Core Project Team
The UOS-IDRC Project, funded by the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Canada, involves collaboration between the University of Sargodha, Purdue University, and the University of the Punjab, focusing on advanced teaching and research initiatives.
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Prof. Dr. Zafar Hayat
Project Leader
zafar.hayat@uos.edu.pkProf. Dr. Zafar Hayat is a distinguished academic leader, serving as the Principal of the College of Agriculture at the University of Sargodha (UOS) and the Director of the Interdisciplinary Centre for One Health. He has actively participated in many national and international research projects on sustainable poultry production. As Project Leader of the UOS-IDRC Project, he has been instrumental in advancing research and innovation in the poultry sector. He has published 200+ research papers as well as several conference proceedings and delivered lectures on sustainable poultry production nationally and internationally. His leadership extends beyond academia as he actively engages in interdisciplinary collaborations that address global health challenges. With a deep commitment to education and research, he continues to inspire students and colleagues alike, shaping the future of Animal Sciences and One Health associated disciplines.
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Dr. Paul Ebner
Project Collaborative Partner (Purdue University, USA)
pebner@purdue.eduDr. Paul Ebner is an Associate Professor of Animal Sciences at Purdue University, USA. He completed his Ph.D. from the University of Tennessee. In 2016, he was recognized with several awards, including the Outstanding Extension Specialist from the College of Agriculture, the Leadership Award from PUCESA, and the Bravo Award from Purdue University. His research has focused on microbiology, phage therapy, the development of antibacterial therapies for use in food animals, and understanding how different management practices affect foodborne disease transmission. He is a collaborative partner of UOS-IDRC Project, providing his invaluable contributions for development of phage therapy as an alternative to antibiotics for the emerging global issue of AMR. His contributions are vital to the project's success.
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Dr. Shafiq-ur-Rehman
Project Collaborative Partner (University of the Punjab)
shafiq.mmg@pu.edu.pkDr. Shafiq ur Rehman is an Associate Professor at the University of the Punjab, Pakistan. He completed his PhD at the University of Nottingham, UK, where his research focused on the characterization of Hepatitis C envelope gene variations during chronic infections, exploring viral evasion from the host immune system and interactions with entry receptors. He is also investigating the potential of bacteriophages as novel antibiotics against multidrug-resistant bacterial pathogens. His research is supported by funding from the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, aimed at discovering bacteriophages for therapeutic use. In addition, he serves as a Project Collaborative Partner in the UOS-IDRC project in Pakistan, where his expertise contributes to advancing research on antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and animal health.
Tasmia Aslam
Lab Manager
tasmia.asma@uos.edu.pkMs. Tasmia Aslam as a Lab Manager for the UOS-IDRC research project at the University of Sargodha, I am responsible for overseeing and coordinating the microbiological laboratory activities. My expertise in microbiology, food hygiene and technology will be instrumental in developing and implementing innovative strategies to reduce antibiotic resistance in Pakistani poultry production. I will manage laboratory resources, design and conduct experiments, analyze and interpret data, and ensure adherence to quality control standards. I will contribute to the commercialization and adoption of non-antibiotic methods to control bacterial infections in poultry, ultimately improving public health and reducing the overuse of antibiotics in the food industry.
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Tuba Riaz
Research Officer
tuba.riaz@uos.edu.pkTuba Riaz is a Research Officer in the IDRC-UOS Project with the integral role to achieving the project's research objectives by ensuring the accuracy of planning, execution and reporting of experiments as well as conducting poultry research trials. She is a Poultry Nutritionist along with expertise in designing alternatives to antibiotics based on nutraceuticals for poultry production. She is working in collaboration with the project team to design research methodologies, provide training and support to team members and assist the project leader in monitoring and evaluating project progress against established milestones. Her innovative approach and unwavering commitment consistently contribute to the success of the IDRC-UOS Project.
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Hamid Jawad
Research Associate
hamid.jawad@uos.edu.pkHamid Jawad is working as a Research Associate at the UOS-IDRC research project, with a strong academic background in nutraceutical product development. Collaborating closely with his team, he's currently focused on testing effective nutraceuticals-based alternatives to antibiotics for the poultry production. His expertise will also be invaluable in analyzing and interpreting poultry trial data, providing valuable insights to inform the project's direction. His ability to collaborate effectively and drive innovation further enhances the project's success.
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Marij Riaz
Research Associate
marij.riaz@uos.edu.pkMarij is a Research Associate in the UOS-IDRC Project with a specialization in Management Sciences (Finance), where she plays a crucial role in advancing the project's objectives through her expertise in data analytics. Her contributions are diverse and impactful for the project, ranging from developing business models to writing insightful policy briefs that inform decision-making processes. Additionally, she is actively involved in creating podcasts and documentaries that aim to disseminate knowledge and raise awareness about key project findings. With having expertise to conduct surveys, she will design and execute surveys for the project. Her comprehensive skill set and dedication make her an invaluable asset to the IDRC-UOS Project team.