Dr. Emily Scott Wins 2026 Distinguished Mentor Award

Media Contact: Lindsay Groth, Executive Director of Marketing and Communications, [email protected]

[Ann Arbor, Michigan] — The College of Pharmacy is pleased to announce that Emily E. Scott, PhD, F. F. Blicke Collegiate Professor in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry, has been named the recipient of the College’s 2026 Distinguished Mentor Award. This award recognizes exceptional mentoring in the PhD programs.

Dr. Scott is widely recognized for her dedication to mentoring graduate students and trainees, both within her laboratory and across the University of Michigan biosciences community. Her mentoring philosophy centers on the belief that excellence is cultivated through consistent modeling, supported practice and the reinforcement and celebration of progress, whether in research, career development or personal growth.

“To me, mentoring means helping trainees become resourceful, confident, ethical and independent scientists by combining high expectations with individualized, steady support that helps them thrive in research progress, in their careers, and as people,” Scott reflected. “I’m tremendously proud of both my lab alumni and current trainees, whose achievements and mutual support reflect the strong community we’ve built together and from which we all benefit.”

In addition to her mentorship, Dr. Scott leads an accomplished research program focused on human cytochrome P450 enzymes, with the goal of better understanding drug clearance and advancing drug design. Her work has provided groundbreaking insights into the structures of complex membrane P450 enzymes, contributing to significant advancements in the field.

Throughout her career, Dr. Scott has mentored approximately 80 trainees, helping them pursue successful careers across the pharmaceutical industry, clinical trials, consulting, academia and biotechnology. By aligning opportunities with each individual’s goals and aspirations, she has made a lasting impact on the next generation of scientists and leaders.

“Dr. Scott’s commitment to mentorship has shaped the careers of countless trainees and strengthened our research community. Being a mentor is a cornerstone to our programs, and Dr. Scott exemplifies what it means to do this for our PhD students,” said Dean Vicki Ellingrod.

Her contributions to research and mentorship have earned her numerous honors, including an NIH MERIT Award, the 2026 B. B. Brodie Award and recognition as a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET).

Dr. Scott will be recognized for this achievement at this year’s College of Pharmacy Commencement Ceremony on May 3, 2026.

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About the College

The University of Michigan College of Pharmacy has been leading at pharmacy’s edge for 150 years. The first and oldest pharmacy school at a state university, the College — currently ranked #2 in the nation — has and continues to shape education in the field. Its faculty are internationally recognized and are innovators in drug discovery, development and delivery, precision pharmacotherapy, outcomes research, and clinical practice. More than 5,000 alumni are enhancing patient care and outcomes from the bench to the bedside, in boardrooms and communities, government agencies, and within healthcare companies.