Hazrat Usman

Hazrat Usman is a PhD graduate research assistant in Dr. George’s lab, joining in Spring 2023 as a U.S.–Pakistan Knowledge Corridor Scholar. His doctoral research focuses on developing protocols for the commercial production of extruded food products from Intermediate Wheatgrass (Thinopyrum intermedium), commonly known as Kernza®, with an emphasis on advancing sustainable, value-added cereal-based foods.

Usman was raised in District Bajaur, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Food Science and Technology from the University of Agriculture, Peshawar, KP, Pakistan. During his academic training, he completed internships under the Prime Minister’s Youth Internship Program at the Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Agriculture, Peshawar, and at the Government Public Health and Food Analysis Laboratory, Peshawar.

Prior to beginning his PhD, Usman served for more than two years as a Food Safety Officer with the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Food Safety and Halal Food Authority, Government of Pakistan. In this role, he gained experience in food safety regulation, inspection, compliance, and public health protection.

Outside of his academic and research activities, he enjoys watching movies, following the news, and engaging in debates. He likes hiking, playing cricket, and hanging out with friends.