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College of Human Medicine

Two Endowed Faculty Honored at Fall Investiture

November 7, 2025

Two newly endowed Michigan State University College of Human Medicine faculty were recognized at a special university-wide investiture ceremony in East Lansing, earlier this semester.

Lucas Pozzo-Miller, PhD, and Charles (Chaz) Hong, MD, PhD, were among those honored at the event. The ceremony is a celebration of faculty who represent MSU's commitment to academic excellence and innovation, and the donors whose generous support is making a difference for these highly prestigious, actively engaged faculty positions.

Lucas Pozzo-Miller, PhD, at the university investiture ceremony.Lucas Pozzo-Miller, PhD

Department of Pediatrics and Human Development

Lucas Pozzo-Miller, PhD, is the inaugural Mall Family Endowed Professor in Genetic Autism Research at MSU College of Human Medicine. He studies how changes in single genes can alter the way brain cells communicate — and how those changes contribute to certain forms of autism, such as Rett syndrome. His research seeks to understand the fundamental brain mechanisms behind these conditions and use that knowledge to explore new, more effective treatment options. By connecting discoveries in the lab to potential therapies, his work aims to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by genetic forms of autism.

Read more about Pozzo-Miller’s research

at the university investiture ceremony.Charles (Chaz) Hong, MD, PhD

Department of Medicine

Charles (Chaz) Hong, MD, PhD, is a physician-scientist, Michigan State University Research Foundation Professor and chair of the Department of Medicine at MSU College of Human Medicine. He discovered how certain cell signals help determine whether developing blood vessels become arteries or veins. His most recent work focuses on a compound called “Ogremorphin” that selectively kills glioblastoma cells, offering hope for a future treatment of this deadly brain cancer.

Read more about Hong’s research