Mansoor Khan, Ph.D.

Pharmacy Graduate Stresses the Importance of Mentors

It was during his time, as a graduate student in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, that Mansoor Khan, Ph.D. decided on the path his life would take.

Currently serving as the Director of the Division of Product Quality Research for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Dr. Khan chose the College of Pharmacy for his doctoral studies because of the reputation of its outstanding faculty. He eventually received his Ph.D. in Industrial Pharmacy in 1992.

Dr. Khan has published more than 200 peer-reviewed manuscripts, four texts including Pharmaceutical and Clinical Calculations, 15 book chapters and given more than 150 invited presentations in conferences and workshops nationally and internationally.

“St. John’s program in Industrial Pharmacy was geared toward those who wanted a career in the industry,” Dr. Khan stressed. “Most of the well-known companies were nearby, and the students in the evening program were bringing their expertise to the table  — working to solve the practical problems faced by the industry.”

“In my mind,” he added, “there are very few programs like that in the country.”

During his time at the College of Pharmacy, Dr. Khan found a mentor in Indra Reddy, Ph.D., a former assistant professor there who had a profound impact on him. He stressed that Dr. Reddy’s mentoring included a focus on practical, cutting-edge research, as well as being fair and patient with his students. Dr. Reddy is now the Dean of School of Pharmacy at Texas A&M University Health science Center.

“He treated all his colleagues, students and others with the utmost respect and fairness.”

The pair developed a friendship, and inspired by Dr. Reddy’s example, Dr. Khan pursued a career in academia. After receiving his doctorate, Dr. Khan joined the faculty of the University of Louisiana at Monroe as an Assistant Professor. Later, he joined Texas Tech University Health Center, eventually becoming a full professor there in 1999.

In 2004, Dr. Khan was recruited by the FDA to heighten its profile in product quality work. As Director of the Division of Product Quality Research, he oversees four teams that examine the science behind products submitted to the FDA for approval.

Throughout his time in academia, Dr. Khan has served as a mentor to 10 doctoral students and numerous postdoctoral fellows, in much the same way Dr. Reddy was for him. He continues to mentor graduate students, post docs and several scientists in the FDA.

Dr. Khan recalls his St. John’s experience fondly. “If you can succeed in New York, you can succeed anywhere. A highlight for me was the confidence I developed after completing my comprehensive examination and dissertation defense. I still carry those with me. If we are trained well and work hard for a defined mission and goal, our dreams will come true.”