Dr. Romanelli is originally from Waterbury, Connecticut. He received both his Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Pharmacy degrees from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in Boston. He completed both a Pharmacy Practice and Critical Care residency at the University of Kentucky Medical Center where he also served as Chief Resident. Subsequently, he received a Masters degree in Public Health from the University of Kentucky.

He is currently Professor of Pharmacy and Associate Dean at the University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy with joint appointments as Associate Professor of Medicine and Associate Professor of Health Sciences.

Dr. Romanelli has received several commendations by various groups for outstanding teaching. In 2003 he was selected by the University of Kentucky Alumni Association as a ‘Great Teacher’, this is the oldest continuous award presented by UK. In 2004, he received the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Innovations in Teaching Award and in 2008 the UK Provosts Award for Outstanding teaching by a Tenured Faculty member. Dr. Romanelli has also been recognized as an Outstanding Professor of the Year by both the College of Pharmacy and College of Health Sciences at UK. His research Interests include HIV/AIDS, pedagogy and learning.