Updated September 9, 2022
The Auburn Pharmacist Online is an electronic newsletter providing news, events and updates from the Harrison College of Pharmacy. Have something you would like included? Email hsopcomm@auburn.edu.
Dr. Tim Moore began his term as interim dean on June 1. Moore has been with HCOP since 2016, first serving as department head in Drug Discovery and Development, and most recently as associate dean for research. Read more the HCOP website.
Dr. Karen Marlowe, a faculty member and leader within HCOP for more than 20 years, has been tabbed as the college’s associate dean for academic programs following a national search. She assumed her new duties on July 1. Marlowe joined the HCOP faculty in the Department of Pharmacy Practice in 2000. Since 2007, she has served as associate department head and assistant dean of the Mobile Campus, leading HCOP’s second campus in Mobile since its inception. Read more the HCOP website.
Dr. C. Randall Clark, a veteran faculty member and investigator with almost 50 years of experience with the Harrison College of Pharmacy, has been selected as the college’s acting associate dean for research, Interim Dean Timothy Moore announced June 10. Clark will assume his new duties July 1.Clark joined the HCOP faculty in 1973 as an assistant professor of medicinal chemistry following the completion of his Ph.D. at the University of Mississippi. He was promoted to professor in 1983 and has held the title of Gilliland Professor since 2016. Since arriving at HCOP, he has played a significant role in growing the medicinal chemistry program into one of the most respected in the country. Read more the HCOP website.
The HCOP Class of 2026 joined the Auburn Family on August 12 as friends and family joined the incoming student pharmacists at the 2022 White Coat Ceremony at the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. The class is made up of 132 students from 12 different states and 40 different colleges and universities. Read more about the newest student pharmacists.
HCOP held its 2022 commencement ceremony May 9 at Neville Arena. The class of 2022 included 141 students receiving the Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. One student received a Master of Science (M.S.) degree, and 10 others received Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degrees. For more information and a full listing of the graduates, visit the HCOP website.
A record-setting 79 HCOP graduates were recently selected to post-graduate programs at hospitals, clinics, universities and the pharmaceutical industry around the country. Along with setting a new benchmark, it is the sixth year in a row for at least 50 Auburn pharmacy graduates to move on to the highly competitive programs. Those accepted to PGY-1 and PGY-2 residencies are spread among 18 states with 29 remaining in-state to care for those in Alabama. Read more the HCOP website.
A team including Drs. Kimberly Braxton Lloyd, Courtney Gamston, Salisa Westrick, Greg Peden, Dave Brackett, Danielle Waites, Emily Blaine and an interdisciplinary team from East Alabama Health was recently awarded $683,910 from the FDA Center for Drug Use and Evaluation’s Safe Use Initiative to provide a dedicated transitions of care service to patients admitted to the hospital with a recent history of multiple readmissions.
Titled, “Assessment of a pharmacist-led interprofessional transitions of care program targeting patients with multiple recent hospital admissions: the ICARE Program,” the goal of this two-year project is to improve the care of these patients by identifying and addressing medication-related problems and barriers to care in order to decrease the rate of hospital readmission. The TOC model for this project includes the partnering of inpatient and outpatient teams to improve care continuity throughout the transition.
Faculty working through the Auburn University Center for Opioid Research, Education and Outreach, along with its Substance Use and Misuse Institute, developed educational programming related to substance use disorders and their effects on an individual’s mental health. Learn more at auburncoach.org/suda/.
The work by Drs. Haley Phillippe, Brent Fox, and Karen Marlowe is supported by $750,000 in sponsored project funds from the Alabama Department of Mental Health via a sub-award through the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
The educational programming developed is available online in the form of webinars and targets two primary cohorts: community leaders and health care professionals. Health care professionals are eligible to receive continuing education credits. The content presented focuses on the emerging trends of substance use disorders in Alabama, specifically, the prevalence of substance use disorders amongst vulnerable populations. The project will conclude at the end of this fiscal year, with the webinars remaining accessible through September of 2024.
Read the latest issues of AU InforMed, the newsletter of the Bedsole Drug Information Center at HCOP. Recent topics include harm reduction and immunizations. Read them and more on the AU InforMed website.
The Substance Use and Misuse Institute, formerly known as the Opioid Training Institute, partnered with the Alabama Department of Senior Services to provide webinars utilizing a contract agreement established through the Auburn University Center for Opioid Research, Education, and Outreach. Led by faculty members, Drs. Brent Fox, Haley Phillippe, and Karen Marlowe, the project’s discussion topics centered around a central focus of Medicare fraud and substance use disorders among older adults in Alabama.
