Dr. Yan Zhang earns Distinguished Scholarship Award at VCU’s 42nd Annual Faculty Convocation
Dr. Zhang, honored for his contributions to substance use disorder research, is the third School of Pharmacy faculty member in as many years to earn this award.
At VCU’s 42nd Annual Faculty Convocation on Aug. 29, the university presented Yan Zhang, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry in the School of Pharmacy, with the Distinguished Scholarship Award. The award honors an outstanding scholar who has demonstrated a pattern of productive scholarly activity which has been recognized nationally or internationally.
Zhang has focused his research on the design, synthesis and development of small-molecule modulators of neurological disorders and exploring their applications in treating substance use disorders.
“A sense of curiosity and wonder fuels Dr. Zhang’s approach to science, even as he battles the terrible toll of the opioid epidemic,” said Mary Peace McRae, Pharm.D., Ph.D., associate dean of research and graduate studies, in introducing Zhang.
Zhang leads a team of VCU researchers from multiple departments in two major National Institute on Drug Abuse grants, which aim to put forward molecules for understanding the role of the mu opioid receptor.
Zhang said curiosity drives his research, and he has always been fascinated by how a small molecule can help cure many diseases. He thanked his teammates – including postdoctoral fellows, graduate, undergraduate and high school students – who have worked in his lab over the past 20 years.
“Your energy and curiosity inspire me and keep me working every day,” he said.
Zhang is the third VCU School of Pharmacy faculty member in three years to earn this recognition. He joins fellow School of Pharmacy faculty, 2023 awardee Martin Safo, Ph.D., and 2022 awardee Benjamin Van Tassell, Pharm.D., as the university’s most recent distinguished scholars.
In addressing the faculty awardees and the audience at the Singleton Center for the Arts, President Michael Rao, Ph.D., shared his gratitude for the people of VCU, who make the university what it is, and for their contributions, which are making a meaningful difference far beyond the university.
“We are, fundamentally, solving the most vexing problems that are out there, saving lives that no one else can save, enhancing people’s lives in ways that are critical, addressing the environment in ways that others just won’t do,” Rao said. “You have absolutely made VCU responsive to what are the fastest-changing needs that we have ever seen in our lifetimes.”
A portion of this piece first appeared in a VCU News article by Amelia Heymann. Read the full article here.
Categories Faculty and staff news, Faculty news, Research