Principal Investigator
Mohammad Jakir Hosen, PhD
Professor
Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology
School of Life Sciences
Shahjalal University of Science & Technology, Sylhet
Post-doctoral training (2014 - 15)
Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University, Belgium
PhD in Medical Genetics (2010 - 14)
Ghent University, Belgium
European Masters of Science in Nematology (2008 - 10)
Ghent University, Belgium
BSc in Biotechnology & Genetic Engineering (1998 - 02)
Khulna University, Bangladesh
Brief Bio
Dr. Mohammad Jakir Hosen is a geneticist and biotechnologist, with a Ph.D. in medical genetics from Ghent University, Belgium. Currently, he is working as a Professor of the Dept. of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh.
At Ghent University, his work with Prof. Dr. Olivier Vanakker and Prof. Dr. Anne De Paepe led to a significant understanding of the pathomechanism of pseudoxanthoma elasticum, a genetic disease that causes ectopic mineralization of elastic fibers in some specific tissues.
In Fall 2015, Dr. Hosen established his research lab at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology to study the role of genetic and environmental factors behind human diseases. Dr. Hosen and his lab collaborate with several other in-house, national, and international groups to illustrate and understand the genetic, molecular, and physiological factors responsible for rare and common genetic disorders present in Bangladesh. He also studies some infectious diseases' public health and epidemiological backgrounds, including chikungunya, dengue, and COVID-19. His lab facilitates a semi-automated zebra fish facility for toxicological assessment of heavy metals during early embryonic development.
As of Summer 2020, Dr. Hosen has authored over 40 peer-reviewed research articles, many expert reviews, and a book chapter. Dr. Hosen is currently working to develop an efficient, dynamic, and cheap model for genetic testing and counseling implementation in the context of low and lower-middle-income countries, like Bangladesh.
In Summer 2015, he completed a certificate in laboratory animal science (FELASA-C) from Ghent University, Belgium. Earlier, he pursued a European Master of Science in Nematology with great distinction and Erasmus Mundus scholarship from Ghent University, Belgium. He did his B.Sc in Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering from Khulna University, Bangladesh.
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Dr. Hosen is the recipient of the BAS-TWAS Young Scientist Award-2018. He is a member of the National Young Academy of Bangladesh, Belgian Society of Human Genetics, Belgium Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, American Society of Microbiology, PXE International, and the Bangladesh Association of Biotechnology Graduates.
Philosophy
Education and scientific philosophy
It is the PI's responsibility to help lab members get the training and opportunities they need to advance in their chosen careers, whether in academia, industry, or other options. At the Hosen Lab, we believe that fostering education is an integral part of being a researcher. We aim to tailor our approach individually. Our philosophy to research and teaching is that trainees learn best through guided trial and error. For the novice undergrads, we aim to expand their knowledge base, guide them to recognize nuance in scientific approaches and exercise logic in project development. Most importantly, we try to give them the intellectual room to explore and grow on their own. The more independent students, especially grad students, used to get the freedom to explore scientific questions that drive their passion. We also offer them the opportunity to train undergrads, as we find that this hands-on approach to mentorship allows both mentees and mentors to grow more rationally. Lastly, we encourage a healthy work-life balance that is key in sustaining a passion for science.
Teaching
Teaching philosophy and interests
At the University level, we deal with more mature students, and each student comes to the University as an individual. It is the educator's responsibility to value and develop each student's strengths, interests, skills, abilities, and knowledge to extend their learning. It is incredibly fun and fulfilling to start with an exciting and crucial question, to develop a strategy to answer that question and see the student answering that question. It is essential to maintain scientific rigor (it's all in the details), while not losing the big picture. I try to provides opportunities for the student to explore, discover, create and imagine.
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Dr. Hosen is involved with teaching on both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
He currently coordinates 06 courses:
Principles of Genetics
- Enzymology
Animal Genetics and Breeding
Cell Signalling
Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
Advanced Medical and Pharmaceutical Biotechnology
External Affiliations
Ancillary activities and professional memberships
Center for Medical Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
Belgian Society of Human Genetics
Belgium Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
​EUMAINE, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
American Society of Human Genetics
American Society of Microbiology
PXE international
Bangladesh Association of Biotechnology Graduates
National Young Academy of Bangladesh
Awards & Distinctions
Accolades and recognition
BAS-TWAS Young Scientist Award-2018
Khulna University Merit Scholarship for the academic years 1999-2000
FWO travel grant to participate ASHG meeting 2014, October 18-22, San Diego, California, USA
Zebrafish Meeting Financial Aid Award, 10th International Zebrafish Genetics and Development meeting-2012, June 20-24, 2012- Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Young Investigator Award: 12th International Congress of Human Genetics-2011, Montreal, Canada
Sweden-Bangladesh Trust Fund travel grant for the academic session 2009-2010
EDIT (European Distributed Institute of Taxonomy) Summer School 2009 grant by the European Union, From field to Web- studying biodiversity with the taxonomists toolbox, Muranska Planina National Park, Slovakia