Department of Zoology

Lab Facilities

  1. Entomology Lab
  2. Fisheries & Aquaculture Lab
  3. Genetics Lab
  4. Immunology Lab
  5. Molecular Biology Lab
  6. Parasitology Lab
  7. Physiology & Endocrinology Lab
  8. PhD Lab
Name of Laboratory Facility
Entomology
Name of Laboratory In-charge
Dr. Saffora Riaz
Designation
Assistant Professor
E-Mail
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Brief Research Statement
Entomology Research Laboratory has been working to advance the field of insect biology and developing efficient methods for controlling structural and urban pests and vectors of public health importance. Our research areas involve rearing of insects for experimentation, developing methods for controlling vectors by green synthesis, evaluating insecticide resistance in insect pests of economic importance (mosquitoes, termites, cockroaches and ticks), pesticide residue analysis in vegetables, fruits and blood samples, population dynamics and species diversity of urban insects, microbial screening of urban pests, termite: Ecology, biology and control, etc.
Available Facilities
1.       Insect rearing,
2.       DNA extraction
3.       PCR
4.       Fungus Culturing
Notable Achievements
  • Successful rearing of mosquitoes, Cockroaches and Houseflies.
  • Culturing and Sub culturing of fungal Isolates from insects.
  • Successful trial of Solar light trap prototype.
 

Name of Laboratory Facility

Fisheries & Aquaculture Lab

Name of Laboratory In-charge

Dr. Ghazala Jabeen, Dr. Shafaq Fatima, Dr. Zakia Kanwal

Designation

Associate Professors (TTS)

E-Mail

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Brief Research Statement

Fish physiology, toxicology and immunology research group’s work on various aspects of reproductive biology of carps, effect of environmental changes on their physiology, maturation control, aquatic toxicology, geno toxicity, immunological and microbial diseases. Lab is equipped with aquarium systems, thermal incubators, water quality meters, etc. Currently used techniques are micro-nucleus assay, histology, comet assay, sex reversal techniques, and alteration of DNA by UV irradiation, gene expression, immunological assays and hematological analyses.
  
Name of Laboratory Facility
Human Genetics Lab
Name of Laboratory In-charge
Dr. Shagufta Naz
Designation
Associate Professor (TTS)
E-Mail
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Date of Establishment
January 2016
Brief Research Statement
The genetics lab consists of research groups studying on various genetic aspects of eye diseases and intellectual disability. This lab enables the researchers to share equipment, minimize costs and maximize the available space. In addition to the supervisor, there are 20 individuals working in lab, ranging from undergraduate volunteers to senior research scholars.
Available Facilities
1.       Centrifugation
2.       PCR
3.       Sequencing
4.       Gel Electrophoresis
 
Notable Achievements
  • The lab has completed research project entitled “Genetic and molecular Characterization of Corneal Dystrophies Prevalent in Pakistan” awarded in 07-11.2013(2.99 million) with ref no 20-2211/NRPU/R&D/HEC/12.
  • The lab has produced 34 MS, 42 BS students and 2 Ph.D doctors.
Name of Laboratory Facility
Immunology Lab
Name of Laboratory In-charge
Dr. Najiya al-Arifa
Designation
Assistant Professor
E-Mail
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Date of Establishment
‎August, ‎2018
Brief Research Statement
The core objective of the Immunology lab is to develop expertise in foundational immunological laboratory techniques, including ELISA and various immunological/microbial assays. The lab upholds rigorous laboratory safety practices, ensuring the safe handling of biological materials and hazardous chemicals by adhering to proper disposal protocols. Research in Immunology aims to cultivate strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills by focusing on data analysis, accurate result interpretation, and troubleshooting experimental challenges. Through this comprehensive approach, we strive to achieve technical excellence and ensure safety in all aspects of scientific research.
Available Facilities
1.       Incubator
2.       Microwave oven
3.       Centrifuge machine
4.       Safety cabinet
 
