EDUCATING LEADERS IN PHARMACY AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCES SINCE 1886
October 2025
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.”
President Tripathi's Enduring Legacy
This month, I will step away from my usual reflections on the many exciting developments within the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, the evolving landscape of academic pharmacy, or even the seasonal topics that October invites (it is Halloween month, after all, and the list of scary things is long).
Instead, on behalf of the entire SPPS community, I wish to express our deep respect and sincere gratitude to President Satish Tripathi for his many years of outstanding leadership of the University at Buffalo. As you know, President Tripathi recently announced that he will be stepping down from his position in 2026.
We are all acutely aware of the complex challenges facing higher education today, and UB is not immune to these forces. However, President Tripathi’s thoughtful stewardship has positioned our university to address these challenges from a place of great strength. Within SPPS, we are proud to contribute to the continued advancement of the ambitious vision he has set for UB.
President Tripathi’s legacy is both distinguished and enduring. Among his many accomplishments, perhaps the most meaningful — and arguably UB’s greatest asset — is the culture he has fostered, one that is characterized by collegiality, collaboration and a shared pride in the mission and aspirations of a truly great public research university. This culture, which is uniquely and proudly “UB,” will continue to sustain and inspire us as we continue to advance with optimism for the future.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to President Tripathi for all that he has done for our university and our community, and we wish him the very best in the months and years ahead.
Warm regards,
Gary M. Pollack, PhD '84
Dean and Professor
Ramanathan leads new AI lab advancing drug development and clinical research
Murali Ramanathan, PhD, professor of pharmaceutical sciences, leads the new Laboratory for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Clinical Pharmacology in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences. Affiliated with the UB Institute for AI and Data Science, the lab applies AI to analyze complex biomedical data, aiming to improve drug development across a range of diseases. Ramanathan is hopeful the work will lead to more effective treatments for conditions such as multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer’s disease.
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences presents 25th annual Gerhard Levy Lecture
On Oct. 16, the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences welcomed Nina Isoherranen, PhD, of the University of Washington as the guest speaker for the 25th annual Gerhard Levy Distinguished Lectureship in Pharmaceutical Sciences. The lectureship honors Gerhard Levy, PharmD, UB distinguished professor emeritus of pharmaceutical sciences, whose groundbreaking work in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics has had a lasting impact on the field. Isoherranen presented 'Impact of Intracellular Binding Proteins on Drug Distribution and Metabolism,' and an evening reception was held in her honor.
Prescott explains facts behind childhood vaccines
In a recent Q&A with UBNow, William Prescott, PharmD, chair and clinical professor of pharmacy practice, discussed the importance of childhood vaccines. As a pediatric pharmacist with expertise in vaccinations and vaccine hesitancy, Prescott dispels vaccine myths and misconceptions, discusses the seriousness of vaccine-preventable diseases and stresses the public health risks of declining immunization rates.
Incoming UB pharmacy PhD scholars recognized with prestigious fellowships
The University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UB SPPS) continues to attract and support some of the nation’s most promising pharmaceutical scientists and clinical researchers. This year’s incoming students have earned top university honors and competitive national fellowships, underscoring UB’s reputation as a leader in drug discovery, development, biotherapeutics, translational science and novel delivery systems.
PharmD students promote vaccine education through local outreach
On Oct. 1, Hamdala Fousseni, PharmD '28, and Fateema Islam, PharmD '28, volunteered at Tops Pharmacy on Amherst and Grant Street in Buffalo as part of our Immunization Clinic Service-Learning Activity. They engaged community members in meaningful conversations about vaccine safety and efficacy and assisted with vaccination forms. Coordinated by faculty from the Department of Pharmacy Practice, this initiative promotes health equity in Buffalo and highlights the vital role pharmacists play in community and public health.
PharmD students administer seasonal vaccines at on-campus clinics
As part of our Fall 2025 Operation Immunization Clinics, PharmD students are administering flu and COVID-19 vaccinations to both campus and community members. The clinics, offered in collaboration with Tops Pharmacy and the UB American Pharmaceutical Association Academy of Student Pharmacists chapter, give students clinical experience in patient care and community health.
Immunization clinics are running through Nov. 7 at locations across UB’s campuses:
- Wednesdays, 2-4 p.m.: Student Union, Room 235, North Campus
- Thursdays, 2-4 p.m.: Harriman Hall, Room 105, South Campus
- Fridays, 1-3 p.m.: Jacobs School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Room 2211 A&B, Downtown Campus
Alumni reconnect at SPPS Reunion Weekend
We had a fantastic time celebrating and reconnecting with our incredible alumni during Reunion Weekend, held Sept. 26-27!
The weekend kicked off with a welcome dinner on Sept. 26 honoring milestone classes (years ending in 0 or 5) and recognizing the generosity of our Gregory Society members.
On Sept. 27, alumni returned to campus for tours and a showcase highlighting our latest strategic initiatives, groundbreaking faculty and student research and exciting updates from Dean Gary Pollack about our programs and the future of pharmacy. The celebration wrapped up with a spirited UB football game and special reunions for the Classes of 1975, 2010 and 2015.
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who made this weekend unforgettable, filled with connection, pride and lasting memories.
View more photos from Reunion Weekend
Ready to take your career to the next level?
Explore our new online and part-time degree programs, along with our online micro-credential offerings!
Online MS Degree Programs
Online Micro-credentials
Explore SPPS Postgraduate Training Opportunities
Take the next step in your pharmacy career with advanced training at SPPS. Join us at our upcoming postgraduate training showcases to connect with us and learn more about available residency and fellowship programs.
Become an SPPS Alumni Mentor
SPPS alumni are invited to join the Dean's Alumni Ambassadors program and 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.
SPPS Continuing Pharmacy Education Programs
Featuring our New York Pharmacy Legislative Update 2025 - Live Program and our new home study activity, Pharmacist Dispensing of Self-Administered Hormonal Contraceptives Pursuant to the New York State Standing Order, which satisfies the NYS education requirement for pharmacists.
SPPS Event Calendar
UB Event Calendar
UB Alumni Webinars
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.
Share Your UB Pride
Show your #UBTrueBlue spirit by sharing UB Pride photos, videos and stories!
Thank you for reading our October 2025 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.
Regards,
Gary Pollack, PhD '84
Dean and Professor