2024 Spring STAR Educator Recipient: Manjeet Rao, PhD
Manjeet Rao, PhD
Professor
Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy
Nomination Submission:
Dr. Manjeet Rao exemplifies outstanding leadership and educational innovation, making him an exceptional candidate for the LSOM Stars of Education. I have personally experienced his dynamic teaching style. As the course director of CSAT 6074 Molecular Aspects of Epigenetics, Dr. Rao incorporates the latest research into the curriculum, such as studies on R loop regulators and epigenetic molecular clocks, making the course both current and engaging. As part of the course requirements, we regularly presented new findings, with Dr. Rao fostering active participation by providing detailed feedback outside class hours.
During my two years as a PhD trainee in his lab, Dr. Rao’s mentorship was invaluable. He supports his trainees by providing significant guidance and resources. For instance, he funded cutting-edge technologies like single-cell RNA sequencing and immune-peptidomics for our projects. When I tackled unfamiliar areas such as biochemistry and novel in vivo models, Dr. Rao connected me with expert collaborators and gave me dedicated time to hone these new skills, boosting my technical ability and confidence for independent research.
Dr. Rao’s commitment to professional development is profound. He actively supports all predoc and postdoc trainees applying for grants like the NIH F30, F31, T32, ACS Post-doc fellowship, ACS Early Career Grants, R21, R01, etc. dedicating time to strategy discussions, draft reviews, and skills enhancement in grant writing. This guidance has been crucial to our successes in securing funding: currently 3 out of 4 PhD students and 1 out of 3 postdocs successfully fund themselves.
Furthermore, Dr. Rao’s leadership extends beyond the lab. He finances all his lab members’ attendance at significant conferences, such as the annual AACR conference, which is a substantial financial commitment. In 2024 alone, he supported four predoctoral students, two postdocs, and one staff scientist to attend AACR, greatly enhancing our professional growth and exposure.
In administrative capacities, such as Chair of Cancer Biology and Deputy Director of the Greehey Children’s Cancer Research Institute, Dr. Rao organizes key educational events like the San Antonio Pediatric Cancer Symposium and various T32 and Cancer Biology retreats, which significantly benefit the academic community. His flexible approach to work hours and the respectful, supportive environment he fosters in his lab exemplify his role as an innovative, compassionate educator and mentor.