The Global Goals
In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. Hail's work contributes towards the following SDG(s):
About Hail
My current research is focused on effectively integrating state-of-the-art Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) technologies into commercial settings, specifically for intensive hydroponic cultivation of high-value crops. "I am presently coordinate the Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) Technology research group at the University of Plymouth (UK), overseeing our initiatives and advancements in this field. You can find more information about our research group at https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/research/controlled-environment-agriculture-research-group. I possess a profound interest in the field of micro-propagation and have actively engaged in research on artificial seed production. My previous research endeavors have encompassed in-depth studies on cauliflower and ornamental plant tissue culture. Furthermore, my passion extends to exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying plant abiotic stress tolerance, wherein I have delved into monitoring gene expression profiles and regulatory networks for enhancing crop genetic control. Notably, my research contributions include the application of biomolecular techniques to bolster wheat and cauliflower resistance against abiotic stresses such as drought, cold, and salinity. In acknowledgment of my significant research endeavors, I received the prestigious Vice Chancellor’s Award for Early Career Researchers in the Expert Category from Plymouth University in 2012. Additionally, I am privileged to serve as a Consulting Professor of Vertical Farming at King Abdulaziz for Science and Technology (KACST) in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA), and as a Visiting Professor at Jeddah University, also situated in KSA.Supervised Research Degrees
1. I have supervised a number of undergraduate studentswith their Honours Projects at both Damascus and Plymouth Universities. I havealso co-supervised 2 visiting Postdoctoral Fellows from Egypt and Iraq at Plymouth University 2. I also supervised PhD student at the University of Plymouth/UK. Her thesis was under the title of “The influence of exogenously applied “anti-stress” agents in the upregulation of the drought response in Iraqi wheat varieties “. She defended her thesis successfully. 3. I also supervised several ResM student and taught master students.
Teaching
Plymouth University (UK) 01/10/2023 to current: Lecturer in Agricultural Technology Plymouth University/ Phytome Research Limited -01/04/2021 to 01/10/2023: Head of Plant Research Development at Phytome Research Limited and Senior Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth. In my role as the Head of Plant Research and Development at a Control Environment Agriculture Research Company, I led a team of scientists and technicians. My responsibilities included overseeing the design and execution of advanced research programs focused on enhancing crop yields and quality within controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems.|
Plymouth University (UK) 10/04/2016 to 01-04-2021: Post-doctoral Research Fellow/lecturer at the School of Biological sciences. I am conducting research on the use of different LED lighting systems on the growth, development and yield of high value crops. I also teach in the following modules (BIOL 111 (Animal and plant physiology)- BIOL 301 (Plant Biotechnology) - Biol 217 (Environmental Plant Physiology), GEES001 (Study and Mathematical Skills for Science), Molecular Biology Techniques Podule Leader in Biol 307 (Advanced Skills and Concepts) and Module Leader of Biol0014 (Issues in Biology)
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Damascus University 11/10/2014 to 08/04/2016 | Lecturer at the Department of Horticulture / Faculty of Agriculture. I was responsible for designing and delivering the following modules: Genetic improving of Plants - Seed Production- - Winter Vegetable Production (fourth year courses)- Plant Tissue Culture- Techniques of Vegetable Production (Master level)
Plymouth University 2012 to 2014 | Associate Lecturer in the School of Biomedical and Biological Sciences/Faculty of Science and Technology. I was responsible for designing, delivering and assessing 150 students in Module Bio 005 Extended Science. I also conducted research on the molecular mechanism of cold tolerance in wheat.
Plymouth University 01/02 to 26/04/2014 | Teaching Assistant in the School of Biological Sciences. My duty was to help in delivering lectures in various plant science and molecular biology modules, and in addition conducting research on plant micro-propagation and plant abiotic stress tolerance.
Plymouth University 2010-2012 | I worked as a Demonstrator, which required the supervision of undergraduate practical classes, with responsibility for groups of up to fifty.
University of Damascus 2008-2009 | I worked as a Teaching Assistant, teaching practical aspects of several modules (Plant Genetic Improvement and Plant Protected Culture modules).
Arab Centre for Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) 2007-2008 | I worked as an expert in fruit tree production. As part of my duties in the centre I delivered lectures in courses at the Arabic centre designed for agricultural engineers from various Middle Eastern countries. I also delivered talks on open days, which the Arabic Centre arranged regularly.
Contact Hail
A425, Portland Square, Drake Circus, Plymouth, PL4 8AA
hail.rihan@plymouth.ac.uk
