1. University of Wisconsin
SCHOOL OF MEDICINE
AND PUBLIC HEALTH
September 20tb, 2013
Dear Sir or Madam:
Hasan Mukhtar, Ph.D.
Halfaer Professor of Cancer Research
Director and Vice Chair for Research
Department of Dermatology
I am writing this letter witb the highest level of enthusiasm to support the application of Dr.
Mohammed Talha Shekhani. It is my opinion that Taiba carries all the traits necessary to be a
successful physician and a leader. As the Director and Vice Chair for Research in the
Department of Dermatology at University of Wisconsin School of Medicine & Public Health, I
work closely with many young professionals who have the desire to carve out their careers in the
biomedical arena. Consequently, many of them ask me for reference letters. I only recommend
those who I feel are well-suited for the program of their choice. I recommend Talha without any
hesitation.
My assessment ofTalha is based on his working in our department as a NIH T-32 (Postdoctoral)
Fellow since August 2012. As the Director of this training program, I have watched his
performance since he joined became a trainee in August 2012. Talha has also worked in my
laboratory as a Research Fellow from June 2008 till July 2009. He additionally perfonned an 8
week research rotation in my laboratory during his days at Medical School. In his present
position, Talha is involved in investigating molecular mechanisms of melanoma tumorigenesis.
To that end, he has designed and helped create a melanoma tissue microarray involving over 225
patient samples ranging from early stage/in situ tumor to metastatic lesions. He wrote a first-
author review article on targeting Cancer Stem Cells as a therapeutic approach for cancer which
was published in the American Journal of Stem Cells. Most recently, Talha presented an
excellent poster based on his research findings at the Pan-American Society for Pigment Cell
Research (PASPCR) meeting hosted by our department at UW-Madison.
In my laboratory, TaIha studied the role of several natural compounds as potential cancer
chemopreventive agents and helped elucidate their mechanism of action. In the process he has
helped identify novel therapeutic targets. Talha has appeared as a co-author in a paper published
in Carcinogenesis, a major scientific journal. Additionally, he is co-author on a paper published
recently in the journal Genes & Cancer where we have shown that S100A4 regulates NFKB
through RAGE receptor. I have found Talha to be a diligent individual with a strong character
who takes pride in his accomplishments. He is highly motivated, and he has demonstrated the
ability to produce impressive results. His attention to detail and a positive attitude ensured that
the quality of his work remained uncompromised. Talha offers scientific perspectives in an
informed and well thought out manner. He regularly participates in discussions during weekly
departmental seminars. In addition, he has a good working relationship with everyone. Talha has
the ability to organize his time to accomplish multiple tasks.
In discussion with Talha, I found that he has a strong desire to advance the delivery of healthcare
in this country. He plans to use his diverse scientific & clinical background with the utmost
efficiency.
Dermatology Research Programs 1300 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706
608·263-4195
FAX 608-263-5223

2. Without a doubt. the experience Taiba has acquired in during his research fellowship will be very
beneficial to him in his future endeavors. Talha is destined to be a leader in his selected field,
and therefore is an excellent candidate for your program. I highly recommend that you consider
his application, as he will be a great asset. If you would like further information. please feel free
to contact me at 608-263-3927 or at humukhtar@wisc.edu.
san Mukhtar, PhD
Helfaer Professor of Cancer Research
Director and Vice Chair for Research
Department of Dermatology
University of Wisconsin
Medical Science Center, Room 407
1300 University Avenue
Madison, WI 53706
Phone: 608 263 3927
Fax: 608 263 5223
Email: hmukhtar@wisc.edu,