Department: School of Medicine

Dr. Huiping Zhou is a Professor and Interim Chair of Microbiology and Immunology at VCU. Her impact as an exceptional mentor extends beyond academics and technical guidance to include genuine care about the professional development and overall well-being of her mentees, creation of a positive and collaborative lab culture where curiosity and critical thinking thrive, and nurturing long-lasting relationships with those she mentors. She invests time in understanding her mentees' aspirations, tailoring her advice to help them achieve their career goals. Even after her mentees have moved on to other institutions, she continues to offer guidance and support, and many around the world consider her their “forever mentor.”

Dr. Zhou's career at VCU began after she received her Ph.D. in Molecular Biology and Pharmaceutical Science from the University of Kentucky in 1998. She also holds a B.S. in Pharmacology (1986) and M.S. in Biochemistry (1989) from China Pharmaceutical University. She is a Fellow of the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases (AASLD) and the American Gastroenterological Association (AGA). She also served as President of the Chinese American Liver Society (CALS) from 2019 to 2020. Dr. Zhou is internationally recognized for her cutting-edge research in the pathogenesis of cholestatic liver disease, bile acid cell signaling, and the study of drugs that treat liver and gastrointestinal diseases. She has consistently received R01 funding from the NIH and a VA Merit Award for her work, and her extensive

background in, and passion for, these areas has been instrumental in shaping the research and. academic development of her students. Dr. Zhou has authored an extensive body of work, including over 140 peer-reviewed journal articles and more than 200 book chapters and published abstracts or proceedings, some of which list her students as authors. She has contributed to research published in top journals such as Hepatology and Gastroenterology.

Having mentored more than 60 graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, visiting scientists, and young faculty while at VCU, Dr. Zhou’s dedication to fostering the next generation of scientists is evident. This dedication is not limited to those pursuing advanced degrees; Dr. Zhou has also mentored numerous high school and undergraduate students throughout her time at VCU. She actively involves her students in professional development opportunities, such as conference presentations, manuscript writing, and grant applications, and many of them received individual NIH F31 or F30 grant support for their research in Dr. Zhou’s laboratory. The vast majority of her students have received travel awards to national and international meetings to present their research, and many of her trainees have gone on to hold prestigious positions in academia and industry worldwide.

In the numerous letters of support for Dr. Zhou’s nomination for the Distinguished Mentor Award, her mentees consistently emphasize her warmth and approachability, qualities that contribute significantly to her success as a mentor. One mentee shared, "She has an open-door policy where no matter is too small to discuss despite her very busy schedule." This commitment to being present for her students allows her to provide tailored support at every stage of their academic and professional development. They also appreciate her commitment to their personal and professional growth, citing her frequent invitations to her home for holidays and celebrations. The nomination and support letters paint a clear picture of a distinguished scientist who is an equally distinguished and dedicated mentor. Dr. Zhou's legacy is one of academic rigor paired with genuine care, a combination that has profoundly shaped the lives and careers of those fortunate enough to call her their mentor.

Back to Listing