Full Time Faculty
Lecturer
MSc. Biotechnology & Enterprise, The University of Manchester, UK
BSc. Biochemistry & Biotechnology, North South University, BD
Phone: +880-2-55668200 Ext-
Email: nusrat.rouf01@northsouth.edu
Office: 833 (A)
Miss Rouf is an early career researcher and a full-time Lecturer in the Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology at the School of Health & Life Sciences, North South University. She earned her Master’s degree in Biotechnology & Enterprise with Distinction from the University of Manchester, UK and completed her Bachelor’s in Biochemistry & Biotechnology at North South University, graduating Magna cum laude.
Her current research interests are diverse, focusing on several key projects that include isolating microbial contaminants in cosmetic tools to prevent acne, studying the diversity of lactic acid bacteria in dairy products, and investigating the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its association with mental health in Bangladeshi women. She is involved in the development of a point-of-care device to quantify human chorionic gonadotropin hormone and is actively engaged in raising awareness about antibiotic resistance and misuse in Bangladesh. Additionally, she is investigating the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Bangladesh.
Miss Rouf has extensive experience in working with micro-algae and biomarker detection for diseases such as tuberculosis and chorioamnionitis. She has contributed to the conceptualization of diagnostic devices and cost optimization work for sex chromosome anomaly detection. Her master’s research focused on isolating chlorate-resistant mutants in the microalgae Symbiodinium and studying the effects of UV filters on marine microalgae. She is skilled in various bioscience technologies, including genome engineering and recombinant DNA technology, and has received training in patent analysis and drafting to protect intellectual property in the life sciences.
As a co-founder of the biotechnology start-up BIOMASYS, Miss Rouf had led and executed multiple projects, including the development of a diagnostic device for preterm birth and miscarriage, as well as a hospital management software solution for underdeveloped countries. Her work has garnered recognition, including the Kickstarter Award from the Alliance Manchester Business School for three consecutive years and the Santander Accelerate Cambridge Award. She has also participated in the Accelerate Cambridge program at the University of Cambridge, gaining valuable insights into running start-ups.
Beyond her academic and entrepreneurial pursuits, Miss Rouf is passionate about job creation and mentoring young women to pursue careers in STEM fields. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, painting, sketching, and classical dancing.
Publications:
Journal Article:
Rouf NZ, Biswas S, Tarannum N, Oishee LM, Muna MM. Demystifying mRNA vaccines: an emerging platform at the forefront of cryptic diseases. RNA Biol. 2022;19(1):386-410. doi: 10.1080/15476286.2022.2055923. Epub 2021 Dec 31. PMID: 35354425; PMCID: PMC8973339.
Journal name: RNA Biology (IF: 4.76) Year: 2022 (First & Corresponding author)
(First & Corresponding author)
Conference paper:
Unravelling microbial diversity and probiotic potential: lactic acid bacteria in yogurts and milk samples from agro-based farms, commercial brands, and flavoured varieties in Bangladesh. 2nd ICRAC-2024, Department of Chemistry, Jagannath University, Bangladesh. January 31- February 01, 2025 (First & Corresponding author)
Delving into the impact of sunscreen used by tourists on the growth development of the marine microalgae Symbiodinium kawagutti. 7th International EcoSummit Congress - EcoSummit 2024 - Eco-Civilization for a Sustainable and Desirable Future 14 - 19 December 2024, Zhengzhou, China (First & Corresponding author)
Assessing the probiotic potential of lactic acid bacteria in commercial dairy products: A comprehensive study in silico molecular analysis for enhanced probiotic activity. 38th BSM Annual International Conference 2024, Brac University, Dhaka, Bangladesh. (Corresponding author)
Unlocking the Microbial Symphony: Exploring the Probiotic Potential of Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) in widely consumed yogurt varieties in Bangladesh. GEB, CU-NIB International Biotechnology Conference 2024 (IBC 2024), Chittagong, Bangladesh (Corresponding author)
Rapid Detection of SRY gene by conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction using in House Design Primers and Optimization: a cost-effective approach. International Conference on Genomics, Nanotech & Bioengineering, May 2017, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh (First author)
Awardee, Santander Accelerate Cambridge Project Award 2022
Finalist, Healthcare Category for the project HealtiPreg, Venture Further 2021 Business Competition, Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester.
Participant, Accelerate Cambridge Program (Autumn 2020), Judge Business School, The University of Cambridge.
Winner, Nick Sanders Kickstarter Prize 2020 for the project, VertPack-an eco-friendly biodegradable product line, Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester.
Participant, Venture Further 2020 Business Competition, Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester.
Participant, Geneva Challenge 2019 for the project ‘TuberFAST’.
Awardee, The Daily Star Awards, for outstanding results in ‘O’ level
MSc Biotechnology and Enterprise, The University of Manchester, UK (Result: Distinction/ First class)
BS in Biochemistry and Biotechnology, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh (Result: Distinction of Magna Cum Laude)
A level, Mastermind An English Medium School, Dhaka (Edexcel)
O level, Mastermind An English Medium School (Edexcel)
Lecturer (full-time)
Department of Biochemistry & Microbiology, School of Health & Life Sciences, North South University
May 2022-Present
Teacher
Mastermind, An English Medium School
Dhanmondi, Dhaka, Bangladesh
July 2012- December 2012
Co-Founder & Chief Technology Officer
Biomarker Systems (Biomasys) LLC
May 2020- December 2022
BIO201: Introduction to Biochemistry & Biotechnology
CHE201: Biophysical Chemistry
CHE202L: Bioorganic Chemistry Laboratory
BBT 221: Human Physiology
BBT316L: Immunology Laboratory
BBT422/MIC498: Research Methodology & Project
Early Career Member, Biochemical Society, UK.
Member, American Society for Microbiology (ASM).
Miss Rouf's research interests are diverse and currently encompass several important projects. She is actively working on isolating microbial contaminants in cosmetic tools to prevent acne, analyzing the diversity of lactic acid bacteria in dairy products, and investigating the prevalence of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and its association with mental health in Bangladeshi women. Additionally, she is involved in the development of a point-of-care device to quantify human chorionic gonadotropin hormone and is examining the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in Bangladesh. Through these varied research endeavors, Miss Rouf demonstrates her commitment to advancing public health and contributing to critical health issues facing her community.