Tian Lan Awarded 2024 Abul-Hajj Hanna Award

The Department of Medicinal Chemistry is proud to announce that Tian Lan has been selected to receive the 2024 Abul-Hajj and Hanna Award for Exceptional Graduate Student in Medicinal Chemistry. Tian works in Prof. Courtney Aldrich's laboratory, and is co-advised by Prof. David Ferguson.

Tian has spent his graduate career developing exceptionally potent and pharmacologically efficacious analogs of the antibiotic Rifamycin for the potential treatment of multi-drug resistant tuberculosis. He successfully designed analogs that have overcome ADP-Ribosylation mediated resistance with optimized PK-PD profiles, while eliminating CYP3A4 metabolism. Tian’s work has resulted in several papers published in high impact journals.

In addition to his work behind the bench, Tian is known in the department for his willingness to help with any project that needs attention. His can-do attitude has earned him a reputation as a reliable collaborator and department citizen among faculty, staff, and students.

His nominator put it best:

“Tian is a truly exceptional graduate student, who personifies the spirit of this award—and excels in research, academics, service and citizenship in departmental affairs. It has been a privilege to mentor Tian and see his tremendous growth and development. I am confident that he will be a leader and active participant in our field and inspire future generations of students.”

Congratulations, Tian!
 

Read more about the Abul-Hajj Hanna Award here

Read more about the Aldrich Lab here

Read more about the Ferguson Lab here