Prof. Mohammad Seraj Uddin, Ph.D.

Governing Board Member | Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF)

Dr. Mohammad Seraj Uddin is a Professor of Microbiology at the University of Chittagong and a Governing Board Member of the Bangladesh Nature Foundation (BNF). He brings more than two decades of experience in higher education, scientific research, research leadership, student mentoring, and academic administration. His multidisciplinary expertise spans microbiology, molecular biology, microbial genetics, microbial biotechnology, environmental microbiology, microbial biodegradation, antimicrobial resistance, sustainable agriculture, and applied biological sciences. His scientific background provides BNF with expertise relevant to environmental research, ecosystem health, sustainable resource management, pollution-related challenges, and the development of evidence-based conservation programmes.

Academic Qualifications

Dr. Mohammad Seraj Uddin holds a Ph.D. in Microbiology from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA, where his doctoral research focused on the structure-function relationships of G protein-coupled receptors. He completed his B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Microbiology at the University of Chittagong. His doctoral and subsequent research training provided advanced experience in molecular biology, protein biochemistry, and cell signaling.

Professional Experience

Dr. Uddin has built an extensive academic career at the University of Chittagong, where he progressed through the positions of Lecturer, Assistant Professor, Associate Professor, and Professor in the Department of Microbiology. He has also served as a graduate research and teaching assistant at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, USA. His professional responsibilities have included university teaching, laboratory research, postgraduate supervision, research project leadership, academic administration, scientific evaluation, and institutional service.

Research and Scientific Contributions

Dr. Uddin’s research integrates fundamental microbiology with practical challenges in environmental sustainability, agriculture, health, and biotechnology. His research portfolio includes microbial biodegradation of environmental pollutants, water-quality assessment, microplastics, biodegradable bioplastics, plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria, phosphate-solubilizing microorganisms, microbial communities, and sustainable biological applications. His work on bacterial degradation of plastics and hydrocarbons contributes to the scientific understanding of biological approaches to environmental pollution, while his research on seaweed-derived bioplastics explores environmentally relevant alternatives to conventional materials. His work on phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacteria and other beneficial microorganisms is also relevant to sustainable agriculture and environmentally responsible resource use.

Research Funding and Project Leadership

Dr. Uddin has experience in developing and leading externally supported research projects, including those funded by the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh. His project leadership has covered phosphate-solubilizing rhizobacteria, bacterial degradation of plastics, seaweed-derived bioplastics, antimicrobial resistance in Salmonella associated with poultry farms, water quality, bacteriocin-like antimicrobial substances, and hydrocarbon biodegradation. His international research experience includes participation in an NIH R01-supported research programme involving the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the University of Georgia, Athens, USA.

Research Publications

Dr. Uddin has contributed to peer-reviewed research in molecular microbiology, microbial biotechnology, environmental microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, biodegradation, and applied biological sciences. His research publications and scientific contributions address areas including microbial degradation, environmental pollutants, water quality, sustainable biological materials, beneficial microorganisms, antimicrobial resistance, and microbial interactions. He has also presented research at scientific conferences and research meetings in Bangladesh and the United States. His publication and scientific communication experience can support BNF in documenting, disseminating, and communicating research findings generated through its environmental and conservation programmes.

Scientific Collaboration and Capacity Building

Dr. Uddin has developed experience in national and international scientific collaboration through research, academic conferences, professional networks, and multidisciplinary projects. His international research exposure includes the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and the University of Georgia, Athens, while his professional engagement includes participation in scientific organizations such as the American Society for Microbiology. Alongside research, he has taught molecular biology, cell biology, microbial genetics, general microbiology, and introductory biochemistry and has supervised students who have progressed into academic, research, biotechnology, and pharmaceutical careers.

Leadership and Institutional Service

Dr. Uddin has contributed to academic governance and institutional development at the University of Chittagong, including serving as Chairman of the Department of Microbiology. His institutional activities have included university admissions, research grant review, journal review, animal ethics activities, scientific events, and career-development initiatives for microbiology graduates. His experience in academic administration, research evaluation, student development, scientific collaboration, and project leadership provides relevant expertise for organizational governance, research oversight, institutional partnerships, and strategic programme development within BNF.

Professional Recognition

Dr. Uddin’s academic and research career has included competitive awards, fellowships, travel support, and externally funded research. His recognitions include the David C. White Student Travel Award and Graduate Student Senate Travel Award from the University of Tennessee, as well as an NSF Travel Award. His participation in an NIH R01-supported research programme and leadership of competitively supported research projects in Bangladesh further demonstrate his experience in externally supported scientific research. These experiences strengthen his capacity to contribute to BNF’s development of research collaborations and funding-oriented scientific initiatives.

Role at Bangladesh Nature Foundation

As a Governing Board Member of the Bangladesh Nature Foundation, Dr. Mohammad Seraj Uddin contributes scientific and academic expertise to the Foundation’s strategic, research, and programme-oriented activities. His role supports BNF’s efforts to develop scientifically grounded environmental initiatives, strengthen research partnerships, and integrate biological knowledge into nature-conservation and sustainable development programmes. He contributes to the consideration of research priorities, scientific approaches, collaborative opportunities, and capacity-building needs within the organization. His experience as a professor, researcher, principal investigator, mentor, and academic leader also provides a valuable perspective for connecting BNF with universities, research institutions, laboratories, and wider scientific networks.

Professional Contribution to BNF

Dr. Uddin’s contribution to BNF is particularly relevant to strengthening the organization’s scientific and research capacity. His expertise in environmental microbiology, microbial biodegradation, water quality, microplastics, sustainable agriculture, and biotechnology can support BNF in developing interdisciplinary research addressing environmental degradation, pollution, ecosystem health, and sustainable resource use. His experience in externally funded research and international collaboration can assist the Foundation in developing research concepts, preparing competitive proposals, establishing scientific partnerships, and implementing collaborative projects. His background in postgraduate supervision and scientific mentoring can further support the development of researchers and young professionals associated with BNF. Through his Governing Board role, he contributes to BNF’s broader objective of linking scientific evidence, institutional collaboration, and practical research with nature conservation and environmental sustainability.