College of Pharmacy welcomes Arun Maji as assistant professor
LEXINGTON, Ky. (September 6, 2024) — The University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy (UKCOP) is pleased to announce the appointment of Arun Maji, Ph.D., as an assistant professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, effective August 5, 2024. Maji, a synthetic chemist, brings a unique blend of expertise in organic synthesis, chemical biology, and drug discovery, which will significantly advance the College’s translational research initiatives.
Maji's academic journey began in India, where he earned a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Presidency College, Kolkata, followed by a master’s degree from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. He completed his Ph.D. in organic synthesis and catalysis at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, where his research focused on developing synthetic strategies for transforming feedstock chemicals into value-added molecular scaffolds. His postdoctoral research at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, under the guidance of Martin D. Burke, M.D., Ph.D., involved groundbreaking work on the development of renal-sparing antifungal therapies.
"What drew me to UK was the unique opportunity to work within a legacy of impactful research that directly addresses global healthcare challenges," said Maji. "The College of Pharmacy at the University of Kentucky offers state-of-the-art infrastructure and a vibrant community of experts. This environment is essential for pushing the boundaries of translational research, and I am excited to contribute to advancing healthcare through fundamental discoveries."
Maji’s research interests are centered on developing modular small molecules that can harness cellular functions for therapeutic intervention, with a particular focus on combating invasive fungal infections. His work aims to develop next-generation antifungal therapies that are both potent and safe, addressing the urgent global need for effective treatments against drug-resistant pathogens.
"Invasive fungal infections represent a severe threat, particularly to immunocompromised patients," Maji explained. "By drawing inspiration from our immune system, we aim to develop therapies that offer fast-acting and long-lasting protection against these pathogens. This approach can potentially extend to other immune-evasive diseases as well."
"Dr. Maji is a stellar addition to our department, and we are excited about the innovative approaches he brings to the table," said Tom Prisinzano, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. "His expertise in synthetic chemistry and drug design aligns perfectly with our mission to advance scientific understanding and improve public health. We look forward to the groundbreaking research he will undoubtedly contribute to our community."
Maji has been recognized with numerous awards, including the prestigious Beckman-Brown Interdisciplinary Postdoctoral Fellowship, and his work has led to several patents in the field of antifungal drug development. His research has been published in high-impact journals, and he has presented his findings at leading scientific conferences worldwide.
Outside of his professional work, Maji enjoys cooking, photography, and exploring his passion for automobiles.
Maji's appointment reflects UKCOP’s commitment to recruiting top-tier faculty poised to lead in academia, healthcare, and industry. His visionary research and dedication to addressing unmet medical needs will inspire the next generation of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences professionals.