Academic Staff

July 7, 2026, 7:38 a.m.
Belan Mohammed Khalil (PhD)
Lecturer
Lecturer in Plant Biology

Scientific Research Center
College of Science
University of Duhok

  • PhD in Plant Biology, Southern Illinois University, United States (2013-2018)
  • MSc in Plant Biotechnology, University of Duhok, Iraq (2007-2010)
  • BSc in Biology, University of Salahaddin, Iraq (1998-2002)

As a lecturer and researcher having PhD degree in Plant biology, I can denote my teaching experience and philosophy as listed below:

1- My teaching philosophy as a lecturer in plant biology is rooted in fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and a deep appreciation for the complexity of plant life. Whether teaching plant physiology or plant anatomy, I aim to create an interactive learning environment where students actively connect theoretical concepts with real biological processes.

2- I prioritize clarity, hands-on inquiry, and the use of visual and experimental approaches to help students understand how structure relates to function in plants. By encouraging observation, problem-solving, and scientific discussion, I strive to empower students to think like biologists and develop the skills needed for advanced study and research in plant science.

3- As faculty members we are required to make and produce future scientists to replace those who retire or may leave the academia for any reason. Our goals needed to be focused on talented students who have latent potential and desire in science drive them to advance toward international scientific forums.

Workshops and Training Courses

1- Participated in the workshop "Outcome of UoD peer project to open the door of nanotechnology field" March 3ed 2022 at the College of Science/ University of Duhok.

2- General DNA Technology/ University of Duhok/ SRC/ phase I, March 2022.

3- Statistical analysis of data using SPSS/ University of Duhok- Three days 22,23 and 24/ 5/2024

4- A roadmap from a problem to a solution/ university of Duhok/ 14/5/2024

5- "SRC research plan workshop" (24th – 25th April 2012) Scientific Research Center / Faculty of Science / University of Duhok / Iraq.

Research

1- GH Danial, DA Ibrahim, SA Brkat, BM Khalil. 2014. Multiple shoots production from shoot tips of fig tree (Ficus carica L.) and callus induction from leaf segments. International Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences and Technology 20 (1), 117.

2- DA Ibrahim, GH Danial, VM Mosa, BM Khalil. Plant regeneration from shoot tips-derived callus of ginger (Zingiber officinale Rosc.). American Journal of Experimental Agriculture 7 (1), 55-61

3- GH Danial, DA Ibrahim, BM Khalil, VM Musa. 2014. In vitro drought tolerant of rootstock apple (Malus domestica Borkh.) and pear (Pyrus calleryana). Journal of Zankoy Sulaimani 16, 109-116.

4- Hala Mudhafar Hamid; Atheel, NY; Belan Mohammed Khalil. 2022. In Vitro Phyhotoxicity of Silver Nanoparticles in Common Forage Plant Medicago sativa. Journal of Duhok University 25 (1), 88-102.

My research interests can be summarized as follows:

1- My research interest in bioinformatics and plant biotechnology centers on integrating computational tools with advanced plant sciences to better understand, improve, and innovate within agricultural systems.

2- I usually focus on using bioinformatics approaches such as genome analysis, gene expression profiling, construction of synthetic promoters, and molecular marker discovery to uncover the genetic mechanisms that control plant growth, stress tolerance, and productivity.

3- At the same time, I am interested in applying plant biotechnology techniques like tissue culture, genetic transformation, and molecular breeding to translate these insights into practical improvements in crop performance. By combining data-driven analysis with experimental biotechnology, my work aims to accelerate the development of resilient, high-yielding plant varieties and contribute to sustainable agricultural solutions.

Through out these years of my academic carries, I have:

1- Supervised many undergrad students

2- Mentoring an undergrad student in Geisler and Geilser-Lee lab in Plant Biology Department, Southern Illinois University, US

3- Mentoring one Master student in Scientific Research Center