Phylogenetic Analysis of Rare and Endangered Tulipa Species (Liliaceae) of Kazakhstan Based on Universal Barcoding Markers

Dr. Maxim Y. Sutula, leading researcher of Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, National Center for Biotechnology, Astana, Kazakhstan (2023–present). EDUCATION: master's in biotechnology, Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University, Astana, Kazakhstan (2008–2010); PhD in biology, Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan (2013–2018). EXPERIENCE (15 years): Chief Researcher of National Science Shared Laboratory, Amanzholov University, Oskemen, Kazakhstan (2021–2023); Head of National Science Shared Laboratory, Amanzholov University, Oskemen, Kazakhstan (2019–2021); Head of Plant Biology and Biotechnology Laboratory, Amanzholov University, Oskemen, Kazakhstan (2019–2019); Researcher, Laboratory of Plant Biotechnology, Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan (2013–2018); Junior Researcher, Laboratory of Biotechnology, Seifullin Kazakh Agrotechnical University, Astana, Kazakhstan (2004–2013). INTERESTS: molecular and biochemical mechanisms of interaction between plants and viruses; plant signaling in biotic and abiotic stress; RNA-interference; plant biotechnology and biochemistry; agricultural biotechnology; molecular phytopathology; microbiology and virology; immunology; diagnostics of infectious diseases; virus detection and biosecurity; genetic engineering; genome editing by CRISPR/Cas; DNA sequencing; DNA barcoding; PCR; ELISA; chromatography of proteins and nucleic acids; phylogenetic analysis; Bayesian inference, and DNA fingerprinting.

Ayan Kakanay, currently the Researcher of Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory at the National Center for Biotechnology, holds a bachelor of science in biological sciences from Nazarbayev University and a master of science in biology from L.N. Gumilyov Eurasian National University, Astana, Kazakhstan. Ayan has contributed to projects such as creating a biobank for rare species in Kazakhstan and conducting GWAS analysis on drought-resistant wheat varieties. His publication on alfalfa morphogenesis demonstrates his research expertise. Ayan's skills include DNA extraction, sequence analysis, plant sterilization, and PCR. Ayan Kakanay has received rewards such as a golden medal at the International Amity Biology Olympiad and four prizes at the Republican Biology Olympiad in Kazakhstan.

Dilnur Tussipkan, PhD, is currently the leading researcher of Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory, National Center for Biotechnology, 13/5, Korgalzhyn highway, Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan. Research area: genome-wide association studies (GWAS). In 2017, Tussipkan supervised a doctoral dissertation on the topic "Association Analysis of Salt Tolerance Traits with SSR and SNP Markers in Asiatic Cotton (Gossypium arboretum)". Tussipkan is interested in the comparative analysis of complete chloroplast genomes and complete mitochondrial genomes from local and endangered plant and animal species. E-mail: tdilnur@mail.ru

Dr. Samatulla Dzhumanov, PhD, is an experienced specialist in the field of biology and nature conservation. He was born on January 7, 1969, in the Turkestan region, Kazakhstan. In 2010, he graduated from the Peoples' Friendship University of Kazakhstan in Shymkent with a PhD in biology. From the beginning of his career in 1991 until 2003, he worked in the Republic of Uzbekistan as a brigade leader and agronomist specializing in vineyard cultivation. In 2004, he joined the Aksu-Zhabagly State Nature Reserve as State Inspector until 2006. From 2007 to 2022, Dr. Dzhumanov worked at the Aksu-Zhabagly State Nature Reserve, progressing from a junior research fellow to Deputy Director for scientific work. Since 2023, he has held the position of Head of the Department of Science, Information, and Monitoring, demonstrating his dedication and professionalism in the field of scientific research and environmental conservation. For outstanding contributions to nature conservation and biodiversity, he was awarded the Badge of Honor "For Impeccable Service to the Protection of Kazakhstan's Forests" of the 1st degree by the Forestry and Wildlife Committee Ministry of Ecology, Geology and Natural Resources of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Dr. Manabayeva Shuga Askarovna, Head of the Plant Genetic Engineering Laboratory at the National Center of Biotechnology in Astana, Kazakhstan, has a career spanning three decades. Beginning in 1990 under Prof. Mukhambetzhanov K.K. at Kazakh National Pedagogical University, she earned her Candidate of Biological Sciences degree in genetics in 2000. Notably, from 1995 to 2005, her pioneering research focused on short-stemmed hexaploid wheat genetics, leading to revolutionary advancements in breeding programs. As a recipient of prestigious international scholarships like the InWEnt and DAAD programs in Germany, she conducted research at the University of Texas from 2007 to 2010, focusing on molecular virology and genetic engineering. Her current interests include CRISPR/Cas9-based plant genetic modification and recombinant protein production, with notable publications in renowned journals. Recognized for her contributions, she received a letter of thanks from the Minister of Education and Science of Kazakhstan in 2017 and the award of a breastplate for merits in science development in 2018. Currently leading research on vascular plant species diversity in Kazakhstan, she has supervised numerous scientific projects resulting in 80 publications indexed in Scopus and Web of Science databases, with a Hirsch index of 5.