Mohamad Azhar

Mohamad Azhar is an Associate Professor of Cell Biology & Anatomy at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Columbia, with a joint appointment in Biomedical Engineering at the Molinaroli College of Engineering and Computing. His research focuses on TGFβ signaling pathways in cardiovascular development and disease pathogenesis, particularly in congenital heart defects and adult cardiovascular disorders. He holds a Ph.D. in Developmental Biology & Genetics from the Indian Institute of Science (1997) and has held prior positions at the University of Arizona BIO5 Institute and Indiana University School of Medicine. His work combines molecular, biochemical, and biomechanical approaches to study gene knockout models in mice.

Key research projects include investigating TGFβ ligands' roles in calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD), congenital heart disease (CHD), and thoracic aortic aneurysms. His lab uses advanced techniques like optical and biomechanical engineering, with funding from the NHLBI (R01HL126705). Teaching responsibilities include Medical Microscopic Anatomy for medical students and graduate courses in molecular imaging and biomedical engineering.

Academic credentials include postdoctoral training at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and a robust publication record spanning over three decades. His research emphasizes understanding genetic mutations affecting TGFβ signaling in pediatric and adult cardiovascular conditions, aiming to develop targeted therapies with reduced side effects.