Zakeel Mohamed Cassim
Zakeel, a native of Sri Lanka, earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture and Master of Philosophy in Agricultural Biology from the esteemed University of Peradeniya. His academic journey took a significant turn when he pursued his PhD in Molecular Plant Pathology at the University of Queensland, Australia, focusing on an enigmatic disease affecting macadamia plants. With over 15 years of dedicated service as a senior lecturer in Sri Lanka, Zakeel transitioned to Australia, where he has become an integral part of the scientific community. His expertise lies in the intricate world of plant-microbe interactions. In 2022, Zakeel joined CSIRO as a Research Scientist, based in Canberra, Australia. His current work revolves around developing integrated disease management strategies to combat plant diseases effectively. At the heart of his research is the utilization of advanced simulation modelling, enabling him to predict the epidemiological outcomes of various management interventions. This approach provides invaluable insights for sustainable disease management.
Zakeel's enthusiasm extends to exploring the roles of microbiomes in both plants (endophytic) and soil, unravelling the intricate interplay between pathogens and host plants in disease development. Thrilled to be at the forefront of this exciting field, Zakeel is driven by a passion for making a tangible real-world impact through his research, contributing to advancing agricultural practices. As a hobby, Zakeel loves gardening and painting.
Abstracts this author is presenting: