Written by Mohd Khan, Ph.D.
I’m excited to share a bit about my journey. I’m originally from Banda, Uttar Pradesh, India. Like many children, I grew up with encouragement from my family to pursue medicine. While I didn’t follow that exact path, their support planted an early seed that eventually grew into a deep passion for science. Early on, I didn’t have a clear picture of what being a scientist truly meant beyond what I saw on television, and I often questioned whether a career in research was right for me. After all, science is not an easy path, late nights in the lab, failed experiments, long years of training, and modest pay are all part of the reality. What ultimately changed my perspective was the mentorship I received early in my career at Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India. Having someone believe in me and guide me through those formative years made all the difference. It was there that I learned to push past self-doubt and began to see myself as a scientist committed to discovery and research.
My formal training began in Reproductive Molecular Biology, where I studied the effects of lithium chloride on the male reproductive system. I later transitioned into Cancer Biology during my PhD at the University of Lucknow, Lucknow, India, where I investigated the molecular signatures underlying prostate cancer (PCa), with a strong emphasis on noncoding RNA biology, particularly microRNAs (miRNAs), and their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic relevance When it came time to choose a postdoctoral fellowship, Vanderbilt University Medical Center stood out for its strong alignment with my research, opportunities to expand my technical skill set, and its deep commitment to training early-career scientists. I knew VUMC would provide the mentorship and resources needed to help me grow into the kind of researcher I aspire to become.
At VUMC, my research focuses on the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving cardiovascular disease. During my postdoctoral training, research shifted toward the molecular and immunological mechanisms underlying cardiovascular disease, with a particular focus on salt-sensitive hypertension. My work centers on understanding how immune cell subsets, especially myeloid cells and T lymphocytes, interact with renal tissues and endothelial cells to promote inflammation, oxidative injury, and blood pressure dysregulation. At my core, I am a molecular physiologist, driven to connect molecular mechanisms with whole-body physiology. My long-term goal is to build on this foundation and establish myself as an independent investigator at an academic institution.
Like many postdocs, I am aware of the challenges that come with this stage of training, from securing funding to balancing time and troubleshooting complex experiments. The mentorship I have received has been invaluable, and I am deeply committed to paying it forward by supporting the next generation of scientists. In that spirit, I am grateful to serve as Co-Chair of the Career Development Committee within the Vanderbilt Postdoctoral Association, where I work to strengthen our community and advocate for postdoctoral trainees.
Outside the lab, I’m an avid cricket and soccer fan, and you’ll often find me out on the field. I also enjoy staying active and exploring Nashville with friends. Being part of such a collaborative and inspiring environment at Vanderbilt makes it especially rewarding to grow not only as a scientist, but also as a mentor and community member.