Other HCOP faculty members affiliated with the project include Drs. Dana Carroll, Lindsey Hohmann, Cherry Jackson, Sean Smithgall and Salisa Westrick. External collaborators included Dr. Kevin Astle, Shanna McIntosh (VitAL Director) and Ketrick Kelley (retired FBI Agent), who were subcontracted to discuss topics in their respective fields. Attendees of the webinar-based training sessions included 65 social service program coordinators and program specialists from the 13 Area Agencies on Aging across the state. The training sessions helped participants learn to identify warning signs of opioid abuse and provided them with available resources to assist with addiction recovery, including mental health resources.
HCOP was well-represented with 14 people with Auburn pharmacy ties winning major awards at the 2022 Alabama Pharmacy Association Annual Meeting. Clemice Hurst (Class of 1994) won the J. Wayne Staggs Distinguished Service Award while Darrell Craven (’82) won the NCPA Leadership Award and was installed as APA president. James Jones (’84) took the APA Lester White Good Government Award with Jessica Hung (’14) selected as the Distinguished Young Pharmacist. Brothers Jared (’01) and Jacob (’04) Johnson were recipients of the Excellence in Innovation Award.
HCOP Associate Clinical Professor Spencer Durham (’07) was selected as APA Faculty Member of the Year Award with colleague Marilyn Bulloch, associate clinical professor, taking the Mitchel C. Rothholz President’s Award. Ronda Lacey (’95) and the Brooklere Family [Anthony (’58), Sara Jean, Johnny (’85) and Anna (’83)] were recognized with APA Advocate Awards. Sarah Grace Barnes (’24) earned the R. Lee Evans Student Professionalism Award while Clinical Affairs and Outreach staff member Ashley Reid, a 2002 Auburn marketing graduate, was recognized as the Pharmacy Technician of the Year. Read more the HCOP website.
Outstanding Harrison College of Pharmacy students, staff, faculty members and preceptors were recognized in ceremonies on April 8, April 29, May 6 and May 9 as part of the 62nd Annual Hargreaves Awards Program. In all, more than 60 awards were given to more than 100 recipients. Dr. Glady’s Heard took the top honor, the Hargreaves Faculty Mentor Award. Read more and see the full list of winners on the HCOP website.
Thanks to the generous support of our Tiger Giving Day donors, faculty members were able to provide blood pressure monitors to at-risk patients. The project funded 80 blood pressure monitors and educational pocket cards to help patients with their blood pressure medication.
HCOP provides care for patients in eight clinics in Alabama and Georgia. Each clinic received 10 monitors, ensuring that patients in underserved areas now have access to critical health equipment.
Tailgating is back on Auburn's campus this football season. HCOP will host three football tailgates on the Walker Building lawn, facing Jordan-Hare Stadium. There will be a tailgate prior to the Penn State game on Sept. 17, at the Auburn vs. Missouri game on Sept. 24 and prior to the Arkansas game on Oct. 29. For more information, visit the tailgate website.
HSOP items are available in the School Store, including new apparel from Under Armour. Launched in partnership with the Auburn University Bookstore, the online store also includes apparel, drinkware, and other items. All proceeds from the HSOP store will be used to support student success through various programs. To learn more, click HERE or visit pharmacy.auburn.edu/store.
Dr. Erin McCreary, a member of the HCOP Class of 2015, stepped up to the challenge and became a vital resource during the COVID-19 pandemic. Her work recently brought recognition as the Young Alumni Achievement Award winner by the Auburn Alumni Association. Read more on the HCOP website.
HCOP alum Jim Justice was inducted into the Alabama Pharmacy Hall of Fame at the Alabama Pharmacy Association’s 141st Annual Convention, held at the Lodge at Gulf State Park in Gulf Shores, Alabama. Read more about Justice and his career.
Lucinda Maine is set to depart her post as executive vice president and chief executive officer of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy. A member of the Harrison College of Pharmacy Class of 1980, Maine has held the position for more than 20 years. Read more about Maine and her journey in this feature on the AACP website.
Three HCOP alums were recognized by the Auburn Pharmacy Alumni Affiliate during the annual Auburn Breakfast at the APA Convention in Gulf Shore, Alabama. Dr. David Serota (’95) was recognized with the Distinguished Alumnus Award while Senator Billy Beasley (’62) was honored with the Distinguished Service Award. Dr. Garrett Aikens (’11) became the first recipient of the Distinguished Young Alumnus Award.
