AFPE : American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education

CYNTHIA D. ANDJELIC

University of Utah College of Pharmacy

Pharmacology/Toxicology

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

Natural compounds often lead to the discovery of new novel therapeutic targets and treatments. Papuamides A and B are two cyclic depsineptides which were isolated from Theonella sponges. These two compounds exhibit strong activity against human immunodeficiency virus induced cytopathicity. Research will focus on determining the papuamides anti-HIV mechanism of action.

Title of Dissertation:

“Mechanism of Papuamide A and B Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Induced Cytopathicity.”

Degrees Received:

B.S., Biology, University of South Florida, December 2000
A.A., General Studies, Pasco-Hernando Community College, May 1998

Honors Received:

2000-1996, Florida Bright Futures Scholarship

AAPS-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

Mercer University School of Pharmacy

Medicinal/Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

Modification of the aryl-acetic acid template, characteristic of non-selective COX inhibitors, to one in which the carboxylic acid moiety is replaced by a sulfonamide substituent in order to induce selectivity of the COX-II isozyme

Title of Dissertation:

“The Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of Novel m-Terpheny1-methane Sulfonamides as Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Agents.”

Degrees Received:

B.S., Biochemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo, May 2001

Honors Received:

2003, Patrick J.D’Souza Award; 2003-02, Pharmacy Dean’s Award

Pfizer-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

MELINA Z. BAYRAMYAN

University of Southern California School of Pharmacy

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research

To develop a new computational SELEX method to enhance the process of aptamer discovery. This involves the development of a computer algorithm for the generation of nucleic acid structure, which will be extended to study of RNA-protein interaction and biomolecular conformational transitions.

Title of Dissertation:

“In Silico Aptamer Design: Computational SELEX.”

Degrees Received:

Pharm.D., University of Southern California, May 2000

Honors Received:

2003, Outstanding Teaching Assistant; 2003-02, AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship; 2003, Rho Chi Honor Society member; 2002, USC Representative at GPEN; 2000, Organization of Istanbul Armenian Scholarship; 1999, International Pharmacy Internship, OU Australia; 1998, Research Fellowship; 2000-97, Margaret and John Biles Fellowship; 1996, Dean’s Honor List, USC; 1995, Award from College Women’s Club of Pasadena; 1996-93, Dean’s Honor List; 1995-93, National Dean’s List

Josiah Kirby Lilly Sr. Memorial Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

To evaluate the differences between the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics (acute psychological and neuroendocrine response) of intravenous infusion versus oral administration of citalopram in patients with OCD. Pharmacokinetic parameters will be used to evaluate citalopram disposition between treatments. Acute response will be evaluated by measures of depression and anxiety, and concentrations of prolactin, cortisol, DHEA, and DHEA-S. Genotypic differences in drug metabolizing enzymes, transporters and receptors associated with citalopram will also be evaluated.

Title of Dissertation:

“Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Intravenous Citalopram in Patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.”

Degrees Received:

B.S., Premedicine, Pennsylvania State University, May 2001

Honors Received:

Bayer HealthCare-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

Ohio State University College of Pharmacy

Medicinal/Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

To test the hypothesis that RNA structure is complex enough to serve as a basis for designing compounds that bind to it selectively based on this structure. Another important hypothesis to be tested is whether or not the use of metal complexes to selectively cleave structured RNA molecules can be achieved and the determination of how useful this may be therapeutically.

Title of Dissertation:

“Studies of the Oxidative Cleavage of RNA: Design of Peptide-metal Complexes for the Targeted Cleavage of Structured RNA Molecules of Therapeutic Interest.”

Degrees Received:

B.S., Chemistry, University of Akron, May 2002
B.S., Biology, University of Akron, May 2002

Honors Received:

2002, Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Grant; 2002, Chemistry Faculty Award; 2001, Pittsburgh ACS Award for Analytical Chemistry; 2001, Harwood Scholarship (Chemistry); 2001, Oelschlager Award for Leadership; 2000, Roger F. Keller Award for Genetics/Biotechnology

Abbott Laboratories Fund-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

University of Iowa College of Pharmacy

Pharmaceutics/Biopharmaceutics

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

A unique compression calorimeter has been used to determine work and heat changes taking place within powder samples during compaction. Collection of such data has allowed the calculation of internal energy changes associated with the compaction process. Many methods of thermodynamic analysis have been developed and may be applied to characterization of compaction induced energy changes. The focus of the current research is to investigate complimentary calorimetric methods for comparison with previous results obtained from the compression calcrimeter.

Title of Dissertation:

“Investigations into the Thermodynamic Changes Induced by Compaction of Pharmaceutical Materials.”

