August 2026

Welcome to the latest Buffalo Pharmacy Bulletin. We examine key issues in health care and how our academicians, practitioners and scientists drive progress, while also sharing updates from UB’s School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences to highlight the outstanding work of our community.

“The best way to ensure we can support and mentor our future pharmacists and research scientists is to make sure we are reviewing and discussing what is currently happening in the dynamic and ever-changing world we live in.”

Welcome to the 2026-27 academic year! This summer seemed to fly by more like a peregrine falcon than an American woodcock. We are delighted to welcome a strong new cohort of undergraduate, master's, Doctor of Philosophy and Doctor of Pharmacy students. With 148 students, the incoming PharmD Class of 2030 represents one of the largest PharmD classes in our school's history. Our success in recruiting and enrolling such an outstanding group would not be possible without the tremendous efforts of our Office of Student Success and Engagement, along with the many faculty and staff who review applications, interview candidates and make admissions recommendations. Thanks to each and every one of you!

Of course, enrolling students is only the first step, albeit an important one. The true measure of the quality and value of an academic program is how well students are educated, mentored and supported as they pursue their degrees. We recently had a poignant reminder of just how strongly our alumni feel about our school, and of the deep commitment our faculty bring to their students.

At the end of July, we held the 16th Buffalo Pharmaceutics Symposium, which attracted 291 registrants from across the U.S. and overseas. These symposia are always terrific events, but this year’s was especially meaningful because it celebrated Dr. William Jusko’s extraordinary contributions to pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD). In opening the symposium, Professor Jusko noted that the greatest source of pleasure across his career has been teaching and mentoring. Coming from a colleague of his stature—and considering the numerous accolades he has received as a scholar—it was a wonderful and timely reminder, as we begin a new academic year, of why we do what we do. As one of the innumerable students who developed a love of PK/PD through Professor Jusko’s tutelage, I cannot sufficiently express my gratitude for all that he has done. Thank you, Bill!

With best wishes,
Gary M. Pollack, PhD '84
Dean and Professor

UB SPPS celebrates tradition and innovation at 16th Buffalo Pharmaceutics Symposium
Nearly 300 alumni, faculty, students, staff and researchers gathered for the 16th Buffalo Pharmaceutics Symposium this summer, a longstanding tradition that has brought the pharmaceutical sciences community together since 1980. The three-day event featured scientific sessions, distinguished lectures and collaborative discussions highlighting advances across the pharmaceutical sciences. A special celebration also honored William J. Jusko, PhD, SUNY Distinguished Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, recognizing his lasting contributions to research, mentorship and education while marking the establishment of a new endowment in his honor.

Smith joins $9.5 million NIH-funded effort to fight antibiotic resistance
Nicholas Smith, PharmD, PhD, assistant professor of pharmacy practice and director of graduate studies in the Division of Clinical and Translational Therapeutics, is working with a new $9.5 million Center for Phage Pharmaceuticals at Stanford University focused on combating antibiotic-resistant infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. The center is part of the first coordinated U.S. research network dedicated to developing the preclinical tools, assays and models needed to translate phage therapy into a reliable treatment option for antibiotic-resistant infections.

Prescott receives SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service
William Prescott, PharmD, chair and clinical professor of pharmacy practice, received a State University of New York (SUNY) Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Faculty Service. One of only three UB faculty members recognized in this category this year, Prescott was honored for his outstanding service to the university, the pharmacy profession and the broader community. This marks his second SUNY Chancellor's Award, following his 2017 recognition for Excellence in Teaching.

UB SPPS welcomes new students and unveils Café & Commons for fall 2026
The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences welcomed incoming students and marked the start of the 2026-27 academic year with a series of orientation programs designed to build community and connect students with resources for success from their first day at UB. The school also unveiled Café & Commons, a newly renovated dining and community space in the Pharmacy Building designed to support student connection, collaboration and well-being.

Register for SPPS Alumni Reunion Weekend: Sept. 25–26
Join us back on campus next month to relive favorite memories and celebrate where life has taken you!

Reunite with your pharmacy family as we celebrate milestone classes ending in 1 and 6, honor the generosity of our Gregory Society members and commemorate the golden anniversary of the Class of 1976.

Reunion Weekend offers a special opportunity to reconnect with friends, reflect on shared experiences and create lasting memories with the UB community.

Enjoy a weekend of meaningful connections, cherished memories and spirited celebration. We look forward to welcoming you back!

Register by Sept. 11 to reserve your spot!

The Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences invites members of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences community to attend Rise, Respond and Rebuild: Healing Communities by Ending Gun Violence, a two-day conference examining gun violence as a public health issue, taking place Sept. 11-12 at the Jacobs School. This interdisciplinary conference offers valuable perspectives on community health, injury prevention, mental health, trauma-informed care and approaches to addressing violence. 

Calling all alumni from class years ending in 1 or 6! We're seeking volunteers to help shape an exciting SPPS Reunion 2026. Opportunities include planning class-specific events, reconnecting with classmates, contributing programming ideas or assisting with day-of coordination. Your involvement—big or small—makes a difference! Interested? Contact Sarah Sterzinger, associate director of alumni engagement, at sjsterzi@buffalo.edu to learn more and sign up.

We invite SPPS alumni to join the Dean's Alumni Ambassadors program to help make a lasting impact on the next generation of pharmacists. Mentoring is flexible, rewarding and managed through UB's exclusive Connect-A-Bull platform, allowing you to choose a time commitment that fits your schedule.

Featuring live webinar and online home study options. All activities will be administered through our new CE platform, CE21. You will be prompted to create a CE21 account when registering. 

Join UB alumni experts from across the globe as they share professional insights and advice during Webinar Wednesdays. Engage in upcoming webinars along with past sessions.

Show your #UBTrueBlue spirit by sharing UB Pride photos, videos and stories!

Thank you for reading our August 2026 edition of the Buffalo Pharmacy Bulletin. Please stay in touch! Send us updates on your own personal and professional accomplishments by filling out our alumni update form or submitting your SPPS news, including recent research, publications and awards.

Warm regards,
Gary Pollack, PhD '84
Dean and Professor