Dr. James Temple, a member of the Harrison College of Pharmacy Class of 1950, recently passed away at the age of 94. After practicing pharmacy for a few years, he went on to earn his medical degree from UAB, graduating in 1959. He practiced medicine in the Alexander City area for more than 60 years, becoming a fixture in the community. Read more about Dr. Temple in this feature in the Alexander City Outlook.
Star Discount Pharmacy, a family of locally-owned pharmacies in the Huntsville area, was recently recognized as one of the 2022 “Top Tigers” by the Harbert College of Business. Owned by Darden Heritage, a member of the HCOP Class of 1982, Star Discount Pharmacy is one of 54 businesses recognized for exceptional growth, revenue and entrepreneurial spirit. In its eighth year, “Top Tiger” honorees are among the fastest-growing companies founded, owned or led by Auburn University alumni. Businesses are grouped into Small ($500,000 to $5 million), Medium ($5 million to $20 million) and Large ($20 million and up) revenue categories. Star Discount Pharmacy was recognized among the Large companies. Read more in the news release.
Auburn Athletics recently highlighted the 1997 Auburn baseball team and the 25th anniversary of their comeback win against Florida State to earn a trip to the College World Series. Playing alongside guys named Tim Hudson and David Ross, Derek Reif played a key role in the comeback win, hitting an infield single to put the game-tying run on base. With Hudson on second and Reif on first, Ross hit a home run to give the Tigers an 8-7 win.
An outfielder from 1997-99, Reif went on to earn his Pharm.D. from the Harrison College of Pharmacy in 2004. He and his wife Amy, along with their sons Storm and Cash, currently live in Auburn. Read more on AuburnTigers.com.
Dr. Thomas Achey, a member of the HCOP Class of 2014, was recently promoted to Director, Adult Inpatient Pharmacy Services at MUSC Health University Medical Center in Charleston, South Carolina. He joins MUSC after 13 years within hospitals and health systems, including most recently serving as the Assistant Director of Pharmacy at Princeton Baptist Medical Center in Birmingham.
At MUSC, his role includes overseeing clinical and operational pharmacy teams within University Hospital, Ashley River Tower (cardiovascular, digestive disease, and oncology), and Institute of Psychiatry. In addition, he will serve as an affiliate faculty member of the Medical University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy. Read more about Achey and his new position in this feature by COSAM.
Tommy Whitworth, a member of the HCOP Class of 1980, was presented with the Bowl of Hygeia by the Georgia Pharmacy Association at its annual convention. Whitworth works at the Medicine Cabinet in LaGrange, Georgia, his hometown where he has practiced for 37 years. Read more about his award in the LaGrange Daily News.
James O. Walker, Sr., a member of the HCOP Class of 1957, was inducted into the Alabama Healthcare Hall of Fame as part of its 2022 induction ceremony on August 13. Walker was inducted posthumously following his passing on July 20, 2020.
He and his family made the generous donation in 2000 to name the pharmacy building after his father, W.W. Walker, Jr. An avid Auburn supporter and fan, Walker's presence and generosity left a lasting impression on the school of pharmacy that will continue. Along with the naming of the building, the family has established the W.W. Walker Endowed Professorship and the Walker Family Endowed Fund for Excellence.
He was previously honored in 2002 with the Alabama Pharmacy Association President’s Special Achievement Award, the 2010 Bowl of Hygeia Award and was inducted into the APA Hall of Fame in 2015. Within HCOP, he served on the Dean's Advisory Council and was presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award by the Auburn Pharmacy Alumni Association in 1985.
The Harrison College of Pharmacy has adopted the use of Handshake, Auburn University’s job platform through the Career Center. Handshake allows current students, alumni, and employers to post and search for jobs. Current students and alumni with an active Auburn account can access Handshake using their Auburn University Credentials. Alumni without an active Auburn account can gain access to Handshake by contacting the Auburn University Career Center at 334-844-4744. Employers looking to post a position will create an employer profile for their company. Alumni employers should utilize their individual profile to search for jobs and create a separate employer profile to post jobs. Please see below guide for employers to create a Handshake profile.
Please visit career.auburn.edu/handshake to access Handshake. For additional information, please contact Brianna Foster at b.foster@auburn.edu or 334-844-8371.
