Faculty Feature: Dr. Sulma Mohammed

November 15, 2019

Dr. Mohammed and Krystal lean over a light box studying gel samples
Dr. Sulma Mohammed (left), assistant professor in cancer biology, and Krystal Madden, a then first-year graduate student in veterinary pathobiology, look at a gel sample of cancer cells in her laboratory. (Purdue University photo/Dave Umberger)

This week’s issue of the Vet Gazette Faculty Spotlight focuses on Dr. Sulma Mohammed, who was promoted to full professor of cancer biology in the Department of Comparative Pathobiology this past summer.

Dr. Mohammed grew up in Omdurman, a city in Sudan that she describes as being “a melting pot of cultures and traditions from all over Africa.” As the oldest child in her family, she shouldered the responsibility of caring for their goats. “I was responsible for feeding them and milking them every day,” Dr. Mohammed recalls. “That built a bond between me and animals.”  

Dr. Mohammed stands next to a framed illustration of herself against a brickwall in the Lynn Hall Continuum Cafe
Dr. Sulma Mohammed was recognized for her promotion to full professor of cancer biology at the annual promotions reception, which was held in April, when each of the promoted faculty received commemorative hand-drawn illustrations of themselves done by David Williams, professor of veterinary history.

Dr. Mohammed enjoys the problem-solving aspect of veterinary medicine and has always believed in the importance of One Health, the idea that the health of animals, humans, and the environment are all interconnected. “There are intriguing similarities between the development of mammary tumors in dogs and breast cancer in women and, as a veterinarian studying cancer, I am able to help both species,” said Dr. Mohammed. She describes her biggest career achievement so far as being recognized by a variety of organizations for her work on cancer and global cancer disparity, including African First Ladies, Harvard Global Health, and the American Association for Cancer Research.

Dr. Mohammed conducts research in breast and cervical cancer biology with a focus on cancer prevention, biomarkers, and disparities in these diseases. She also serves as an advisor to graduate and undergraduate students and teaches medical microbiology to students in the Indiana University School of Medicine – West Lafayette.

One of the biggest things that Dr. Mohammed enjoys about being part of the Purdue Veterinary Medicine family involves the way diversity is embraced. “Everyone is seen as part of a family that dedicates itself to advancing veterinary medicine, providing quality care, and conducting meaningful research,” said Dr. Mohammed.

When she is not working and traveling all over the world, Dr. Mohammed enjoys going on walks and watching political analyses on cable news channels.

Dr. Mohammed is one of three faculty members promoted for the 2019-2020 academic year.  Each was honored at the College’s annual Promotions Reception, which was held April 30.

Writer(s): Maya Sanaba, PVM Communications Intern | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Connection with Wildlife Rescue in Guatemala Highlighted during International Education Week

Hidden amid the dense forests near the shores of Lake Petén Itzá, the ARCAS Wildlife Rescue Center is one of Central America’s most active sanctuaries for endangered and trafficked wildlife. In addition to their conservation efforts, ARCAS (Asociación de Rescate y Conservación de Vida Silvestre) offers unparalleled hands-on experience for veterinary and biology students from around the world. The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine has proudly collaborated with ARCAS for many years, and International Education Week this week (November 16-22) provided the perfect opportunity to showcase this invaluable educational partnership.

Immersive Mixed Reality Experience Helps Purdue Veterinary Students Learn Cardiac Physiology

First year Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students at the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine recently stepped into a new era of learning — an immersive Mixed Reality (MR) experience at Purdue’s Envision Center. This cutting-edge session allowed students to interact with a dynamic, 3D representation of the heart, deepening their understanding of cardiac physiology in ways traditional methods cannot match.

Feathered Fame: Purdue Veterinary Medicine Research Featured on Journal Cover

The Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences (VCS) at Purdue University is proud to announce that a recent study from its anesthesiology team has been selected as the cover feature for Veterinary Sciences (MDPI), Volume 12, Issue 11. Chosen from among 82 articles, the publication highlights the College of Veterinary Medicine’s growing impact in avian clinical research.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Time to shine a spotlight on some “paws-itively” amazing work by one of our newest Purdue Veterinary Medicine staff members, Jennifer Hartman, VCS Curriculum Technologist in the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

Today we are highlighting Rebecca Hoffman, BS, RVT, who is a veterinary technologist with the Bovine Field Service.

Learning Specialist Joins PVM Student Success Center Team

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s Student Success Center is pleased to welcome Kelsey Luse Spille, who joined the team Monday, November 4, as a learning specialist.  In her new role, she will be supporting students with their academic needs while also serving as a member of the Veterinary Education Support Team (VEST), which assists faculty in developing inclusive teaching practices.

Purdue College of Veterinary Medicine Hosts Reception to Welcome New Dean Bret Marsh

Faculty, staff and students gathered at a reception in the Veterinary Medical Library Friday, November 8, to help extend a warm welcome the new dean of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, Dr. Bret Marsh.  The event marked the conclusion of the first week on the job for Dr. Marsh, who just started in the role Monday, November 4, after wrapping-up 30 years of service as Indiana State Veterinarian – the state’s top-ranking animal health leader.

Awareness Week to Shine Spotlight on Antimicrobial Resistance Next Week

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a growing, significant One Health issue across the world. The WHO estimates that AMR was directly responsible for 1.27 million global deaths and contributed to 4.95 million deaths, with additional significant economic costs. AMR affects all countries and all income groups, and to tackle this urgent problem, researchers, producers, and practitioners from all areas must address the critical shortage of new antimicrobial drugs, and the use of antimicrobial drugs in medicine, farming, and industry. The week of November 18-24 is US Antibiotic Awareness Week and World AMR Awareness Week, and the College of Veterinary Medicine is taking advantage of these national and global campaigns to raise awareness about AMR and antimicrobial stewardship, and to highlight some of the research and practices being conducted at the college to address AMR.

PVM Faculty Honored for Research Success with Purdue Seed for Success Acorn Awards

When Purdue University’s Office of Research honored the accomplishments and innovative ideas of a host of researchers this week, several Purdue Veterinary Medicine scholars were among those recognized. At a ceremony Wednesday, November 14, in the Purdue Memorial Union North and South Ballrooms, the annual Seed for Success Acorn Awards were presented to Purdue Principal Investigators (PIs) and co-PIs who secured research awards of $1 million or more for a single proposal in fiscal year 2024.

Unlocking the Mysteries of the Brain

Despite more than six decades of research in the field of neuroscience, many functions of the brain — the most complex organ in the human body — remain a mystery. Recent research conducted in the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and the Bindley Bioscience Center revealed that scientists are one step closer to understanding the process that activates and deactivates specific proteins within our cells. This breakthrough could one day lead to enhanced treatments that may slow down or perhaps reverse the advance of neurogenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and multiple sclerosis.