Zhao Li

Zhao Li, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Saint Joseph (USJ), part of the School of Pharmacy and Physician Assistant Studies. She joined USJ in 2018 after completing postdoctoral research at The University of Iowa, focusing on genetic mechanisms of heart failure. Her academic background includes a B.S. in Pharmaceutics from China Pharmaceutical University (2006), an M.S. from Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry, and a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from South Dakota State University (2014). Dr. Li’s research investigates diabetes-related cardiovascular complications, particularly mechanisms involving SGLT1, GLP-1 receptor, and eNOS/PKC beta II signaling pathways. She currently teaches Pharmacochemistry of Cardiovascular and Endocrine Systems and leads a project on novel SGLT2 inhibitors.

Education:

• B.S., Pharmaceutics, China Pharmaceutical University (2006)
• M.S., Shanghai Institute of Pharmaceutical Industry
• Ph.D., Pharmacology, South Dakota State University (2014)

Research Interests: Her work bridges pharmacology and cardiology, emphasizing translational research in diabetic cardiomyopathy. Key areas include:

• Mechanisms of ischemia/reperfusion injury
• Role of SGLT1/SGLT2 inhibitors in cardioprotection
• Immune-cardiac interactions in fibrosis
• PKC isoform signaling in heart failure

Publications: Dr. Li’s articles (2011–2024) highlight innovative approaches to cardiometabolic disorders, including drug combinations for cardiomyocyte protection and genetic insights into SGLT pathways. Her 2024 study on empagliflozin and liraglutide combinations exemplifies her focus on translational drug development.

Awards:

• 2016 American Heart Association Postdoctoral Fellowship Award

Teaching & Service: Beyond research, Dr. Li contributes to USJ’s Pharmacy program through coursework and mentoring. She collaborates with faculty to integrate pharmacology into clinical practice and advocates for evidence-based cardiovascular therapies.