Pharmacy faculty, staff recognized during State of the College
Members of the University of Arizona R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy faculty and staff were recognized for their dedication, service and contributions to research during the “State of the College” event in December.
“It is important to recognize the members of our community who embody the mission of the college and help to advance our college’s people, programs and profession,” said Rick Schnellmann, PhD, dean of the Coit College of Pharmacy and the Howard J. Schaeffer Endowed Chair in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Award recipients were nominated by their peers, and a committee chose the award winners.
The awards were presented by Dr. Schnellmann. Below each photo is an excerpt from the awardee’s nomination material.
The A. Jay Gandolfi New Investigator Award
Jianqin Lu, PhD, assistant professor of pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics; director of pharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics track
Dean Rick Schnellmann, PhD, with Jianqin Lu, PhD.
“Since his arrival in 2019, Dr. Lu’s research has been published in journals such as Nature Nanotechnology, Nature Communications and the Journal of Controlled Release. His work has resulted in four U.S. patent applications.”
The Dr. James R. Halpert Faculty Research Award
Christopher Hulme, PhD, professor of pharmacology and toxicology, director of medicinal chemistry
Dean Schnellmann with Christopher Hulme, PhD.
“Dr. Hulme is an engaged and hands-on PI who works to push, develop and encourage more than 30 undergraduates, graduates and postdocs in his lab. His experience in big pharma and academia have led to collaborations that have generated over $17 million in federal and institutional funding.”
The Schnellmann Family Faculty Award
Xinxin Ding, PhD, department head and professor of pharmacology and toxicology
R. Ken and Donna Coit Professorship in Drug Discovery
(From right) Qing-Yu Ding, accepts the award for her husband, Xinxin Ding, PhD, who was not able to attend the ceremony, with Jennifer Schnellmann, PhD, and Dean Schnellman.
“As a result of Dr. Ding’s leadership, the college has risen to No. 5 in the nation in funding from the National Institutes of Health, up 38 spots since his arrival. In addition to his personal commitment to science and education, Dr. Ding has been a constant advocate for the training of toxicologists and environmental scientists.”
Dean’s Outstanding Service Award
Ivo Abraham, PhD, RN, professor of practice
Ivo Abraham, PhD, RN, was not able to attend the event.
“A professor of pharmacy, medicine and clinical translational sciences, Dr. Abraham has lectured, consulted and conducted research around the world. He divides his time between the University of Arizona and Matrix45, a biopharmaceutical research and consulting company, where he serves as chief scientist.”
Dean’s Outstanding Service Award
Nathan Cherrington, PhD, ATS, associate dean of research, director of the Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center, director of the Center for Toxicology
Dean Schnellmann with Nathan Cherrington, PhD, ATS.
“Dr. Cherrington serves on several professional organizations and committees, sharing his expertise and offering leadership to groups such as the Society of Toxicology Continuing Education Committee and the Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research.”
Staff Award for Excellence
Emely Hoffman, research specialist, senior
Dean Schnellmann with Emely Hoffman.
“Emely takes the lead on mentoring and training new members of the lab, from high school interns to graduate students. She works with students struggling with their career plans to reflect on their experiences and explore different paths. Emely teaches students life skills in addition to lab skills.”
Honorary Alumnus Award
Michael Katz, PharmD, clinical professor, director of international programs, director of residency programs
Dean Schnellmann with Michael Katz, PharmD.
“Dr. Katz was active in the COVID-19 vaccination program during the point of distribution efforts on the UArizona campus for many months. He personally gave thousands of people a dose of the lifesaving vaccine and helped coordinate these efforts.”
Special Recognition
Liz Mellor, executive associate to the dean
Dean Schnellman with Liz Mellor.
Mellor, who retired in January, was recognized for her 31 years of service. A message from Dean Emeritus Jack Cole was shared: “After leaving the Dean’s Office, you have been my contact with the college, my caregiver and good friend. I am truly grateful, and I wish you many years of a happy and healthy retirement. The College and I will miss you.”