The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy has appointed Madison Blanton, Ph.D., as its newest postdoctoral academic fellow.
A recent graduate of the college's pharmaceutical sciences Ph.D. program, Blanton will spend the next year building expertise in teaching, educational scholarship and academic service as she prepares for an academic career.
Blanton grew up in Big Stone Gap, Va., in the heart of Appalachia. As an undergraduate at Milligan University, she discovered a passion for research, mentoring and teaching. With the guidance of a faculty mentor, that passion grew into an interest in drug design and development, which led her to graduate studies at UK.
At the UK College of Pharmacy, Blanton focused on identifying new druggable targets and understanding how changes in those targets affect cellular pathways. Working under the mentorship of Ilhem Messaoudi, Ph.D., professor and chair of microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics in the College of Medicine and UK’s acting vice president for research, Blanton investigated the mechanisms behind immune dysregulation associated with alcohol use. Her research aimed to identify potential drug targets that could reduce alcohol-related organ damage and ease cravings during withdrawal.
Now, the fellowship gives her a chance to build on that scientific foundation and work toward her goal of becoming a faculty member.
"The College of Pharmacy's Academic Fellowship position was the ideal bridge between my doctoral training and my long-term goal of becoming an academic faculty member," Blanton said. "What appealed most was the fellowship's unique focus on developing future faculty through teaching, educational scholarship and mentorship."
Although research will remain part of her career, Blanton is especially eager to support student learning and development.
"The next chapter of my career is exciting because it allows me to expand my impact beyond the laboratory," she said. "Some of the most meaningful parts of my training have been teaching, mentoring and helping others develop as scholars and scientists."
“I have been very impressed with Madison’s’ enthusiasm and commitment to learning new skills that will position her well for a faculty position,” said Jeff Cain, Ed.D., fellowship director, professor and vice-chair in the Department of Pharmacy Practice & Science. “I've also had an opportunity to watch her teach and it only took me a few moments to realize that she is going to be an outstanding instructor.”
During the fellowship, Blanton hopes to gain hands-on experience in teaching, curriculum design and educational assessment while contributing to the scholarship of teaching and learning. She aims to create classroom environments that encourage curiosity, critical thinking and resilience in future healthcare professionals.
"I am passionate about helping pharmacy students become confident, independent thinkers who can connect complex concepts across courses and apply their knowledge to new challenges," Blanton said. "As an educator, my goal is to foster an environment where students feel empowered to take intellectual risks, learn from setbacks and develop the skills needed for lifelong learning and success."
Outside of work, Blanton enjoys attending UK sporting events with her husband, gardening, taking Pilates classes and trying to relearn golf. "I have been a lifelong Wildcat fan, so living in Lexington is a dream come true," she said.
