Associate professor UAE University United Arab Emirates
Dr. Zienab Fawzy Reiad Ahmed is an Associate Professor in the Department of Integrative Agriculture (INAG) at the College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine (CAVM), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). She specializes in horticultural physiology and biochemistry, focusing on sustainable agricultural practices, particularly in the areas of crop improvement and postharvest technology. Dr. Ahmed has over 20 years of teaching and research experience across Egypt, the USA, and the UAE, and she is actively involved in various international collaborations and scientific communities 🌱🌍.
Profile
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Education
Dr. Ahmed earned her Ph.D. in Horticulture Physiology and Biochemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, in 2014. She also holds an MSc in Horticulture (Plant Physiology) from Assuit University, Egypt (2005), and a BSc in Horticulture (Pomology) from the same university (1998) 🎓🇪🇬.
Experience
Dr. Ahmed has an extensive academic career, having served as an Assistant Professor at South Valley University, Egypt, before joining UAEU. She is currently an Associate Professor at UAEU, where she supervises undergraduate and graduate research projects. She also plays a key role in curriculum development, teaching, and mentoring students. Dr. Ahmed has supervised numerous students for graduation and postgraduate research projects in the UAEU, including one PhD student. Her professional experience spans teaching, research, and coordinating academic programs 🌿💼.
Research Interests
Dr. Ahmed’s research focuses on improving the sustainability and productivity of vegetable and fruit crops through innovative techniques. Her work includes optimizing hydroponic systems using organic materials, extending shelf life through sustainable approaches, and growing high-value crops in controlled environments. She is committed to advancing agricultural practices that improve food security and environmental sustainability 🌾🔬.
Awards
Dr. Ahmed’s dedication to research and education has earned her several recognitions. Notably, she received the ISHS Young Mind Award in 2016 for her innovative work in horticultural sciences. She has also been nominated for multiple prestigious awards in recognition of her contributions to horticulture and sustainable agriculture 🏆🌱.
Publications Top Notes:
Dr. Ahmed has published 36 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters in top-ranked horticultural journals. Some of her significant publications include:
Ahmed, Z.F.R., and J.P. Palta (2015). A natural lipid, Lysophosphatidylethanolamine, may promote ripening while reducing senescence in banana fruit. HortScience, 50(7), 1035–1040. Link to article 📜
Ahmed, Z.F.R., and J.P. Palta (2016). Postharvest dip treatment with a natural phospholipid along with lecithin may extend the shelf life of banana fruit. Postharvest Biology and Technology, 113: 58-65. Link to article 📑
Ali, M., Khalid, N., Akhtar, A., Aslam, S., Ahmed, Z.F., and Zhang, X. (2025). Pulsed Light for Fresh Quality Preservation of Fruits and Vegetables. In Sustainable Postharvest Technologies for Fruits and Vegetables, CRC Press. Link to book chapter 📚