In an effort to maximize recognition of our HCOP alumni, please consider submitting a nomination for the American Pharmacists Association awards. The award cycle for nominations opened June 15 and must be received by the APHA office on or before September 10. Nomination submissions should include a letter from the nominator describing the most important achievements of the nominee explaining why the nominee meets the criteria for the award, 2-6 letters of recommendation, and current CV of nominee. Information about the awards, nominee qualifications, and past winners can be found by visiting www.pharmacist.com/awards. Nominations can be submitted by a APhA member in good standing and nominees should be a member of APhA, unless otherwise stated in the award description.
APhA sponsors over 30 different awards in 4 categories, including: Professionwide, Practitioner, Scientific and Students.
Libby Rigby, a member of the HCOP Class of 1989, passed suddenly in 2019. Since that time, her husband Jerry has carried on her memory by giving back to the LaGrange, Georgia community, as well as establishing scholarships for Auburn nursing and pharmacy students. Read and watch more in this “Feel Good Friday” feature from WRBL News.
One of our favorite things around the Harrison College of Pharmacy is when we hear from our alumni and friends. We would love to hear from you with updates on your practice, career, or life in general. Please send any updates or news items you have to hsopcomm@auburn.edu.
Three HCOP students were recently selected for the prestigious Albert Schweitzer Fellowship of Alabama. The students will spend the next 13 months immersed in community public health projects. Their projects will improve the health and social well-being of their populations of choice throughout the state while simultaneously strengthening their leadership skills. In doing so, they will continue the legacy of the fellowship’s namesake, physician-humanitarian Dr. Albert Schweitzer.
Students were selected based on academic and submitted projects. Their projects will improve the health and social well-being of their populations of choice throughout the state while simultaneously strengthening their leadership skills. Those selected from the Harrison College of Pharmacy are Chigozie Chinakwe, Micah Grey and Andres Tovar. The trio are among 20 students in Alabama, and among five at Auburn University, to be selected for the Schweitzer Fellowship. Learn more about their projects on the HCOP website.
The HCOP team of Ray Waliagha, Connor Kelley, and Avery Nobles, all members of the Class of 2025, ranked in the top 20 of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy Clinical Research Challenge after advancing to the third round of the competition. The ACCP Clinical Research Challenge is a team-based competition in which teams critically evaluate and apply primary literature in a clinical situation.
HCOP recently held its local Clinical Pharmacy Challenge to determine the team that will compete nationally in the 2022 American College of Clinical Pharmacy Clinical Pharmacy Challenge. Those selected to represent HCOP this year are Kaitlin Beyler, Haley Brobst and Mattie Kilpatrick with Jillian Farrow and Rachel Friend serving as alternates. All five are members of the Class of 2023.
In the challenge, teams of three students compete against teams from other schools and colleges of pharmacy in a “quiz bowl”–type format. Each round consists of questions offered in the three distinct segments: a Trivia/Lightening Round, a Clinical Case, and a Jeopardy-style round. Preliminary rounds of the national competition will be conducted virtually in September. The quarterfinal, semifinal, and final rounds will be held live at the ACCP Global Conference in San Francisco, California, October 15-17.
Five HCOP graduate students were recognized at the Auburn University Graduate School Awards Ceremony. Those receiving recognition were Kabre Heck, Outstanding Doctoral Student (Medicinal Chemistry), Cassidi McDaniel, Outstanding Doctoral Student (Health Outcomes Research and Policy), Jeremiah Pfitzer, Outstanding Master's Student (Pharmacology), Ishwor Poudel, Outstanding Graduate Student Council Senator, and Kaniz Tanni, Merriwether Fellowship.
Kilpatrick
Mattie Kilpatrick, a member of the HCOP Class of 2023, was selected as the vice president of meetings for the National Community Oncology Dispensing Association professional student organization’s international executive board. The international vice president of meetings is responsible for organizing monthly professional student organization webinar meetings and student educational talks, as well as working with the NCODA team to plan the annual national Fall Summit, PSO Annual Meeting, and Spring Forum.
Tran
Linda Tran was recently selected as this year’s President’s Award winner for the Harrison College of Pharmacy. The President’s Award recognizes one graduate in each school or college with a minimum grade-point average of 3.40 and possesses outstanding qualities of leadership, citizenship, character and promise of professional ability. All honorees were celebrated at a special awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 12. Tran has accepted a PGY-1 residency position with USA Health University Hospital in Mobile, Alabama. Read more on the HCOP website.