Notable Achievements
  • The Immunology lab has successfully completed research project entitled “
  • The lab was awarded and successfully completed HEC Startup Research Grant Program (SRGP) for Assistant Professors Joining under IPFP/TTS in 2018 for project titled “Genetic and Immunological analysis of Cockroach Allergen–Induced Asthma in Pakistani population” worth 0.48 Million PKR.
  • The lab has produced 36 MS, 13 M.Sc. and 22 BS research dissertations.
Name of Laboratory Facility
Microbiology and Molecular Biology Laboratory
Name of Laboratory In-charge
Prof. Dr. Farzana Rashid, Dr Fakhar-un-Nisa Yunus
Designation
Associate Professor
E-Mail
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Brief Research Statement
Molecular and microbiology research groups work on DNA cloning and protein expression studies in molecular biology. Microbiological studies include isolation, identification and characterization of different micro-organisms. Lab is equipped with PCR machine, electrophoresis apparatus, HPLC, Gel illuminator, colony counter, refrigerated centrifuge, shaking incubator, blotter, etc.
Available Facilities
1.       Laminar Flow Hood
2.       Incubator Shaker
3.       Centrifuge machine
4.       PCR
5.       Western Blotter
6.       Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis apparatus
7.       Agarose Gel Electrophoresis apparatus
8.       Ice machine
9.       Incubator
10.   Weighing balance
Notable Achievements
  • Achieved funding from NRPU-HEC project
  • Two PhD students completed their degree
Name of Laboratory Facility
Parasitology Lab
Name of Laboratory In-charge
Dr. Asma Abdul Latif, Dr. Mateen Arshad
Designation
Associate Professor (TTS), Assistant Professor
E-Mail
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Brief Research Statement
Facilities are used to study prevalence, epidemiology and control of parasitic infections in animals and humans. Detection of parasites using molecular markers is current project of the group.
Name of Laboratory Facility
Physiology & Endocrinology Lab
Name of Laboratory In-charge
Dr. Sumera Sajjad
Designation
Associate Professor
E-Mail
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Date of Establishment
2010
Brief Research Statement
Physiology and Endocrinology research lab involves diverse approach related to research. Our studies are based on use of different animal models (animal handling and behavior evaluation) for metabolic disorders investigation, toxicity evaluation and cancer induction. Currently we are using biogenic nanoparticles for treating metabolic disorders and against cancer (breast and ovarian). Biochemical, histopathological and genetic analysis are basic focus in our lab. Moreover, our research also involve cell culturing facility by collaborative approach. Human blood samples were also used for the estimation of genes associated with metabolic disorder.
Available Facilities
1.       Tissue histology, antioxidant assays, biochemical assay, hormonal analysis and nanoparticle synthesis using plant extracts.
2.       Induction of polycystic ovary syndrome, diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome and cancer (breast and ovarian).
3.       Animal model preparation for toxicity evaluation against liver, kidney and gonads.
Notable Achievements
Nanoparticle synthesis and animal modeling for toxicity assay. Research published in international journals. Attended international conferences, invited to international platform as a speaker to share ideas related to advance research and research students presented research in different platforms.
Name of Laboratory Facility
PhD Lab
Name of Laboratory In-charge
Dr. Asma Abdul Latif
Designation
Associate Professor (TTS)
E-Mail
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Brief Research Statement
Ph.D. laboratory at the Department of Zoology is a well-equipped facility dedicated to the Ph.D. and MS students. Laboratory is currently engaged in various research activities and is aimed at providing facilities to academic scholars by improving the quality of their research work. This laboratory is well equipped with instruments used for physical and chemical analyses including Spectrophotometer, rtPCR, Camera fitted microscope, Gel Electrophoresis, Refrigerated centrifuge, Chemistry analyzer, pH meters, UV spectrophotometer, temperature controlled water bath, centrifuge machine. Field equipment is also available for onsite and field investigations, measurements, monitoring and observations.
PhD laboratory is primarily a teaching facility but it is also aiming for research that engages public interest and profit generating research. The lab is upgraded annually and is driven by the need to enhance the research operation's profit making potential. The key objectives of PhD Laboratory are to develop the next generation of researchers in a facilitated and social safe environment conducive of beneficial scientific research.