Asst. Prof. Ab. Matteen Rafiqi, PhD is a globally recognized evolutionary developmental biologist and the first international faculty member to join BILSAB. A steadfast believer in the institute's scientific and academic mission, he has played a key role in building a vibrant and internationally oriented research environment. His leadership and mentorship have been central in shaping the academic ethos of BILSAB, fostering both innovation and collaboration across disciplines.
Dr. Rafiqi's research bridges ecology, evolution, and development, with a particular focus on eco-evo-devo and developmental endosymbiosis. His program investigates how organisms integrate genetic, ecological, and symbiotic inputs to drive evolutionary change. Current projects examine the developmental mechanisms underlying host–microbe interactions, including the integration of microbial symbionts into insect hosts. By studying bacteriocytes—specialized cells that house intracellular bacteria—his work reveals how new cell types and tissue architectures emerge in response to ecological pressures, dietary adaptations, and evolutionary innovation.
Beyond these fundamental questions, his research also explores the eco-evolutionary dynamics of host-associated microbiota, particularly their roles in immunity, health, and adaptation. Studies address gut microbiota shifts following infection and extend to applied approaches such as paratransgenesis, where genetically engineered microbes are harnessed to block pathogen transmission in insect vectors. Through this integrative lens, Dr. Rafiqi's program illuminates how gene regulatory networks, molecular signaling, and endosymbiont interactions drive the origins of biological novelty and the evolution of complex systems.
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