Ho
Oliver
Lam Ho and Emily Oliver, both members of the HCOP Class of 2024, were selected for the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Social and Administrative Section Summer Research Exchange Program. It marked the second year in a row for an HCOP student to be accepted to the program. Ho conducted research with Dr. Sun Lee, assistant professor of pharmacy clinical studies at High Point University. Oliver worked with Dr. Qian Ding, associate professor of social and administrative pharmacy at Ferris State University.
Additionally, HCOP had two faculty members participating in the research exchange. Dr. Lindsey Hohmann mentored Daisy Doan (Texas Tech), Hannah Higgins (University of the Sciences), and Josephine Lovings (Wingate). Dr. Natalie Hohmann mentored Grace Brown (Ohio Northern), Kelsey Waruszewski (Arizona), and Katelyn Witherspoon (North Carolina).
The HCOP Division of Research held its inaugural Research Showcase April 23 at the Auburn University Research Park. Along with featured speakers, poster presentations were held throughout the event, including student recognition in a variety of categories.
The best overall award went to Kabre Heck, a graduate student pursuing the medicinal chemistry option. Among Pharm.D. presenters, Tiffany Cadwallader took first place with Ray Waliagha in second and Kylie Sheats in third. In the graduate student competition, Lauren Lucas (pharmacology), took first, followed by Kelli McDonald (medicinal chemistry) in second, and Ian Steinke (medicinal chemistry) in third.
Winners were also named in subject matter areas. Laura Downey, an undergraduate researcher, took top honors in Cancer while Nabin Poudel (health outcomes research and policy) took the award in Health Outcomes and Health Care Systems. Pharm.D. students Samantha Lightle and Allison sell won in Scholarship of Teaching and Learning with fellow Pharm.D. student Jazmyne Jackson winning in Natural Products/Behavioral Interventions. Jared Senfeld (pharmacology) was tops in Drug Discovery and Development with Sindhu Ramesh (pharmacology) winning in Neuroscience/Substance Use Disorders.
A pair of undergraduate students in the lab of Dr. Angela Calderón recently received recognition for their work.
Zalaya Haynes, an Auburn pre-pharmacy student, received an Auburn University Undergraduate Research Fellowship under the mentorship of Dr. Calderón. This research fellowship is jointly funded by HCOP and the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Quennetta Baldwin, a biology and chemistry undergraduate student at Tuskegee University and an HBCU scholar, is working under the mentorship of Dr. Dr. Angela Calderón as part of the American Heart Association HBCU Scholars Program. She presented a poster entitled “Development of a TLC method to assess the identity of Euterpe oleracea fruit, raw materials, and capsules” at the Annual HBCU Scholars Research Symposium in Nashville, Tennessee in April.
Four student researchers from HCOP were recognized following the annual Auburn Student Research Symposium. In the oral presentations, Dylan Bowen, a student in Dr. Murali Dhanasekaran’s lab, was the undergraduate winner for the college with his presentation titled “New psychoactive substances: A threat to the current and future society.” Among graduate students, Olasubomi Akintola, a Ph.D. student in Dr. Alexei Kisselev’s lab, was the graduate winner for the college with her presentation titled “The role of small nucleolar RNAs in the response of multiple myeloma to treatment with proteasome inhibitors.”
In the poster presentations, Laura Downey, an undergraduate research fellow in Dr. Alexei Kisselev’s lab, took second place overall in the university-wide Science, technology, Engineering, and Mathematics division with her poster titled “Determination of effectiveness of novel liposomal formulation of proteasome inhibitors in tumors.” The undergraduate winner for the college was Phillip McCain, of Dr. Dhanasekaran’s lab, with his poster titled “Evaluating the beneficial potential of American skullcap in global healthcare.” The graduate winner for the college in poster presentations was Charlotte Muse, of Dr. Peter Panizzi’s lab, with her poster titled “Production and functional plasma protein binding of a novel Staphylococcus aureus-derived hemostatic agent.”
Kaylee Carlson, a member of the HCOP Class of 2023, starred as an All-American pitcher for the Auburn softball team from 2016-18. Now in her final year of pharmacy school, the Garden Grove, California native was able to reflect on her time on The Plains with AuburnTigers.com.
