University of Maryland School of Pharmacy Honorees Recognized at UMB Annual Awards Event
Leaders affiliated with the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy were honored for their transformative contributions to health care, research, and service.
By Pam Carder
May 12, 2026
On April 28, leaders, alumni, and partners of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) were honored for their exceptional contributions during an annual awards ceremony hosted by the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), celebrating service, philanthropy, and innovation across the institution.
The event recognized recipients of the prestigiousCatalyst for Excellence Awards across all seven schools, and Distinguished Service Awards, honoring individuals whose work has significantly advanced education, research, and community impact in Baltimore and beyond.
Eddington Receives Catalyst for Excellence Award
Among this year’s recipients was Natalie D. Eddington, PhD ’89, FAAPS, FCP, who received the Catalyst for Excellence Award in recognition of her decades of leadership and service to UMSOP.
A distinguished alumna, faculty member, department chair, and longtime dean, Eddington was named dean emerita upon her retirement in 2025. Over her 16 years as dean, she led the School through a period of transformative growth, emphasizing innovation, collaboration, and student and faculty success.
Eddington is widely recognized for her expertise in drug delivery and pharmacokinetics, with research that advanced understanding of how drugs cross the blood-brain barrier – impacting treatments for cancer, epilepsy, arthritis, and substance use disorders. Her work has helped bridge the gap between scientific discovery and regulatory policy, improving public health outcomes.
During her tenure, UMSOP expanded its academic offerings and research infrastructure, launching major initiatives such as the PATIENTS Program, the Bio- and Nano-Technology Center, and the Maryland Center of Excellence in Regulatory Science and Innovation. She also launched the School’s Pharmapreneurship initiative and expanded its global reach through international regulatory science programs.
“Through her visionary leadership, mentorship, and service, Dean Emerita Eddington advanced education, research, philanthropy, and community engagement – strengthening the University, enriching Baltimore, and elevating Maryland,” said Sarah L. J. Michel, PhD, dean of UMSOP and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. Michel accepted the award on Eddington’s behalf.
AstraZeneca Leaders Receive Distinguished Service Awards
UMB honored three leaders from AstraZeneca with the 2026 Distinguished Service Award: Carlos Doti, MD; Deepa Lalla, PhD, MS; and Bob Li, MD, PhD, MPH.
UMSOP nominated AstraZeneca and Doti, Lalla, and Li for their advocacy, leadership, and sustained commitment to advancing educational experiences, research, practice, and community engagement through continuing partnerships with the School.
“Through visionary leadership, sustained advocacy, and transformative philanthropy, Drs. Doti, Lalla, and Li exemplify the very best of industry-academic partnership,” said Bruce E. Jarrell, MD, FACS, president of UMB.
For years, Doti and Lalla have championed collaborations with UMSOP, with strong support and engagement from Li at the global level. Through their collective leadership, AstraZeneca has expanded partnerships with the School by supporting internships for students in the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences program and fellowships for Doctor of Pharmacy and PhD in Pharmaceutical Health Services Research students.
The three leaders have also participated in lectures, panel discussions, and career development programming designed to help prepare UMSOP students for careers in the pharmaceutical industry.
Their support has further strengthened the School’s nationally recognized PATIENTS Program, including its PATIENTS Professors Academy, the recently launched Going National Initiative, and a Master Services Agreement that deepens collaboration between AstraZeneca and UMSOP. Together, Drs. Doti, Lalla, and Li helped secure more than $1 million in funding to advance patient-centered outcomes research and expand the reach and impact of the PATIENTS Program.
“Beyond financial investment, they have actively cultivated new and expanded partnerships to strengthen pharmacy education, training, research, and outreach,” Jarrell said. “By introducing UMSOP leadership and faculty to colleagues across AstraZeneca, they have opened the door to broader collaboration and enhanced support for initiatives across UMB.”
Doti also was part of the AstraZeneca team that provided a significant philanthropic gift to the University of Maryland Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center. The company’s support additionally extends to the UMB CURE Scholars Program, a year-round initiative that empowers middle and high school students in West Baltimore to pursue careers in research, health care, and STEM fields.
“We can’t cure disease, strengthen communities, or drive discovery without the support of dedicated partners like those we honor tonight,” Jarrell said. “These individuals are true catalysts for change who advance excellence across our university and beyond.”
Related News Stories
Dean Emerita Natalie Eddington’s Legacy Honored at Portrait Unveiling
April 23, 2026
Celebration recognizes 16 years of leadership and a lasting impact on the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy.
UMSOP Faculty, Students, and Alumni Honored at 2025 Maryland Pharmacists Association Annual Convention
June 27, 2025
Natalie Eddington named honorary president; Katy Pincus joins Board of Trustees; Megan Chang awarded student scholarship.
Honoring a Legacy of Service and Philanthropy: Yankellow Honored with UMB Catalyst for Excellence Award
May 19, 2025
Distinguished alumna’s longstanding commitment to education, philanthropy, and community engagement earns her one of UMB’s highest honors.