Dr. Asma Yousaf Zai
Professor
Department of Biotechnology , Faculty of Life Sciences & Informatics

asmakhan@buitms.edu.pk
Extension No: 649

Qualification

Ph.D. (2018)
Biotechnology and Cancer Genetics
Balochistan University of Information technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, (BUITEMS) QTA, Pakistan
M.Phil. (2009)
Biotechnology
Balochistan University of Information technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, (BUITEMS) QTA, Pakistan
MSc (1999)
Biochemistry
University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan
Bachelor's (1997)
Biological Sciences
University of Balochistan, Quetta, Pakistan

Teaching Courses

  • Biochemistry-I
  • Biochemistry-II
  • Protein Chemistry
  • Enzymology
  • Pharmacogenomics
  • Toxicology
  • Bioanalytical Techniques
  • Industrial Biotechnology
  • DNA Damage and Carcinogenisis
  • Virology
  • Microbiology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Physical Chemistry
  • Cell Biology
  • Health Biotechnology
  • Modern Biotechnology Principles and Applications
  • Epidemiology
  • Radiology
  • Radiobiology

Teaching Method

  • Collaborative Learning
  • Spaced Learning
  • Flipped Classroom
  • Self-learning
  • Gamification
  • Visual, Audio, & Kinesthetic Teaching
  • Crossover Learning
  • Expeditionary Learning
  • Inquiry-Based Learning
  • Differentiated Instruction

Research Interest

  • Supervision and development of Laboratory, maintaining of Green House
  • Working to develop protocols, sterilization, culturing, and sub culturing of different plants
  • Using DNA extraction, PCR, Gel electrophoresis, ELISA techniques, SDS page and HPLC
  • Member of a project for micro propagation and Cultivation of plants
  • Operating Lab equipment’s such as electrical balance, pH meters, stirrer, laminar Hood flow
  • Conduct training for Undergraduate students/ Post Graduate students
  • Over five years of experience in research of plant tissue culture, developing and supervising of Lab
  • Experience in Media preparation, auto calving techniques for different plants and maintaining green
  • An eminent member of Floriculture project and American Society of Plant Biologists
  • Successful development of protocols of Banana, Ixora and Pineapple and Junipers

Membership

  • Eminent Member of Senate BUITEMS, Quetta
  • Member of the Graduate Committee, FLS&I
  • Member of the Examination Committee, FLS&I
  • An eminent member of Floriculture project and American Society of Plant Biologists
  • Member of Pakistan Biological Safety Association
  • Member of Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OWSD)
  • Member of Provisional Voters Education Committee (PVEC)
  • Executive Council Member of Organization for Women in Science for The Develping World (OWSD) Pakistan National Chapter

Awards & Achivements

  • Pakistan Diamond Jubilee CM Balochistan Awards
    2022
  • Balochistan Youth Talent Day Award
    2015
  • Certificate of Appreciation awarded for participation, contribution, and commendable performance in Balochistan Sports Festival
    2015
  • Prime Minister’s Fee Reimbursement Scheme
    2014
  • Certificate of Recognition for the services & support to BUITEMS Student Affairs
    2013
  • Youth Mega Event Life with Passion & Expression
    2012
  • University Excellence Award for Best Teacher -
    2011
  • English Language Proficiency Certificate
    2008
  • Established a Tissue Culture Laboratory comprising of the Project “Micropropagation of Economically Important Plants of Balochistan” funded by HEC
    2005
Driven by a passion for advancing molecular genetics and improving public health outcomes, I strive to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and its real-world application. I have been honored with the BUITEMS Quality & Excellence in Education Award and have served as a Master Trainer in the Professional Competency Enhancement Program for Teachers (PCEPT) under NAHE-HEC, empowering faculty across Pakistan. Previously, I served as Chairperson of the Department of Microbiology at BUITEMS, leading academic, administrative, and student development initiatives. I am the author and co-author of multiple research articles published in national and international journals and an active member of the Floriculture Project, the American Society of Plant Biologists, and the Pakistan Biological Safety Association. Looking ahead, I aim to drive innovation in genetic research, enhance research capacity in Balochistan, and mentor future scientists and educators, contributing to evidence-based

