Tianzhi Yang

Background

Dr. Tianzhi Yang is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Director of the PharmD Distance Learning Pathways at Western New England University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. A licensed pharmacist with more than 18 years of academic experience, she integrates practice-based knowledge with pharmaceutical sciences to prepare the next generation of pharmacists for patient-centered care.

Her teaching and research are closely connected, with a focus on safe medication practices, clinical decision-making, and precision therapeutics. She is particularly committed to advancing distance learning by creating interactive, practice-based coursework that supports student engagement and success. Dr. Yang has shared her teaching and scholarly work through numerous peer-reviewed publications, national and international conference presentations, and active involvement in professional organizations such as the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) and the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP). Many of her publications and presentations include students as co-authors, reflecting her dedication to mentorship and collaborative scholarship.

Dr. Yang’s contributions to pharmacy practice and education have been supported by competitive funding from the NIH, USDA, and the Cancer Foundation, and recognized with honors such as the University Distinguished Research Award, Global Scholar Award, Women’s Philanthropy Council Award, Davis Foundation Faculty Mentor Grant, and multiple teaching excellence awards.

Course Taught

Pharmaceutical Calculations

Sterile Products Lab

Applied Pharmacy Care

Fundamental and Veterinary Compounding

Research Interests

Dr. Yang is passionate about understanding drug transporters, overcoming drug resistance, and developing precision-based therapeutic strategies. Her research integrates basic and translational approaches to study drug disposition in the brain, tumors, and inflammation, with a focus on how novel delivery systems including liposomes, virosomes, and exosomes interact with the blood–brain barrier, tumor microenvironment, and gut–microbiota to enhance therapeutic outcomes.

In addition, she has extensive expertise in compounding, with scholarly interests in excipient functionality, clinical considerations, and specialized dosage forms for women’s health, pediatrics, ophthalmic care, topical pain management, natural products, and veterinary compounding. She is also active in pharmacy education research, particularly in advancing distance learning strategies and improving educational outcomes.

Scholarly Works

A complete list of publications is available on PubMed or Google Scholar.

Selected Peer-Reviewed Articles:

1. Luo Y, Wang Y, Chen Y, Li B, Yang T, Zhao X, and Ding P (2025). Development and Evaluation of a Novel Biodegradable Poly (amidoamine) with Bis (guanidinium) and Benzene Ring Structures for Enhanced Gene Delivery. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 104:106452 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2024.106452.
2. Xie H, Huang X, Li B, Chen Y, Niu H, Yu T, Yang S, Gao S, Zeng Y, Yang T, Kang Y, Zhang K, and Ding P (2025). Biomimetic Nanoplatform for Targeted Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy: Modulating Macrophage Niches Through Self-Sustaining Positive Feedback-Driven Drug Release Mechanisms. Advanced Science, 12: 2416265. https://doi.org/10.1002/advs.202416265.
3. Yang T, Curtis S, Bai A, Young A, Derosier D, Ripley S, and Bai S (2023). CRISPR/Cas9 Targeting Liposomes Knocked down Multidrug Resistance Proteins in Brain Endothelial Cells as a Model to Predict Potential Pharmacoresistance. Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces, 222:113103. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.113103.    
4. Wang Y, Li B, Luo Y, Yang T, Zhao X, Ding P (2022). Virosome, a Promising Delivery Vehicle for siRNA Delivery and its Novel Preparation Method. Journal of Drug Delivery Science and Technology, 74:103490. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103490.
5. Wang Y, Jin B, Li B, Luo Y, Ma M, Chen Y, Liu H, Xie H, Yang T, Zhao X, and Ding P (2022). Cell-free Protein Synthesis of Influenza Virus Hemagglutinin HA2-integrated Virosomes for siRNA Delivery. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 623: 121890. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijpharm.2022.121890.
6. Yang T, Shin HJ, Nguyen K, and Bai S (2019). Validation of Stability of Paracetamol in Extemporaneously Compounded Suppositories. Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research, 49: 219-223. https://doi.org/10.1002/jppr.1486.
7. Yang T, Ferrill L, Gallant L, McGillicuddy S, Fernandes T, Schields N, and Bai S (2018). Verapamil and Riluzole Cocktail Liposomes Overcome Pharmacoresistance by Inhibiting P-glycoprotein in Brain Endothelial and Astrocyte Cells: A Potent Approach to Treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences,120:30-39. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejps.2018.04.026.
8. Yang T, Roder KE, Bhat GJ, Thekkumkara TJ, and Abbruscato TJ (2006). Protein Kinase C Family Members as A Target for Regulation of Blood-brain Barrier Na, K, 2Cl-cotransporter During In Vitro Stroke Conditions and Nicotine Exposure. Pharmaceutical Research, 23: 291-301. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11095-005-9143-2