William Jusko, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, has received a five-year MIRA award totaling nearly $2.9 million for research entitled “Mechanistic Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics.” The Maximizing Investigators’ Research Award (MIRA) program of the National Institutes of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) seeks “to increase the efficiency of NIH funding by providing investigators with greater stability and flexibility, thereby enhancing scientific productivity and the chances for important breakthroughs.”

Jun Qu, professor of pharmaceutical sciences, has been selected to receive a 2019 University at Buffalo Exceptional Scholar Award for Sustained Achievement. Qu has defined methodologies and advanced scientific knowledge that will change the way cancer, infection and heart disease are diagnosed and treated. His research focuses on protein and drug analysis using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC/MS) to discover new knowledge and develop novel research techniques that are applied throughout the field of clinical and pharmaceutical proteomics. His lab is one of the top labs in the world on label-free proteomics for large-scale analysis; he is also a world leader in the field of characterization of antibody therapeutics using LC/MS.

• Nicole Cieri-Hutcherson (PharmD '10), clinical assistant professor of pharmacy practice, was elected Director of Education and Program Development for the New York State Council of Health-System Pharmacists.
• A study led by Professor Javier Blanco, Clin. Biochem., PhD, focusing on determinants of gene expression was recently published in Scientific Reports.
• A new University at Buffalo-led study has revealed that the plant compound resveratrol, which is found in red wine, displays anti-stress effects by blocking the expression of an enzyme related to the control of stress in the brain.
• Jason Sprowl, assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences, discussed the role genetics play in determining dosage of cancer drugs with WKBW-TV.

• Joshua Sawyer (PharmD '06), Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice, was appointed Director of Diversity Initiatives
• Maya Holsen (PharmD '17) was hired as Clinical Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
• Richard O'Brocta was hired as Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Director of Experiential Education
• Barbara Buckley, Project Staff Assistant, retired on August 30, 2019
• Ying Xu was promoted to Research Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
• Qing Ma was promoted to Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice
• Calvin Meaney (PharmD '11) was promoted to Clinical Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice

One hundred and thirty-one students took their first step toward becoming pharmacists at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Annual White Coat Ceremony on Thursday, Aug. 22.

The White Coat Ceremony symbolizes passage into the initial stages of the profession of pharmacy practice and represents a contract for excellence in providing compassionate patient care.

This event also highlights the importance of scientific scholarship and emphasizes the highest principles of moral, ethical and legal conduct. UB PharmD students taking part in this tradition are welcomed to begin study among the ranks of pharmacy professionals.

Kelsey Gregoire (PharmD '18), clinical care resident and clinical pharmacist at Buffalo General Medical Center, Intensive Care Unit, was the keynote speaker.

This year's reunion honors the classes of 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, 2009 and 2014. Join us for a weekend of events, including a continuing education program, tours of the Pharmacy Building, a downtown Buffalo mansion tour, and a Saturday evening cocktail reception.

• Craig Svensson (PhD '85) has recently published a non-academic book called “When There is No Cure," describing his life with chronic pain caused by a number of major diseases.
• On Oct. 1, Angela Kashuba (PharmD '95) will be appointed the new dean of the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy.
• Richard Kraft (PharmD '05) was hired as a Medical Science Liaison at AstraZeneca
• Timothy Carroll (PharmD '13) started a new position as Vice President, Pharmacy Operations and Business Development, at Reliance Rx Specialty Pharmacy
• Kayla Andrews (PharmD '14, MS '15 & PhD '18) was promoted to Discovery Project Leader at Bill & Melinda Gates Medical Research Institute
• Justin Bader (PharmD/MBA '15) started a new position as Senior Scientist, Clinical Pharmacology at Karyopharm Therapeutics Inc.
• Alyssa Flood (PharmD '15) was hired as a pharmacist at MedMen
• Kushol Hasnat Merani (PharmD '15) was hired as a HIV/Hepatitis C Clinical Pharmacist at Fidelis Care
• Sara DiTursi (PharmD '16) was hired as a Clinical/Advanced Practice Pharmacist- Infectious Diseases/Antimicrobial Stewardship at Kenmore Mercy Hospital
• Rebecca Nazaro (PharmD '16) started a new position as Clinical Pharmacist at MVP Health Care
• Megan Skelly (PharmD '17) was promoted to Clinical Pharmacy Specialist at the US Department of Veterans Affairs
• Rebecca Martin (PharmD '17) started a new position as a Clinical Oncology Pharmacist at Huntsman Cancer Institute
• Kateylyn Evans (PharmD '18) started a new position as a Health Outcomes Pharmacist at Walgreens
• Nana Wang (PharmD '18) opened a Cajun seafood-in-a-bag restaurant in Buffalo's Rue Franklin building

• Ray Hippchen BS '57
• Arthur Jacknowitz BS '72
• Cyrus Kloner BS '57
• Marilyn White BS '51
• Christine Wishart BS '89

Thank you for reading our Summer 2019 edition of Buffalo Pharmacy eNotes. Please stay in touch! Send us updates on your own personal and professional accomplishments by filling out our alumni update form.

Look for our next edition of eNotes this fall.

Best regards,
James M. O’Donnell, PhD
Dean and Professor