Campus Connection

Media Credit: www.umaryland.edu

Dr. Julie Zito, a research scientist in the Pharmaceutical Health Services Research department in the School of Pharmacy, was recently awarded a 2008 University Systems of Maryland Regent's Award for Scholarship, Research, and Creativity. The award is the highest honor presented by the Board of Regents to exemplary faculty members, and is intended to publicly recognize distinguished performances by faculty members.  Zito’s award marks the first time a member of the School of Pharmacy has been the recipient of a University Systems award.

Zito has worked with the department for more than fourteen years, during which time she has established her research at the forefront of pharmacoepidemiology in the pediatric population. In 2006, she won national acclaim for her work regarding the epidemic of Ritalin prescription for the treatment of ADD/ADHD in children. Zito is considered to be a pioneer in the field of evaluating the use of drugs approved for adults in children.

During her time at the University of Maryland, Zito has received more than $4 million in funding from public sources including the National Institute of Mental Health and National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD).

Zito is highly regarded by her peers as both a mentor and scientist. Dr. Natalie Eddington, dean of the School of Pharmacy, said of Zito, “She is so deserving of this honor.”

The importance of such an achievement is evident to members of the School of Pharmacy. Eddington pointed out, “An academic institution is recognized by the scholarship of its faculty.”

During a celebration held on her behalf April 11 in Pharmacy Hall, Zito remained modest stating simply in her speech, “No work is done by a single individual.” She remains focused on the future and new avenues of research she has plans to pursue.

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