Assist Prof Dr Soheila Afkar | Medicinal Plants | Women Researcher Award

Assist Prof Dr Soheila Afkar, Payame Noor University, Iran

Soheila Afkar is a distinguished plant biotechnologist born in Khorramabad, Iran. She currently serves as the Head of the Faculty of Agriculture at Payame Noor University and an Assistant Professor in Plant Breeding. Dr. Afkar’s career spans academic leadership, teaching, and extensive research. Her work focuses on plant genetics, particularly in medicinal plants like peppermint, and she has been involved in various national and international research projects. Her leadership in academia and commitment to advancing plant science make her a notable figure in her field.

Publication Profile

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Strengths for the Award

1. Diverse Educational Background:
   • Dr. Afkar has a robust educational foundation, with degrees spanning from B.Sc. to Ph.D. in relevant fields such as Agronomy, Plant Breeding, and Biotechnology. This diverse academic background indicates a broad understanding of her research domain.
2. Significant Research Contributions:
   • Her research on peppermint (Mentha piperita) and Festuca arundinacea reflects significant contributions to plant genetics and biotechnology. The detailed studies on gene expression and essential oil composition are valuable to both academic research and practical applications in agriculture.
3. Recognized Academic Excellence:
   • Dr. Afkar has achieved high ranks in her academic assessments and has been recognized as the top student in her M.Sc. program. These achievements underscore her strong academic prowess and commitment.
4. Leadership and Teaching Experience:
   • As the Head of the Faculty of Agriculture and an Assistant Professor at Payame Noor University, Dr. Afkar has demonstrated leadership and a commitment to education. Her experience in leading workshops and teaching a wide array of courses adds to her qualifications.
5. Research and Publication Record:
   • She has an extensive list of publications in reputable journals, reflecting her active research career. Her work covers a range of topics from gene expression to plant physiology, indicating a well-rounded research profile.
6. Professional Engagement:
   • Her roles as a referee for various conferences and journals show her involvement in the academic community and her contribution to the peer review process.

Areas for Improvement

1. Broader International Exposure:
   • While Dr. Afkar has international experience, particularly her sabbatical at the University of Tübingen, increasing collaborative research with international institutions could further enhance her profile and impact.
2. Interdisciplinary Research:
   • Expanding her research to include more interdisciplinary approaches could strengthen her contributions. For example, integrating aspects of environmental science or biotechnology with her current focus might open new avenues for impactful research.
3. Grants and Funding:
   • There is no mention of securing significant research grants or funding. Gaining more experience in this area could provide additional resources for her research projects and increase her influence in the field.
4. Broader Dissemination of Research:
   • While she has numerous publications, exploring more high-impact journals or engaging in broader dissemination channels (e.g., public science outreach) could further raise her profile.

 

Education

Soheila Afkar holds a B.Sc. in Agronomy & Plant Breeding from the University of Lorestan, Iran. She pursued her M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Plant Breeding and Biotechnology, respectively, at the University of Tarbiat Modares, Iran. Additionally, she completed a sabbatical leave in Molecular Biology at the University of Tübingen, Germany. Her doctoral research focused on menthol biosynthesis in peppermint, showcasing her expertise in plant genetics and biotechnology.

Experience

Dr. Afkar has extensive academic and professional experience. She is the Head of the Faculty of Agriculture at Payame Noor University, where she has been instrumental in shaping the agricultural curriculum. She also teaches a wide range of courses, including molecular genetics and plant breeding. Her prior roles include Supervisor Engineer at the Agricultural Organization of Lorestan Province and Executive Head of “Mazrae Gostare Falak”. She has also led workshops on agricultural research tools and techniques.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Afkar has achieved notable recognition throughout her career. She ranked fourth in the Iran Universities M.Sc. Entrance Examination, first in her M.Sc. program, and second in her Ph.D. program. These accolades highlight her exceptional academic performance and dedication to her field. Her achievements underscore her contributions to plant genetics and biotechnology, marking her as a leading researcher and educator.

Research Focus

Dr. Afkar’s research focuses on plant genetics and biotechnology, particularly in medicinal plants like peppermint. Her work includes studying gene expression in response to environmental factors and analyzing essential oil compositions. She has made significant contributions to understanding menthol biosynthesis and genetic diversity in plants. Her research aims to advance plant breeding techniques and improve crop productivity and resilience.

Publication Top Notes

Assessment of variability of lentil genotypes for agronomic traits using multivariate analyses

The study of genetic diversity, heritability and genetic advance of morphological traits, yield and yield components in different chickpea (Cicer arietinum) genotypes

Influence of methyl jasmonate on menthol production and gene expression in peppermint (Mentha X piperita L.)

Evaluation of essential oil composition and antibacterial effect of Mentha longifolia collected from different region of Lorestan province.

Genetic relationships of some mint species using seed storage protein pattern

Conclusion

Soheila Afkar’s qualifications, including her impressive academic achievements, extensive research contributions, and leadership roles, position her as a strong candidate for the Research for Women Researcher Award. Her expertise in plant genetics and biotechnology, coupled with her commitment to education and professional engagement, highlights her significant impact in her field. Addressing areas for improvement, such as increasing international collaborations and securing more funding, could further strengthen her candidacy and amplify her contributions to science.