Khadija Batool, Ph.D.

1. October 2025 — Present Current

   Postdoctoral Research Associate

   Department of Entomology, University of Arizona · Tucson, Arizona, USA

   Conduct interdisciplinary research integrating molecular biology, microbiology, vector biology, and experimental entomology to investigate tick-associated molecular mechanisms and develop biologically based approaches for tick management.

   • Design and conduct molecular and organismal experiments investigating tick–microbe, and vector-associated molecular interactions, using DNA/RNA extraction, PCR, RT-qPCR, gene-expression analysis, microbial detection, and microbiome profiling.
   • Develop, optimize, and troubleshoot molecular and biological assays, including sample-processing workflows, nucleic-acid-based assays, microbial detection methods, and controlled treatment experiments.
   • Perform artificial membrane feeding, adult/nymph tick handling, dissections, tissue processing, and stage-specific biological assays.
   • Investigate molecular and microbial factors associated with alpha-gal syndrome (AGS) across multiple tick species and feeding conditions.
   • Characterize tick-associated microbial communities and evaluate bacterial taxa with potential roles in tick physiology, vector competence, and biological control.
   • Evaluate Bacillus thuringiensis bacterial strains as potential tick biocontrol agents through controlled exposure, dose-response, survival, and mortality studies.
   • Analyze and interpret experimental datasets, maintain detailed laboratory documentation, prepare scientific figures and manuscripts, coordinate research activities, and train students in molecular and organismal techniques.
   • Communicate research findings through peer-reviewed manuscripts, and presentations at scientific meetings.

2. August 2022 — September 2025

   Postdoctoral Associate

   Boyce Thompson Institute, Cornell University · Ithaca, New York, USA

   Investigated the molecular determinants of baculovirus host range and infection progression by comparing Autographa californica multiple nucleopolyhedrovirus (AcMNPV) infection across permissive and semi-permissive lepidopteran cell systems.

   • Maintained and experimentally infected multiple insect cell lines, including Tnms42, Sf9, HzGUT and HzAM1, and performed controlled time-course infection experiments to evaluate viral entry, replication, gene expression and infection outcomes.
   • Performed qPCR-based viral DNA replication assays, TCID50 viral titration, fluorescence-based reporter assays, Western blotting and SEAP reporter assays as part of molecular and cell-based characterization of baculovirus infection.
   • Used fluorescent recombinant baculovirus reporter systems and fluorescence microscopy to characterize viral entry, early/late gene expression and progression of infection in different host-cell backgrounds.
   • Isolated high-quality RNA from time-course infection experiments and performed comparative RNA-seq/transcriptomic analysis to characterize viral gene-expression dynamics across permissive and restricted infections.
   • Analyzed differential and ranked viral gene-expression profiles to identify molecular stages associated with host-range restriction, including defects in early viral transcription and progression into the very-late phase of infection.
   • Constructed recombinant baculovirus vectors using Bac-to-Bac workflows, including molecular cloning, bacterial transformation, bacmid preparation, construct confirmation and insect-cell transfection.
   • Maintained multiple insect cell lines (Tnms42, Sf9, HzGUT and HzAM1) and prepared cells for viral infection, transfection, time-course experiments and molecular assays.
   • Developed, optimized and troubleshot cell- and virus-based experimental workflows; analyzed quantitative datasets and prepared manuscripts, scientific figures, technical reports and research presentations.

3. October 2019 — February 2022

   Postdoctoral Researcher

   Southern Medical University · Guangzhou, China

   Conducted translational research at the intersection of molecular biology, vector biology, virology, and biocontrol, with a focus on developing environmentally friendly microbial strategies for mosquito control.

   • Developed recombinant mosquito densovirus constructs carrying Bacillus thuringiensis (Bti) toxin sequences and confirmed recombinant constructs using molecular methods.
   • Applied molecular cloning, recombinant vector workflows, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, cell-based assays, growth-curve analysis, and mosquito larval bioassays to evaluate pathogen performance and mosquitocidal activity.
   • Maintained Aedes mosquito experimental systems and conducted controlled infection, dose-response, pathogenicity and efficacy studies.
   • Optimized treatment and exposure conditions and evaluated the biological performance, stability, and persistence of recombinant and microbial-control formulations.
   • Collaborated with industry partners in the development and evaluation of microbial larvicide products.
   • Conducted laboratory, semi-field, and experimental field bioassays to assess product efficacy under realistic environmental conditions and after prolonged storage.
   • Used qPCR and biological-assay data to monitor product performance, persistence, and treatment effectiveness over time.
   • Interpreted experimental findings and contributed to product development, scientific publications, technical reports, and research presentations.

4. September 2015 — June 2019

   Research Assistant & Ph.D. Researcher

   Key Laboratory of Biopesticide and Chemical Biology, Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University · Fuzhou, China

   • Investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying Aedes aegypti resistance and response to Bacillus thuringiensis Cry toxins, with particular emphasis on lectin-mediated modulation of Cry toxicity and toxin–receptor interactions.
   • Constructed recombinant vectors and expressed recombinant proteins using bacterial expression systems.
   • Extracted, purified, quantified and characterized recombinant proteins using Ni-NTA affinity chromatography, SDS-PAGE, Bradford assays and immunoblotting techniques.
   • Performed molecular cloning, bacterial transformation, PCR, RT-PCR, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, Far-Western blotting, ligand blotting and ELISA.
   • Integrated gene-expression analysis, molecular modelling, toxin–receptor interaction assays, and mosquito bioassays to investigate molecular mechanisms influencing Cry toxin susceptibility and resistance.
   • Analyzed experimental data and contributed to manuscripts, scientific presentations and peer-reviewed publications.
   • Assisted undergraduate students with molecular biology techniques, laboratory safety and experimental recordkeeping.

Certifications & Professional Training

1. 2026

   Basic Biosafety Protection Course

   University of Arizona

2. 2025

   Bloodborne Pathogens and Universal Precautions (OSHA compliant)

   University of Arizona

3. 2022

   Responsible Conduct of Research

   CITI Program / Cornell University

4. 2022

   Laboratory Safety, Hazard Communication, Chemical Waste Disposal and Cryogen Safety

   Cornell University