Independent Studies & Research

Students may conduct independent research or collaborate on projects under a mentor’s guidance. Students involved in research projects will gain hands-on experience through activities such as data collection and review, report writing,  publications, presentations, and developing actionable recommendations.

On this page

How to Get Involved

Here is how to get involved with research:

  1. Dual/collaborative degree program
  2. Microcredential
  3. Independent study

Find Opportunities

Search for independent study opportunities:

  • View our faculty profiles or the School Reference List where you can search by interest and department. Contact faculty directly to ask if they have any opportunities. Note: Most faculty accept appointments through EAB.
  • Ask your faculty advisor if they have suggestions based on your interests and career goals.
  • Watch for announcements shared via the listserv.
  • View current opportunities below.

Registration

For dual degree and microcredential programs, you must submit an application.

For independent studies, find the PHM 598 section with the faculty advisor. The credits are variable, so upon registration students will manually enter in the credit hours. For independent study, one credit hour is equal to approximately 40 hours of lab, research, or out-of-class work. Approximately 2.5 to 3 hours per week for the semester will be required. The number of credit hours must be determined in consultation with the advisor.

Current Opportunities

Faculty currently seeking student researchers:
P1 P2 P3 Course Number Description Instructor Credits
X X X PHM 598
CHA

This course will focus on research activities and will be strategically tailored to the student, including the spectrum of foundational experiences to advanced laboratory techniques and research quality assurance. Mentorship is built into this course and encompasses professional pathways to clinical specialty practice, academia, and industry. While all students will engage in study literature reviews to enhance translational competencies and scientific communication skills, some will also engage in clinical research activities in collaboration with regional health-system clinical pharmacy specialists or laboratory research developing drug assays or testing antimicrobials against microorganisms, and others will engage in analytical activities in research quality assurance. Select students may have the opportunity to provide a professional presentation and contribute to abstracts and publications.
 

Limited to two students. Please contact Dr. Raymond Cha for more information.

Dr. Raymond Cha 1-3
X X X PHM 598
DAL

An opportunity for PharmD students to learn and research material they find interesting and that will help in their future careers that aligns with both the student and faculty member. Independent study track record has provided students with clinical, research, and teaching experience that will prepare them with a unique skillset to compete for future career opportunities. Research and teaching areas include innovative outpatient pharmacy models, social/administrative pharmacy practice sciences, and clinical based outcomes research.


Please contact Dr. Christopher Daly for an in person meeting about the various topics. The candidate must submit a CV.

Dr. Christopher Daly 1 - 3
X X X PHM 598
DES

This is an opportunity for PharmD students to learn and gain experience in different types of pharmacy practice – Retrospective Drug Utilization Reviews and reports and/or pharmacist role in patient care in dental clinics [whenever availability exists] and/or pharmacist role in serving underrepresented populations [depending on schedule availability]. Student participation in faculty research projects is also possible. There is also possibility for students to learn/research material they find interesting that aligns with both the student and faculty member. Schedule to be mutually agreed upon.

 

Submitting a CV is highly recommended.


Please contact Dr. Kal Desai for more information.  

Dr. Kal Desai 1 - 2
    X PHM 598
GREG

Dr. Gregoire is looking for motivated P3 individuals who would like to work alongside pharmacy residents to assist them with their research related projects/tasks this fall. This is a great way to boost your CV and see what a pharmacy resident does. Interested P3s should send a statement of interest (a paragraph explaining why they are interested in this opportunity) and a CV to Dr. Gregoire (kgregoire@chsbuffalo.org). Students should expect to spend at least 15 hours on site at Kenmore Mercy at times agreed upon by Dr. Gregoire, the pharmacy resident and student.  

Please contact Dr. Kelsey Gregoire for information.

Dr. Kelsey Gregoire 1
  X X PHM 598
KRAJ
This is an opportunity for students to gain experience in the use of administrative data to examine medications and their role in oral health. There will also be opportunities to gain experience in Retrospective Drug Utilization Review.  This course will include both clinical and research experiences depending on availability. 

Please contact Dr. Michael Krajewski for more details. The candidate must submit a CV.
Dr. Michael Krajewski 1-2
  X X PHM 598
LCAT

This independent study elective offers PharmD students the opportunity to learn about and gain experience in drug information and drug utilization research. Students will engage with faculty in the UB SPPS Drug Information Response Center conducting clinical drug reviews and utilization analyses in support of the NYS Medicaid Drug Utilization Review Program. These research areas are part of the Pharmacy Services Partnership – NYS Medicaid Initiative to provide evidence-based information to improve healthcare delivery to NYS Medicaid members. Students can click the hyperlinks to read more about the various Drug Information and Drug Utilization Review activities and projects that may be available for their participation.

Limit 1 student per semester. Schedule to be mutually agreed upon.

Interested students are requested to submit a CV.

Contact Dr. Linda Catanzaro for more information.

Dr. Linda Catanzaro 1-3
  X X PHM 598
LU

This course provides PharmD students with the opportunity to engage with faculty in the Office of Retrospective Drug Utilization at UB SPPS, as part of the Pharmacy Services Partnership – NYS Medicaid Initiative.

Course Objectives:

Students will work on one of the listed projects below designed to develop essential skills, including:

1. Literature Review and Drug Information (DI) Response:

Students will learn how to conduct comprehensive literature reviews and respond to drug information inquiries. With guidance from faculty and a librarian, participants will establish tailored review criteria and monitor them over time. By the end of the project, students will be proficient in locating, summarizing, and critically assessing scientific literature efficiently.

2. Research Using Large Administrative Datasets:

Students will gain experience working with large datasets, such as SUD treatment episode data and Medicaid claims. This project will provide valuable insights into the application of administrative data for research purposes.

3. Collaborative Research Projects:

Students will also have an opportunity engaging in a research project under faculty supervision, enhancing their understanding of research methodologies and practices.
 

Key Outcomes:

Participants will develop advanced medical writing skills through collaboration with faculty and librarians, with the possibility of submitting their work for publication based on the topics above.
 

Application Requirements:

  1. Submission of a CV is required.
  2. For more information, please contact Dr. Chi-Hua (Richard) Lu.
Dr. Richard Lu 2
  X X PHM 598
QING

Phase IV post marketing clinical trial on the potential impact of drug formulation change on quality of life and neurocognitive function. Activities include patient interactions, data collection and analyses.


Please contact Dr. Qing Ma for more information.

Dr. Qing Ma 1-2
  X X PHM 598
SHAP

Dr. Shapcott is looking for motivated PharmD candidates who would like to work alongside a pharmacy academic leadership (PAL) fellow to assist them with their research related projects/tasks this fall related to educational research. This is a great way to see what a pharmacy fellow does and be introduced to educational research. Interested PharmD candidates should send a statement of interest (a paragraph explaining why they are interested in this opportunity) and a CV to Dr. Shapcott (kyleshap@buffalo.org). 
 

Please contact Dr. Kyle Shapcott for information. 

Dr. Kyle Shapcott 1-2
  X X PHM 598
TOR

Clinical Research Introduction (Overview) with Dr. Tornatore and staff.
 

Please contact Dr. Kathleen Tornatore for more information. 

Dr. Kathleen Tornatore 1

If you are seeking an independent study with an outside faculty member and wish for it to count toward your elective requirements, you must seek prior approval by emailing pharm-advise@buffalo.edu.