Publications

Insilico Structural and Functional Characterization of Mutations in Pyrazinamide Resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Irshad Ahmad, Muhammad Tahir Khan, Nighat Nawaz, Asma Yousafzai, Samiullah Khan, Zhenyu Hao (2024) Pak-Euro Journal of Medical and Life Sciences vol. 7 no. 1 pp. 97-102
Synthesis and molecular docking analysis of MBH adducts' derived amides as potential β-lactamase inhibitors
Hamid Ullah, Sadia Majid, Asma Abro, Taj Ur Rahman, Abdul Majeed Khan, Mehboob Ahmed, Muhammad Asif, Asma Yousafzai, Riffat Ullh, Peter Natesan Pushparaj, Mahmood Rasool (2024) Bioinformation vol. 20 no. 5 pp. 449
Monkey Virus recent breakthrough: review on efficacy of diagnosis and treatment methods
Imran Riaz Malik, Muhammad Shafique, Mohsin Raza, Waqas Ahmad, Yusra Shahbaz, Asma Yousafzai, Muhammad Umar, Muhammad Asif (2024) Pak-Euro Journal of Medical and Life Sciences vol. 7 no. 2 pp. 267-282
Efficacy of Cavern Isolates for Biodegradation of Synthetic Plastic
Jamila Tabassum, Muhammad Luqman, Fariha Hasan, Fariha Arooj, Saif Ur Rehman Kashif, Asma Yousafzai (2022) Letters in Organic Chemistry vol. 19 no. 3 pp. 198-207
corrected Proof
Muhammad Luqman, Muhammad Umer Farooq Awan, Sohaib Muhammad, Shakeela Daud, Asma Yousafzai, Fariha Aroojaa (2022) - vol. - no. - pp. -
View All

Work Experience

December 2021 to Date
Professor(BPS-21) at Biotechnology
Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences
January 2022 to March 2024
Chairperson at Microbiology
Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences
October 2010 to December 2021
Assistant Professor (BPS-19) at Biotechnology
Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences
October 2007 to October 2010
Lecturer at Biotechnology
Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences
September 2006 to October 2007
Research Associate at Biotechnology
Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences
December 2005 to December 2006
Research Associate at Biotechnology
Higher Education Commission, BUITEMS
July 2003 to June 2004
Research and Training Coordinator at SMART, Balochistan
SMART, Balochistan

Projects

Prevalence of Unreported Genotypes of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) In Afghan Refugees of Balochistan
NIC, BUITEMS, National , Funded , 2018, Completed
This study investigated the prevalence and distribution of previously unreported genotypes of Hepati...
Clinical Evaluation and Identification of mutations in gene BIRC2 (causing Lung Cancer) present on chromosome 11q22 by Sequencing
ORIC, BUITEMS, National , Funded , 2016, Completed
This project involved the clinical assessment of lung cancer patients and the molecular analysis of ...
Genetic Studies of Breast Cancer in Population of Balochistan,
ORIC, BUITEMS, National , Funded , 2015, Completed
This study investigated the genetic basis of breast cancer in the population of Balochistan, focusin...
Genetic Studies of Thalassemia Patients of Balochistan Origin
ORIC, BUITEMS, National , Funded , 2013, Completed
This study focused on the genetic characterization of thalassemia patients from Balochistan, aiming ...
Comparison of ELISA and RIA techniques for the diagnosis of Hypothyroidism by detecting the level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), T4 and T3 in different ethnic groups of Quetta.
ORIC, BUITEMS, National , Funded , 2011, Completed
This project focused on the diagnosis of hypothyroidism by measuring the levels of Thyroid Stimulati...
Micropropagation of Economically Important Plants of Balochistan
Higher Education Commission, National , Funded , 2005, Completed
Established a Tissue Culture Laboratory and Protocols viable to Economical Plants of Balochistan, at...

