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Math Department February Spotlight
Dr. Mohammad Khan
Background
Originally from Pakistan, Dr. Mohammad Khan immigrated to the United States with his family in 2009, shortly after graduating from high school. He began his college education in California and later relocated to Tennessee in 2020. In addition to teaching at UTC, he also serves as an Adjunct Professor at Chattanooga State Community College.
Educational Journey
Dr. Khan earned his Ph.D. in Computational Science, with a concentration in Computational and Applied Mathematics, from the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 2023. He received his M.S. in Applied Mathematics from California State University, Long Beach, in 2019, and his B.A. in Applied Mathematics from the University of California, Berkeley, in 2016. After three years as a Ph.D. student at UTC, he returned in Fall 2024 as an Adjunct Professor.
Inspiration for Mathematics
His passion for mathematics began in high school when he discovered how mathematical methods are used to solve complex problems in physics. Learning about the construction of the Large Hadron Collider and the search for the Higgs Boson sparked his curiosity, as his fascination with astronomy and calculating distances between celestial objects led him toward mathematical physics.
Advice for Students
Dr. Khan encourages students to practice extensively, develop proof-writing skills, and seek undergraduate research opportunities as early as possible if they are considering graduate school. For those entering the industry, he emphasizes mastering coding and building strong programming accuracy and discipline.
Overcoming Challenges
As the first person in his family to pursue a doctoral degree, Dr. Khan faced discouragement early in his academic journey. He credits perseverance and self-belief as key factors in helping him move toward his goals, emphasizing that individuals must ultimately choose the path that is right for their future.
Research and Accomplishments
During his doctoral studies, Dr. Khan published a paper with his advisors and a collaborator from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville - an experience that broadened his research interests. Among his proudest accomplishments are earning his undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and completing a Ph.D. in an interdisciplinary field.
Interests and Hobbies
Outside the classroom, Dr. Khan enjoys following cricket and keeping up with international matches. He also has a passion for acting and once took an acting course at UC Berkeley, where an acting professor encouraged him to audition for Broadway. While he chose mathematics as his career path, his enthusiasm for acting and performing on stage remains a memorable part of his college experience.
Favorites and Relaxation
He enjoys listening to country music to relax and frequently watches science-focused podcasts such as StarTalk and Mindscape.
Why Mathematics?
Dr. Khan views mathematics as the foundation of all scientific disciplines and hopes to become a tenure-track professor in the future. He particularly appreciates the welcoming environment of the UTC Math Department and its supportive community for both students and faculty.
Personal Motto
“Learning should never stop, and our thinking should continue to evolve with time.”