Students and faculty from HCOP spent time working with teenagers living with diabetes at Camp Seale Harris, a series of camps operated by Southern Diabetes Education Services. Dr. Miranda Andrus, clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, was joined by Shelton Givens, Madeline Harter, and Holly Webster as part of their APPE rotations for Senior Week. Dr. Heather Whitley, clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, was back the next week for Junior Week with Jesse Jones, Thao Nguyen, and Jillian Farrow, also from the Class of 2023 on APPE rotations. In July, Dr. Emily McCoy, associate clinical professor, volunteered with Camp Seale Harris in the Mobile area.
Durham
McCoy
Stamm
Whitley
Four HCOP faculty members were recently selected as Fellows of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. The group will be formally recognized during the 2022 ACCP Global Conference on Clinical Pharmacy, Oct. 15-16, in San Francisco, California. Those receiving the honor are Dr. Spencer Durham, associate clinical professor; Dr. Emily McCoy, associate clinical professor; Dr. Pamela Stamm, associate professor; and Dr. Heather Whitley, clinical professor. All four are members of the Department of Pharmacy Practice.
Durham, McCoy, Stamm and Whitley are four of just 35 ACCP members nationwide selected for the prestigious honor. Fellow recognition is awarded to ACCP members who have demonstrated a sustained level of excellence in clinical pharmacy practice and/or research.
Steuber
Dr. Taylor Steuber, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, was recently selected for the 2022 New Educator Award from the American College of Clinical Pharmacy.
The ACCP New Educator Award recognizes and honors a new educator for outstanding contributions to the discipline of teaching and to the education of health care practitioners. Recipients must have been a full member of ACCP at the time of nomination and a member at any level for a minimum of three years; in addition, the awardee must have completed their terminal training or degree less than six years previously. Dr. Steuber, the current Dr. Lucinda Maine Pharmacy Education Fellow, joined the Harrison College of Pharmacy in 2016 and also serves as an internal medicine clinical pharmacist at Huntsville Hospital with the UAB Division of Internal Medicine.
McCoy
Dr. Emily McCoy, associate clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, was recently selected for the inaugural cohort of the ACCP Professional Leadership Program. The program is designed to provide members with an opportunity to learn leadership principles within the framework of ACCP governance through the perspectives of both elected leaders and staff. The year-long program will prepare participants for service as leaders within ACCP as well as the profession. HCOP’s Dr. Miranda Andrus serves as director of the new program.
Bulloch
With cases of monkeypox appearing across the United States, many have begun to wonder exactly what the disease is, how come they have not heard of it much in the U.S., and how do you treat it. For answers on these questions, infectious disease expert Dr. Marilyn Bulloch recently provided an expert answers feature on monkeypox.
Calderón
Dr. Courtney Gamston, professor of practice-experiential, was selected for the National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation Faculty Scholars Program. Gamston is pictured, third from left, with her faculty scholars cohort. She was selected for the two-year mentored research program that fosters community pharmacy-based research for her proposal titled “The Diabetes Prevention Program for the Treatment of Overweight and Obesity (DPP-TOO).” The NACDS Foundation Faculty Scholars program offers faculty at U.S. schools and colleges of pharmacy the opportunity to engage in community pharmacy-based, patient-centered research. Each Faculty Scholar receives a starter grant to spearhead a patient-focused research project. Through their participation, scholars will benefit from frequent mentor meetings, small cohort working groups and an online lecture series.
Stevenson
Dr. Lynn Stevenson, associate professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and executive director of experiential programs, was selected for the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Academic Leadership Fellows Program. She is one of just 35 pharmacy faculty members selected nationwide for the exclusive program. She and her cohort will begin the year-long program in September. Dr. Kimberly Braxton Lloyd, associate dean for clinical affairs and outreach, will serve as her mentor.
The Academic Leadership Fellows Program supports and contributes to the development of leaders in academic pharmacy and higher education. The program provides an opportunity for Fellows to expand relationships with peers and colleagues in other institutions, as well as within their own college and university. The program provides resources in conjunction with the experiential activities designed by the mentor at the home school or college. Critical topics addressing how to lead change, conflict management, diversity, equity and inclusion in leadership development, and advocacy are covered.
Ngorsuraches
Dr. Surachat Ngorsuraches, associate professor in the Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, received funding from Bristol Myers Squibb (BMS) to complete a research study, entitled “Value of Innovation for Multiple Myeloma Treatments”. This study will use a discrete choice experiment to assess the value of innovation using multiple myeloma treatments as a case study. Dr. Nathorn Chaiyakunapruk from the University of Utah and Dr. Ngorsuraches are co-PIs on the project.
