College of Pharmacy News Archive

Three outstanding members of the College of Pharmacy, Tyler Marie Kiles, Pharm.D., MPH, BC-ADM, Justin Samuel, Ph.D. and Kun Yang, Ph.D., have earned well-deserved promotions in recognition of their excellence in research, teaching, leadership and service. Learn more about their achievements and contributions to Texas Pharmacy.

Six Texas Pharmacy students have received nationally competitive American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) registration grants to attend the 2026 Annual Meeting. The awards, given to just 33 Pharm.D. students nationwide, mark a record-setting year for the college. The recognition reflects excellence in scholarship, leadership and commitment to psychiatric pharmacy.

From study sessions to decades-long careers, The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy has been the backdrop for lifelong love. This Valentine's Day, we're celebrating three alumni couples—Hannah & Ricky '25, Joey & Austin '22 and Wayne & Annette '76—whose stories began on the Forty Acres and continue to flourish in life and pharmacy.

Hyeun Ah Kang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Health Outcomes at the University of Texas College of Pharmacy, is part of an interdisciplinary UT faculty team selected for a Good Systems seed grant to advance human‑centered artificial intelligence research. The team's project will develop AI and GIS tools to identify gaps in maternity care access and inform strategies for improving health care resource allocation across Texas.

B.J. Kim, Ph.D., and the Kimmunity Lab have received their first research award: the 2025 Peg's Fight for Life Early Career Research Award from the A Breath of Hope Lung Cancer Foundation. Their funded project develops programmable RNA therapies to tackle immune resistance in EGFR-mutant non–small cell lung cancer, aiming to convert "cold" tumors into ones that respond to treatment. With this support, they'll drive forward their RNA immunotherapy platform, expand their team and build new collaborations.

The College of Pharmacy at UT Austin hosted its inaugural Dose of Distinction celebration, expanding its traditional alumni awards to honor outstanding alumni, faculty, staff and community partners. The event recognized exceptional contributions in pharmacy practice, research and leadership, while welcoming new faculty and celebrating promotions and staff achievements. The evening concluded with desserts, dancing and community festivities, marking the start of a new annual tradition.

Dr. Jamie Barner has been recognized with the College of Pharmacy's Excellence in Graduate Teaching and Mentoring Award for her outstanding contributions as an educator and mentor. Known for her holistic approach, she inspires and supports graduate students both inside and outside the classroom. Her dedication to teaching and mentorship continues to shape the next generation of pharmacy scholars.

Zhengrong Cui, Ph.D., Professor of Molecular Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery and Alfred and Dorothy Mannino Fellow in Pharmacy, is among the UT faculty awarded TRC4 grants. His project focuses on developing dry powders of whole blood to improve storage and transport for trauma care. This innovative approach could expand access to life-saving transfusions in emergency situations.

A team of student pharmacists from The University of Texas at Austin won first place—for the second year in a row—in the 2025 Good Neighbor Pharmacy NCPA Pruitt-Schutte Student Business Plan Competition. The prestigious national contest challenges students to develop innovative business plans for independent community pharmacies.

The newest Pharm.D. students at UT Austin are already thinking like healthcare leaders, bringing bold ideas in equity, innovation and patient care. From aspiring perioperative pharmacists to health educators, they're driven to make a difference—and beyond the classroom, they're poets, performers, runners and more.