Shafi Ullah Khan

Course: Doctor of Philosophy (in the area of Medicinal Chemistry), 2021
Nationality: Pakistani
Current role: Associate Professor, ABASYN University Peshawar

Please tell us about your role in your current organisation.

I am an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacy at ABASYN University Peshawar, Pakistan. I teach undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as supervise postgraduate students.

Please tell us about your postgraduate research at Monash.

Chemotherapy resistance is a major issue in breast cancer treatment because several previously responsive tumours relapse and become resistant to multiple anticancer drugs. My postgraduate research was primarily concerned with breast cancer treatment and the prevention of breast cancer resistance. Using a hybrid virtual screening, synthesis, and biological evaluation method, I identified a few compounds that could be used to treat breast cancer. In addition, I synthesised a new fluorescence probe in a very efficient and cost-effective way that has potential in breast cancer screening.

Why did you choose Monash?

Monash offers a unique environment filled with diverse, energetic, and talented people who are motivated to take advantage of opportunities. Monash’s Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is impressively ranked second in the world. In meaningful ways, Monash’s ‘Ancora Imparo’ mission inspires innovation and collaboration while also developing skills and expertise. I have surpassed all my targeted expectations since beginning my studies at Monash.

Did you participate in any student activities or opportunities?

If anyone wants to hone their skill, whether it is a professional or extracurricular, Monash Malaysia is a hub of multi-opportunities.

I participated in countless professional events and conferences, such as the School of Pharmacy’s Three Minute thesis competition in 2019 and 2020, AIMST Falling walls Lab 2019 (a world-class pitch competition), IIX European Workshop in Drug Design Workshop Itlay 2019, International Meeting & 42nd Annual Conference of the MSBMB Malaysia 2017, American Chemical Society (ACS) Spring 2020 National Meeting and Expo, USA, RSC Pakistan 1st International Conference on Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Discovery 2018, International Conference on Drug Development – Natural & Synthetic ‘Current Approaches and Emerging Trends for the Development and Discovery of Drugs, Pakistan’ 2017.

I was also honored to be a member of several societies, associations, and chapters. In the first six months of my candidature, I enjoyed visiting various places in Malaysia, mostly organised by international student services. From 2017 to 2019, I volunteered as a Mentor in the International Buddy program. In 2018, I served as the Postgraduate Representative for the School of Pharmacy at MUPA.

I was a founding member of the American Chemical Society Monash University International Student Chapter, established in 2019. In 2019, I was the chapter’s pioneer vice president, and in 2020, I was the chapter’s president. During my tenure as president and vice president, Our ACS chapter won the ACS Outstanding Chapter Award for two consecutive years. Our chapter also secured several ACS grants for organising seminars and industrial visits.

What did you enjoy most about your student life?

The multicultural diversity at Monash encouraged and facilitated more rigorous conversation, which often lead to better and stronger ideas. I am fortunate to have a Monash PhD, which has greatly enhanced my skills and insight into innovative ideas.

What is your career goal, or what is the difference you’d like to make?

I am grateful to Great Almighty Allah for all of his blessings on me in my life. Long-term goals are not my priority at any point in my life. I always try my best and put maximum effort into my current workplace. Supporting others is my career purpose. I consider myself extremely fortunate to have been surrounded by people who have been generous with their knowledge and expertise. My most important career goal is to build a well-educated and compassionate community.