Ts. Dr. Ana Masara Ahmad Mokhtar

"Happy Mind, Happy Life"

Expertise: 

1. Tumour Immunology
2. Biomedical Sciences
3. Molecular Biology
4. Biochemistry

Driven by a passion to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying human diseases, Ts. Dr. Ana Masara binti Ahmad Mokhtar leads the MY Small G Protein Research Group at Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), focusing on the role of small G proteins in cancer and immunological disorders. Guided by her philosophy of “Happy Mind, Happy Life,” she believes that curiosity, collaboration, and a positive research environment are key drivers of scientific excellence. Dr. Ana obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Sciences from Universiti Putra Malaysia and completed her PhD in Biochemistry at the University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, in 2020. Her doctoral research investigated the oncogenic kinase ACK and its regulation of RhoGDI and small Rho GTPases, employing advanced molecular and biochemical approaches to elucidate mechanisms involved in cancer progression.

Within six years of establishing her academic career at USM, Dr. Ana has successfully built the MY Small G Protein Research Group, secured competitive research funding comprising one international grant, two national grants, and four university-level grants, and developed research collaborations with industry partners, including Mu’min and Pure BioKeyz, to support translational biomedical research. She has demonstrated strong commitment to research mentorship, having supervised 17 students, with five students successfully graduated and four more expected to complete their studies in 2026.

Beyond research, Dr. Ana is passionate about science communication, public engagement, and nurturing future generations through STEM and health awareness initiatives. She actively contributes as a STEM Ambassador, participates in ASM and USM STEM Outreach initiatives, serves as a mentor for MARA STERF and the National Science Challenge (NSC) 2026, and advocates for antimicrobial resistance (AMR) awareness through the AMR AMbassadoR Programme.

Her contributions to research, mentorship, and scientific outreach have been recognized through national and international platforms, including travelling awards from the Biochemical Society, UK, membership in the Young Scientists Network – Academy of Sciences Malaysia (YSN-ASM), and her role as Malaysia’s representative at the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meetings. She has also been recognized for her efforts in promoting scientific literacy, innovation, and public health awareness among diverse communities