Hassan has a strong background in pharmacology and extensive experience in tertiary teaching. In 2016, he was awarded a highly competitive Australian Government Research Training Program scholarship to study the mechanism of action of a new class of drugs that selectively kill cancer cells, at the University of Sydney. He received his PhD in Medicine in 2020; during this period, he taught across five subjects and multiple scientific departments at...view more
Hassan has a strong background in pharmacology and extensive experience in tertiary teaching. In 2016, he was awarded a highly competitive Australian Government Research Training Program scholarship to study the mechanism of action of a new class of drugs that selectively kill cancer cells, at the University of Sydney. He received his PhD in Medicine in 2020; during this period, he taught across five subjects and multiple scientific departments at the University of Sydney, in the faculties of Science, Medicine and Health, and Engineering, respectively. He educated students on biomedicine, including biochemistry and molecular biology, and reproduction, development and disease.
In 2021, Hassan moved to the Gold Coast to support clinical teaching. As an Academic Lecturer and Education Manager, he taught science and humanities subjects to university students and graduates seeking entry into Australian medical schools. He also worked closely with international medical graduates, rural practices, domestic doctors, and registrars pursuing entry into surgical training programs.
In 2023, Hassan joined The University of Notre Dame Australia, playing a pivotal role in establishing the School of Health Sciences in Sydney as an inaugural member. As a Lecturer, he directed the Year 1 Biomedical Science curriculum as Coordinator, providing academic support for the pathway programs into Medicine.
Currently, as a Lecturer (Education Focused) at UNSW, Hassan is involved in a range of scholarly activities aimed at establishing strong collaborative teaching and maintaining cancer research networks.
My Grants
2024, Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Seed Grant for ‘Transforming Health Science Learning with AI Chatbot Technology.’ The University of Notre Dame Australia, AUD $5,000.
My Qualifications
BSc (Hons, Class 1), PhD (Medicine)
My Awards
2024, Early Career Researcher Award for ‘Enhancing Anticancer Drug Development by Targeting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer.’ The University of Notre Dame Australia, AUD $10,000.
2019, Sydney Catalyst Professor Rob Sutherland Travel and Education Award. To attend and deliver a poster presentation at the 33rd Genes and Cancer Annual Meeting 2019 in Cambridge, UK, April 8–11, 2019. The University of Sydney, AUD $2,000.
2016, Australian Government Research Training Program Scholarship. A highly competitive Department of Education award recognising exceptional research potential to undertake a PhD at the University of Sydney, from 2016–2019. The University of Sydney, AUD $26,682 p.a.
My Research Activities
Hassan's research spans drug discovery, oncology, and cancer biology. He has supervised multiple Honours students and mentored PhD candidates from various cancer research groups across Sydney. At The University of Notre Dame Australia, he led a project on the implementation and benefits of generative artificial intelligence in teaching. Currently, at UNSW, Hassan is involved in teaching research within the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion space and is investigating the use of AI agents to enhance student experience.
My Engagement
Community Engagement
2023, NSW Cancer Research Education Review Focus Group Participant.
2023–2022, Pre-Employment Structured Clinical Interview (PESCI) Panel Member.
2023, NSW Cancer Conference 2023 Scientific Advisory Committee.
2023, University of Sydney Cancer Research Network Postgraduate Student Mentor.
2023, Sydney Cancer Partners Conference Funding Support Panel Member.
2023, NSW Cancer Research Education Review Focus Group Participant.
2022–2020, Australian Research Council BIOTech Futures Challenge Mentor.
2021, Sydney Cancer Conference 2021 Scientific Advisory Committee.
Memberships
2021–present, Sydney Cancer Partners.
2021–present, Australasian Cell Death Society.
2021–2019, Sydney Catalyst.
2016–present, University of Sydney Cancer Research Network.
2016, Australasian Society of Clinical & Experimental Pharmacologists & Toxicologists (ASCEPT).
My Teaching
Hassan is well-experienced in university teaching across all levels, with a particular focus on supporting first-year students as they transition from high school to university. His teaching expertise includes biochemistry, cellular biology and genetics, molecular biology, pharmacology, physiology of body systems, and the pathological basis of disease. Hassan is also actively involved in working to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment. He is dedicated to fostering student growth and helping them build a strong foundation in these critical subjects.
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0264-4438