Pramod Mahajan, PhD

Professor Mahajan earned a PhD in Biochemistry from University of Pune, India. He has extensive research and teaching experience in academia and biotechnology industry. He joined Drake University in 2010, and to date has secured over a million dollars in extramural and intramural research grants and led the establishment of the Ellis Pharmacogenomics Teaching and Research Laboratory at Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Dr. Mahajan has developed successful research collaborations with scientists in local, National and International institutions. Current research in the Mahajan lab focuses on (1) Understanding molecules and mechanisms of DNA Damage & Repair and (2) Developing genomic technologies for Healthcare Education & Research. Dr. Mahajan has 35 peer-reviewed publications and 33 issued US patents to his credit. 

Professor Mahajan serves on various committees of National and International professional organizations including the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists and American Society of Human Genetics, American Society of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and locally, the Heartland Global Health Consortium. He is passionate about enhancing genomics & biotechnology education for improving human health. Recently, Dr. Mahajan’s SoapyCilantro Practicum has been selected for the Iowa Governor’s STEM Scale Up scheme. This practicum consists of a week-long continuing education course for Iowa’s STEM teachers and a genomics education kit for 6-12 grade students.