomaterials research, earning her respect and recognition among her peers.

Conclusion

Wajiha Ahmed is a strong candidate for the Best Researcher Award, given her significant contributions to biomaterials research, her impressive publication record, and her international research experience. To further strengthen her candidacy, she could focus on expanding her industrial collaborations and increasing her public engagement efforts. Overall, her multidisciplinary expertise and commitment to addressing societal challenges through research make her a suitable and competitive nominee for the award.

Publications Top Notes

  • Bi-layered Polyurethane Nanofiber Patches with Asymmetrical Surface Prevent Postoperative Adhesion and Enhance Cardiac Repair
    • Authors: Li, S., Ahmed, W., Wang, S., Zhu, Y., Gao, C.
    • Year: 2024
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.compositesb.2024.111668
  • Taking Chiral Polymers Toward Immune Regulation
    • Authors: Ahmed, W., Karabaliev, M., Gao, C.
    • Year: 2022
    • Citations: 6
    • DOI: 10.1002/pol.20220163
  • Influence of Enantiomeric Polylysine Grafted on Gold Nanorods on the Uptake and Inflammatory Response of Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages in Vitro
    • Authors: Ahmed, W., Zhang, H., Gao, C.
    • Year: 2022
    • DOI: 10.1002/jbm.a.37068
  • Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive and Scavenging Polyurethane Nanoparticles for Treatment of Osteoarthritis In Vivo
    • Authors: Zhang, H., Xiong, H., Ahmed, W., Fan, C., Gao, C.
    • Year: 2021
    • Citations: 39
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.cej.2020.128147
  • Adaptive Antibacterial Biomaterial Surfaces and Their Applications
    • Authors: Ahmed, W., Zhai, Z., Gao, C.
    • Year: 2019
    • Citations: 134
    • DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2019.100017
  • Design and Applications of Cell-Selective Surfaces and Interfaces
    • Authors: Zhang, H., Zheng, X., Ahmed, W., Chen, Y., Gao, C.
    • Year: 2018
    • Citations: 35
    • DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.8b00492