Research Assistant , COMSATS University Islamabad , Pakistan
An enthusiastic 🌱 economics researcher with an M.Phil. in Economics, this individual is passionate about sustainable development, macroeconomic policy, and trade 📈. With hands-on experience in advanced econometric techniques such as GMM, Panel ARDL, and Threshold Models 🧠, they skillfully apply tools like Stata and EViews 💻. Their work focuses on institutional quality, environmental economics 🌍, and policy-making grounded in evidence. Currently pursuing an M.S. in Economics at COMSATS University Islamabad 🎓, they are actively engaged in research training and mentorship, striving to contribute to impactful economic analysis and policy innovation ✍️📊.
Professional Profile
SCOPUS
Education & Experience
🎓 Completed BS Economics from Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan (2019–2023) and currently pursuing an MS in Economics at COMSATS University Islamabad (2023–ongoing). Gained hands-on experience through internships and research assistance roles at PIDE 📚, COMSATS 🏛️, and Habib Bank Limited 🏦. Their roles involved data cleaning, econometric estimation, literature reviews, thesis guidance 📑, and policy analysis. With a strong grip on statistical software such as Stata and EViews 💻, they bring both academic rigor and practical exposure to every research project they contribute to.
Professional Development
📊 As a research assistant under the Ba-Ikhtiyar Nau Jawan Internship Program at COMSATS, this scholar contributed to academic mentoring, econometric analysis, and class presentations. At PIDE, they developed practical expertise in data interpretation, report writing, and policy implications 🧾. Their internship at Habib Bank Limited added financial sector exposure 🏦. These experiences enriched their analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and communication 📢. By continuously participating in workshops and collaborative research environments, they are committed to evolving as a well-rounded economist and policy contributor 🤝📈.
Research Focus
Their research revolves around panel data analysis 📊, with a focus on international trade, sustainability, and institutional quality 🌍. They explore the dynamic interactions between macroeconomic policy, development economics, and environmental sustainability ♻️. Methodologically, they specialize in GLS, GMM, fixed/random effects, panel cointegration, and threshold models 📉. Their work aims to inform evidence-based policymaking by integrating economic theory with statistical rigor 🧠. Using tools like Stata and EViews 💻, they conduct in-depth analyses that highlight both global and local dimensions of development, trade flows, and governance effectiveness 🔬.
Awards & Honors
🏆 While specific awards were not listed, their consistent academic performance and selection for competitive roles such as research assistantships at PIDE and COMSATS signal recognition of their talent 📚. Being chosen for the Ba-Ikhtiyar Nau Jawan Internship Program reflects trust in their research capability and leadership in economic inquiry 🌟. Their role in mentoring undergraduate students in econometrics and thesis development demonstrates academic excellence 👩🏫. Further accolades are anticipated as they continue to contribute to impactful research and policy discussions both nationally and globally 🌐📈.
Publication Top Notes
1. High Removal Efficiency of Arsenite from Aqueous Solution by Cobalt Ferrite Functionalized Sawdust Driven Activated Carbon
Citation:
Naz, H., Khalid, Z., Arif, S., Ahmed, M. N., & Waseem, M. F. (2025). High removal efficiency of arsenite from aqueous solution by cobalt ferrite functionalized sawdust driven activated carbon. Inorganic Chemistry Communications.
Summary:
This study presents a novel approach to arsenite removal from water using activated carbon derived from sawdust, functionalized with cobalt ferrite nanoparticles. The composite material demonstrated high adsorption capacity and efficiency, offering a sustainable solution for arsenic-contaminated water treatment.
2. Highly Ordered and Uniform Growth of Magnetite Nanoparticles on the Surface of Amberlyst-15: Lead Ions Removal Study
Citation:
Gillani, Z., Zain-Ul-Abdin, Khalid, Z., Waseem, M. F., & Haq, S. U. (2024). Highly ordered and uniform growth of magnetite nanoparticles on the surface of Amberlyst-15: Lead ions removal study. Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10904-024-03453-1
Summary:
The research focuses on synthesizing magnetite nanoparticles uniformly grown on Amberlyst-15 resin for efficient lead ion removal from aqueous solutions. The composite material exhibited enhanced adsorption properties, making it a promising candidate for water purification applications.
3. Enhanced Role of Flower Shaped Curcumin Loaded ZnO/Ag₂O Nanocomposites for Biological Applications
Citation:
Mukhtar, A., Aruge, S., Tariq, A., Haq, S. U., & Waseem, M. F. (2025). Enhanced role of flower shaped curcumin loaded ZnO/Ag₂O nanocomposites for biological applications. BioNanoScience.