Degrees Received:

B.S., Chemistry, Illinois State University, May 1999

Honors Received:

2003, Gullory Graduate Fellowship; 2002, UI Presidential Graduate Fellowship; 1999, ACS Undergraduate Analytical Chemistry Award; 1998, Hypercube Undergraduate Physical Chemistry Award

Pfizer-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

The documentation of plants used within Manus Province, Papua New Guinea to treat malaria and tuberculosis including an assessment of their potential to supplement treatment of tuberculosis through chemical and biological analysis. A goal is to improve community awareness of herbal treatments for malaria and tuberculosis.

Title of Dissertation:

“Scientific Validation of Plants Used by the People of Manus Province, Papua New Guinea, to Treat Malaria and Tuberculosis.”

Degrees Received:

B.S., Plant Biology, University of Delaware, January 2001

Honors Received:

2003, AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellow; 2003, Lloyd Yale Memorial Scholarship; 2003, Anne Chatham Award; 2001-1997, Carvel State Scholar; 2001-1997, Delaware Governor’s Scholarship; 2000, Undergraduate Research Grant; 1999, Outstanding Freshman Academics; 1999, Science and Engineering Scholar; 1998, First Year Honors Certificate

USP-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

To 1) investigate the association between SAA levels and cognitive performance, self-care capacity, and behavioral disturbances in non-demented and demented recipients of a long-term care facility, 2) assess the stability of SAA levels across time and whether or not the relationship between SAA and clinical assessments (e.g. cognitive and behavioral) is stable overtime, 3) examine the association between mediation changes and SAA levels and performance on clinical assessments.

Title of Dissertation:

“Anticholinergic Activity in Long-Term Care Residents.”

Degrees Received:

B.S., Molecular Biology, University of Pittsburgh, April 1996

Honors Received:

2003, Glenn/AFAR Scholarship; 2001-00, Albert Schweitzer Fellowship; 1996-95, Lawler Memorial Scholarship; 1996-92, University Scholarship; 1996-92, Greensburg Italian Women’s Club Scholarship; 1995, Study Abroad Scholarship; 1995, Semester at Sea Alumni Scholarship; 1994, Howard Hughes Summer Fellow

NACDS-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

PADMANABH CHIVUKULA

University of Utah College of Pharmacy

Medicinal/Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

The use of an oral colon specific hydrogel delivery system for the delivery of a peptide (calcitonin) designed for the treatment of osteoporosis. The research will include the synthesis and evaluation of IPN hydrogels composed from pH-sensitive, aromatic azo group containing hydrogel as the first component, and a hydrolyzable network as the second.

Title of Dissertation:

“IPN Hydrogels For Colon Specific Drug Delivery.”

Degrees Received:

B.S., Chemistry, University of Utah, June 2001

Honors Received:

Bristol-Myers Squibb-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

LINDSAY R. COMSTOCK

University of Wisconsin-Madison School of Pharmacy

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

To explore DNA modifying agents that derive sequence specificity from DNA methyltransferases. Specifically, they will be utilized in combination with aziridine-based cofactor mimics. The resulting lesions will undergo further conjugation with a DNA reactive pharmacophore, creating conjugates capable of DNA damage.

Title of Dissertation:

”Aziridine Base Cofactor Mimics: Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Methyltransferase Dependent DNA Alkylation.”

Degrees Received:

B.S., Chemistry, Northern Arizona University, May 2000

Honors Received:

2003, AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellow, 2000, Outstanding Chemistry Senior; 1997, Outstanding General Chemistry Award

AACP-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

Duquesne University Mylan School of Pharmacy

Pharmacology/Toxicology

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

The use of site-directed mutagenesis and radioligand binding assays in combination to test an hypothesized mechanism of mu-Opiod and MT1 Receptor. Determining the critical amino acid residues involved in mu-Opiod Receptor activation may help explain structure-function relationships of opioid drugs and may be exploited to improve selectivity of these agents.

Title of Dissertation:

“The Role of the Transmembrane NPxxY Motif in mu-Opioid and MT1 Receptor Activation.”

Degrees Received:

B.S., Biochemistry, University of Arizona, May 1998

Honors Received:

2003, Graduate Award-Teaching Excellence; 2003 Guest Lecturer-Forensic Science; 1998, President’s Award for Excellence; 1997, FBI Honors Intern; 1994, Bronze Congressional Award

Novartis-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

Ohio State University College of Pharmacy

Medicinal/Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

Epidemiological observations have stated the beneficial effects of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) on breast cancer. The focus of this research is to explore the interrelationship between aromatase and cyclooxygenases in both normal and cancerous breast tissue, by examining the effects of NSAIDs on the aromatase activity and expression.

