Khalid Hakeem

Professor | Plant Stress Physiology & Molecular Biology | Developing Climate-Resilient Crops | King Abdulaziz University | 16+ Years in Research & Teaching

Saudi Arabia

About

Currently Professor of Plant Sciences at King Abdulaziz University | Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. I am a plant scientist with over 16 years of international research and teaching experience, specializing in molecular plant stress physiology, proteomics, and nanobiotechnology. My research is dedicated to developing climate-resilient, high-yielding crop varieties capable of withstanding drought, salinity, heat, and heavy-metal stress — critical challenges for global food security in the era of climate change. Currently serving as Professor at King Abdulaziz University, I lead interdisciplinary projects that combine eco-physiological phenotyping with cutting-edge proteomic and nano-enabled approaches to uncover mechanisms of stress tolerance and design sustainable agricultural solutions. Academic & Professional Trajectory: • Ph.D. in Botany – Jamia Hamdard University, New Delhi, India (2011) • Postdoctoral Fellow → Fellow Researcher (Assistant Professor equivalent) – Universiti Putra Malaysia (2012–2016) • Progressive academic appointments in India, Malaysia, and Saudi Arabia Core Research Domains: Plant proteomics and biomarker discovery Nanobiotechnology for targeted nutrient/protectant delivery Molecular physiology of abiotic stress tolerance Phytoremediation and environmental restoration Climate change adaptation in agroecosystems I have mentored numerous M.Sc. and Ph.D. students, published extensively in high-impact journals, and actively collaborate with research groups across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and beyond. Beyond academia, I am committed to science communication and write popular articles translating complex plant science into actionable insights. An avid mountaineer and nature enthusiast, I find inspiration in exploring extreme environments — both in the field and in the laboratory. I welcome connections and collaboration opportunities in: • Crop improvement of staple and strategic crops • proteomics and multi-omics integration • nanotechnology applications in agriculture • climate-smart and regenerative farming systems • environmental biotechnology and pollution mitigation Let’s connect if you share an interest in building a food-secure and environmentally sustainable future. #PlantStressPhysiology #Proteomics #Nanobiotechnology #ClimateResilientAgriculture #FoodSecurity #EnvironmentalSustainability

Experience

  • King AbdulAziz University (9 yrs 10 mos)
    • Head (PBR Unit) Princess Dr.Najlaa Bint Saud Al Saud Center for distinguished Research in Biotech
      Oct 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 10 mos

    • Professor
      May 2019 - Present · 7 yrs 3 mos

    • Associate Professor
      Oct 2016 - Present · 9 yrs 10 mos

  • Fellow at Royal Society of Biology
    Jan 2021 - Present · 5 yrs 7 mos

  • Universiti Putra Malaysia (6 yrs 10 mos)
    • Fellow Researcher
      Sep 2013 - May 2019 · 5 yrs 9 mos

      Forest biotechnology

    • Fellow Researcher
      Aug 2012 - May 2019 · 6 yrs 10 mos

    • Post doc Research Scientist
      Aug 2012 - Aug 2013 · 1 yr 1 mo

      Forest Dynamic studies and Forest Biotechnology

  • Visiting Scientist at Jinan University
    Jan 2015 - Jan 2015 · 1 mo

    Giving lectures to post graduate students and research collaboration

  • Visiting Scientist at Fatih University
    May 2014 - Jun 2014 · 2 mos

    Conduct proteomics Research