Shijun Zhang, Ph.D., a professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry at the School of Pharmacy, has been named a 2024 National/International Recognition Award (NIRA) Scholar.

Now in its second year, the NIRA recognizes VCU faculty who have earned significant national or international recognition in their academic fields. Recipients are chosen based on their demonstrated excellence, as recommended by their deans. 

Leading to this recognition, Zhang’s research focuses on developing small molecule drugs for neurodegenerative and inflammatory diseases, particularly targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome and mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, he has been invited to present at national events, including the Alzheimer’s Disease Research Summit, and serves as the graduate program director for Medicinal Chemistry. 

Zhang teaches at all levels and mentors 50 students and postdoctoral fellows. He is the primary author of 17 patents and more than 60 publications and book chapters, demonstrating his commitment to advancing both his field and the next generation of scientists.

Zhang joins an elite group of NIRA honorees, including last year’s inaugural recipients from the School of Pharmacy: Qingguo Xu, Ph.D., from the Department of Pharmaceutics, and Yan Zhang, Ph.D., from the Department of Medicinal Chemistry. Congratulations to Dr. Shijun Zhang on this well-deserved recognition!