Academic Background
Dr. Muhammad Nawaz holds a PhD in Weed Biological Control from the University of Queensland, Australia, where his research centered on the classical biological control of Acacia auriculiformis in collaboration with USDA, CSIRO, and the University of Queensland. He also earned his M.Sc. (Hons.) and B.Sc. (Hons.) degrees in Agricultural Entomology from leading agricultural universities in Pakistan. His academic journey has provided him with a strong foundation in weed management, entomology, and plant-insect interactions. Dr. Nawaz’s scholarly contributions have been recognized globally, with 65 citations (50 since 2020), an h-index of 5, and an i10-index of 3 according to Google Scholar, reflecting the growing impact of his research within the scientific community. His publications are also indexed in Scopus, further validating the international recognition of his academic work.
Research Focus
Dr. Muhammad Nawaz research primarily focuses on weed biological control, insect-plant interactions, and integrated pest management. His work combines classical taxonomy, molecular techniques, and field ecology to enhance the sustainability of agricultural systems through environmentally sound pest and weed management strategies.
Work Experience
Currently serving as a Research Officer in Weed Biological Control at the Department of Primary Industries (DPI), New South Wales, Australia, Dr. Muhammad Nawaz leads initiatives aimed at identifying and managing invasive weed species using biological agents. Previously, he contributed to several research projects at the University of Queensland, including molecular screening and identification of insect herbivores, population genetics, and host-specificity studies for biocontrol candidates. His earlier professional career in Pakistan involved extensive work in agricultural research, development, and extension, where he trained agricultural officers and farmers in pest management and sustainable production techniques.
Key Contributions
Dr. Muhammad Nawaz has played a pivotal role in the identification and prioritization of biological control agents against invasive weeds, integrating molecular tools to improve the accuracy of host specificity testing. His collaborative work has contributed to advancing the understanding of phylogeographic patterns in plant-insect systems, influencing biocontrol strategies worldwide. His applied research has significantly supported Australian biosecurity efforts by introducing new biocontrol candidates and improving management protocols for invasive species.
Awards & Recognition
Dr. Muhammad Nawaz has received multiple honors including the Outstanding Reviewer Recognition from Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata (Wiley) and several prestigious research travel awards from CSIRO and UQ. He was also a recipient of the Australian Postgraduate Award and various international research grants. His Best Research Article Award highlights his exceptional contributions to agricultural science and biological control innovation.
Professional Roles & Memberships
Dr. Muhammad Nawaz is affiliated with the Department of Primary Industries (NSW), and he maintains active collaborations with CSIRO and international research networks focused on biological control. He has also served as a trainer for capacity-building programs in pest management and integrated crop protection.
Profile:
Google Scholar | Orcid
Featured Publications
McCulloch, G. A., Madeira, P. T., Makinson, J. R., Dutoit, L., Blair, Z., Walter, G. H., & Nawaz, M. (2021). Phylogenomics resolves the invasion history of Acacia auriculiformis in Florida. Journal of Biogeography, 48(2), 453–464.
Nawaz, M., Brookes, D. R., McCulloch, G. A., & Walter, G. H. (2022). Significant genetic structure in Macrobathra moths feeding on Acacia auriculiformis: Implications for prioritising biological control agents. Biological Control, 172, 104969.
Nawaz, M., McCulloch, G. A., Brookes, D. R., Zonneveld, R., & Walter, G. H. (2021). Native range surveys for host-specific Acacia auriculiformis biocontrol agents: A role for DNA barcoding. Biological Control, 158, 104594.
Nawaz, M., Ashfaq, M., & Amjad, A. (2008). Studies on improvement of artificial diet and its effect on biological characters of Chrysoperla carnea. Pakistan Journal of Entomology, 30(1), 73–76.
Nawaz, M., Ali, S., & Abbas, Q. (2016). High pressure water spray technique for controlling mustard aphid (Lipaphis erysimi) on Brassica crop. American-Eurasian Journal of Agricultural & Environmental Sciences, 16(2), 224–228.*
Impact Statement / Vision
Dr. Muhammad Nawaz envisions strengthening sustainable agriculture through innovative biological control research that reduces chemical dependency and enhances ecological balance. His goal is to advance global weed and pest management strategies by integrating molecular and field-based biocontrol approaches to ensure food security and environmental safety.