Maria Azam

A Research Scholar and Gold Medalist with a distinguished background in biomedical research, academic instruction, and scientific project management. Currently contributing to an NIH-funded project at Case Western Reserve University, focused on developing novel therapeutic strategies for retinal degenerative diseases, including retinitis pigmentosa. Demonstrating strong expertise in pharmacological research, experimental design, and data analysis within interdisciplinary research environments. Bringing extensive academic experience as a Teaching Assistant and Visiting Lecturer at prestigious institutions, such as the University of Karachi, Sindh Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS), and SZABIST, delivering comprehensive instruction in biochemistry and biosciences. Played a key role as a Research Associate on an HEC-funded project, investigating the therapeutic potential of marine macro-algae in mitigating hepatotoxicity and related complications. Highly proficient in laboratory techniques, scientific writing, and project coordination, with a proven ability to mentor students and collaborate effectively with diverse research teams. Recognized for academic excellence and a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge through innovative research, critical thinking, and academic leadership.

• Inhibition of the Galanin Receptor-3 slows down degeneration of photoreceptors in retinitis pigmentosa, Visual Sciences Research Center Annual Symposium, 2024
• Mitigated Effect of Brown Algae against CCl4 Induced Neuronal Inflammation in Rats, 8th annual neuroscience conference, DUHS & DIMC, 10/05/22 - 10/06/22
• Suppression of tissue oxidative stress by supplementation of crude polysaccharide extract from marine alga in rats, 8th Annual Conference of Psychophysiology 22, 10/23/22
• Mitigated Effect of Brown Algae on CCl4-Induced Liver Fibrosis, Life Sciences 3 International Conference (LIFSCICON), 05/10/22 - 05/11/22
• Protective effect of Spatoglossum asperum on CCl4 -induced depression-like behavior in an animal model, International Conference on Sustainable Development Goals-2021, 2021
• Investigation of seaweed for the treatment of DM & associated complications, Recent Trends in Alternative Medicine: Herbal & Other Natural Products, 2017

• Discovery of bioavailable non-retinoid pharmacochaperones that suppress the pathogenic effects of misfolded rhodopsin variants, Joseph Ortega, Jacklyn Gallagher, Andrew McKee, Yidan Tang, Miguel Bargueño, Maria Azam, Zaiddodine Pashandi, Marcin Golczak, Jens Meiler, Horacio Pérez-Sánchez, Jonathan Schlebach & Beata Jastrzebska
• Mechanisms of rhodopsin-related inherited retinal degeneration and pharmacological treatment strategies, Azam M and Jastrzebska B, 2025
• Discovery of bioavailable non-retinoid pharmacochaperones that suppress the pathogenic effects of misfolded rhodopsin in a mouse model of retinitis pigmentosa, Ortega JT, Gallagher JM, McKee AG, Tang Y, Carmena-Bargueño M, Azam M, Pashanadi Z, Golczak M, Meiler J, Pérez-Sánchez H, Schlebach JP and Jastrzebska B, 2025
• Ulva fasciata, a green alga, attenuates the kidney and liver dysfunctions in rats induced by acetaminophen, Sohail N, Azam M, Farhat H, Hira K, Urooj F, Qureshi SA, Ara J, Ali MS, Ehteshamul-Haque S, 2024
• Ameliorative effect of Spatoglossum asperum and its solvent fractions against acetaminophen-induced liver dysfunction in rats, Azam M, Khan H, Tariq A, Qureshi S.A, Ara J, and S. Ehteshamul-Haque, 2022
• Ameliorative Effect of Marine Macroalgae on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis and Associated Complications in Rats, Maria, A. Z. A. M., Khan, H. I. R. A., QURESHI, S. A., KHATOON, N., Jehan, A. R. A., & EHTESHAMUL-HAQUE, S., 2022
• Caulerpin from a New Source Spatoglossum asperum: a Brown Alga, Ara, J., Sultana, V., Tariq, A., Taj, D., Azam, M., & Ahmed, V. U., 2019
• Hepatoprotective role of medicinal plants in liver dysfunction: a review, Khan H, NS, Azam M, Tariq A, Sultana V, Ara J, 2019
• Protective role of Melanothamnus afaqhusainii against hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in alloxan-induced diabetic rats, Wajid S, Haider W, Azam M, Tariq A, Hira K, Sultana V, Ara J, 2017

• Antimicrobial activity of endophytic Penicillium species and isolation and characterization of compounds from mycelium of P. rugulosum, Faizah Urooj, Hafiza Farhat, Madeeha Ansari, Maria Azam, Nida Sohail, Zafar Iqbal Shams, and Syed Ehteshamul-Haque
• Protective role of Spatoglossum asperum and Padina pavonia in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis via regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, Maria Azam, Shamim A. Qureshi, Jehan Ara, Syed Aziz, Muhammad Hanif and Saqib Ghazali
• Mitigated effect of brown algae against CCl4 induced neuronal inflammation in rats, Azam M, Khan H, Tariq A, Qureshi S.A, Ara J, and S. Ehteshamul-Haque
• Investigation of Crude polysaccharide from (Phaeophyceae) in attenuation of liver fibrosis, Azam M, Tariq A, Qureshi S.A, Ara J, Hanif M, Ghazali S, and S. Ehteshamul-Haque
• Ulva fasciata, a green alga, attenuates the kidney and liver dysfunctions in rats induced by acetaminophen, Nida Sohail, Maria Azam, Hafiza Farhat, Khan Hira, Faizah Urooj, Shamim A. Qureshi1, Jehan Ara, Muhammad Shaiq Ali, Syed Ehteshamul-Haque

• Certificate of participation for attending: Application of SPSS in Biochemical Research
• Certificate of participation for attending: Recent trends in alternative medicine: Herbal & Other Natural Products
• Certificate of appreciation for organizing a seminar on: Recent trends in alternative medicine: Herbal & Other Natural Products
• Certificate of appreciation for organizing a seminar on the application of SPSS in Biochemical Research
• Certificate of appreciation for organizing a seminar on: Genome Sequencing and Genome Editing and Their Applications
• Certificate of appreciation for organizing a seminar on the application of Elisa Techniques

· Dr. Beata Jastrzebska, Assistant Professor Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, beata.jastrzebska@case.edu

· Dr. Shamim A. Qureshi, Professor of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, saqureshi@uok.edu.pk

· Dr. Jehan Ara, Professor [Retd.(Tenured)], Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Karachi, jara@uok.edu.pk

· Dr. Tooba Lateef, Assistant Professor, Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, tooba.lateef@uok.edu.pk

Stands 1ST position in B.S in Biochemistry