College of Pharmacy News Archive

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.

Each summer, UT Austin pharmacy students attend the Hazelden Betty Ford SIMS program to gain firsthand insight into substance use and recovery. This immersive experience builds empathy, reduces stigma and prepares students to lead in addiction care. The college proudly supports this transformative experience through dedicated funding.

The University of Texas at Austin has been named one of Forbes' "New Ivies" in its 2025 Top Colleges list! Even more exciting, our College of Pharmacy is one of only a few pharmacy schools represented—alongside peers like Purdue, Michigan, UNC, and Pitt.

In honor of Pharmacy Workforce Suicide Awareness Day, the College of Pharmacy is highlighting the importance of mental health support for students, faculty and staff. With help from the Counseling and Mental Health Center (CMHC), a variety of resources are available to support well-being and encourage reaching out—whether for yourself or someone else.

Dean W. Renee' Acosta has been recognized for her exceptional dedication to faculty mentoring at the College of Pharmacy. Her leadership and commitment continue to foster professional growth and academic excellence across the faculty community.