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Rocket Pharmacy Update
Dean's Corner
Dear colleagues and friends,

I am pleased to send you this inaugural edition of our college’s monthly newsletter. The goals of these communications are simple: to give a brief update on what’s going on in our college, to highlight members of a truly talented group of staff and faculty, and to provide insight into our academic programs and the students who are at the center of all that we do. I am proud to be a member of this college and am eager to share that pride with you.

My career-long experience in the academy is that universities and their constituent programs drive change rather than respond to it. We plot our course, develop a plan to follow that course, and occasionally adapt to a changing environment. In general, though, academic life is predictable: we welcome our students in late summer, we work with them for eight months, and then enjoy easier access to parking once we bid them farewell in late spring. Throughout the year, we generate and disseminate new knowledge, we provide service in myriad ways, and we do our best to get better at everything we do.

The past several months, however, have presented truly unprecedented challenges to all of us individually and collectively. In our college, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has caused radical changes in how we work and how we engage our students. The economic downturn associated with the pandemic has resulted in substantial budget reductions throughout the higher education sector; quite literally no university or college has been spared. The long-overdue reckoning with issues of social justice and structural racism has caused many of us to evaluate how we might contribute to positive societal change beyond simply addressing our formal missions. In short, and with apologies to Stephen King’s Gunslinger, the world has moved on and is moving on faster now; universities, steeped in tradition and routine, are struggling to catch up.

With the disruption and dislocation we all have experienced of late, staying in touch, staying connected, and staying informed is more important than ever before. My hope is that these newsletters will, in some small way, help.

Be well, stay safe, and Go Rockets!

Gary
COVID-19 Updates and Expectations
The beginning of the fall semester is quickly approaching. This upcoming semester will look different than past semesters due to the COVID-19 pandemic. To prepare everyone for the new semester, we would like to showcase of a few changes put in place to keep everyone safe.

First, in order to provide consistent and timely communication across the university, each college has a designated COVID-19 advocate. These advocates are tasked with sharing updates from the University and with being the central point of contact for students, faculty, or staff with COVID-related questions. The CPPS COVID-19 Advocate is Dr. Monica Holiday-Goodman, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Diversity and Inclusion. More specific information regarding Dr. Holiday’s role as our COVID-19 Advocate will be shared with students during the first week of classes.

Additionally, the college has implemented several measures to maintain safety in our shared spaces. First and foremost, everyone entering our buildings will be required to wear a mask covering your mouth, nose, and chin. If by chance you forget or lose your mask, the college has a limited number of disposable masks available for your use. We also have reusable masks that can be purchased. More information on how and where to get replacement masks will be provided to students prior to the start of classes.

You will see signage throughout our buildings reminding us to practice social distancing. To help us follow this directive, the college offices and student resource centers have been reconfigured to maintain safe distancing standards. Some chairs and computers have been removed or disabled to accomplish this task. Please work with us to maintain a safe learning environment for everyone by following the instructions that you see posted in those areas.

In the CPPS Office of Student Affairs, excellent service is our top priority. For the fall 2020 semester, office personnel on both campuses will be available, mostly remotely, Monday – Friday from 8:30 – 5:00 PM. Specific instructions to make advising appointments will be provided prior to the first week of classes. 
We hope that this information is helpful in understanding the changes that have been made. We look forward to working with all students, staff, and faculty to make sure we all have a safe and successful fall semester! 

For questions and concerns regarding COVID-19 and CPPS, please contact Dr. Monica Holiday-Goodman.
UToledo COVID-19 Info
Chemical, Clinical and Legal Considerations with Medical Marijuana - September 1
The College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni Affiliate is pleased to sponsor the upcoming informational event on Tuesday, September 1st at 7:00 p.m. EDT entitled: Chemical, Clinical and Legal Considerations with Medical Marijuana


CPPS Alumni Affiliate President, Jen Richardson, BCPS, CACP, CACP, stated, “I have seen Dr. Roussel talk on this subject before and she is an excellent speaker. As a co-founder of the American Society of Cannabis Pharmacists, she clearly passionate and informed on the topic. The Affiliate is thrilled to provide this opportunity and we really hope you can (virtually) join us!”

Christine Roussell, PharmD, BCOP, BCSCP is passionate about occupational exposure to hazardous drugs as well as legislative topics related to Medical Cannabis. She is Assistant Director of Pharmacy at Doylestown Hosiptal, an adjunct professor at USciences, and a co-founder of the American Society of Cannabis Pharmacists. Christine is also a Board-certified Oncology Pharmacist and Board Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacist with a Bachelors in Toxicology and a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Sciences.

Christine is prepared to discuss the following topics:
  • The pathophysiology of the endocannabinoid system
  • The pharmacology of phytocannabinoids and non-cannabinoid components of medical marijuana
  • The process for transition of care for medical cannabis
  • The clinical and legal issues that impact decisions on individual patient management
 
Following her presentation, Christine will be ready to take your questions!
Registration for this event is required (and free)!
Register Here
Save the Date: State of the College/Conversations with the Dean - September 30

Please save the date for a special State of the College/Conversations with the Dean virtual event on September 30th at 6:00 p.m. EDT. 

Dean Gary Pollack will be discussing the past, present, and future of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on his anniversary with the college.
A Q & A session will follow. 
Diversity and Inclusion
Undoubtedly, 2020 has been a watershed moment regarding the relevance of diversity awareness across the US and globally. For the past several years, to facilitate our students’ abilities to live and work successfully in a diverse society, the incoming first Professional Year (P1) Class (PharmD and BSPS) has participated in a required diversity workshop during orientation week. For safety reasons, this year’s workshop will be held virtually and is scheduled for Thursday, August 13 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Close to 180 incoming P1 students will review the University’s Diversity and Inclusion statement and gather insight into the college’s expectations regarding this important and timely topic. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to get to know one another through fun and informative small group activities.

The workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Monica Holiday-Goodman, Associate Dean of Student Affairs and Diversity and Inclusion, along with a dedicated group of faculty and student volunteers.
Alumni Spotlight - Tom Kennedy
Each month we will be highlighting one of our UToledo alumni. This month's alum is Thomas J. Kennedy.

Tom graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy from UToledo in 1981. He was also the founding Student Council President in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Tom currently resides in Burr Ridge, Illinois with his wife Mary Beth.

Tom has worked in a variety of positions since his graduation from the pharmacy program. He has been a staff pharmacist, an oncology pharmacist, a district sales manager, a biopharmaceutical sales representative, and more. Tom is currently working as the Managing Director of Harrison Consulting Group's Chicago office. His clients include multiple foreign and domestic pharmaceutical manufacturers.
He has 30+ years experience in the biotechnology industry with special expertise in the oncology space.

Tom's current activities include being the benefactor to many organizations near his hometown. These include The Greater Chicago Food Depository and The Northern Illinois Food Bank. Some of his hobbies include: hiking, water spots, guitar and reading.

Tom was a part of the KAPPA PSI Pharmaceutical Fraternity and was their chaplain his graduating year. Tom notes his favorite UToledo memory as "living through the blizzard of 1978 in Carter Hall , having made a run to the local carry out just prior to the storm."

To nominate an alumni, student, or faculty member for a spotlight, please email Kristen Gartland.
New 100% Online Cannabis Courses
The UToledo College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences is offering a new, 100% online Cannabis Management Program. This program can complement a pharmacy or business degree program with knowledge of the industry to advise patients on medical applications or provide insight to clients on regulation and business growth. The accelerated course format used lets the students complete the certificate in a single semester. In addition, students participating in this program will receive guidance from an established educational leader in business and pharmacy, and they will have faculty support throughout the program. 
Learn More
Grants and Awards
Arianna Aranda who graduated with Honors from the BSPS program and admitted to Biomedical Sciences MS program has received an NIH supplement grant for promoting diversity in Research in the amount of $34,420 to support her research project entitled “Effect of muscarinic receptor agonist on cilia sensory function and structure.”

Raghad Buqaileh who graduated with Honors has received: 
  • NIH supplement grant for promoting diversity in research in the amount of $34, 212
  • AFPE Gateway Fellowship grants in the amount of $5,000 (very competitive national award)
  • UToledo undergraduate summer research grant ($1,500) from the office of Undergraduate Research
  • Admission to PhD program
Derek Gyori along with his mentor Julie Murphy have been awarded the 2020-2021 ASHP Foundation New Practitioner Leadership Research Development Grant. It is a $5,000 award and they will be researching Evaluation of Burnout among Pharmacy Residents in Ohio.

Dr. Susanne Nonekowski, Distinguished University Lecturer, was voted the Outstanding P1 Professor by CPPS students this past spring.

Dr. Erin Prestwich, Assistant Professor of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry:
  • Was elected member-at-large of the Executive Committee of the American Chemical Society Division of Chemical Toxicology. The ACS is the world's largest scientific society.
  • Received a research grant, entitled "Studies of Cellular Differentiation in Pseudomonas Aeruginosa Biofilms," from the deArce-Koch Memorial Endowment Program. The award is for $25,000.
Dr. Youssef Sari was listed as the number 1 expert worldwide for the protein EAAT2 (excitatory amino acid transporter 2) and number 5 expert worldwide for Amino acid transport system X-AG by Expertscape.com.

Zahoor Shah, Professor, received a five-year R01 research grant from the National Institutes of Health. The grant, entitled "Cofilin Signaling in Hemorrhagic Stroke" is for over $1.9 million. Dr. Viranga Tillekeratne, Professor, is a collaborating investigator. 

Professor James Slama was recently re-elected for a 1 year term as Secretary of the Toledo Local Section of the American Chemical Society. The American Chemical Society is the world’s largest scientific society.

Dr. Katherine Wall, chair of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, and Dr. Steve Sucheck, Chemistry and Biochemistry, received notice of a grant award from the National Institutes of Health for almost $2.4 million over the next 5 years. The grant, entitled “Methods to synthesize oligosaccharide-fusion protein conjugates and enhancement of their antigenicity,” is for designing a vaccine against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Dr. Erin Prestwich of MBC is a co-Investigator on the team.
Introducing Susan Wilson - UToledo Foundation

After years of tracking down a medical issue with my son, and going to 4 different hospital/university systems across the United States, our answers came from the amazing UTMC. The interprofessional medical campus, including our spectacular Pharmacy team, helped my family in a very profound way. So, when the opportunity to help raise funds for the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences arose, I jumped at the chance. How incredible to be able to give back to an institution that has changed the course of my life.

My position as the Director of Development started in January, and 8 weeks into my job, COVID-19 struck. Just like that, we were at home trying to connect from behind the computer screen. As an extrovert, I assumed that this task would be difficult. This was, for certain, not the case. It was so helpful to have an incredible community of people who are as connected to the CPPS as they are to each other. I’m thrilled to be a new member of the team!

If I haven’t had the chance to reach out to you yet, you’re on my list! However, our list is large, being that our CPPS alumni goes back to 1904! I’d love to connect with you as soon as I can, so if you would like to reach out to me, please email or call me at 419.530.5420. I look forward to meeting each and every one of our College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences family.

Go Rockets!

Susan
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For any questions or comments please contact Kristen Gartland.
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