Michio Kurosu, PhD, professor at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center College of Pharmacy, has received the prestigious honor of being named a Fulbright U.S. Scholar for Egypt for the 2025-26 academic year.
Dr. Kurosu’s recognition as a Fulbright scholar highlights his exceptional contributions to the field of synthetic chemistry and the global recognition of his work. He is the seventh faculty member from UT Health Science Center and the first from the College of Pharmacy to earn a Fulbright scholarship.
Dr. Kurosu is a leading expert in synthetic chemistry, which involves carefully designing reactions to build complex molecules with specific properties and synthesizing chemical compounds from simpler substances through chemical reactions. His research projects include identifying new drug targets for bacterial infections and developing new antibacterial agents for diseases such as tuberculosis. He is also the creator of a promising novel anti-cancer compound called AVN221, which has been shown to effectively shrink tumors and prevent metastases, outperforming standard treatments for pancreatic, breast, gastric, and cervical cancers.
The Fulbright Program is the U.S. government’s leading international exchange initiative, providing students and scholars in more than 160 countries the opportunity to study, teach, conduct research, share ideas, and foster understanding across cultures. Fulbright scholars come from many different backgrounds and help drive innovation while addressing global and local challenges. The program also gives scholars the opportunity to teach and research abroad, supporting U.S. diplomacy. Many notable Fulbright alumni have gone on to win prestigious awards including 63 Nobel Prizes, 98 Pulitzer Prizes, and 82 MacArthur Fellowships.
Dr. Kurosu is excited to join King Salman International University (KSIU) in Sinai, Egypt, through the Fulbright Program, where for six months he will inspire the next generation of scientists by teaching chemistry and medicinal chemistry to undergraduate and graduate students. His visit also aims to advance cutting-edge research in natural products and medicinal chemistry research initiatives at the university. His tenure abroad will focus on establishing research and exchange collaborations, connecting with potential applicants, and engaging with alumni.
KSIU is a rapidly growing university that boasts pioneering research programs. The university’s team highly values Dr. Kurosu’s expertise in natural product chemistry. He will play a vital role as an external reviewer for the College of Pharmacy, helping shape the future of pharmaceutical education and research at KSIU.
This blog was written by Nathan Ball
Nathan Ball, MA, began as the Marketing and Communications Manager at the UT Health Science Center College of Pharmacy in Fall 2023. Raised in Memphis, Ball is a media professional, writer, historian, and filmmaker with a master’s degree in history from the University of Memphis. With over ten years of experience in nonprofit and higher education, Ball previously served as the assistant director of the Benjamin L. Hooks Institute for Social Change at the University of Memphis. He has produced, written, and edited numerous documentaries and films, including “Facing Down Storms: Memphis and the Making of Ida B. Wells,” a film about civil rights activist Ida B. Wells.
