Howard University College of Pharmacy Spotlight Dr. Rung’s Research Journey
Howard University College of Pharmacy Spotlight Dr. Rung’s Research Journey
Introducing one of the faculty members whose passion, innovation, and dedication helps make Howard University College of Pharmacy a standout institution. Meet Dr. Dhakrit Rungkitwattanakul, a valued member of the HUCOP Pharmily, whose commitment to pharmacy education and research continues to inspire both colleagues and students alike.
Dr. Rung, a graduate of the University of Maryland, launched his academic career shortly after completing his studies. He joined the College of Pharmacy in 2018 as Clinical Assistant Professor in the Clinical Educator Track, and through years of hard work and dedication, he was promoted to Associate Professor in 2023. His journey is far from over, it’s only just beginning.
Over the years, Dr. Rung has developed a deep understanding of the many ways pharmacy can impact patient care. For the past two years, he has balanced his time between mentoring students at the College and working directly with patients at Howard University Hospital. His research centers on kidney disease, specifically identifying patients at risk and tracking biomarkers that can signal early signs of medication-associated acute kidney injury (AKI).
Dr. Rung’s work has not gone unnoticed. For the past two years, he has been honored with the C.A.R.E Faculty Recognition award at the College of Pharmacy. Most recently, he was selected as the sole recipient of the $50,000 Optimizing Technology Solutions Innovation Grant from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP) Foundation. His funded project, titled "Leveraging Clinical Decision Support System and Kidney Stress Biomarkers to Prevent Hospital-Acquired Acute Kidney Injury in High-Risk Populations," reflects his commitment to innovation in patient-centered care.
In addition to national recognition, Dr. Rung was celebrated at the Howard University Office of Research Excellence in Innovation and Academic Achievement Awards, where he received the 2025 Up and Coming Researcher of the Year award, further affirming his influence as both a researcher and educator.
When asked what excites him most about the year ahead, Dr. Rung shared his enthusiasm for continuing his research on acute kidney disease and preventative interventions. His hands-on work with patients reinforces his belief that, with proper care and innovative treatment strategies, the progression of kidney disease can be delayed or even prevented.
Beyond research, Dr. Rung is deeply passionate about education. He finds joy in watching students grow from their first days in pharmacy school to the moment they cross the graduation stage. “The reward of this journey as a teacher,” he says, “is to see my students at the finish line. Not everyone makes it, but when you do, you’ll be amazed by the opportunities that lie ahead.”
His advice to students interested in research?
“Read. You must read and learn as much as you can. If you want to create something innovative, you need to understand what’s already been done.”
To those considering pharmacy school, Dr. Rung offers this guidance:
“Stay curious. Get hands-on experience and enjoy every moment of the learning process. Either you win, or you learn (never lose).”
He openly shares that his path wasn’t without rejection. "I heard ‘no’ many times before I got my ‘yes.’ But each ‘no’ motivated me to push harder, learn more, and stay focused."
As a practicing pharmacist, his patient interactions continue to fuel his determination to discover better care methods and improve health outcomes among kidney disease patients. Dr. Rung’s journey is a powerful reminder of the impact one person can make in pharmacy and all the lives that can be changed along the way.