teacher

Abdul Awal Chowdhury Masud (Deputation)

Assistant Professor

Department of Agronomy

01516785250
chy.masud3844@gmail.com, chy.masud3844@sau.edu.bd
Blood Group: B (+ve)

I am an agricultural scientist, academician, and researcher with an interdisciplinary background in agronomy, plant physiology, proteomics, crop stress biology, and sustainable agricultural systems. I hold a permanent position as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Agronomy at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University (SAU), Dhaka, Bangladesh, and is currently pursuing my doctoral research at the Department of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences—Production, Landscape, Agroenergy (DiSAA), Università degli Studi di Milano, Italy, under the PhD programme in Agriculture, Environment and Bioenergy. My doctoral research, entitled “Study of the Protein–Protein Interactions as Component of Plant Responses to Nitrogen Availability,” investigates the molecular and biochemical mechanisms governing plant responses to changing nitrogen availability, with particular emphasis on maize (Zea mays L.) root physiology. Through an integrated proteomics approach, my research explores protein–protein interactions, native protein complexes, and their dynamic reorganization under contrasting nitrate conditions. My work combines Blue Native Polyacrylamide Gel Electrophoresis (BN-PAGE), SDS-PAGE, two-dimensional electrophoresis, Western blotting, high-resolution liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), and computational protein interaction analyses. By investigating the coordination of nitrogen assimilation, carbon metabolism, cellular energy homeostasis, and stress-related pathways, I aim to contribute to a deeper molecular understanding of plant nutrient-use efficiency and the adaptation of crop plants to variable nutrient environments. My academic journey began at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, where I completed my Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Honours) in 2014. During my undergraduate studies, I received the prestigious Dean's Award for maintaining a CGPA above 3.80 out of 4.00 for six consecutive semesters. Subsequently, I completed my Master of Science in Agronomy in 2017 at the same university. An important milestone in my early research career was my international research experience at the Laboratory of Plant Stress Responses, Kagawa University, Japan, where I conducted my master's thesis research on plant stress physiology with support from a Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) scholarship. This experience strengthened my expertise in experimental plant biology, abiotic stress physiology, and biochemical approaches to understanding crop responses to environmental challenges. I began my university teaching career as a Lecturer in the Department of Agronomy at Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University in 2018 and was subsequently appointed Assistant Professor in 2020. As a university teacher, I have been actively engaged in undergraduate and postgraduate teaching, research supervision, student mentoring, and academic capacity building. My teaching philosophy emphasizes scientific curiosity, critical thinking, problem-solving, research integrity, and the practical application of agricultural knowledge. I strongly believe that developing competent, innovative, and socially responsible agricultural graduates is fundamental to ensuring long-term food and nutritional security, particularly in developing countries such as Bangladesh. Throughout my academic and research career, I have contributed to 18 peer-reviewed scientific publications and five book chapters, covering diverse aspects of crop science, plant stress physiology, sustainable agriculture, environmental science, and agricultural innovation. My research experience includes investigations of abiotic stress tolerance, seed priming, crop responses to salinity and waterlogging, plant physiological and biochemical adaptation, nutrient metabolism, and sustainable crop production. I have also participated in several research and development initiatives, including projects supported by the Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of Bangladesh. Beyond experimental plant physiology, I have developed interdisciplinary research interests in environmental pollution, heavy-metal remediation, microplastics, phytoremediation, biodiversity conservation, and climate-resilient agricultural production. My work and scholarly interests extend to climate change adaptation, regenerative agriculture, sustainable food systems, ecological restoration, and the integration of environmental sustainability into agricultural development. I am particularly interested in connecting molecular-level discoveries with practical agronomic interventions that improve resource-use efficiency, agricultural productivity, and environmental resilience. My analytical and technical expertise includes plant protein extraction and characterization, native protein complex separation, gel-based proteomics, immunoblotting, mass spectrometry-based protein identification, bioinformatics, protein interaction network analysis, and experimental data interpretation. I also work with statistical and computational tools, including R and Python, for analysis of variance, correlation, regression, multivariate analysis, principal component analysis, and scientific data visualization. My wider technical interests include geographic information systems (GIS), remote sensing, QGIS, ArcGIS, precision agriculture, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in agriculture and environmental research. International academic exposure has played a significant role in shaping my research perspective. In addition to conducting research in Japan and Italy, I have participated in three Nuffic-supported professional training programmes associated with Wageningen University & Research and Wageningen Centre for Development Innovation, the Netherlands. These programmes addressed potato seed sector development, plant genetic resources management, and climate action for sustainable food-system transformation. My participation in the Climate Action for Food Systems Transformation programme, including field-based learning in Senegal, provided valuable perspectives on climate adaptation, agricultural development, stakeholder engagement, and food-system challenges in resource-constrained environments. I have participated in approximately 15 national and international scientific conferences, seminars, and research events in Bangladesh, India, Japan, and Italy, presenting research through oral presentations, posters, and academic discussions. These experiences have facilitated scientific exchange with researchers from different disciplines and contributed to my growing international professional network. I have also undertaken professional development activities in leadership, science communication, teaching, and ethical and responsible applications of artificial intelligence. Scientific communication, peer review, and academic service are important components of my professional identity. Since 2021, I have served as a reviewer for several international scientific journals across agricultural, biological, environmental, and interdisciplinary sciences, including journals published by MDPI, Frontiers, and other academic publishers. I have also contributed as a Review Editor for Frontiers for Young Minds, supporting the communication of scientific knowledge to younger audiences. I remain committed to research quality, reproducibility, scientific integrity, and the responsible dissemination of scientific findings. I maintain professional affiliations with several scientific societies and research networks, including the Bangladesh Agronomy Society, Weed Science Society of Bangladesh, Ecological Society of Bangladesh, Global Network of Bangladeshi Biotechnologists, and other academic and professional organizations. Through these networks, I seek to encourage scientific collaboration, knowledge exchange, and stronger connections among researchers, educators, and agricultural development professionals. Before establishing my university teaching career, I gained professional experience in agricultural development, technology-based advisory services, and capacity-building initiatives, including work associated with the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), mPower, and BRAC. These experiences provided practical insights into agricultural extension, farmer-oriented information services, training methodologies, rural development, and the relationship between scientific knowledge and its application in the field. My broader research interests encompass plant molecular physiology, proteomics, protein–protein interactions, crop nutrition, abiotic stress tolerance, sustainable and regenerative agriculture, climate-resilient crop production, environmental biotechnology, agricultural bioinformatics, smart and precision farming, remote sensing, GIS applications, biodiversity, circular bioeconomy, green economic development, and sustainable food systems. I am particularly interested in interdisciplinary research that connects advanced plant science with emerging technologies and evidence-based agricultural development. Looking ahead, my professional ambition is to strengthen my contributions to agricultural science through high-impact interdisciplinary research, international scientific collaboration, innovative teaching, and the development of practical solutions to emerging challenges in food security, climate change, and environmental sustainability. I aspire to bridge fundamental discoveries in plant molecular and physiological processes with field-level agricultural applications, while contributing to the development of future scientists, agricultural professionals, and research institutions. Above all, I view education, research, and scientific innovation as interconnected responsibilities. As an academician and agricultural scientist, I remain dedicated to generating meaningful scientific knowledge, nurturing the next generation of researchers, and advancing agricultural systems that are productive, climate-resilient, environmentally sustainable, and socially inclusive.

Education