Leng Chee Chang

Dr. Leng Chee Chang is a **Professor** in the **Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences** at the **Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP)**, University of Hawaii at Hilo. He holds dual affiliations with **Tropical Conservation Biology and Environmental Science (TCBES)**. His research focuses on natural products chemistry, particularly isolating bioactive compounds from tropical plants for applications in cancer prevention and infectious disease treatment.

**Education**:

• B.S., Chemistry – University of Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
• M.S. – University of Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia
• Ph.D., Natural Products Chemistry – College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago

**Research Interests**: Dr. Chang specializes in phytochemical evaluation of tropical plants to identify anti-inflammatory agents, anticancer compounds, and antimicrobial substances. His work bridges pharmacognosy and drug discovery, emphasizing sustainable use of local biodiversity. Key focus areas include Garcinia species, Physalis peruviana (poha berry), and Bocconia frutescens.

**Grants & Awards**: He secured funding from the Hawaii Community Foundation (2017–2018) and USDA (2015–2020). Notable honors include the Teacher of the Year Award (2011, 2013) and the Excellence in Scholarly/Creative Activities Award (2017).

**Patents**: Co-inventor of patents for sesquiterpenoid Stat3 inhibitors and withanolides with anti-inflammatory/anticancer properties.