College: Office of Research

Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, PhD, Named Executive Director of UT Health Science Center Research Core Labs

Written by Lee Ferguson

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Research
Headshot of Dr. Elizabeth Fitzpatrick

The Office of Research has named Elizabeth Fitzpatrick, PhD, as executive director of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s research core laboratories, effective September 19, 2025. A long-time leader in research infrastructure, Dr. Fitzpatrick is a professor in the College of Medicine’s Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Biochemistry, associate director of the Regional Biocontainment… Read More

Powering the Future of Kidney Care: Researcher Secures $3 Million to Unlock Mitochondrial Therapy for Acute Kidney Injury

Written by Lee Ferguson

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Research
Headshot of Dr. Aman Bajwa

Every moment, millions of mitochondria, the tiny power plants fueling our cells, keep us alive. When they fail, organs begin to shut down. For patients with acute kidney injury (AKI), this failure can strike suddenly, causing life-threatening damage with little warning and no effective treatment. Aman Bajwa, PhD, professor and leading researcher in the Department… Read More

College of Pharmacy’s First Fulbright Scholar Innovates Cancer Treatment Through Synthetic Chemistry

Written by Nathan Ball

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Research
Photo of Dr. Michio Kurosu in the lab

During his postdoctoral studies at Harvard University, Michio Kurosu, PhD, was deeply inspired by his mentor, Yoshito Kishi, PhD, a former chemistry professor and a pioneer of organic synthesis, who passed away in 2023. Dr. Kishi’s groundbreaking work with complex compounds has significantly advanced the field of medicinal chemistry. “Dr. Kishi taught me how synthetic… Read More

Breaking New Ground in Alcohol Use Disorder Research: UT Health Science Center Scientist Awarded Nearly $400K Grant

Written by Lee Ferguson

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Research
Headshot of Dr. Chang Hoon Jee

For many families, Alcohol Use Disorder is more than a diagnosis – it is a daily struggle marked by loss, relapse, and unanswered questions. Despite decades of research, the biology of why some people become tolerant and dependent on alcohol, and how to stop it, remains one of medicine’s most pressing mysteries. At the University… Read More

College of Pharmacy Ranks No. 12 Nationally in NIH Research Funding

Written by Nathan Ball

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Research
Photo of a pharmacy researcher in the lab.

The College of Pharmacy at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center achieved remarkable research success in 2024, ranking 12th nationally among colleges of pharmacy receiving grants from the National Institutes of Health. This prestigious recognition highlights the college’s leadership and excellence in pharmaceutical research, drug discovery, and the development of innovative solutions to today’s… Read More

‘You Do Your Best,’ Outstanding Scientist/Mentor Says of 50-Year Career

Written by Peggy Reisser

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EducationResearch
Portrait of Dr. Kafait Malik in his lab

Sitting back in a chair in his sparsely decorated office in the Translational Science Research Building, Kafait Malik, DSc, PhD, ponders his 50 years at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Of course, he is proud that his research, focusing on neurohormonal factors underlying the development and progression of hypertension and associated cardiovascular and… Read More

Fourth Annual Family Campaign Underway

Written by Aimee McMillin

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Education
Headshot of Valerie Wheeler

“Giving back to my workplace is heart-warming,” said Valerie D. Wheeler, a benefits specialist in Human Resources. “Just knowing that whatever I give will be appreciated and applied to a meaningful need makes me feel not only fortunate but grateful to be part of a dynamic place where everyone can play a part in its… Read More

Team Awarded $3.1 Million to Study Why Some Brains Age Faster Than Others

Written by Lee Ferguson

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Research
Headshots of Dr. Megan Mulligan, Dr. Hao Chen, and Dr. Aman Bajwa

Why do some people experience memory loss in midlife while others stay sharp well into their 80s and 90s? A research team at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center has received a $3.1 million award from the National Institute on Aging to investigate this critical question. The project is a joint effort of co-investigators… Read More