Salma Khan | Precision Medicine | Best Researcher Award

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Salma Khan, Loma Linda University, United States

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Salma Khan is a distinguished physician-scientist specializing in gynecologic oncology and thyroid cancer research. With a Ph.D. from Kumamoto University and faculty appointments at Loma Linda University , she excels in translational cancer biology. Her groundbreaking work on health disparities, molecular oncology, and thyroid cancer genomics has earned her multiple honors, including the 2024 AACR Women Cancer Research Award . She actively contributes to the American Thyroid Association, NIH peer review panels, and serves on several journal editorial boards . Dr. Khan is also a dedicated mentor and advocate for diversity in science and medicine .

Publication Profile

Google Scholar

Education

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Salma Khan began her academic journey with a Higher Secondary Certificate from Govt. M.M. Ali College, Tangail, Bangladesh (1983–1985). She earned her MBBS from Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal, India (1986–1991), followed by an internship at Hamidia Hospital (1991–1992). Dr. Khan completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at IPGMR, Dhaka (1992–1994), and pursued a fellowship at Kumamoto University School of Medicine, Japan (1995–1996). Her academic excellence culminated in a Ph.D. in Gynecologic Oncology from Kumamoto University (1996–2000), showcasing her dedication to advancing women’s health.

Awards

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Salma Khan has received numerous accolades throughout her distinguished career. She was honored with the Best Mentor Award by BMANA in 2025 (San Francisco), 2023 (Los Angeles), and 2020 (Dallas). In 2024, she received the AACR Women Cancer Research Award and the Best Basic Science Research Award in California. A frequent recipient of Travel Awards from the American Thyroid Association (2016–2023), Dr. Khan also earned top honors at scientific meetings and was a keynote speaker in Japan and Korea (2015). Her journey began with prestigious academic scholarships in Bangladesh, India, and Japan.

Research Focus

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Salma Khan focuses her research on cancer biology, with a specialized emphasis on exosomes, survivin biology, and biomarkers for early cancer detection, particularly in prostate and breast cancers. Her groundbreaking studies explore how tumor-derived exosomes contribute to cell signaling, apoptosis inhibition, and metastasis, highlighting survivin as a pivotal player and potential diagnostic marker. Dr. Khan’s work intersects molecular oncology and translational medicine, aiming to bridge lab findings with clinical applications. Her contributions are instrumental in advancing non-invasive diagnostic tools and improving cancer prognosis across diverse populations.

Publication Top Notes

Plasma-derived exosomal survivin, a plausible biomarker for early detection of prostate cancer

Survivin is released from cancer cells via exosomes

Early diagnostic value of survivin and its alternative splice variants in breast cancer

Extracellular, cell-permeable survivin inhibits apoptosis while promoting proliferative and metastatic potential

PTEN promoter is methylated in a proportion of invasive breast cancers

Human villous macrophage-conditioned media enhance human trophoblast growth and differentiation in vitro

Differential MicroRNA‐Signatures in Thyroid Cancer Subtypes Proteomic profiling of serum-derived exosomes from ethnically diverse prostate cancer patients

Exosomes secreted from human cancer cell lines contain inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP)

LATS1 phosphorylates forkhead L2 and regulates its transcriptional activity

The emerging role of exosomes in survivin secretion

Curcumin induces pancreatic adenocarcinoma cell death via reduction of the inhibitors of apoptosis

Education:

Postdoctoral Clinical Research Fellow (2016): Institute of Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Project: “Detraining-induced alterations in adipokines and cardio-metabolic risk factors after nonlinear periodized resistance and aerobic interval training in obese men.”

Ph.D. in Exercise Physiology (2013): Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Dissertation: “Effects of nonlinear resistance and high-intensity interval aerobic training on resting levels of cytokines in obese men.”

Master of Science in Sport and Exercise Physiology (2006): Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
Thesis: “The effects of endurance, plyometrics, and concurrent training on salivary immunoglobulins and bio-energetic characteristics in soccer players.”

Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Sport Sciences (2004): Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.

Employment:

Associate Professor (2021-present): Department of Exercise Physiology, Islamic Azad University, Ilam Branch.

Assistant Professor (2013-2021): Department of Exercise Physiology, Islamic Azad University, Ilam Branch.

Instructor (2007-2013): Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Ilam Branch.

Professional Memberships:

Member of the European College of Sports Sciences (ECSS) (2010-present)

Chair of the ECSS (2018-present)

Publications and Research: Dr. Nikseresht has contributed significantly to the field of exercise physiology through his research and publications. Some of his notable works include:

In Progress:

Assessing Physical Activity Levels Among Secondary Students in the West of Iran: A Cohort Study (2023)
Heart Rate and Aerobic Endurance Performance Response during an Incremental Exercise to Exhaustion in Hookah-Smoking Soccer Players (2022)