Vikas V. Dukhande

Dr. Vikas V. Dukhande is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at St. John's University's College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. He holds an adjunct role at the Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Research Center. With a B.S. from Mumbai University, a Ph.D. from Idaho State University, and postdoctoral training at the University of Kentucky, his career spans academia and industry research (Unilever Research India).

Education:

• B.S., Pharmaceutical Sciences, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai University
• Ph.D., Idaho State University
• Postdoctoral Research, University of Kentucky

Research Focus: Dr. Dukhande's lab investigates molecular mechanisms linking cellular metabolism to cell death, with applications in cancer (glioblastoma, pancreatic cancer) and metabolic disorders (diabetes, Lafora disease). Key areas include protein post-translational modifications (ubiquitination, phosphorylation), glycogen metabolism, and gene therapy approaches for neurodegenerative diseases. Techniques employed include pharmacology, biochemistry, and molecular biology.

Grants & Awards:

• NIH grants for glioblastoma and diabetes research
• AHA Postdoctoral Fellowship
• ASPET Travel Awards

Teaching & Mentoring: Coordinates Pharmacology journal clubs and teaches courses like Drugs & Infectious Diseases and Cell Signaling. Mentored students across graduate, undergraduate, and high school levels.

Labs & Collaborations: Dukhande Lab at St. John's collaborates with the Einstein-Mount Sinai Diabetes Center, focusing on translational research to bridge basic science and clinical applications.