Category: Research

UT Health Science Center’s Liza Makowski, PhD, Helps Lead Global Conversation on GLP-1 Drugs and Cancer Risk

Written by Chris Green

|
Research
Portrait of Dr. Liza Makowski

Blockbuster drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Zepbound have transformed obesity care for millions of Americans, making them some of the most talked-about medical breakthroughs of the decade. Yet several questions remain, including their long-term effects on cancer risk. A new commentary co-authored by Professor Liza Makowski, PhD, associate director for Education and Development in the… Read More

College of Pharmacy Alumnus and Affiliate Professor Elected to National Academy of Medicine

Written by Nathan Ball

|
Clinical CareResearch
Headshot of Dr. David Rogers

P. David Rogers, PharmD, PhD, an alumnus of the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy and an affiliate professor in the college’s Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, has been elected to the esteemed National Academy of Medicine (NAM) for his pioneering work in medical mycology and antifungal pharmacology. Election to… Read More

2025 Nursing Magazine Focuses on College’s Expanding Reach in Tennessee Communities

Written by Chris Green

|
Clinical CareEducationPublic ServiceResearch
Cover of Nursing Magazine

With a deepened dedication to rural communities, the College of Nursing at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center is answering the call to care for the people of Tennessee. The fall 2025 issue of Nursing Magazine shares stories of the faculty, students, and alumni who are expanding access, elevating care, and helping communities thrive.… Read More

Office of Communications and Marketing Garners Awards in Public Relations Competition

Written by Allyson Lawson

|
Clinical CareEducationPublic ServiceResearch
Photo of the two university public relations awards received

The Office of Communications and Marketing at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center shines light on the myriad accomplishments of the university community. The Public Relations Society of America (PRSA), Memphis Chapter recently provided the university’s communications professionals time in the spotlight. The Office of Communications and Marketing walked away with recognition in three… Read More

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

Written by Lee Ferguson

|
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

New Statewide Effort Aims to Tackle Cancer Crisis

Written by Lee Ferguson

|
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

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

Written by Lee Ferguson

|
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

|
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