About me

Arooj Fatima is a BS Biotechnology student (2023–2027) at the University of Central Punjab, specializing in molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, and forensic nanobiotechnology. She is currently a Research Intern at NIBGE (PAEC), with hands-on experience in PCR, ELISA, DNA/RNA extraction, microbial pathology, and karyotyping. She serves as Technical Manager & Ambassador at VitaNova International Alliance and Account Manager & Ambassador at SARIOON Pakistan, leading STEM outreach, scientific events, and digital strategy. Arooj has published HEC-approved research on CADD targeting CISD1 for Parkinson’s disease and has held leadership roles including Co-Director of IBTIDA-UCP, General Member of Youth Parliament Punjab & Shadow Cabinet, and Laboratory Technician at GCMD. She was honored with a Leadership & Rising Star Award by Youth Parliament Punjab for her advocacy and performance.

Background
• Name: Arooj Fatima
• Location: Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan
• Education: BS Biotechnology (2023–2027), University of Central Punjab (UCP); Intermediate (Pre‑Medical), Government Girls College Faqirwali.[linkedin]
• Focus areas: Molecular diagnostics, bioinformatics, forensic nanobiotechnology, and sustainable scientific innovation.[linkedin]
• Technical skills: ELISA, PCR, SDS‑PAGE, DNA/RNA extraction, primer design, karyotyping, microbial pathology, and clinical diagnostic workflows.[linkedin]
Key Roles & Experience
• Research Intern, Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (NIBGE), July 2026–present: Work in pre/probiotic, nanotechnology, IBD, karyotyping, and microbial pathology labs.[linkedin]
• Technical Manager & Ambassador, VitaNova International Alliance for Sciences (2025–present): Lead scientific events, seminars, outreach, and STEM communication initiatives.[linkedin]
• Account Manager & Ambassador, SARIOON Pakistan (2025–present): Manage LinkedIn presence, content strategy, analytics, and campus/community projects (e.g., Thalassemia Foundation visit).[linkedin]
• SCEMS Fellow, SARIOON Pakistan: Trained in First Aid, CPR, AED, and emergency response; engaged in community safety initiatives.[linkedin]
• Laboratory Technician, Genome Center for Molecular Based Diagnostics and Research (Aug–Sep 2025): Hands‑on molecular diagnostics, CBC analysis, biosafety, and QC procedures.[linkedin]
• General Member Board, Youth Parliament Pakistan & Shadow Cabinet (Jul–Dec 2025): Policy discussions, youth advocacy, governance dialogues.[linkedin]
• Co‑Director, IBTIDA‑UCP: Led educational initiatives for underprivileged children.[linkedin]
Achievements & Recognition
• Published research (HEC‑approved): “Computer‑Aided Drug Design by Utilising Flavonoid Compound to Target CISD1 Activation for Parkinson’s Disease” (2025).[linkedin]
• Leadership & Rising Star Award, Youth Parliament Punjab, in recognition of performance and commitment.[linkedin]
• Lead Ambassador / Technical Manager roles driving STEM outreach, event management, and digital branding at national/international forums.[linkedin]
• Organized academic seminars, national awareness campaigns, and humanitarian/community outreach projects

icon-membership
Other Memberships/Affiliations
Vitanova international alliances in sciences
SARIOON Pakistan
Youth Parliament Pakistan & Shadow Cabinet
IBTIDA-UCP

Degrees:

2027
Undergraduate
Medical and Health Sciences incl Neurosciences

Publications resulting from Research
Title: Computer-Aided Drug Design by Utilising Flavonoid Compound to Target CISD1 Activation for Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Arooj Fatima, Safa Azhar, S. Amin, S. Khan, Z. Nassar, S. Baig, A.R. Munir
Journal: Physical Education, Health and Social Sciences (HEC-approved)
Published: September 1, 2025[linkedin]
Key Findings
• Target: CISD1 (CDGSH iron-sulfur domain-containing protein 1), linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and neurodegeneration in Parkinson’s disease.[linkedin]
• Approach: In silico molecular docking of flavonoid compounds against CISD1/PD targets.[linkedin]
• Results: Identified flavonoids with strong binding affinities and favorable drug-likeness (low toxicity, good bioavailability).[linkedin]
• Implication: Specific flavonoids may stabilize CISD1, offering neuroprotective potential against mitochondrial dysfunction and dopaminergic neuron loss in PD