Summary:
This study explores the synthesis of flower-shaped ZnO/Ag₂O nanocomposites loaded with curcumin, aiming to enhance their biological activities. The nanocomposites demonstrated significant antimicrobial and anticancer properties, suggesting their potential in biomedical applications.
4. Role of Co and Ni Ferrites in the Fabrication of Saccharum officinarum Bioadsorbents for Removing As(III)
Citation:
Sattar, A., Hussain, S. I., Bibi, F., Iqbal, N., & Waseem, M. F. (2025). Role of Co and Ni ferrites in the fabrication of Saccharum officinarum bioadsorbents for removing As(III). Separation and Purification Technology.
Summary:
The research investigates the incorporation of cobalt and nickel ferrites into Saccharum officinarum (sugarcane) based bioadsorbents for arsenic (As(III)) removal. The modified bioadsorbents showed improved adsorption capacities, offering an eco-friendly solution for arsenic remediation.
5. Green Hydrothermal Synthesis of Nickel and Zinc-Doped Nickel Ferrite Nanoparticles Using Dalbergiella welwitschii Extracts and Their Biological Studies
Citation:
Modupe, O. U., Olatunde, S. O., Waseem, M. F., Alsaiari, A. A. A., & Razzokov, J. (2024). Green hydrothermal synthesis of nickel and zinc-doped nickel ferrite nanoparticles using Dalbergiella welwitschii extracts and their biological studies. Heliyon, 11(1), e40759. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40759
Summary:
This study reports the green synthesis of nickel and zinc-doped nickel ferrite nanoparticles using Dalbergiella welwitschii extracts. The nanoparticles exhibited significant anticancer and antidiabetic activities, highlighting their potential in biomedical applications.
6. Effective Remediation of Organic Pollutant Using Musa acuminata Peel Extract-Assisted Iron Oxide Nanoparticles
Citation:
Hedfi, A., Ben-Ali, M. J., Haq, S. U., Razzokov, J., Rehman, W., Waseem, M. F., Elmnasri, K., Hossain, M. K., Rehman, F. U., Karimbaev, E. K., & Shujaat, S. (2025). Effective remediation of organic pollutant using Musa acuminata peel extract-assisted iron oxide nanoparticles. Open Chemistry, 23(1), 132–145. https://doi.org/10.1515/chem-2025-0132
Summary:
The research presents a green synthesis of iron oxide nanoparticles using Musa acuminata (banana) peel extract. The nanoparticles demonstrated high efficiency in degrading organic dyes like methyl orange and rhodamine 6G, indicating their potential in wastewater treatment.
7. Utilizing T. wallichiana Leaf Extract for the Green Synthesis of Ferrite Nanoparticles: A Novel Approach to Lead Ion Removal
Citation:
Zafar, S., Amir, A., Sattar, A., Haque, I. U., & Waseem, M. F. (2025). Utilizing T. wallichiana leaf extract for the green synthesis of ferrite nanoparticles: A novel approach to lead ion removal. International Journal of Environmental Analytical Chemistry.
Summary:
This study explores the green synthesis of ferrite nanoparticles using Taxus wallichiana leaf extract. The synthesized nanoparticles exhibited effective lead ion adsorption from aqueous solutions, offering a sustainable method for heavy metal remediation.
8. Effect of Chemical and Thermal Activation on Texture, Morphology, and Composition of Onion Derived Carbon for Arsenic Adsorption
Citation:
Bibi, F., Hussain, R., Muhammad, H., Sattar, A., & Waseem, M. F. (2025). Effect of chemical and thermal activation on texture, morphology, and composition of onion derived carbon for arsenic adsorption. Journal of Inorganic and Organometallic Polymers and Materials.
Summary:
The research investigates the impact of chemical and thermal activation on onion-derived carbon’s properties for arsenic adsorption. The activated carbon showed enhanced surface area and porosity, leading to improved arsenic removal efficiency.
Conclusion
Muhammad Faisal Waseem demonstrates exceptional promise as a young researcher with impactful contributions to environmental sustainability, materials chemistry, and green technology. His work aligns closely with global goals like clean water access, responsible consumption, and climate action. His strong publication record, interdisciplinary skills, and commitment to sustainable science make him an outstanding nominee for the Young Scientist Award.