Süleyman Demirel University - Turkey
AUTHOR PROFILE
ORCID
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SUMMARY
Dr. Sadaf Kayani is a dedicated Associate Professor and postdoctoral researcher with expertise in plant taxonomy, ethnobotany, and natural product chemistry. She has made significant contributions to the fields of medicinal plant research, nanotechnology, and conservation biology. With over a decade of experience in academia and international collaborations, she combines teaching, supervision, and high-impact research. Dr. Kayani’s work emphasizes sustainable use of plant resources, particularly from the Himalayan region, and she continues to mentor graduate students and lead projects with real-world applications in health, agriculture, and environmental sciences.
EDUCATION
Dr. Kayani holds a Ph.D. in Plant Sciences from Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, where she specialized in ethnobotany of alpine medicinal flora. Her postgraduate research also included international training at the University of Minnesota, USA. Prior to that, she earned her M.Phil. in Plant Sciences from Quaid-i-Azam University and an M.Sc. in Botany from Hazara University. Her academic background reflects strong foundations in taxonomy, phytochemistry, and palynology, providing her with the multidisciplinary insight essential for addressing complex research problems in plant sciences and environmental biotechnology.
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Dr. Kayani currently serves as an Associate Professor at Mohi-ud-Din Islamic University, AJ&K, and a Postdoctoral Researcher at Süleyman Demirel University, Turkey. Her professional journey spans teaching, administrative leadership, and extensive research roles. She has supervised over 30 M.Phil. students and managed significant departmental developments including botanical gardens and herbariums. Previous roles include Head of Department, Deputy Director QEC, and visiting lecturer at Allama Iqbal Open University. She integrates scientific rigor with academic mentorship, contributing to curriculum development, faculty evaluation, and international scholarly collaboration.
RESEARCH INTEREST
Dr. Kayani’s research interests span plant taxonomy, ethnobotany, phytochemistry, biodiversity conservation, and nanobiotechnology. Her work focuses on the medicinal properties of alpine and sub-alpine flora, especially using bioassays and chromatographic techniques to isolate natural compounds. She is passionate about integrating traditional knowledge with modern pharmacology and nanotechnology to develop therapeutic agents and conservation strategies. Her ongoing research includes biosynthesis of metal nanoparticles, evaluation of bryophytes, and anti-fungal applications of botanical extracts. Her interests underscore a strong commitment to sustainable, interdisciplinary research with real-world environmental and health applications.
AWARDS AND HONORS
Dr. Kayani has received several notable accolades, including the prestigious Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Postdoctoral Fellowship and the HEC IRSIP scholarship for training in the USA. She was also recognized with academic distinction in M.Sc. and appointed as an HEC-approved Ph.D. supervisor. Her service achievements include leadership roles as Deputy Director QEC and Head of Department. These honors reflect her excellence in both research and institutional development, acknowledging her dedication to academic quality, scientific innovation, and international collaboration in plant sciences and natural product research.
RESEARCH SKILLS
Dr. Kayani is skilled in palynology, phytochemical screening, and the synthesis and characterization of nanoparticles. She is adept in LC-MS, SEM, and NMR techniques for metabolite profiling and has hands-on experience with herbarium management, TLC, and column chromatography. Additionally, she brings strong competencies in academic writing, manuscript reviewing, and graduate supervision. Her methodological expertise supports a wide spectrum of studies from taxonomy to pharmacognosy. She integrates digital tools for herbarium digitization and plant biodiversity analysis, enabling high-resolution research and precise data interpretation.
PUBLICATIONS
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Title: Ethnobotanical uses of medicinal plants for respiratory disorders among the inhabitants of Gallies–Abbottabad, Northern Pakistan
Authors: S. Kayani, M. Ahmad, M. Zafar, S. Sultana, M.P.Z. Khan, M.A. Ashraf, J. Hussain, ...
Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
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Title: Ethnobotany of medicinal plants among the communities of Alpine and Sub-alpine regions of Pakistan
Authors: S. Kayani, M. Ahmad, S. Sultana, Z.K. Shinwari, M. Zafar, G. Yaseen, ...
Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
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Title: Ethnomedicinal uses of plants for the treatment of snake and scorpion bite in Northern Pakistan
Authors: M.A. Butt, M. Ahmad, A. Fatima, S. Sultana, M. Zafar, G. Yaseen, M.A. Ashraf, ...
Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
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Title: Traditional management of diabetes in Pakistan: ethnobotanical investigation from traditional health practitioners
Authors: G. Yaseen, M. Ahmad, M. Zafar, S. Sultana, S. Kayani, A.A. Cetto, S. Shaheen
Journal: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
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Title: Ethnoveterinary health management practices using medicinal plants in South Asia – a review
Authors: S. Suroowan, F. Javeed, M. Ahmad, M. Zafar, M.J. Noor, S. Kayani, A. Javed, ...
Journal: Veterinary Research Communications
CONCLUSION
Dr. Sadaf Kayani exemplifies the modern plant scientist—balancing teaching, mentorship, and interdisciplinary research with international impact. Her dedication to exploring natural plant resources for medicinal and environmental applications continues to drive innovative studies in ethnobotany and nanoscience. She plays a pivotal role in fostering academic growth and research excellence both at her home institution and abroad. Her career stands as a model for integrating tradition with scientific inquiry, advancing sustainable practices in biotechnology, conservation, and healthcare.