Certifications

Seminar on Global Partnership for Transformative Research
The Empowering Low Carbon Future Project , United Kingdom, 2026 Learn More
2-Day Hands Training Workshop on DNA Extraction and Real-Time PCR
Balochistan Agriculture College, Pakistan, 2026 Learn More
Three Days Training on Media literacy and Digital Rights
Individual Land, Pakistan, 2025
Training on Research Methodology
UNFPA and National Institute of Population Studies, Pakistan, 2025
International Seminar-Cum-Webinar on Neurological Disorders
ORIC, Pakistan, 2025
• Three Day workshop of Master Trainers, PhD Supervisors Capacity Building Program
HEC Islamabad, Pakistan, 2019
• Training on Biosafety Awareness Workshop
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2019
• Bioprism Laboratory Safety Training Initiative Program, “Train the Trainer Workshop
Margala Hotel, Islamabad, Pakistan, 2019
• Professional Development Training Program”, as a Resource Person/ Facilitator of four weeks training workshop
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2018
• Certified Educator Conference
BUITEMS, HEC, Pakistan, 2018
• English Language Proficiency Certificate
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2018
• One Day Seminar on “Future of Balochistan with Prevailing drought status quo-role of Stakeholders, Policy makers, public Institutes/Departments, Academia, Think Tanks, research Institute, Media and Civil Society
Islamic Relief and Department of Environmental Science, BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2018
• One day seminar on “Intellectual property, Patent & Trade Mark
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2017
• One day TOT on Humanity, Altruism & Citizenship in Pakistan
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2017
• Two Days Workshop on “University Teaching”
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2017
• Two days’ workshop on Outcome Based education (OBE) System
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2017
• Facilitated “Active Citizens Training of Students
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2016
• Three days Training Workshop on “Dynamics of Supervisor & • Supervisee Relationship.” Under continuing Professional • Development Program
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2015
• English Language Proficiency Certificate
University of Balochistan, Quetta, in collaboration with Bolan Society for Pure and Applied Biology (BSPAB, Pakistan, 2015
• One day Training workshop on “Screening of Abiotic and Biotic Factors from the Environment
University of Balochistan, Pakistan, 2015
• Active Citizens Training of Facilitators
The British Council & BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2015
• Training on Leadership & Cultural Change
USAID-Funded, center for Governance & Public Management (CGPM), LUMS, Pakistan, 2015
• Orientation Workshop on SPSS & STATA
USAID, PARC and CIMMYT, BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2015
• Two Day Training workshop on LATEX”
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2015
• Professional Development Training Program”, as a Resource Person/Facilitator of four weeks training workshop
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2015
1st. International Conference on Environment and Biosciences
Sardar Bahadur Khan Women’s University, Pakistan, 2015
• Workshop on “Project Formulation”
Pakistan Science Foundation Islamabad, Pakistan, 2014
• Pakistan’s National Biodiversity Clearing House Mechanism
WWF- Pakistan, Pakistan, 2013
• Professional Development Training Program”, as a Resource Person/ Facilitator of four weeks training workshop
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2013
• International Research Workshop on Mastering Qualitative Research Methodology and Analyzing Qualitative Data using SPSS V.20 and NVIVO V.7
HD Video Conferencing, Pakistan, 2012
• Workshop on “Case Based Teaching”,
Learning Innovation Division, Pakistan, 2011
• Professional Development Training Program”, as a Resource Person/ Facilitator of four weeks training workshop
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2011
• 15th National Paediatric Conference Quetta
Pakistan Paediatric Association , Pakistan, 2011
• Holding experience in “Student Counseling
British Council Pakistan, Pakistan, 2011
• Two days workshop on “Bioinformatics Approaches in Life Sciences
University Of Balochistan, Pakistan, 2010
• Two Day short Course on Environmental issues and pollution Control (EEC-1),
Pakistan Engineering Council with collaboration with IESE(NUST), BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2007
• 1st International Conference on Biotechnology and Informatics
BUITEMS, Pakistan, 2006
Seminar on Tissue culture and its future perspective in Agriculture
Agriculture Research Institute, Quetta, Pakistan, 2005
• “Digital Library Services Best Practices Workshop
Higher Education Commission, Pakistan, 2005
• On the training session at “Communicative Language Teaching
British Council Pakistan, Pakistan, 2003
• On the training session at “Teacher Training Programme
Dr. James E. Last, Pakistan, 2002
• On the training session at “Art and Science of Vaccinology
Quetta & Pakistan Veterinary Medical Association, Pakistan, 2000