Gunay Karimova, a 2016 graduate of Khazar University's History and Geography Teacher Education program, has successfully defended her doctoral dissertation at Korea University (Seoul, South Korea), earning a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Environmental Science & Ecological Engineering.

Her dissertation is titled "Combined Toxicity of the Insecticide Diflubenzuron and Polylactic Acid Microplastics on Daphnia magna: Role of Humic Acid and UV Weathering." The research investigates the combined toxic effects of the insecticide diflubenzuron and polylactic acid-based microplastics on Daphnia magna organisms inhabiting aquatic ecosystems, as well as the role of humic acid and UV radiation in this process. The subject carries significant scientific importance in terms of aquatic ecosystem protection and water quality assessment.

During her doctoral studies, Karimova was highly commended by the Water Quality Laboratory of Korea University and received a letter of appreciation for her successful PhD defense.

A recipient of the Global Korea Scholarship (GKS) in 2021, Karimova achieved notable international milestones throughout her PhD tenure spanning 2022–2025. Her research in ecological engineering and hydrobiology has been highly recognized on prestigious scientific platforms and has earned her a number of awards.

In 2022, Karimova presented her research paper titled "Development of Harmful Algae Bloom Control Technology Using Daphnia-Derived Infochemicals" at the Korean Society of Ecological and Infrastructure Engineering Conference (2022 응용생태공학회) held in Seoul. The study was recognized as the best paper and awarded the Gold Award.

Karimova achieved another distinction in July 2024 at the 6th Biannual Conference of the Asian Society for Hydrobiology (ASH), held in Seoul. Her research paper titled "The Sublethal Toxicity (48h) for Diflubenzuron on Water Flea, Daphnia magna" was recognized for its high scientific merit and honored with the prestigious Brain Korea 21 (BK21 – Brain Korea 21 Program) Best Award.

Having also presented papers on pressing environmental issues at various international conferences held in South Korea, Japan, China, and Kazakhstan, Karimova has addressed the scientific community on topics including aquatic ecosystem protection, sustainable biodiversity management, and the assessment of anthropogenic impacts.

Karimova's achievement stands as yet another example of the accomplishments attained by Khazar University graduates in the international scientific arena.