Mona is a biomedical researcher, developing emerging therapeutic strategies for chronic diseases, drug discovery and translational pharmacology. She is committed to turning laboratory insights into treatments that can make a tangible difference in people’s lives:
Hi Mona, it is an honour to have you join us today
Thank you for inviting me. It was exciting to learn about the work you do to inspire young girls in STEM.
Kindly introduce yourself to our audience
My name is Dr. Mona Kamal Saadeldin. I am an Egyptian but currently reside in Texas, USA, where I work as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology at the Sam Houston State University, under the College of Osteopathic Medicine (SHSU-COM).
What should the general public understand about your work in pharmacology? What does it entail?
My work is driven by a curiosity about how cancer develops and why some forms of the disease remain so difficult to treat. I focus on understanding cancer biology and exploring new therapeutic strategies for cancers where patients still face limited options. A big part of this involves drug discovery, drug repurposing, and translational pharmacology. This is my contribution to finding practical ways to turn scientific insights into treatments that could one day help patients.
In the lab, I enjoy working at the intersection of experimentation, clinical insight, and data-driven research. I collaborate closely with clinicians and computational researchers to identify potential drug targets and better understand how therapies can be tailored to individual patients. This collaborative approach supports the move toward more targeted and personalized medicine, where treatments are designed with the patient in mind.
Other important parts of my career are teaching and mentorship. I am passionate about medical education and use evidence-based, active learning approaches to support and inspire future physicians and clinician-scientists. I see education as another powerful way to translate science into impact, by shaping how the next generation thinks about research and patient care.
At the core of everything I do is the desire to make science matter beyond the lab. Whether through research, pharmacology, or teaching, my goal is always the same. I want to help turn knowledge into real-world health impact and better outcomes for patients and communities.
Walk us through your journey from childhood to now becoming an expert in pharmacology
I was born into a healthcare-oriented family, so science was always part of my everyday life. My mother—my greatest role model—is a gynecologist and obstetrician, and my father is a veterinarian. In our home, curiosity, learning, and excellence were deeply valued. From a young age, my parents affectionately called my siblings and me “Doctors”. This planted early seeds of ambition, service, and the desire to contribute meaningfully to society.
That early exposure was reinforced in primary school by a science teacher who was also a physician. She encouraged me to ask questions and think critically. It was through her guidance that my fascination with biology truly began to take shape. She helped me see science not just as information to absorb, but as a way of thinking through curiosity and problem-solving. That mindset ultimately laid the foundation for my journey into pharmacology and research.
My academic path reflects a gradual deepening of that passion. I earned my Bachelor of Pharmacy from Ain Shams University in 2006, followed by a postgraduate diploma in clinical pharmacy in 2009. Wanting to strengthen both my scientific and translational training, I pursued an MPharm at Al Azhar University and an MSc in Biotechnology at The American University in Cairo in 2013. These experiences solidified my interest and prepared me for doctoral research, which I completed in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2017.
A defining moment in my career came in 2015, when I published my first scientific paper, “New genetic variants of LATS1 detected in urinary bladder and colon cancer.” That milestone was incredibly affirming. It was the moment I truly saw myself as a cancer researcher and clarified my commitment to studying disease through the lens of pharmacology and molecular biology.
After completing my PhD, I moved into academia and international research. I began as an Assistant Professor at the University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA University), then pursued postdoctoral research across Europe and the United States. In europe, I worked at the European Institute of Oncology and the University of Milan, followed by postdoctoral appointments at the University of Notre Dame and the University of Wisconsin–Madison in the US. These global experiences broadened my scientific perspective and strengthened my commitment to translational and collaborative research.
In 2025, I joined SHSU-COM as an Assistant Professor, where I continue to balance research, teaching, and mentorship. Looking back, I am deeply grateful for my family and the mentors who guided me across the different continents I have lived in. It is their support and belief in my potential that have played a critical role in shaping my journey and sustaining my passion for pharmacology, cancer research, and scientific discovery.
What have been some of the most challenging moments for you in this pharmacology journey?
My journey has been deeply meaningful, but it has not been easy. Along the way, I have faced limited research resources, persistent funding challenges, and the exhausting reality of experiments that fail again and again, demanding constant troubleshooting and patience. These moments have tested not only my scientific skills, but also my endurance and belief in the work itself.
Balancing the intensity of academic and research responsibilities with personal commitments has been another ongoing challenge. There is often an extra layer of pressure when one is navigating cultural expectations and gender-based barriers. There are days when the weight of it all feels heavy, and resilience becomes something I must consciously practice rather than take for granted.
I often remind myself that I do not wake up every day filled with motivation. Some days, simply going to work and repeating the same tasks—especially when they continue to fail—is extremely hard.
How are you able to navigate these challenges, given the demanding field you work in?
What carries me forward is self-discipline, a strong sense of purpose and honoring both my professional and personal responsibilities. I have faith in the greater rewards that come from God in this life and the hereafter.
I also draw inspiration from patients, whose battles give purpose to my scientific efforts, and from students, whose enthusiasm renews my passion for teaching.
Let’s talk about some of the most prestigious moments along this career path in pharmacology
My entry into oncology research was marked by my first paper in 2015. Since then, I have continued to grow under the mentorship of international leaders in science.
I have received several awards and fellowships, some of which are listed below:
Young Investigator Award Nominee, Cancers Journal (2025)
Best Researcher Award in Pharmacology, International Environmental Scientists Award, USA (2024)
Postdoctoral Fellowship – Noncoding-ome Cancer Research, University of Milan (2021)
Postdoctoral Fellowship – Pharmacological Target Identification, IEO Milan (2021)
Postdoctoral Fellowship – NeOn Project, IEO Milan (2018–2020)
Travel Award – American University in Cairo (2011)
Master Fellowship – American University in Cairo (2009 – 2011)
Conference Awards – ENABLE Symposia in Spain and Denmark (2017, 2018)
What are some of your favourite quotes?
I am guided by three timeless sayings:
“Whoever travels a path in search of knowledge, Allah will make easy for him a path to Paradise” ~ Hadith – Sahih Muslim.
“When a person dies, his deeds end except for three: ongoing charity, beneficial knowledge, or a righteous child who prays for him” ~ Hadith – Sahih Muslim.
“Your smiling in the face of your brother is an act of charity” ~ Reported by at-Tirmidhi, Hadith
These are beautiful motivations for lifelong research, charity and service.
Who is Mona outside of all the pharmacology walls?
Outside the laboratory and classroom, I embrace a life rich in culture, connection, and service. I enjoy traveling, exploring diverse cultures, building friendships worldwide, and finding peace in nature. I also values music, reflection, and volunteer work, especially with initiatives focused on education and medical access.
What is your word of encouragement for a young girl interested in pharmacology?
Your curiosity is your gift, and your kindness is a blessing. Let them guide you. Pharmacology is a field where your questions matter and where your discoveries have the power to change lives. You belong here, and you are capable of contributing something the world has never seen before.
This was such a wonderful session, Mona! Thank you for sharing part of your life with us and inspiring the next girl in pharmacology. We wish you the very best ahead.
