Dr Dawood Khan

Overview

Dr. Dawood Khan is a Lecturer in the School of Biomedical Sciences at Ulster University. A Vice-Chancellor’s Research Scholarship recipient, he earned his PhD investigating the role of non-classical islet peptides in pancreatic function and survival. His research portfolio encompasses experimental diabetes, obesity, gut peptides, pancreatic and intestinal adaptations, and fertility-related disorders, including cystic fibrosis-related diabetes. With a keen interest in the gut-reproductive axis, Dr. Khan’s work is published in top-tier journals such as Nature Communications, Scientific Reports and Diabetologia.

As a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA) and a Master’s in Education (MEd), Dr Khan is an educator and researcher, recognized with multiple commendations for his leadership and teaching excellence. He coordinates critical modules like Medical Cell Biology, Pharmacology, and Clinical Biochemistry and is recognized for his innovative use of digital tools to enhance learning. As a study advisor, he supports the academic and professional growth of final-year students.

A prolific contributor to the scientific community, he has published significant peer-reviewed articles in leading journals, presented at international conferences, serves as a reviewer for various high impact journals and supervised numerous postgraduate researchers. Dr. Khan has secured competitive research and travel funding. His current research explores the therapeutic potential of incretin hormones on fertility and metabolic health, with an emphasis on obesity and diabetes. Additionally, he contributes to public outreach and science communication, organizing lab tours and engaging with community initiatives to promote biomedical research.

As the School Sustainability Champion, Dr. Khan integrates sustainable practices into education and research, fostering environmentally responsible scientific inquiry. His efforts in gender equality and diversity have contributed to the Athena Swan initiative within the School of Biomedical Sciences.

Research Interests

• Gut-reproductive axis and its role in metabolic diseases and infertility
• Mechanisms of incretins and multi-receptor hybrid peptides in obesity and diabetes
• Non-classical islet peptides and their impact on pancreatic function and survival
• Cystic fibrosis-related diabetes (CFRD)
• Nutritional and hormonal modulation of reproductive health

Teaching Interests

• Biomedical sciences and Biotechnology
• Medical cell biology and pharmacology
• Clinical biochemistry and Animal physiology/ anatomy
• Evidence-based healthcare practices
• Integration of digital tools in student-centered learning

Professional Membership

• Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA)
• Professional Member, Diabetes UK
• Professional Member, European Association for the Study of Diabetes (EASD)
• Professional Member, Society of Endocrinology
• Professional Member, The Physiological Society

Administrative Activities

• School Sustainability Champion for the School of Biomedical Sciences
• Module Coordinator for key courses in the School of Biomedical Sciences
• PhD and international exchange student supervisor
• Study Advisor for final-year undergraduate students
• Radiation Protection Supervisor, Diabetes Radioimmunoassay Laboratory
• Contributor of Ulster’s Research Excellence Framework

Research Opportunities