Wei Li, PhD, professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in the University of Tennessee Health Science Center’s College of Pharmacy, has been appointed a UTHSC Distinguished Professor.
The title is reserved for those who have contributed in a superlative way to UTHSC and brought distinction and respect to the university. The appointment comes from College of Pharmacy Dean Marie Chisholm-Burns, PharmD, MPH, MBA, FCCP FASHP, FAST, and UTHSC Chancellor Steve Schwab, MD.
“As one of our most productive researchers, Dr. Li’s body of scientific work during his tenure has truly distinguished our college and the university,” Dr. Chisholm-Burns said. “I am excited to see how his work will continue as a Distinguished Professor.”
“Dr. Li has emerged as one of UTHSC’s most innovative and successful investigators,” Dr. Schwab said. “These accomplishments make this recognition well-earned and well-deserved.”
Dr. Li also serves as director of the College of Pharmacy’s Drug Discovery Center and as the faculty director of the college’s Shared Instrument Facility. He has been working in the UTHSC College of Pharmacy since 1999.
He has published more than 160 peer-reviewed papers, four book chapters, and is an inventor of 10 issued U.S. patents, with additional related patents issued in other countries. His current research is supported by six federal grants, two industry sponsored research grants, one foundation grant, and various internal supports from UTHSC.
“I highly appreciate this recognition for my work at UTHSC, which has been my professional home since 1999,” Dr. Li said. “I grew my career here and have been very fortunate to have access to exceptional mentors in cancer research in my early career, very supportive administrators, and productive collaborators. Being awarded this prestigious titled professorship is a great encouragement for me and my lab to continue to do our best to contribute to the research advancement for both our college and the UTHSC campus.”