Dr. Zhang brings to the role both nationally recognized opioid research expertise exploring treatments for substance use disorders and decades of experience leading teams of researchers in advancing molecules that target a select group of opioid receptors.

"This leadership of a VCU-level Institute & Center is not only a recognition of Prof. Zhang's achievements but also a recognition of the contributions made by his students/postdocs and the Department of Medicinal Chemistry over the years to the enterprise of drug discovery and development at VCU," said Umesh Desai, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Medicinal Chemistry. "Please join me in congratulating him and wish him well as he spearheads the center to the next levels of achievements."

Dr. Zhang succeeds Martin Safo, Ph.D., a fellow Medicinal Chemistry professor who has served as the center's interim director since 2021. Both remain on faculty at the Center for Drug Discovery, along with faculty from across our departments and several other VCU schools and colleges. Congratulations, Dr. Zhang, and thank you, Dr. Safo!