Dr. Sana Javaid Awan is a distinguished researcher and academic in the field of molecular biology and biotechnology, with expertise in stem cell therapy, liver regeneration, nanotechnology, and advanced molecular techniques. She has earned recognition as an HEC-approved Ph.D. supervisor and has guided numerous PhD, MPhil, and undergraduate research students, reflecting her dedication to mentorship and capacity building in science. Currently serving as an Associate Professor, she has also contributed significantly through leadership roles on academic councils, curriculum committees, and journal management boards, where she has helped shape both research and education. Her research productivity is evident from her publications, citation record, and involvement in projects with both academic and industrial applications, highlighting her ability to bridge fundamental science with practical innovation. With her strong academic background, impactful research contributions, and commitment to advancing women in science, Dr. Awan stands out as an exemplary candidate for recognition in research excellence.

Professional Profile 

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Education

Dr. Sana Javaid Awan holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology from the Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology, Lahore, where her doctoral research focused on the potential of preconditioned mesenchymal stem cells for alleviating liver fibrosis. Her academic training provided her with expertise in stem cell therapy, molecular genetics, biochemistry, and advanced cellular techniques. Prior to her doctorate, she completed her undergraduate degree in Zoology with a strong emphasis on molecular biology, genetics, and biochemistry from the University of the Punjab. This strong educational foundation laid the groundwork for her future research in regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, and molecular diagnostics. Through her academic journey, she developed skills in a wide range of laboratory methods, from molecular docking and real-time PCR to stem cell culturing and protein networking, preparing her to contribute to both theoretical and applied aspects of biomedical sciences. Her education reflects a well-rounded progression toward impactful research and teaching excellence.

Experience

Dr. Sana Javaid Awan has built a distinguished career through a combination of academic, research, and industry roles. Currently serving as an Associate Professor at the University of Lahore, she has also worked as a senior scientist and consultant with organizations in both Pakistan and the United Kingdom, contributing to biomedical research and development. Her professional journey includes appointments as Lecturer, Assistant Professor, and Associate Professor, where she not only taught core subjects such as molecular biology, bioinformatics, and biotechnology but also took on significant responsibilities in examination management, curriculum design, and academic council membership. Alongside academia, she has held leadership positions in research-driven industries, including project direction and consultancy roles in biotechnology and skincare innovation. Her extensive experience demonstrates her ability to integrate academic knowledge with applied research, making valuable contributions to both scientific advancement and practical healthcare solutions. She has consistently balanced teaching, mentoring, and research leadership with administrative excellence.

Research Focus

The central theme of Dr. Sana Javaid Awan’s research lies in molecular biology and biotechnology, with a strong emphasis on regenerative medicine, nanotechnology, and therapeutic applications of stem cells. Her doctoral work pioneered the potential of mesenchymal stem cells for liver regeneration, a focus she continues to expand through studies on tissue repair, nanostructured lipid carriers, and novel bioactive compounds for disease treatment. She is skilled in diverse molecular and cellular techniques, including real-time PCR, exosome isolation, protein networking, molecular docking, and advanced imaging methods. Her projects often bridge fundamental science with translational medicine, investigating applications ranging from antibacterial therapies and cancer screening systems to the use of natural compounds in disease management. She has also supervised numerous PhD and MPhil students in areas such as drug development, bio-remediation, and molecular diagnostics. Her research not only advances academic knowledge but also addresses pressing health challenges, making her work highly relevant and impactful.

Award and Honor

Dr. Sana Javaid Awan has received recognition for her research, teaching, and leadership contributions throughout her academic and professional career. As an HEC-approved Ph.D. supervisor, she holds a distinguished position in Pakistan’s higher education landscape, reflecting trust in her ability to guide advanced research. She was awarded prestigious indigenous research scholarships during her academic journey, which supported her doctoral and postdoctoral-level studies. Her scholarly impact is also visible through her research indices, including citations and international recognition of her publications. Beyond academia, she has been entrusted with leadership roles such as project director, journal committee in-charge, and member of academic and curriculum councils, further highlighting her professional credibility. By supervising a significant number of graduate students and contributing to both national and international research projects, she has built a strong profile as a mentor and innovator. These honors and recognitions collectively underline her suitability for awards celebrating women researchers.

