Detailed Curriculum Vitae
Personal Information:
Name:
Nationality:
Institute:
College / Department:
E-mail:
Amina Abdullah Al-Farsi
Omani
Sultan Qaboos University (SQU)
Science / Life Science Unit
aalfarsi@squ.edu.om
Qualifications:
PhD
MSc
BSc
(Plant Systematics)
(Environmental Sciences)
(Biology)
UCT (South Africa) 2009
SQU (Oman)
1997
SQU (Oman)
1994
Research interests:
1. Molecular phylogenetic research. It is interesting to have baseline studies to identify existing
genetic diversity and ecosystem diversity of certain areas to assess the biological diversity of the
different plants and the ecosystems they form. In terms of biodiversity and ecological function at
the ecosystem, species and genetic levels it is crucial to identify and define areas of high genetic
diversity and buffer zones.
2. Vegetation survey and GIS mapping using remote sensing. Vegetation displays patterns that
reflect a wide variety of environmental characteristics and temporal aspects operating on it. The
survey and mapping of vegetation is seen as a baseline inventory to assist natural resource
management. The attempt is to capture unique map unit boundaries that are not always distinctly
definable in nature. Map units can be defined as an assemblage of plant species, which are
discernable on interpretive base (i.e. aerial photography, satellite imagery) and appear similar
both structurally and floristically and form repeatable units across the landscape. Vegetation
mapping can identify ecologically sensitive areas, map areas recognized as priorities due to
possible land use change, delineate broad ecological attributes of particular vegetation types (e.g.
Juniper woodlands) or habitats (e.g. Nature Reserves) and enhances land use system by
identifying landscapes and understanding land management practices, which have major impact
on natural resources including water, soil, plants and animals. Land use information can be used
to develop solutions for natural management issues such as water quality and land degradation.
3. Plant taxonomy and classification of the flora of Arabia, Africa and SW Asia.
Expertise:
1. Botanical Survey of Khor Kharfot in the Governorate of Dhofar in 2014.
2. Training on vegetation Survey using GIS & Remote sensing at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew,
UK in September 2010.
3. Plant survey and collection in Dhofar as part of HM medicinal plants project in 2001 (joint
project Chemistry & Biology Departments).
4. Botanical survey of the Halaniyat Islands expedition in 2000.
5. Two months training on Scanning Electron Microscopy at BYU in 2000 (worked on pollen
morphology).
6. Plant collection from Dhofar with a group of researchers from Brigham Young University
(BYU), Utah, USA in 1999.
7. A diploma in Herbarium Techniques (1999) from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK.
8. Training on desert Control Technology at Gansu Desert Control Research Institute (China) for
one month in 1998.
9. Curator of SQU Herbarium since 1998.
Publications:
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Adams, R., A. Al-Farsi & A. Schwarzbach (2014). Confirmation of the southern-most
population of Juniperus servaschanica in Oman by DNA sequencing of nrDNA and four cpDNA
regions. Phytologia 96 (3):218-224.
Bruyns, P., A. Al-Farsi & T. Hedderson (2010). Phylogenetic relationships of Caralluma R. Br.
(Apocynaceae). Taxon 59 (4): 1031-1043.
Victor, R. & A. Al-Farsi (2001). Water quality and invertebrate fauna of farm wells in an area
affected by salinization in Oman. Journal of Arid Environments 48 (3): 419-428.