Pramod Mahajan, BSc, MSc, PhD

Biography

Dr. Pramod Mahajan grew up in a small town in rural India with dirt roads and no electricity, but nevertheless completed his education and went on to earn a PhD. He credits the teachers he had. Now, he brings more than 42 years of research and teaching experience across academia and the biotechnology industry to his work as an educator. Drawing on his background in biochemistry and molecular technologies, he is passionate about helping students understand complex scientific concepts and their applications to improving human health.

Dr. Mahajan creates an engaging, student-centered learning environment that encourages curiosity, collaboration, and independent thinking. Through hands-on activities, case studies, group discussions, and interactive learning tools, he challenges students to think critically, apply knowledge, and communicate confidently.

As a mentor and lifelong learner, Dr. Mahajan emphasizes high expectations, constructive feedback, and continuous improvement. His goal is to inspire students to pursue knowledge, take ownership of their learning, and develop the skills needed to succeed as healthcare professionals and engaged citizens.

Outside of the classroom, Dr. Mahajan and his wife, Prachi, live in Grimes and raised two adult children. An ardent cricket fan, Dr. Mahajan refers to himself as a "so-so soccer coach but a tough referee, especially for unruly coaches and parents." He enjoys vegetarian cuisine, hot tea, and music. An amateur actor, he likes comedies of all kinds and mysteries of the Hitchcock category.

Areas of Expertise

• Biochemical & Molecular Proteomics
• Enzyme Engineering & Biotransformation
• Gene Targeting & Genome Modification
• Pharmacogenomics & Pharmacognosy
• Precision/Personalized Medicine 
• STEM & Continuing Education
• Global & Public Health Care

Education

• PhD Biochemistry, University of Poona
• MSc Biochemistry, Marathwada University
• BSc Biology, Marathwada University

Courses Taught

• PHAR 133 - Principles of Drug Action I
• PHAR 109 - Pharmacogenomics
• PHAR 147 - International Health Topics (Study Abroad course in India)
• PHAR 150 - Biotechnology for Global Health Care Professionals
• FYS - Genomics and Society

Latest Projects and Publications

Projects and Grants

Principal Investigator (Dr. Abebe Mengesha, Co-PI) 'Biomarkers for Radiation-Induced DNA Damage during Human Space Exploration' NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium Base Grant; July 2020 - June 2024.

Principal Investigator, 'SoapyCilantro A Hands-On Introduction to Genomics' Iowa Governor's STEM ScaleUP grant, July 2021 - June 2022/July 2022 - June 2023.

Principal Investigator (Dr. Natisha Jensen, Co-PI) 'A Precision Medicine Continuing Education Curriculum for Iowa's Health Care Professionals' NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium; Aug. 2018 - Dec. 2020.

Principal Investigator (Drs. Mobley-Bukstein, Ross and Stelter, Co-PIs) 'Exploring Complementary Approaches to Combat Global Non-Communicable Disease Burden' July 2018 - June 2020.

Co-Principal Investigator (Dr. Erin Ulrich, Co-PI) 'Development and usability of a 'SoapyCilantro' A companion kit for STEM educators.' NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium; Aug. 2018 - July 2019.

Principal Investigator, 'Introduction to Precision Medicine: An Experiential Course for Iowa's STEM Teachers' NASA Iowa Space Grant Consortium; Direct costs: $10,000; Aug. 2017 - July 2018.

Co-Principal Investigator. (P.I.: Abebe Mengesha) Impact of Nanotechnology in Design and Development of Triggerable Drug Delivery Systems for Smart Medicine - Iowa NASA EPSCoR research grant; Jan. 2014-2016.

Publications and Patents

Mengesha, A., Hoerres, A and Mahajan P. (2022) 'Cytocompatability of oleic acid modified iron oxide nanoparticles'  Materials Letter 323, 132528.

Srivastava T, Joshi T, Heurth DP, Rezaiekhaligh MH, Garola RE, Zhou J, Boinpelly VC, Ali MF, Alon UA, Sharma M, Vanden Heuvel GB, Mahajan P, Lakshmi P, McCarthy ET, Savin VJ, Sharma R, and Sharma M. (2021) 'Perinatal exposure to Interleukin-6: a model to study developmental insult in susceptibility to chronic kidney disease in offspring' Scientific Reports 11: 13260-79.

Kearney K, Puglisi M., Black E. and Mahajan P. (2020) What do pharmacy students need to know about biochemistry? Pharma. Edu. 20(1), 324-335.

McFadgen K, Jensen N, Mahajan P. (2019) 'Application of pharmacogenomics for trauma and critical care patients: A case report' Trauma Case Reports, 24: 100266.

Wall GC, Muktar H, Effken C, Mahajan PB. (2018) Addition of Allopurinol for altering Thiopurine metabolism to optimize therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Pharmacotherapy 38:259-270.

Mahajan PB (2016) Recent Advances in Application of Pharmacogenomics for Biotherapeutics. AAPS J. 18:605-11.

Professional Affiliations

• American Association of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (ASBMB)
• Association of Biochemistry Educators (ABE)
• American Association for Advancement of Science (AAAS)
• National Community Oncology Dispensing Association (NCODA)
• Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA)
• Iowa Rural Health Association (IRHA)
• Iowa Academy of Science (IAS)

American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS)

• Pharmacogenomics Leadership Team Member
• Global Health Community Leadership Team Member
• Biomarkers and Precision Medicine Community Member
• AAPS Journal Editorial Board Member

American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG)

• Public Education and Awareness Committee Member

College Service

• Faculty Affairs Committee Member
• DeltaRx Advisory Committee Member
• Drake AAPS Student Chapter Faculty Advisor
• Drake NCODA Student Chapter Faculty Advisor

University Service

• Global Engagement Advisory Committee
• Global & Comparative Public Health Concentration Faculty Advisory Committee

Honors and Awards

• The Principal Financial Group Global Citizenship Award, Drake University, 2019
• APEX Catalyst Award, Waukee Independent School District, 2018
• Drake Undergraduate Science Collaborative Institute Award, Drake University, 2016
• Hartig Distinguished Professor Award, Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, 2012