Assoc. Prof. Dr. Zienab Ahmed | Plant Physiology – Associate professor at United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates
Dr. Zienab Fawzy Reiad Ahmed is an accomplished associate professor in the Department of Integrative Agriculture at the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), where she specializes in horticulture, with a particular focus on sustainable agricultural practices, postharvest technologies, and the physiology and biochemistry of horticultural crops. With over two decades of academic and research experience, Dr. Ahmed has significantly contributed to the field by improving crop productivity, sustainability, and quality in both greenhouse and field conditions. Her research and teaching efforts have been instrumental in shaping the agricultural curriculum at UAEU, and she has mentored numerous graduate and undergraduate students, guiding them toward successful careers in academia and industry.
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Education
Dr. Ahmed holds a Ph.D. in Horticulture Physiology and Biochemistry from the prestigious University of Wisconsin-Madison, USA, earned in 2014. She completed her Master’s degree in Horticulture with a focus on plant physiology at Assuit University, Egypt, in 2005. Dr. Ahmed also earned her Bachelor’s degree in Horticulture, specializing in Pomology, from Assuit University in 1998. Her advanced education laid a solid foundation for her subsequent research and teaching career, equipping her with the expertise to address critical issues in sustainable horticultural practices and postharvest technology.
Experience
Dr. Ahmed has a diverse and rich professional background, with a career spanning teaching, research, and academic leadership. Since joining UAEU in 2015, Dr. Ahmed has held various academic positions, including Assistant Professor and Associate Professor in Horticulture. Her responsibilities have included teaching at both the undergraduate and graduate levels, developing course content, and mentoring students in research projects. She has supervised numerous students for their theses and research projects, providing invaluable guidance and fostering the next generation of agricultural professionals. Dr. Ahmed’s research career has been marked by numerous internal and external research grants, securing funding for projects aimed at enhancing crop production and quality, and addressing critical issues in the field of horticulture. Her professional work is further distinguished by her participation in editorial boards, scientific committees, and conference organizations, making her a leading figure in the field.
Research Interest
Dr. Ahmed’s research is focused on advancing sustainable horticultural crop production through innovative technologies and practices. Her work explores optimizing vegetable crop productivity using soilless systems like hydroponics, investigating methods to extend the shelf life of fruits, and developing sustainable approaches to pollination processes. Additionally, Dr. Ahmed’s research examines how postharvest treatments can improve the quality of horticultural crops, especially in arid environments. She is also committed to enhancing the resilience of crops against abiotic stressors by utilizing natural compounds and biotechnological approaches. Her ongoing projects continue to shape the future of sustainable agriculture in the region, addressing food security and climate change adaptation.
Awards
Dr. Ahmed has received several prestigious awards throughout her academic career, recognizing her contributions to horticultural research and education. She was honored with the ISHS Young Mind Award in 2016 for her innovative research in plant physiology and horticulture. Additionally, Dr. Ahmed has earned multiple research grants, including the UAEU-Start Up project and various international collaborations, to fund her cutting-edge work on postharvest technology, sustainable farming practices, and the use of drones in pollination. These accolades reflect her dedication to advancing the field of horticulture and her significant impact on both academic and practical agricultural research.
Publication
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“Advances in Protein Kinase Regulation of Stress Responses in Fruits and Vegetables”
International Journal of Molecular Sciences (2025)
DOI: 10.3390/ijms26020768
Co-authors: Yanan Song, Fujun Li, Maratab Ali, Xiaoan Li, Xinhua Zhang, Zienab F. R. Ahmed 🌱
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“Aloe Vera/Chitosan-Based Edible Film with Enhanced Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Thermal, and Barrier Properties for Sustainable Food Preservation”
Polymers (2024)
DOI: 10.3390/polym16020242
Co-authors: Navjot Kaur, Chandran Somasundram, Zuliana Razali, Abdel-Hamid Mourad, Fathalla Hamed, Zienab F. R. Ahmed 🍃
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“Carboxymethyl Cellulose from Banana Rachis: A Potential Edible Coating to Extend the Shelf Life of Strawberry Fruit”
Agriculture (2023)
DOI: 10.3390/agriculture13051058
Co-authors: Ahmed H. Abdullah, Mostafa A. A. Awad-Allah, Naglaa A. A. Abd-Elkarim, Zienab F. R. Ahmed, Eman E. Taha 🍓
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“Effective Priming Techniques to Enhance Ghaf (Prosopis cineraria) Seed Germination for Mass Planting”
Horticulturae (2023)
DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae9050542
Co-authors: Fatima E. Hassan, Mohammed A. S. Alyafei, Shyam Kurup, Abdul Jaleel Cheruth, Nabra Al Busaidi, Zienab F. R. Ahmed 🌳
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“Ornamental Date Palm and Sidr Trees: Fruit Elements Composition and Concerns Regarding Consumption”
International Journal of Fruit Science (2022)
DOI: 10.1080/15538362.2021.1995570
Co-author: Zienab F. R. Ahmed 🌴
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“A Comparative Evaluation of Aquaponic and Soil Systems on Yield and Antioxidant Levels in Basil, an Important Food Plant in Lamiaceae”
Agronomy (2022)
DOI: 10.3390/agronomy12123007
Co-authors: Maryam A. O. K. Albadwawi, Zienab F. R. Ahmed, Shyam S. Kurup, Mohammed A. Alyafei, Abdul Jaleel 🌱
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“On-Tree Fruit Bagging and Cold Storage Maintain the Postharvest Quality of Mango Fruit”
Horticulturae (2022)
DOI: 10.3390/horticulturae8090814
Co-authors: Atif Nadeem, Zienab F. R. Ahmed, Syed Bilal Hussain, Alaa El-Din K. Omar, Muhammad Amin, Saqib Javed, Amjad Ali, Sami Ullah, Dr. Kashif Razzaq, Ishtiaq A. Rajwana et al. 🥭
Conclusion
Dr. Zienab Fawzy Reiad Ahmed is a prominent figure in the field of horticulture, and her extensive academic and research accomplishments make her a deserving candidate for the Best Researcher Award. Her dedication to improving crop production systems, sustainable practices, and postharvest technologies in the UAE and globally has significantly impacted the agricultural community. With numerous published works in top-tier journals, significant contributions to student development, and active leadership in academic and research committees, Dr. Ahmed continues to pave the way for advancements in sustainable agriculture. Her passion for innovation, education, and sustainable food production makes her an exceptional researcher and academic leader, deserving of recognition and honor