Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Publications
Professional Development
Awards
Timeline
Generic

Mahnoor Asif

Edmonton,AB

Summary

A research professional with strong background in fungal pathogens, agronomy and extension research. Proven ability to contribute to impactful research projects and adapt to evolving research needs. Known for collaborative spirit and consistent focus on achieving project goals with leadership experience in diversity initiatives and graduate student development.

Overview

6
6
years of professional experience

Work History

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
08.2021 - 12.2024
  • Designed and implemented experimental protocols for field, lab, and greenhouse trials, including fungicide application research and disease rating for wheat crops to analyze the impact of on diseases like Fusarium head blight and other economically important wheat diseases
  • Managed field equipment and obtained a pesticide license to support research operations in Nebraska
  • Conducted extensive statistical analysis using SAS and R, effectively translating findings into actionable strategies and prospective publications in the Canadian Journal of Plant Pathology, Agromedicine and Plant Health Progress
  • Organized and presented findings at national and international and domestic conferences, including the Plant Health Conference and the U.S
  • Wheat & Barley Scab Initiative Forum, showcasing technical knowledge and communication skills

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Alberta
07.2018 - 08.2020
  • Delivered impactful research presentations to an audience of nearly 700 stakeholders, including farmers, agronomists, industry professionals, and students, enhancing knowledge transfer and industry engagement and to integrate their insights into disease management strategies to support fungicide recommendations
  • Conducted in-depth analysis and evaluation of diseased wheat crops, applying established scientific methods such as the McFadden Disease Scale (1991) for leaf spots and the Stack and McMullen Visual Scale (2011) for Fusarium Head Blight (FHB)
  • Trained and mentored technicians and summer interns in disease rating techniques, fostering skill development and ensuring data consistency across research teams

Education

Ph.D. - Plant Pathology

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
12.2024

M.Sc. - Plant Science

University of Alberta
12.2020

B.Sc. - Crop Science

University of Alberta
12.2018

Skills

  • Teamwork and collaboration
  • Team leadership
  • Analytical thinking
  • Self-directed and motivated
  • Academic presentations
  • Project management

Publications

Asif, M. 2024. Effects of Cultivars and Fungicides on Foliar Fungal diseases and Fusarium head blight in winter wheat. PhD thesis, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 149 pp.

Asif, M. 2020. The Value of Early Fungicide Applications in Wheat. MSc thesis, University of Alberta, 162 pp.

M. Asif, S. Strydhorst, S.E. Strelkov, A. Terry, M.W. Harding, J. Feng, and R.C. Yang. Evaluation of disease, yield and economics associated with fungicide timing in Canadian Western Red Spring wheat. Canadian Journal of Plant Science. 101(5): 680697. https://doi.org/10.1139/cjps-2020-031

Professional Development

Bayer Student Mentoring Program - 2023-2024 - Participated in a year-long mentorship program led by Bayer professionals, where I developed personalized agendas to deepen my understanding of industry trends, team collaboration, and agricultural innovations.

President of Plant Pathology Graduate Student Association (PPGSA) - 2023-2024 -  Organized meetings for graduate students in the plant pathology department, including general, leadership, and officer sessions. Led an officer team to deliver professional development opportunities, such as networking lunches with industry, academia, and extension professionals. Collaborated with the department head to address and plan for student needs.

Vice-President of PPGSA - 2022-2023 - Coordinated volunteer efforts and successfully managed summer farmer market and Discovery Days booths, showcasing strong organizational and leadership skills. Facilitated inter-university networking initiatives by organizing a monthly schedule of events for graduate students, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing in preparation for the North Central American Phytopathological Society (APS) meeting. Led extension outreach programs to engage diverse audiences, including public schools, enhancing community awareness and understanding of plant science and agricultural research.

Department Vision Committee - 2023-2024 - Championed initiatives to foster a supportive and inclusive environment within the department. Coordinated events such as International Food Nights and award programs that recognized contributions to DEI efforts, emphasizing teamwork and collective success.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee - 2022-2023 - Championed initiatives to foster a supportive and inclusive environment within the department. Coordinated events such as International Food Nights and award programs that recognized contributions to DEI efforts, emphasizing teamwork and collective success.

Learning Assistant, SCIL 101 - 08/01/22 - 12/31/22 -  Worked closely with 32 students in weekly lectures to improve their academic performance.

Awards

  • 2023, 2nd place – 3-minute Thesis/Elevator Speech Contest
  • 2023, Shear-Miles Fellowship
  • 2019, Brewing and Malting Barley Research Institute Award in Agronomy
  • 2019, 2nd place - Oral presentation – Plant Canada

Timeline

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
08.2021 - 12.2024

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Alberta
07.2018 - 08.2020

M.Sc. - Plant Science

University of Alberta

B.Sc. - Crop Science

University of Alberta

Ph.D. - Plant Pathology

University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Mahnoor Asif