Student Spotlight: Priya Mohan

Instead of enjoying one last summer of no classes or rotations, Priya Mohan (Class of 2014) is staying in Jackson this summer to continue research she began last summer with Dr. Blake Watkins and Dr. Ashok Philip. Mohan is currently using computer-aided drug design tools to design small molecules against selected molecular targets for anthrax and tuberculosis. She states that, "I had some research experience before joining the pharmacy school and have always enjoyed exploring new things. Research helps me to focus and learn things in a different way."

Mohan feels UUSOP offers an incredible opportunity for students to work alongside faculty mentors on research projects with the potential to impact disease treatment both in the US and around the world. She gets much satisfaction knowing that what she is doing now will contribute to this goal. Her typical research days are extremely busy spent exploring numerous ways to accomplish the drug design goals. Some days are met with success and other days present immense challenges that make her to rethink and develop alternative approaches. Mohan feels that even during unsuccessful days, she is learning how to do things differently the next time.

Mohan knows that working in research while pursuing her Pharm.D. degree helps develop her analytical and critical thinking skills, which will be useful in her work as a pharmacist. Research also helps her keep track of current innovations in the area of drug development.

Mohan hopes to practice in the area of oncology or infectious disease back in her home country of India. She states, "I will be very pleased to get an opportunity to work as a clinical specialist and as a researcher involved in drug development."