Publication Top Notes

• • Title: Enhanced hepatic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells after pretreatment with injured liver tissue
    Authors: S Mohsin, S Shams, GA Nasir, M Khan, SJ Awan, SN Khan, S Riazuddin
    Year: 2011
    Citations: 91

  • Title: Bi-layered α-tocopherol acetate loaded membranes for potential wound healing and skin regeneration
    Authors: S Zahid, H Khalid, F Ikram, H Iqbal, M Samie, L Shahzadi, AT Shah, M Yar, SJ Awan, …
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 71

  • Title: The effect of gestational diabetes on proliferation capacity and viability of human umbilical cord-derived stromal cells
    Authors: N Wajid, R Naseem, SS Anwar, SJ Awan, M Ali, S Javed, F Ali
    Year: 2015
    Citations: 65

  • Title: In-vitro anti-proliferative, apoptotic and antioxidative activities of medicinal herb Kalonji (Nigella sativa)
    Authors: T Maqbool, SJ Awan, S Malik, F Hadi, S Shehzadi, K Tariq
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 50

  • Title: Microwave-Assisted Synthesis of (Piperidin-1-yl) quinolin-3-yl) methylene) hydrazinecarbothioamides as Potent Inhibitors of Cholinesterases: A Biochemical and In silico Approach
    Authors: R Munir, M Zia-ur-Rehman, S Murtaza, S Zaib, N Javid, SJ Awan, …
    Year: 2021
    Citations: 33

  • Title: Detection of antibacterial activities of Miswak, Kalonji and Aloe vera against oral pathogens & anti-proliferative activity against cancer cell line
    Authors: S Amjed, K Junaid, J Jafar, T Amjad, W Maqsood, N Mukhtar, K Tariq, SJ Awan, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 32

  • Title: Human neonatal stem cell‐derived skin substitute improves healing of severe burn wounds in a rat model
    Authors: R Mahmood, A Mehmood, MS Choudhery, SJ Awan, SN Khan, …
    Year: 2019
    Citations: 30

  • Title: Delonix regia a folklore remedy for diabetes; attenuates oxidative stress and modulates type II diabetes mellitus
    Authors: D Khan, A Sharif, M Zafar, B Akhtar, MF Akhtar, S Awan
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 26

  • Title: Anti-Inflammatory and Anticancer Activity of Pteris cretica Whole Plant Extracts
    Authors: K Kiran, F Saleem, S Awan, S Ahmad, S Ahmad, MA Arshad Malik, …
    Year: 2018
    Citations: 25

  • Title: In vivo and in vitro toxicity profile of tetrabutylammonium bromide and alcohol-based deep eutectic solvents
    Authors: S Inayat, SR Ahmad, SJ Awan, M Nawshad, Q Ali
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 24

  • Title: In vitro differentiated hepatic oval‐like cells enhance hepatic regeneration in CCl4‐induced hepatic injury
    Authors: SJ Awan, MT Baig, F Yaqub, A Tayyeb, G Ali
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 24

  • Title: Antimicrobial, antioxidant, and toxicity assessment of Ammonium-Based deep eutectic solvents with formic acid and butyric acid hydrogen bond donors
    Authors: S Inayat, SR Ahmad, SJ Awan, N Muhammad
    Year: 2023
    Citations: 17

  • Title: Serum from CCl4-induced acute rat injury model induces differentiation of ADSCs towards hepatic cells and reduces liver fibrosis
    Authors: MT Baig, G Ali, SJ Awan, U Shehzad, A Mehmood, S Mohsin, SN Khan, …
    Year: 2017
    Citations: 17

  • Title: Guar gum in therapeutics: a succinct exploration
    Authors: SJ Awan, Z Fatima, S Kamran, AS Khan, T Fatima, S Imran, M Shabbir, …
    Year: 2024
    Citations: 15

  • Title: Hepato-protective role of itraconazole mediated cytochrome p450 pathway inhibition in liver fibrosis
    Authors: F Hadi, SJ Awan, A Tayyeb, T Maqbool, S Shehzadi, S Malik, H Kausar, …
    Year: 2020
    Citations: 10

Conclusion

Dr. Sana Javaid Awan’s research contributions reflect a strong focus on molecular biology, stem cell therapy, liver regeneration, nanotechnology, and therapeutic applications of natural compounds. Her publications span impactful areas including regenerative medicine, antimicrobial resistance, wound healing, cancer biology, and drug development. With several highly cited works and a steady output in reputable journals, her research demonstrates both depth and breadth, contributing significantly to translational and applied sciences. The balance between fundamental cellular studies and practical biomedical applications highlights her ability to bridge laboratory innovations with real-world healthcare solutions. Overall, her scholarly work establishes her as a dedicated and impactful researcher whose contributions continue to advance the frontiers of molecular biology and biomedical sciences.