Microbial communities are fundamental to soil health, driving nutrient cycling, organic matter decomposition, and plant-microbe interactions. However, the impact of neonicotinoid pesticides on these essential microbial networks remains insufficiently understood. This research investigates how neonicotinoids influence microbial communities, interactions and functional potential across different soil types. By integrating high-throughput sequencing and bioinformatics, this study provides insights into microbial dynamics under chemical stress. Understanding these microbial responses is critical for developing science-based strategies to mitigate unintended pesticide effects while maintaining agricultural productivity and ecosystem balance.

About the Speaker

Sharmin is a PhD candidate at the Fenner School of Environment and Society, where she has been researching neonicotinoids and soil microorganisms. Her research employs molecular and ecological approaches to investigate microbial composition, structure, and function, providing new insights into long-term soil health and agricultural sustainability. Alongside her academic work, she is a public service professional under the Ministry of Agriculture, Bangladesh, where she has contributed to soil resource management and sustainable land-use policies. She has actively engaged in soil conservation initiatives, stakeholder collaborations, and farmer education programs to promote evidence-based agricultural practices. Sharmin’s contributions to environmental research have been recognized with the SETAC AU and ACEDD Peter Teasdale Memorial Award (2022). She is dedicated to integrating scientific innovation with practical applications to enhance sustainable land management and environmental resilience.