Now, Lu will take on a new title and challenge as she will be promoted to the Director of Research and Graduate Education starting in late August. In this important leadership role, Lu will provide strategic direction and coordination for the school\u2019s graduate education and research initiatives.<\/p>\n Lu has been recognized internationally. She was elected as the American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences (AAPS) Fellow in 2023, received 19th Annual Women of Innovation Award in Research Innovation and Leadership, Connecticut Technology Council and Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology in 2024, elected as a member of Connecticut Academy of Science and Engineering in 2025, and Controlled Release Society Fellow in 2025.<\/p>\n When asked about the promotion, Lu said that she felt honored and trusted by the school leadership and her peers.<\/p>\n Lu is also excited about certain aspects of her new role.<\/p>\n \u201cI am excited about working more for students, as students are the future,\u201d Lu said. \u201cEqually, I am also excited to promote research collaborations within the school, the University, and the State, nationally and internationally.\u201d<\/p>\n Lu wants to create more opportunities for students to connect outside of the SoPPS, not just at UConn but also across disciplines that an interactive environment provides.<\/p>\n This new director position also helps Lu build on the things she was working on before the promotion.<\/p>\n Specifically, the new Center for Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Modernization (CPMM) which is led by Lu. The CPMM is a way to bring manufacturing back to the United States.<\/p>\n \u201cThere is a workforce development shortage, as well as a product pipeline shortage [in the U.S.],\u201d Lu said.<\/p>\n Lu continued.<\/p>\n \u201cThe most important thing is to enhance the rapid development of pharmaceutical products in the US, and you need advanced technologies to do that,\u201d Lu said. \u201cThe UConn School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, especially our department, is in a position to do that.\u201d<\/p>\n The focus of the CPMM is to modernize technology and train students and the workforce to fill those shortages.<\/p>\n Lu currently focuses on two types of research. The first involves utilizing a formulation in nanotechnology to enhance cancer treatment for reduced toxicity and more specific deliveries to tumors. Making cancer treatment more effective for those difficult to treat cancers.<\/p>\n The other part of research Lu involves formulation and process development for a variety of products including nanoparticles to help it be commercialized.<\/p>\n![\"headshot](\"https:\/\/today.uconn.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/Lu161201a014-scaled.jpg\")