I am Prof. (Dr.) Khalid Rehman Hakeem, Professor of Biological Sciences at King Abdulaziz University (KAU), Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where I have served since 2019. I also head the Plant Biotechnology Research Unit at the Princess Dr. Najlaa Bint Saud Al Saud Center for Distinguished Research in Biotechnology. With over 18 years of experience in teaching and research, my work centres on plant stress physiology, ecology, biotechnology, phytoremediation, medicinal plants, and environmental sciences. I earned my Ph.D. in Botany from Jamia Hamdard, New Delhi, India, in 2011. Earlier in my career, I worked as a Lecturer at the University of Kashmir and later as a Postdoctoral Fellow and Fellow Researcher (Associate Professor level) at Universiti Putra Malaysia (2012–2016). I have also served as a visiting scientist at institutions in Turkey and China.

My academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding plant processes at eco-physiological, molecular, and proteomic levels. I have published extensively — over 212 research papers, 106 books, 84 book chapters — and hold one US patent. My scholarly impact includes an h-index of 65 with more than 16,000 citations. I am consistently recognized among the World’s Top 2% Scientists by Stanford/Elsevier (2021–2025) and rank first in Plant Science at KAU according to the AD Scientific Index. I am a Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology (FRSB), which underscores my contributions to the field.

Beyond research and teaching, I am passionate about career guidance, professional counselling, and human resource development. As a career coach and strategist, I mentor students, early-career researchers, and academics on building successful paths in science and beyond. I believe that a fulfilling career in academia or research is built on curiosity, perseverance, strategic planning, and continuous learning.

Whether you are in school, an undergraduate exploring options, a Ph.D. scholar planning your future, or a mid-career professional seeking growth, I encourage you to define clear goals, seek mentors, and remain adaptable.

I welcome opportunities to connect with motivated individuals. Feel free to reach out through academic platforms or my professional website for guidance on research careers, publication strategies, or personal development in the sciences.

Let us work together to advance knowledge and build meaningful careers that benefit humanity and the planet.