The Coit Center for Longevity and Neurotherapeutics Welcomes Two New Faculty Members in Aging and Neurodegeneration Research
The R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy announces the addition of two exceptional researchers, Ee Phie Tan, PhD, and Kevin Rhine, PhD, to the Coit Center for Longevity and Neurotherapeutics. With expertise in aging biology, neurodegenerative disease mechanisms, and therapeutic innovation, these new assistant professors bring bold research agendas in alignment with the center’s mission to promote healthier longevity through groundbreaking science.
"We are thrilled that two new colleagues will join the Coit Center for Longevity and Neurotherapeutics and Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology," said Haining Zhu, PhD, center co-director. "Drs. Rhine and Tan bring exciting new projects related to aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and drug development to the University of Arizona. With them and existing faculty, we look forward to developing new programs in this area to advance our understanding of longevity and the wellbeing of people in Arizona and beyond."
Ee Phie Tan: Championing Lipophagy and Healthspan Extension
Born in Malaysia and trained across top-tier U.S. research institutions, Tan joins the Coit Center as an assistant professor specializing in chemical and molecular biology and autophagy. Her journey into science began unexpectedly, washing glassware in Christopher Stipp’s, PhD, lab as a biomedical engineering student at the University of Iowa. That experience evolved into a passion for discovery that has since taken her from a PhD at the University of Kansas Medical Center to postdoctoral fellowships at Sanford Burnham Prebys and The Scripps Research Institute.
Tan's research focuses on lipophagy, the selective degradation of lipid droplets, and how this process can be harnessed to enhance healthspan and mitigate age-related diseases. Her discovery of AA-20, a novel autophagy enhancer, exemplifies her commitment to translating fundamental biology into therapeutic strategies. Recently, her research, “Autophagy activator AA-20 improves proteostasis and extends Caenorhabditis elegans lifespan,” was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).
"As an assistant professor at the Coit Center, I’m driven to unravel the mysteries of lipophagy to enhance healthspan and combat neurodegeneration," Tan shared. "I look forward to cultivating a vibrant, collaborative lab where positivity and mentorship empower the next generation of scientists."
Beyond her scientific contributions, Tan has been a consistent advocate for collaboration and community, having led postdoctoral associations and organized international scientific webinars. Her approach to leadership is deeply rooted in empathy, mentorship, and optimism.
"Being present, supportive, and intentional in our interactions builds a foundation of trust and collaboration,” she said. “Equally important is maintaining hope and openness in communication. By fostering honest, transparent and respectful dialogue, we cultivate trust, which is the bedrock of a cohesive scientific community.”
Kevin Rhine: Investigating RNA-Protein Dysregulation in Aging Neurons
Rhine brings an equally compelling trajectory to the Coit Center, where he leads research at the intersection of molecular biology, RNA regulation, and neurodegeneration. From his early research days at Boston University to his PhD at Johns Hopkins and postdoctoral fellowship at UC San Diego, Rhine has explored how disruptions in RNA-protein interactions contribute to diseases like ALS and frontotemporal dementia.
His research dissects how aging alters the behavior of neurodegeneration-linked proteins and RNA molecules, with a particular focus on phase separation and protein aggregation in neurons. Supported by a prestigious Milton Safenowitz Postdoctoral Fellowship and an ALSA Seed Grant, Rhine’s work not only deepens our understanding of fundamental disease mechanisms but also opens doors to therapeutic development.
“What drew me to academia was the opportunity to push the boundaries of knowledge in an altruistic way that benefits everyone,” said Rhine. “I’m grateful every day that I get to do cutting-edge research, teach, mentor, and contribute to a community I care deeply about.”
Rhine brings a spirit of empathy and humility to his work, recognizing that scientific progress is deeply human. “I try to approach each interaction with empathy. It might be a regular day for me, but a hard day for someone else. Understanding that helps create a more compassionate and productive work environment,” he said.
In his free time, he enjoys playing pickleball and golf, discovering new restaurants, and spending time with his cat and partner.
"We are delighted that Dr. Rhine and Dr. Tan, two outstanding new faculty, are joining the center,” added Bernardo Lemos, PhD, center co-director. “Their cutting-edge research in aging, neurodegenerative diseases, and therapeutics brings new technologies and collaborative opportunities to the university. They will complement and synergize existing efforts to further greater longevity and healthy living for individuals throughout the state and across the world."
As Tan and Rhine settle into their new roles, the Coit Center for Longevity and Neurotherapeutics enters an exciting new chapter, one defined by innovation, collaboration, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge to extend healthspan and improve lives.
About the Coit Center for Longevity and Neurotherapeutics
The Coit Center at the University of Arizona’s R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy is dedicated to advancing the science of aging and neurotherapeutics. By integrating expertise across pharmacology, molecular biology, and drug development, the Center seeks to improve the quality of life for aging populations and accelerate the discovery of novel therapeutics for neurodegenerative disorders. Learn more at pharmacy.arizona.edu/coit-center-longevity-neurotherapeutics.