Campus: Memphis

Rethinking Social Drinking: UT Health Science Center Researcher Explores Science Behind Social Influence on Alcohol Use

Written by Lee Ferguson

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Research
Headshot of Dr. Brendan Tunstall

When Brendan Tunstall, PhD, looks at the science of addiction, he sees something missing. “For all we’ve learned about the pharmacology and neurobiology of alcohol use disorder,” he said, “in preclinical behavioral research, historically, we’ve largely ignored one factor known to powerfully influence human behavior—other people.” Dr. Tunstall, assistant professor of Pharmacology in the College… Read More

‘We Are Family’: Fourth Annual Family Campaign Reaches Goal

Written by Aimee C. McMillin

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Education
Photo of employees at the Family Campaign celebration

As the 2025 UT Health Science Center Family Campaign ends, campaign leaders say the effort is about far more than fundraising. “Family Campaign is about unity, pride, and investing in the community and resources that make UT Health Science Center thrive,” said Vice Chancellor for Advancement Brigitte Grant. “It takes all of us to advance… Read More

New Statewide Effort Aims to Tackle Cancer Crisis

Written by Lee Ferguson

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Clinical CareEducationPublic ServiceResearch
Photo of a researcher in a cancer lab.

The University of Tennessee Health Science Center will host the inaugural Tennessee Statewide Cancer Collaborative on October 29–30, 2025, at the Hutton Hotel in Nashville. The two-day conference aims to unite researchers, clinicians, and policymakers to chart a path toward a stronger, more coordinated statewide cancer strategy. With the theme “Advancing Cancer Research Across Tennessee,”… Read More

Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital, UT Health Science Center’s Primary Pediatric Partner, Among ‘Best Children’s Hospitals’ for 2025-2026

Written by Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital

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Clinical Care
Le Bonheur Children's Hospital exterior

For the 15th consecutive year, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital has been recognized as a 2025-2026 “Best Children’s Hospital” by U.S. News & World Report. Le Bonheur is the primary pediatric teaching affiliate for the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Together, the University of Tennessee Health Science Center and Le Bonheur train more than 350 new… Read More

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

Longtime Leader, Gifted Educator, and Dedicated Mentor, Ashley Harkrider, PhD, Named Dean of the College of Health Professions

Written by Peggy Reisser

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Clinical CareEducationPublic ServiceResearch

After 16 years of stellar leadership as the chair of the Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Ashley Harkrider, PhD, has been named the new dean of the university’s College of Health Professions, effective Wednesday, October 1. A respected leader, strategic innovator, enthusiastic collaborator, and dedicated mentor to… Read More

2025 Health Professions Magazine Illustrates College’s Statewide Service

Written by Chris Green

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Clinical CareEducationPublic ServiceResearch
Fall 2025 Health Professions Magazine cover

Under its new leader, Ashley Harkrider, PhD, the College of Health Professions at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center continues to make strides with new programs, collaborative projects, and improved training and clinical spaces. The fall 2025 issue of Health Professions Magazine explains how the college’s passionate students, faculty, and alumni are making a… 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