In announcing the selection, interim dean Brian Gallagher praised Blough’s work and commitment to the school.
“Dr. Blough is an academic professional and prolific researcher who has been a significant influence on the first phase of Marshall University School of Pharmacy,” Gallagher said. “We are pleased for him to assume this role at the school of pharmacy and look forward to his contributions to the continued success of the school.”
After earning his bachelor’s and master’s degrees, Blough completed a Ph.D. program in exercise physiology at the Ohio State University. After graduating, he completed a postdoctoral fellowship in the department of physiology and biophysics at the University of Illinois.
Blough held several positions at Michigan Technological University before joining Marshall University’s College of Science in 2003. He now holds joint appointments at the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine and the Marshall school of pharmacy and directs the university’s Center for Diagnostic Nanosystems, a research facility he founded in 2010.
A productive researcher and publisher, Blough, along with his colleagues, has received over $12 million in research awards since 1998 and published over 300 scientific manuscripts, technical reports and abstracts – all while maintaining a strong focus on student development and mentoring in his teaching.
Blough is a well-respected and award-winning faculty member. He received the 2005 Marshall Distinguished Artists and Scholars Award (Jr. Level), the 2009 Marshall Distinguished Artists and Scholars Award (Sr. Level), the 2009 John and Frances Rucker Outstanding Graduate Advisor Award and the 2017 Hedrick Award. He is also currently a finalist for the West Virginia Professor of the Year.
Blough will assume his new role March 1.