SPPS international faculty represent strengths and core values

The diversity and global perspectives and experiences of our university community members—from our many students, faculty, and staff who have come to the U.S. from around the world—are among our most important institutional strengths and vital to our success as a premier public research university

At the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, we are proud to have international faculty members that represent our strengths as a school and are a testament to our core values.

I moved to Canada when I was 4 years old and completed my first pharmacy degree at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg in 1992. Upon graduation, southern Ontario became my home as I worked as a community pharmacy manager until I moved to Western New York and obtained my NY state pharmacy license. For the next 13 years, I was a clinical pharmacist at Kenmore Mercy Hospital in Buffalo, NY and during that time, I obtained my PharmD from the University of Florida. I have been with the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences since 2012 and absolutely love it! I believe my experience in community, hospital, and academia has made me a well-rounded pharmacist.

Kalpesh J. Desai, PharmD
Senior Research Scientist
Department of Pharmacy Practice

Twelve years ago I left my home country to pursue higher education in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University at Buffalo. At that time, I would have never imagined I would end up becoming a professor in the same department that I once dreamt of becoming a student of. This journey from student to professor would not have been possible without the top-notch education and warm welcome I received at UB, which introduced me to the culture and family values of this country, and created a strong foundation for my life and career in the United States. I have witnessed first-hand that hard work and dedication really pays off in this country, a land of opportunity.

Dhavalkumar K. Shah, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

My family were refugees from Vietnam. My parents fled the country and Germany became my new home, where I earned my PharmD and PhD degree. I wanted to see and learn more about research in other countries. I moved to the United States where I truly discovered my passion for science. I took an academic position at the University at Buffalo, where I have been very pleased to find very talented students with many different backgrounds. I believe that diversity is one of our key strengths and helps bring exciting new ideas and discoveries to the university.

Juliane Nguyen, PharmD, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

I have been here in the United States since 1996, when I arrived as an international student. It is always amazing to me that opportunities here encourage us to develop and explore ourselves regardless of our ages and backgrounds. I have enjoyed these opportunities to advance my career and my knowledge in my field of research. I appreciate the ongoing attempts at UB to strengthen not only the academic but also the social and cultural experiences of the students through diverse programs. I also appreciate the international student-friendly campus and its attempts to foster greater awareness through global outreach and extended education.

Qing Ma, PhD
Assistant Professor
Department of Pharmacy Practice