People: Faculty News


One Conversation Led to a $225,000 Cancer Research Award. This Year’s Conference Could Lead to the Next

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Dr. Kondapa Naidu Bobba speaking at a podium

When Kondapa Naidu Bobba, PhD, walked into the Tennessee Statewide Cancer Collaborative Scientific Meeting led by the University of Tennessee Health Sciences in Nashville last year, he didn’t know the conversations he’d have there would help reshape the direction of his research and ultimately help secure a $225,000 award to fight prostate cancer. Dr. Bobba,… Read More


Donors Invest $34 Million in the Future of UT Health Sciences During Fiscal Year 2026

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The University of Tennessee Health Science Center stone arches, with a building with the UT logo in the background.

The University of Tennessee Health Sciences secured $34 million in philanthropic support during fiscal year 2026, reflecting growing momentum behind the institution and confidence in its mission to transform healthcare through education, training, clinical care, research and service. The total represents a 66% increase over the previous year’s fundraising results. As part of the University… Read More


Landmark Aging Study by UT Health Sciences Researcher Published in Nature

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Portrait of Dr. Rob Williams in the lab

A University of Tennessee Health Sciences researcher has published findings that could reshape how medicine approaches aging, longevity and late-life health, including the prospect of personalized interventions that keep people healthier longer. Rob Williams, PhD, professor and chair of the Department of Genetics, Genomics, and Informatics in the College of Medicine, is the lead author… Read More


Dr. Tejesh Patel Appointed to Dual Chair Role in Pathology and Dermatology

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Dr. Tejesh Patel headshot

Tejesh Patel, MD, FAAD, has been named chair of the University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Medicine’s Department of Pathology, effective July 1. Dr. Patel has served as interim chair since March 2024. He has also served as chair of the Kaplan-Amonette Department of Dermatology since 2018 and will now lead both departments. “Being… Read More


Community Pharmacy Residency Program Study Leads to Expanded Access to Diabetes Care in Tennessee

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Two pharmacists in white coats speak with a patient

The University of Tennessee Health Sciences College of Pharmacy’s PGY-1 Community-Based Residency Program, in collaboration with Kroger Health, has developed a successful model for expanding access to A1C testing in community pharmacies. A pilot study conducted by the residency program and Kroger Health, completed in May 2026, found standardized A1C testing in community pharmacies improved… Read More


Researcher Receives $466,000 Federal Grant to Study Eye Damage from Chemical Warfare Agents

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Dr. Nawajes Mandal looks into a microscope

Nawajes Mandal, PhD, professor of Ophthalmology at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences, has been awarded a $466,103 grant from the National Eye Institute (NEI), part of the National Institutes of Health, to investigate how chemical warfare agents, specifically blister agents like mustard gas, damage the eyes and cause long-term vision loss. Blister agents like… Read More


Dr. Kristi Forman Named Associate Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management

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Dr. Kristi Forman's headshot.

Kristi Forman, DBA, has been named the associate vice chancellor for Enrollment Management. In this newly created position, Dr. Forman is responsible for driving the successful execution of the institution’s Strategic Enrollment Plan and aligning enrollment initiatives with organizational mission, academic priorities and financial objectives. In partnership with campus leadership and college and program colleagues,… Read More


Shelby County Relative Caregiver Program Secures $5.1 Million for Next 5 Years

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Girls in white dresses twirl with umbrellas

The Center on Developmental Disabilities at the University of Tennessee Health Sciences has received approximately $5.1 million from the state of Tennessee to continue operating the Shelby County Relative Caregiver Program for the next five years. The funding was secured through a statewide competition administered by the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services. The award extends… Read More