Westrick
Dr. Salisa Westrick, Sterling Professor and department head in Health Outcomes Research and Policy, earned the distinction of being an Outstanding Reviewer for the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. She earned the level of recognition through a combination of the quantity and quality of the reviews she conducted over the past year.
Garza
Dr. Kimberly Garza, associate professor in the Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, was recently named a Biggio Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning Faculty Fellow. This opportunity recognizes the teaching excellence and leadership of faculty who want to share their passion and interest in teaching and learning with colleagues across the campus. Dr. Garza will join the program this year and there is a possibility for renewal for up to three years based on funding and performance. She is the first Biggio Center Faculty Fellow from the Harrison College of Pharmacy.
Several faculty from the Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy recently collaborated on an article in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association. Titled “Increasing use of immunization information systems for routine vaccinations in independent community pharmacies: A randomized controlled trial,” the article evaluates the impact of an immunization information systems (IIS) training program on pharmacists’ IIS enrollment, participation, awareness, knowledge, intention, and attitudes. HCOP graduate program alum Dr. Tessa Hastings served as the first author with Drs. Brent Fox, Jingjing Qian, and Salisa Westrick, all from the Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, serving as co-authors.
Reed
Dr. Miranda Reed, associate professor in the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, was asked to serve as a member on the National Institutes of Health Chronic Dysfunction and Integrative Neurodegeneration Study Section (CDIN). The CDIN Study Section reviews applications to investigate the etiology and pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Applications typically propose pre-clinical, integrated physiological studies of neurodegeneration, and integrated endpoints as a consequence of cellular disturbances using molecular and vertebrate animal model experimental approaches. Reed is one of just two investigators on the Auburn campus asked to serve as a standing member on an NIH study section.
Dr. Angela Calderon, associate professor in the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, and her graduate students presented and participated in the local organization of the 2022 American Society of Pharmacognosy (ASP) Annual Meeting in Charleston, South Carolina from July 23-28. Dr. Calderon organized and presented in the workshop on mass spectrometry-based bioassays. Additionally, she chaired a session on Botanicals and Resilience.
Her graduate students communicated their research in two formats with Kelli McDonald giving an oral presentation while Kabre Heck and Zarna Raichura made poster presentations. The three graduate students were recipients of prestigious travel awards from the ASP. The Calderon Lab actively participated in the local organization of the meeting. This opportunity allows the Calderon Lab to enhance the visibility of the research in Natural Products Chemistry at the HCOP in the national and international pharmacognosy community and experience the organization of a scientific conference from the finest Professional association in this field.
The HCOP Division of Faculty Affairs and Strategic Initiatives recognized its annual FASI Award winners. The awards are intended to recognize outstanding faculty and staff who have contributed to the division’s mission in important ways during the preceding year. Winning the awards were Dr. Paul Jungnickel (Strategic Superstar), Dr. Rebecca Maxson (Stellar Scholar), Dr. Lori Hornsby (Instructional Innovator), Dr. Kevin Astle (Equality Exemplar), Drs. Sean Smithgall and Taylor Steuber (Cool Collaborators), Dr. Kimberly Garza (Assessment Ace), and Connie Hollingsworth (Golden FASI).
Led by Dr. Lynn Stevenson, a team of Auburn faculty were published in Pharmacy Education with their article titled “Are you ready to rotate? A one-week intensive Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE) orientation course.” Others from HCOP contributing as co-authors included Dr. Miranda Andrus, Dr. April Staton and Dr. Lea Eiland. Adelia Grabowsky from the Auburn University Library and former HCOP faculty member Dr. Kaitlin Alexander also contributed as co-authors.
Piazza
Chen
Dr. Gary Piazza, department head in Drug Discovery and Development, and Dr. Xi Chen, assistant research professor in the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, were published as part of a team with an article titled “A novel sulindac derivative protects against oxidative damage by a cyclooxygenase-independent mechanism” in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. In the article, they describe a novel sulindac derivative, MCI-100, that lacks significant COX inhibitory activity, but is appreciably more potent than sulindac in protecting retinal pigmented epithelial cells against oxidative damage. MCI-100 has potential therapeutic value as a drug candidate for age-related diseases by protecting cells against oxidative damage and preventing organ failure.
