Ph.D scholar CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute India
Shafquat Fakhrah is a passionate and meticulous PhD scholar in Botany at Lucknow University, currently working at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), India. With a rich background in metabolomics, transcriptomics, and plant molecular biology, she focuses on unraveling biosynthetic pathways of plant-derived compounds using cutting-edge techniques. Her research contributions and leadership reflect a commitment to innovation in sustainable agriculture and plant-based therapeutics. She has successfully mentored graduate students and contributed to impactful scientific collaborations, showcasing her aptitude in both lab-based research and academic mentorship. 🌱🔬
Profile
Orcid
🎓 Education
Shafquat holds a Doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Botany (expected 2025) from Lucknow University, where her thesis explores “Comparative phenological, metabolite and molecular profiling of day and night jasmine.” 🌼🌙 She is affiliated with the CSIR-NBRI, a premier research institute.
Her academic journey began with a Bachelor’s degree in Science (Zoology) from Patna Science College (2014), followed by a Master’s in Biotechnology from Patna University (2017), where she investigated the molecular genetics of Gossypium hirsutum under the guidance of Prof. Birendra Singh. 🧪📘
🧪 Experience
Over her research career, Shafquat has held several key roles:
- Senior Research Fellow (ICMR) (2021–2025) under Dr. Chandra Sekhar Mohanty at NBRI, working on sustainable plant-based Vitamin D3 biosynthesis in Cestrum diurnum. 🧫💊
- Project Fellow (2021–2022) with Dr. Satya Narayan Jena, where she led metabolomic profiling and gene expression analysis of Cannabis sativa and Papaver somniferum for cannabinoid and oripavin improvement. 🌿🧬
- Project Fellow (2018–2021) under Dr. Chandra Sekhar Mohanty, where she investigated underutilized legumes of Northeast India for food and nutrition security, contributing to crop improvement strategies and conservation. 🌾📈
Her contributions include spectral analysis, chromatography, RNA-Seq, qRT-PCR, HPLC, LC-MS/MS, and advanced bioinformatics. She has also supervised and mentored students and played a pivotal role in grant writing. 👩🔬👥
🔬 Research Interest
Her research interests lie at the intersection of plant metabolomics, functional genomics, and natural product biosynthesis, with a particular focus on underutilized and medicinal plants like Cestrum diurnum, Cannabis sativa, and Parkia timoriana. She is passionate about decoding molecular pathways involved in secondary metabolite production, especially for sustainable health and agricultural solutions. She also explores vitamin biosynthesis, trichome development, and stress-response mechanisms in plants. 🌿🧠🌡️
🏅 Awards
Shafquat has been recognized for her academic excellence and scientific outreach:
- 🎯 Qualified GATE (Life Sciences) – 2020 (IIT-conducted national-level exam)
- 🏆 Best Poster Award – India International Science Festival (IISF) 2020
- 💼 Senior Research Fellowship (ICMR) – 2021
- 🌟 InRes Young Fellow Award – 2024
These accolades reflect her deep commitment to research, presentation skills, and leadership in the scientific community.
📚 Publications Top Notes:
Here is a list of her peer-reviewed publications with journal name, year, DOI link, and citations (where available):
Fakhrah Shafquat, Nasreen Bano, Kunwar Sarvendra, Rayees Ahmad Lone, Sagar Prasad Nayak, Alka Kumari, Prashant Kumar Rout, Chandra Sekhar Mohanty (2025).
“Elucidating the Secondary Metabolite Biosynthesis Networks in Underutilized Tree Bean (Parkia timoriana) Through Integrated Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Approaches.”
Applied Biochemistry and Biotechnology.
🔗 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-025-05199-z
📖 Cited by: [To be updated upon indexing]
Fakhrah Shafquat, Nasreen Bano, Soumit Kumar Behera, Krishna Kumar Rawat, Alka Kumari, Chandra Sekhar Mohanty (2024).
“Decoding the Flower-Anthesis Mechanism in Cestrum nocturnum and Cestrum diurnum“
Journal of Plant Growth Regulation.
🔗 DOI: 10.1007/s00344-024-11369-w
📖 Cited by: 1 article (Google Scholar)
Fakhrah Shafquat, Chandra Sekhar Mohanty, Alka Kumari (2024).
“The Current Status and Challenges of Two Overlooked Medicinal Plants Cestrum diurnum and Cestrum nocturnum: A Review.”
Pharmacognosy Reviews, 18(36), pp. 101-110.
🔗 [Link to be updated upon indexing]
📖 Cited by: [To be indexed]
Differential miRNA expression and regulatory mechanisms in pigmentation and fiber development of white and brown cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)
The Root-Tuber Trypsin Inhibitor of Winged Bean and Its Anti-cancerous Activity Against Osteosarcoma Cell-Line
Genome-wide identification and expression analysis of the HD2 protein family and its response to drought and salt stress in Gossypium species
Transcriptome Meta-Analysis Associated Targeting Hub Genes and Pathways of Drought and Salt Stress Responses in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum): A Network Biology Approach