Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology-Pakistan
Author Profile
Early Academic Pursuits
Shazia Kousar, born on October 19, 1979, is a highly accomplished Pakistani chemist with an extensive academic background. She completed her Bachelor's degree in Pre-Medical (BSc) from Islamia University Bahawalpur in 2000 and later pursued a Master's degree in Chemistry (MSc) from the same institution in 2002.
PhD Journey
Shazia embarked on her doctoral journey with a keen interest in synthetic modifications of bioactive natural products. She pursued her PhD at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Science, University of Karachi. Her research focused on the synthetic modifications of various bioactive natural products, including the isolation and characterization of compounds from Saussurea albesence.
She further enhanced her academic pursuits through a split PhD program at the University of California, Riverside (USA), under the guidance of Prof. Guy Bertrand. Her research in the USA explored the unusual coordination chemistry of stable cyclic (alkyl)(amino) carbenes (CAACs) towards late transition metals.
Professional Endeavors
After completing her PhD in 2010, Shazia continued her academic career, working as a Postdoc at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Science, University of Karachi. In 2011, she joined Government College University Faisalabad as an Assistant Professor and contributed to projects on the synthetic modifications of bioactive compounds.
Since 2015, Shazia has been serving as an Assistant Professor in the basic Sciences and Humanities at Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology, Pakistan. Her work at the newly formed university includes multiple designed multicomponent reactions for the synthesis of biologically interesting molecules.
Research Focus and Contributions
Shazia Kousar's research spans various domains, including the synthesis of biologically active analogs, coordination chemistry of carbenes, and the exploration of novel catalytic reactions. Notably, her work on benzylidene derivatives of harmine exhibited 100% potent anti-cancer activity compared to standard drugs.
Her projects, such as the modification of 18-Beta Glycyrrhetinic acid and the exploration of unusual coordination chemistry of cyclic carbenes, have contributed significantly to the field of chemical sciences. Shazia's research projects at Khwaja Fareed University involve the synthesis of biologically interesting molecules through designed multicomponent reactions.
Accolades and Recognition
Shazia's academic and research excellence has been acknowledged through various awards and scholarships. She received a Senior Research Fellowship in 2010 and a Split PhD scholarship from the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan in 2006. Her participation in international conferences and workshops showcases her commitment to staying abreast of advancements in the field.
Impact and Influence
With a substantial number of journal articles, Shazia Kousar has made a significant impact on the field of chemistry. Her research on allene formation by gold-catalyzed cross-coupling of masked carbenes and vinylidenes, as well as the synthesis and catalytic activity of cyclic(alkyl)(amino)carbene gold(I) complexes, has been published in reputable journals.
Legacy and Future Contributions
Shazia Kousar's dedication to research, teaching, and student supervision reflects her commitment to advancing the field of chemistry. Her legacy lies in the numerous students she has supervised, guiding them through diverse research topics. As she continues her career, her future contributions are likely to expand the frontiers of chemical sciences, especially in the synthesis of biologically relevant molecules and catalysis.
In summary, Shazia Kousar's journey from her early academic pursuits to her current position as an Assistant Professor is marked by academic excellence, groundbreaking research, and a commitment to advancing chemical sciences in Pakistan and beyond. Her influence on students and her contributions to research have established her as a notable figure in the field of chemistry.
Notable Publication
- Traditional knowledge of wild edible plants used by the people of Lawat, District Neelum, Azad Jammu & Kashmir, Pakistan
- Medicinal Plants Status, Habitat Degradation Factors and Rehabilitation Possibilities in Sra Ghurgai Protected Area Takatu Mountain Range Quetta Pakistan
- Plasma-assisted hydrodeoxygenation of bio-oils
- A NEW SPECIES OF ASTRAGALUS, FABACEAE, FROM ZHOB DISTRICT OF NORTHERN BALOCHISTAN, PAKISTAN
- PLANTS OF THE HUNZA VALLEY, CENTRAL KARAKORUM, NORTHERN PAKISTAN: ECOLOGY, DIVERSITY, AND CONSERVATION