New School of Pharmacy professor focusing research on pulmonary hypertension
Assistant Professor Yuanjun Shen says he's found a new home in and is excited to continue his work here
The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has become a home for several new faculty members over the last year. With these new faces walking the halls and in the labs conducting research, many are taking time to share their work and why they chose as their new home.
Yuanjun “Steven” Shen joined the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at in 2025 and his path to becoming a researcher was built one step at a time. He started with a degree in pharmaceutical sciences, then moved to the U.S. for graduate studies, and eventually entered postdoctoral training. Each stage brought new challenges and new mentors who shaped his approach to research. Shen said not all experiences were perfect, but his mentors’ passion for science inspired him. He now hopes to pass that inspiration on to the next generation of scientists here at .
What made you choose ?
When I was applying for positions, I sent my resume to many institutions, but stood out. The warm welcome I received during my visit made a strong impression—everyone was genuinely excited about their work and the possibility of me joining. Meeting Dean Raju was also a key moment; he shared his vision for SOPPS and how I could contribute to it. Now that I’m here, I see that the warmth wasn’t just for the interview—it continues in my daily experiences. That consistency reassures me that I made the right choice.
What is something that has stood out to you about since you’ve been here?
One of the most satisfying aspects of being here is working with students. They are bright, eager to learn, and show real interest in participating in research. Even undergraduates, who are just starting, are enthusiastic about joining complex projects. I remember how challenging it was for me when I first entered this field, so seeing their willingness to engage is inspiring. It makes me hopeful about the future of research and innovation here.
What is your research focused on?
My research focuses on pulmonary hypertension, a disease that increases blood pressure in the lungs and leads to right heart failure. The issue is caused by the thickening of the pulmonary artery, which results from excessive cell growth—something surprisingly similar to cancer. In our lab, we explore why artery cells show cancer-like uncontrolled growth behaviors in pulmonary hypertension. Our goal is to identify mechanisms behind this process and find ways to slow or reverse it. Ultimately, we hope our research leads to better treatments for patients suffering from this disease.
Are there any challenges that come along with your research?
One of the biggest challenges in our research is finding the right model to study the disease. Working with human cells taken from patients helps, but it only provides part of the picture. Animal models like mice and rats can replicate some aspects of pulmonary hypertension, but they are never a perfect match for human biology. Because of these limitations, we also use multiple approaches, including digital models that simulate the disease on a computer. The hope is that all these tools will help to enhance our ability to develop effective treatments.
What type of advancements are you seeing in your field of research?
A promising new direction in our research is using biomedical engineering to grow human cells in an environment that mimics real physiological conditions. This approach brings us closer to understanding how the disease develops in actual patients. Additionally, the scientific community is working on computational models that analyze large datasets from human and animal studies. These digital models could help us predict disease progression and test potential treatments more efficiently. If successful, these advancements could change the way we study and treat pulmonary hypertension.
What’s your motivation for continuing your research every day?
My passion for healthcare began early because my parents worked in public health in China. I grew up watching them tackle public health crises, and their dedication inspired me. When I entered research, my initial goal was simply to study cell signaling, but meeting real pulmonary hypertension patients changed everything. Seeing their struggles firsthand and their eagerness to learn about our research gave me a new sense of purpose. Knowing that my work might one day help people like them keeps me motivated every day.
Was there a moment when you realized that this research was your calling?
One of the most powerful moments in my career was when pulmonary hypertension patients visited our lab. They were struggling with basic things like breathing, yet they were incredibly engaged in learning about our research. It was humbling to realize that, while our work might not help them directly, it could contribute to future treatments. That experience reinforced my decision to dedicate myself to this field. Now, whenever I face setbacks, I remind myself of those patients and why this work matters.”
What are your long-term goals?
Looking ahead, I want to continue advancing research in pulmonary hypertension while also mentoring young scientists. Science is not just about discovering new things; it’s about training the people who will make future discoveries. I was fortunate to learn from great mentors, and I want to do the same for others. If my work can both help patients and inspire students, I will consider that a success. That’s what keeps me moving forward every day.