Introduction:

Dr. Rabia holds a Doctorate degree in Plant Cell Imaging and Ultrastructure Research from the University of Vienna, Austria (2015). She is currently serving as a Tenured Associate Professor in the Department of Botany at the University of Education, having joined the institution in October 2018. Her academic responsibilities encompass teaching and research at the undergraduate and graduate levels. 

Her academic and research interests include Plant Anatomy, Phyto-nanotechnology, Microbiology, Environmental Chemistry, and Stress Physiology and associated laboratory techniques. Her primary areas of research specialization are Plant Anatomy, and modern Microscopy Techniques, with a particular focus on investigating the structural, morphological, and physiological characteristics of living and fixed plant cells and tissues under varying environmental conditions and stress.

Dr. Ghaffar has hands-on training in advanced video microscopy, light microscopy, and electron microscopy, complemented by elemental analysis techniques. She also possesses expertise in documenting biological structures and processes through scientific photography and videography. Her interdisciplinary research expertise integrates plant structural biology, advanced imaging techniques, and environmental responses to contribute to a deeper understanding of plant function and adaptation under changing environmental conditions.

Teaching Expertise:

Dr. Rabia participated in collaborative teaching while in the University of Vienna (2009-2014) where she held theory and practical classes about Light and Electron Microscopy and Cell Physiology. She also participated with her expertise in the special lecture on Heavy metal stress in plant cells and about glandular cells of carnivorous plants. In Pakistan she has a good experience of teaching and research in the field of Anatomy and Morphology, Cell Biology at the University of the Punjab for more than two years (2015-2018).

Research Skills:

Cell Biology, Plant Anatomy, Light microscopy (Phase-contrast, Fluorescence, Confocal) & Electron microscopy  (TEM, SEM, Cryo-TEM), Super resolution microscopy, Correlative microscopy (combining the light and electron microscopy), Development of quantification method for size and form of various cells and their organelles, Scientific reports and technical presentations

Experimental Techniques & Computational Tools:

Plant cells preparation protocols for chemical and cryo-electron microscopy (EM), Cell and tissue preparation for confocal microscopy, Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Environmental scanning electron microscopy (ESEM), Transmission electron microscopy,  Laser confocal imaging for fixed and living cells (CLSM),  Fluorescence in situ hybridization techniques (FISH), DAIME: Digital analysis and image processing software, 3D volume calculator, Adobe Photoshop Professional & Adobe Premiere video editing, including all microscope operational software