Aliasger Salem

Dr. Aliasger Salem is a Lyle and Sharon Bighley Endowed Chair and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy, with additional professorial appointments in Biomedical Engineering, Chemical and Biochemical Engineering, the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Chemistry. He holds leadership roles as Associate Vice President for Research and Board Member of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists. His education includes a PhD in Applied Chemistry from Aston University (UK) and Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Nottingham (UK).

His research focuses on nanotechnology, biodegradable polymers, targeted drug delivery, and regenerative medicine. Key areas include vaccine development, cancer therapy, and nanotoxicology. Dr. Salem has pioneered innovations in nanoparticle-based therapies, including treatments for cystic fibrosis, Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy, and melanoma.

His awards include the Regents Award for Faculty Excellence and recognition as a Fellow in the National Academy of Inventors and Controlled Release Society. Over 150 peer-reviewed articles and multiple patents highlight his contributions to drug delivery systems, with notable work on poly(lactide-co-glycolide) microparticles and gene-delivery formulations.

Dr. Salem leads a multidisciplinary lab collaborating across engineering, medicine, and pharmacy. His lab’s projects span bioprinting for tissue engineering, 3D-printed drug-eluting scaffolds, and nanocarriers for pancreatic cancer therapies. He actively mentors students and researchers, emphasizing translational research with clinical impact.