UPG Viewer

23 Years Old

Pakistan

Male

Yes! That is really who you are!

My name is Shafqat Hussain, and I have completed my graduation in Applied Microbiology from the Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (CUVAS). My academic journey at CUVAS was filled with enriching experiences that allowed me to gain deep insights into the field of microbiology. Throughout my degree, I studied various branches of microbiology, including medical microbiology, environmental microbiology, and industrial microbiology. These studies helped me understand the crucial role microorganisms play in health, industry, and the environment. From studying the basic structure and function of microorganisms to understanding their complex interactions with the environment, I developed a passion for applying this knowledge to solve real-world problems. My curiosity about the environment grew stronger as I learned more about how microorganisms contribute to issues like pollution and waste management and how they can be used to tackle these challenges.

After completing my degree, I was fortunate enough to gain six months of experience working at the National Institute of Health (NIH) in Islamabad. NIH is one of the leading institutions in Pakistan that focuses on health research, disease prevention, and public health services. My experience at NIH was incredibly valuable as it gave me the opportunity to work alongside professionals in the field of microbiology and public health. I was involved in various research projects and laboratory work where I learned the practical applications of microbiology in public health. One of the main projects I worked on involved studying waterborne pathogens and their impact on public health. Waterborne diseases like cholera and typhoid are a significant concern in Pakistan, especially in areas with poor sanitation. During this project, I assisted in collecting and analyzing water samples to identify potential sources of contamination. This work opened my eyes to the serious public health issues related to water quality in our country and motivated me to explore how microbiology could play a role in improving water safety and public health. Currently, I am doing an internship at the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) of Pakistan as an environmental internee. This internship has given me the opportunity to work directly on environmental issues and contribute to protecting Pakistan’s natural resources. My role at the EPD involves a variety of tasks, including monitoring air and water quality.

Passion for sustainability and environmental protection, Academic background in applied microbiology, Hands-on experience in public health and environmental projects, Strong leadership and communication skills ,Problem-solving ability Adaptability to different situations and challenges ,Teamwork and collaboration skills Commitment to continuous learning and growth Experience in organizing awareness campaigns Scientific approach to addressing environmental challenges

One of my key strengths is problem-solving ability, and I had the opportunity to use this strength during my internship at the National Institute of Health (NIH). We were working on a project that focused on waterborne pathogens and their impact on public health, particularly in communities with limited access to clean drinking water. During this project, we faced a challenge when one of the water sources we were testing showed unexpected contamination levels, and the usual methods of identifying the specific pathogen were not providing clear results. The team was struggling to determine the cause of the contamination, and without identifying the pathogen, it was impossible to recommend proper interventions.

At that point, I decided to take the initiative and apply my problem-solving skills. I reviewed the data carefully and noticed that some of the contamination indicators were similar to those found in previous cases of protozoan pathogens, which are harder to detect using standard bacterial testing methods. I suggested that we use a different testing approach, specifically one that targets protozoa, which hadn’t been considered before. Despite some initial skepticism, the team agreed to run the additional tests. After conducting the tests, we discovered that the contamination was due to a protozoan parasite, which explained why the initial methods didn’t work.

Yes, I have experience acting as a volunteer. During my time at the National Institute of Health (NIH), I volunteered for various outreach programs aimed at improving public health and raising awareness about environmental issues. One of my significant volunteer experiences involved participating in a community health fair organized by NIH. The goal of the health fair was to provide education and resources to local residents about disease prevention, sanitation, and healthy living practices.

As a volunteer, my responsibilities included setting up informational booths, distributing educational materials, and engaging with community members to answer their questions about health and environmental practices. I also helped with organizing workshops on topics like proper handwashing techniques

Graduate: I have completed a graduate degree (e.g. I have a Masters degree or PhD)

If I were to lead a sustainability-related project in my community, I would focus on establishing a comprehensive **community-wide waste reduction and recycling initiative**. This project would address the growing problem of waste management in our community, where many people still lack awareness about effective waste disposal and recycling practices. The initiative would aim to reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills, promote recycling, and encourage the community to adopt more sustainable habits.

The project would begin with an educational campaign to raise awareness about the importance of waste reduction and recycling. This would involve organizing workshops, seminars, and informational sessions at community centers, schools, and local businesses. The goal would be to educate residents about how to properly sort waste, the benefits of recycling, and how to reduce single-use plastics. By providing clear, practical information and demonstrating how small changes in daily habits can make a significant difference, the campaign would help shift community attitudes towards more sustainable practices.

In addition to the educational component, the project would include the implementation of a robust recycling program. This would involve working with local waste management services to set up convenient recycling drop-off points throughout the community, especially in areas that are currently underserved. I would also advocate for the introduction of curbside recycling services for households that do not have access to them. The recycling program would be designed to handle a wide range of materials, including plastics, paper, glass, and metals, ensuring that residents have ample opportunities to recycle various types of waste.

To further support the recycling initiative, I would partner with local businesses and organizations to create a network of recycling champions. These partners would help promote the project within their own spheres of influence and could offer incentives, such as discounts or recognition, for businesses and individuals who excel in recycling efforts. By involving local stakeholders, the project would build a sense of community ownership and encourage more widespread participation.

Another key aspect of the project would be the promotion of composting. Composting organic waste, such as food scraps and yard waste, can significantly reduce the amount of waste sent to landfills and provide valuable nutrients for gardening.

When leading a community-wide waste reduction and recycling project, there are a few challenges I expect to face. First, many people might not be aware of the importance of recycling or might not know how to do it properly. To overcome this, I would start with a clear and simple educational campaign, using easy-to-understand materials and workshops to show people how and why to recycle. Another challenge could be the lack of recycling facilities or services in the community. I would work with local waste management services to improve and expand recycling options, like adding more drop-off points and curbside collection. People might also struggle with sorting their waste correctly, leading to contamination. To address this, I’d provide clear instructions and visual aids at recycling stations, and regularly remind the community of best practices. Local businesses might be hesitant to join the project due to concerns about cost or logistics. I would engage with them early on, offering support and incentives to make participation easier. Securing enough funds and resources could also be a challenge, so I’d look for grants, donations, and partnerships to support the project. Finally, keeping people interested and involved over time can be tough. I’d make sure to regularly update the community on the project’s progress, celebrate successes, and organize events to keep everyone motivated. By tackling these challenges with practical solutions, the project can succeed and make a positive impact.

About 200 people

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