Eiland
Dr. Lea Eiland, clinical professor and associate department head in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, was among a group of representatives from the American College of Clinical Pharmacy and Pediatric Pharmacy Association in applauding the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices committee for recommending both Moderna and Pfizer-BioNTech vaccines for children of ages 6 months and up. You can read the full letter online [PDF].
Ngorsuraches
Dr. Surachat Ngorsuraches, associate professor in the Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, has been accepted to the inaugural 2022 class of the PATIENTS Professors Academy at University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. This academy is a five-week, online program led by patient advisors and content experts. Patients, caregivers, government representatives, researchers, pharmaceutical representatives will be brought together to learn how to conduct patient-centered and community-engaged health research.
At the end, he will be a graduate of the PATIENTS Professors Academy who can advise companies, government agencies, community-academic partnerships, and other entities on ways to make clinical and translational research more relevant, appealing, and diverse. Also, he will be a part of the PATIENTS team and their sponsors to create advisory positions in research studies. This training will further strengthen Dr. Ngorsuraches’ research programs in the area of patient engagement.
Dr. Angela Calderón, associate professor in the Department of Drug Discovery and Development, presented a seminar entitled “Regulations on Botanical Dietary Supplements and Herbal Medicines in Panama” as part of the eSeminar series on Regulation of Natural Products - a Global Challenge organized by German Society of Medicinal Plant and Natural Products Research, known as GA.
The GA organized a series of eSeminars bringing together experts to discuss herbal medicine and food/dietary supplement regulations around the world. One of the planned sessions was about regulations in Central and South America with Dr. Calderón speaking as part of the session.
Eiland
Dr. Lea Eiland, clinical professor and associate department head in the Department of Pharmacy Practice, was recognized during the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting, held July 23-27 in Grapevine, Texas. Eiland, a member of the Pediatric Pharmacy Special Interest Group, was recognized with the group’s Excellence in Teaching in Pediatric Pharmacy Award.
The award was created in 2021 to recognize innovative teaching that advances pediatric pharmacy education. Eiland received the award based on her development of a Foundations of Pediatrics, an elective course focused on critical thinking in the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s advanced pharmacy practice experience. The Pediatric Pharmacy Special Interest Group facilitates pediatric faculty collaboration and communication of ideas and innovations in teaching, research, practice and service activities related to neonatal and pediatric pharmacotherapy that will positively impact student learning.
Representatives from HCOP participated in a meeting of the US-Thai Pharmacy Consortium, held virtually June 6-8. Dr. Paul Jungnickel was recognized during the opening ceremony for his upcoming retirement and service to the consortium’s leadership since HCOP became a member in 2013. Jungnickel served as an overall moderator during the second day of the conference that also included Dr. Lea Eiland presenting in a session titled “Integrating Teaching of Basic Science and Pharmacy Practice.”
Westrick
Dr. Salisa Westrick, Sterling Professor and department head in Health Outcomes Research and Policy, was recently published in the Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, or JAPhA, and Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning.
In JAPhA, she was part of a group that authored “Increasing use of immunization information systems for routine vaccinations in independent community pharmacies: a randomized controlled trial,” a paper based on the dissertation of Ph.D. graduate Dr. Tessa Hastings. Also in JAPhA, she worked with a team on “Rural community pharmacists' ability and interest in administering COVID-19 vaccines in the Southern United States,” covering the work of the group in creating the RURAL-CP network. In Currents, Westrick was first author on “Evaluation of a poverty-focused educational program and simulation for pharmacists,” an article reporting educational outcomes of a CE program that included a role play.
Ngorsuraches
Dr. Surachat Ngorsuraches, associate professor in the Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy, is part of a team of investigators working on a project titled “Engage and train stakeholders to participate in patient-centered research to reduce obesity in Hispanic women.” The project received a $248,958 funding award through the PCORI Engagement Awards Building Capacity program, an initiative of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, or PCORI. Read more on the Auburn College of Nursing website.
Hutchison
Smithgall
Stamm
Dr. Sean Smithgall, Dr. Amber Hutchison, and Dr. Pamela Stamm have each been named a Scholar-in-Residence by HCOP’s Division of Faculty Affairs and Strategic Initiatives, or FASI. Smithgall is the Assessment Scholar-in-Residence while Hutchison and Stamm are Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Scholars-in-Residence. Each of the Scholars-in-Residence will spend the upcoming year working closely with FASI personnel to complete a relevant project of the scholar’s choosing, assist with an annual school-wide SoTL or assessment event, gain theoretical understanding and practical experience and explore future professional opportunities in their respective areas.