Title of Dissertation:

“Aromatase Activity and Expression: Unraveling the Relevance of Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors in Breast Cancer.”

Degrees Received:

M.S., Medicinal Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, December 2001
B.S., Chemistry, University of Puerto Rico, May 1997

Honors Received:

2004, Edward F. Hayes Graduate Research Forum Award; 2002, Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society; 2001, Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Program; 2000, Molecular Life Sciences Fellowship; 2000, University Minority Fellowship; 1998, Bridge to Ph.D. for Minority Students (NIH); 1996, Analytical Chemistry Award (ACS)

Bristol-Myers Squibb-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

P. THERESE DOWNING

University of California at San Francisco School of Pharmacy

Medicinal/Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

To 1) Optimize the DOCK suite of programs for RNA targets, and 2) develop a new scheme for docking small molecules to RNA by allowing fully flexible receptor and ligand. These techniques will be applied to designing a novel inhibitor for the HIV 1 target TAR RNA.

Title of Dissertation:

“Development and Optimization of Theoretical Techniques for Screening Libraries Against RNA Targets.”

Degrees Received:

B.A., Chemistry/Biochemistry, LaSalle University, May 2001

Honors Received:

2004-02, Burroughs Wellcome Fellowship; 2002-01, Burroughs Wellcome Traineeship; 2001, Graduate Dean Fellow in Health Science; NSF Fellowship-Honorable Mention; 2001, LaSalle Chemistry Best of Class; 2001, Maxima Cum Laude

Janssen-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

Identifying areas within the neonatal pulmonary immune response that are delayed or deficient and using immunomodulatory agents to overcome this deficiency. We have determined that alveolar macrophages play a crucial role in the clearance of Pneumocystis in mice. We have further demonstrated neonatal alveolar macrophages do not become activated in response to Pneumocystis in contrast to adults. It is the goal of the research to determine if immunomodulatory agents, such as granulocyte colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), will improve the neonatal alveolar macrophage activation and expedite the clearance of organisms like Pneumocystis.

Title of Dissertation:

“Response of Neonatal Alveolar Macrophages to Immunostimulation and Clearance of Pneumocystis Infection.”

Degrees Received:

Pharm.D., University of Rhode Island, May 1999 with High Distinction

Honors Received:

1999, Merck Scholastic Achievement Award; 1999-94, Golden Key National Honor Society; 1999-93, Dean’s List

Donald and Frances Brodie Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

Xenobiotic transport proteins have been implicated in phenomena involving unexpected exposure or response to medications. A goal of the research is to identify potential candidate drug transport proteins that may be involved in drug accumulation in milk and to investigate the molecular mechanisms of transporter gene regulation in mammary epithelium.

Title of Dissertation:

“Xenobiotic Transporter Gene Expression in Lactating Mammary Epitheilum.”

Degrees Received:

Pharm.D., University Rhode Island, May 1998

Honors Received:

2002, Pre-Doctoral Fellow, NIH Reproductive Sciences Training Grant; 2001, BCPS Certification; 2001-00, Extra Mile Award, UUK Pharmacy Residency; 1998, ACCP-Merck Undergraduate Research Scholar; 1998-92 Dean’s List; 1993, Rho Chi High Scholastic Achievement Award

Proctor & Gamble Fund-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy

Pharmaceutical Sciences

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

To develop a stable, controlled-release protein delivery system. Currently, the administration of protein therapeutics is limited to injection, which requires painful daily injections for patients needing chronic treatment. Encapsulating proteins within a biodegradable polymer, such as poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA), can provide a continual release of protein for weeks to months. Controlled-release of therapeutic proteins is a desirable alternative to the current standard but has been limited due to the instability of proteins within such systems.

Title of Dissertation:

“Increasing Protein Stability within PLGA Delivery Systems.”

Degrees Received:

B.S., Biological Sciences, University of Denver, June 1999

Honors Received:

2003, AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellow; 2003, Nominated for UCHSC Ethics Committee, Student Representative; 2002, NIH Leadership Training Fellowship Grant Renewal; 2001, NIH Leadership Training in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology Fellow; 2001, 1st Place Student Podium Presentation, UCHSC Annual Research; 2001, 1st Place Student Podium Presentation, MWSOT Annual Meeting; 1998, PINS Research Grant, University of Denver; 1998, Pustmueller Undergraduate Research Fellow; 1995, Honors Program and Scholarship, University of Denver

Wyeth-AFPE Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science

University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy

Social & Administrative Sciences

Graduation Date:

Focus of Research:

Prescription managed care practices and the impact of these practices on the utilization of other health care services.

Title of Dissertation:

“An Examination of Unintended Consequences and Policy Effectiveness in prescription Prior Authorization Programs.”