Hood College Names Inaugural Director for New Biomedical Research & Training Center

Hood College is proud to announce Rana Khan, Ph.D., as the inaugural director of its new Biomedical Research and Training Center (BRTC). The position was from the Maryland Department of Commerce’s Maryland E-Nnovation Initiative as well as private funding.

Khan was selected after a national search, with her experience in academia and program development positioning her to lead the center. 

“I am excited to join the Hood community and eager to bring my skills to the table and contribute to the building of BRTC and help establish it as a leader in fulfilling the educational and training needs of the workforce in Frederick County and Maryland."

Khan earned her Ph.D. in molecular and cell biology from the University of Maryland and has held leadership roles at both the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) and Yeshiva University in New York. She served as the founding director of the biotechnology management and entrepreneurship M.S. program at Yeshiva University where she developed a biotechnology program addressing the needs of the biotechnology workforce in New York. 

At UMGC, Khan held the position of vice-dean in the graduate school and chair of the Information Technology systems department, overseeing a diverse offering of science and information technology-related programs. She concurrently served as the program director for the school's professional science master’s degree in biotechnology and created multiple tracks within that program.

Khan’s contributions to launching successful education and training programs at both institutions highlight her passion for and expertise in program development. In her role at Hood, Khan will draw on this experience to establish partnerships and create curricula and programs that meet the specific needs of aspiring students, current professionals, and industry partners.

The BRTC will be a vital hub for collaboration between the sectors of higher education, government and the biomedical industry, serving the heightened demand for highly trained biomedical professionals. The center’s programs will include specialized training modules, internship and job placement opportunities, and professional development workshops, all geared toward upskilling students and professionals alike.

Under Khan’s direction, the center will aim to forge strong connections between academia and industry, creating a pipeline of skilled talent ready to enter the workforce. 

“I am elated to welcome Dr. Khan to the newly launched Center here at Hood College,” said April Boulton, Ph.D., associate provost and dean of the graduate school.  “With her impressive track record in the biomedical industry and her expertise in forging innovative partnerships, Dr. Khan is well-positioned to lead the center in addressing critical workforce needs in the Frederick region and beyond.”

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