Hassan Ashktorab

Dr. Hassan Ashktorab is a Professor in the Department of Medicine at Howard University's College of Medicine. He holds multiple roles, including membership in the Howard University Cancer Center's gastrointestinal working group and executive membership in the Howard University Cancer Center. He is also an Adjunct Professor in the Department of Genetics and Human Genetics and former Chair of the College of Medicine Research Committee. His expertise spans gastrointestinal carcinogenesis, epigenetics, microbiome studies, and colorectal cancer epidemiology. Dr. Ashktorab has published over 175 peer-reviewed articles and led NIH-funded grants (RO3, RO1, DOD). He received the HU-COM Outstanding Researcher Award (2011) and serves on NIH study sections since 2005. His lab focuses on saffron's role in IBD treatment and microbiome-cancer interactions.

Education:

• B.S. in Medical Technology, Shiraz University (1984)
• M.S. in Molecular Biology, Utah State University (1986)
• Ph.D. in Molecular Biology, Utah State University (1988)
• Postdoctoral Fellowship in Cancer Biology, University of Florida (1988-1992)

Research Interests:

Dr. Ashktorab's work investigates the interplay between epigenetics, microbiome, and gastrointestinal cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. His lab explores how gut microbiota influence carcinogenesis and the therapeutic potential of saffron in IBD. Recent studies include clinical trials evaluating saffron's efficacy in ulcerative colitis, leveraging its anti-inflammatory properties via Ahr/Nrf-2 pathways.

Awards & Grants:

• HU-COM Outstanding Researcher Award (2011)
• NIH Grants (RO3, RO1)
• DOD Grants

Labs & Collaborations:

His research group operates within the Howard University Cancer Center and collaborates on projects involving the Microarray Facility. Ongoing studies include genomic profiling of intestinal metaplasia and molecular phenotyping of gastric cancer.