Human Toxicology Faculty member Dr. Aliasger Salem was named as a recipient of the prestigious Hancher-Finkbine Faculty Medallion. The Medallion is awarded annually to just one faculty member at the University of Iowa. It is based primarily on teaching ability rather than research or writing.

Salem is a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Experimental Therapeutics in the College of Pharmacy. His research focuses on developing scientific techniques on novel cancer therapies and regenerative medicine. He has pioneered the integration of nanotechnology in cancer therapies. Salem has had an impact on the research done in his department. For the last seven years, he served as the head of his division and coordinated graduate programs, budgeting, and faculty mentoring. He has been a leader in promoting and supporting diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus. He is especially proud of the number of underrepresented students that he mentors.