Hira Abid

Education

I completed my Bachelor's degree in Botany and my Master's degree in Molecular Biology at the University of The Punjab, Pakistan. During my undergraduate studies, my research concentrated on evaluating the anticancer potentials of pharmacologically significant plants against liver cancer cell lines, showcasing a deep interest in plant-based therapeutic solutions. In pursuing my Master's degree, I focused on investigating the presence of methane-oxidizing bacteria in the rice paddy fields of Pakistan. This research highlighted these bacteria as a potentially major methane sink, marking them as a critical area for future investigations aimed at environmental methane mitigation.
My fascination with belowground biodiversity has not only shaped my academic pursuits but also guided my research focus towards understanding the intricate interactions between plants and microorganisms. This interest has driven me to explore the potential of these interactions in addressing environmental challenges, particularly in the context of climate change.

PhD Research Project

I embarked on my PhD journey within the Research Training Group 2300, specifically engaging with subproject 4 titled “Microbial Community Structure and Stress Responses.” The primary aim of this project is to delve into the impacts of climate-related stressors, such as heat and drought, on monospecific plant systems (Beech and Douglas Fir) compared to mixed-species systems (Beech combined with Douglas Fir). This research is particularly focused on unravelling how these climate stressors alter the dynamics of plant-soil microbe interactions, with a keen interest in the role of distinct mycorrhizal communities fostered by various soil types.

Publications

Chang J, Peng P, Farhan Ul‐Haque M, Hira A, DiSpirito AA & Semrau JD (2023). Inhibition of nitrous oxide reduction in forest soil microcosms by different forms of methanobactin. Environmental Microbiology, 25(11), 2338-2350.