Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Usman Aslam is currently a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the San Luis Valley Research Center, Colorado State University, USA. His research focuses on plant pathology, fungal pathogen characterization, molecular diagnostics, and integrated disease management of economically important crop diseases, particularly in potato systems. His expertise includes PCR/qPCR, sequencing, phylogenetic analysis, IC-RT-PCR, and morpho-molecular identification of plant pathogens. Dr. Aslam has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and actively serves as a reviewer and editorial board member for several international journals in plant pathology and agricultural sciences.
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado, USA
Plant Pathology
HEC-IRSIP Fellowship
Iowa State University, USA
During my stay at Iowa State University, I worked on the molecular diagnostics of Magnaporthe oryzae (rice blast), gaining hands-on experience in DNA extraction, PCR, sequencing, and phylogenetic analysis. I also learned advanced diagnostic assays for accurate pathogen detection, enhancing my technical expertise and strengthening my skills in integrating molecular tools with sustainable crop protection.
USAID fellowship
University of California Davis, USA
During my stay at the University of California, Davis, I worked on molecular diagnostics and transgenic plants, gaining hands-on experience in DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, gene cloning, and transformation methods. I also learned advanced techniques to identify and characterize plant pathogens, enhancing my expertise in molecular tools and modern strategies for plant disease management.
Merit scholarship
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
During my Master’s studies, I consistently excelled in both coursework and research, maintaining high academic performance throughout the program. In recognition of my achievements, I was awarded a prestigious Merit Scholarship, granted only to top-ranking candidates. This honor reflected not only my dedication and commitment to academic excellence but also my ability to perform at the highest level among my peers.
Talent Scholarship
Sitara Chemical Industries, Ltd. Faisalabad, Pakistan
During my Master’s studies, I consistently demonstrated strong academic performance and research excellence. In recognition of my achievements, I was awarded the Sitara Chemical Industries Ltd. Talent Scholarship, a competitive award granted only to top-performing candidates. This scholarship not only honored my dedication and hard work but also highlighted my ability to excel among peers and maintain a high standard of academic excellence.
Post Doctoral Researcher
Colorado State University, Fort Collins, USA
01 May 2024 - present
University Lecturer
Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan
01 Mar 2021 - 01 Dec 2024
Agricultural officer
Ayub Agriculture Research Institute, Faisalabad, Pakistan
01 Jun 2020 - 01 Mar 2021
PhD Fellowship
University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
01 Apr 2015 - 01 Jun 2018
Teaching Assistant
University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Pakistan
01 Oct 2015 - 01 Jan 2016