A Faculty Member at Our College Earns a Doctorate Degree

Tuesday, November 19, 2024

Mr. Athir Hashim Abdul Majeed, Secretary of our College Council and a lecturer in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Engineering, has been awarded a Ph.D. degree from the College of Education for Pure Sciences at the University of Tikrit. This achievement follows the successful defense of his distinguished dissertation titled: "Taxonomic and Molecular Characterization of Species of the Subfamily Papilionoideae Growing in Central and Northern Provinces of Iraq."His research yielded significant scientific results, including:

1. Pollen Studies: Using light microscopy (L.M) and field emission scanning electron microscopy (F.E.S.E.M), quantitative and qualitative variations of significant taxonomic value were observed among the studied species.

2. Anatomical Studies: Prominent variations in the quantitative and qualitative traits of stem cross-sections and leaf structures were revealed, providing accurate taxonomic and diagnostic indicators.

3. Molecular Analysis: The study successfully distinguished 23 species of the Papilionoideae subfamily found in Iraq by using the ITS region of the ribosomal RNA gene (rRNA 5.8s). A high match rate with data from the U.S. National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) was recorded.

4. Ecological and Geographical Distribution: Field surveys highlighted the significance of mapping species distribution and documenting new habitats and ecological niches. The dissertation was examined by a specialized academic committee and, after a thorough scientific discussion, was approved with the grade of "Satisfactory," with recommendations for minor revisions. On this occasion, Professor Dr. Idham Ali Abdul, Dean of the College of Agriculture, extends his warmest congratulations to Dr. Athir Hashim Abdul Majeed on behalf of himself and all college staff. He wishes him continued academic and scientific success, hoping this achievement will inspire further contributions to science and society.