MATTHEW
R. BROWNE
University of California at San Francisco School of Pharmacy
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
Lesliz Z. Benet,
Ph.D. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Professor, Biopharmaceutical
Sciences and Pharmaceutical Chemistry |
| Major: |
Pharmacy |
| GPA: |
3.52/4.00 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
April 2009 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To discover the
specific hepatic uptake transporter responsible for the uptake of
warfarin, a commonly prescribed anticoagulant in human hepatocytes,
and subsequently evaluate the association between different transporter
phenotypes and appropriate doses of warfarin. |
| Title
of Research: |
“Determination
of the Hepatic Uptake Transporter Responsible for Warfarin Uptake
and the Assessment of an Association of the Transporter Phenotypes
with Correct Warfarin Dosage” |
| Degrees
Received: |
B.S., Biochemistry/
Chemistry, University of California-San Diego, June 2005 |
| Honors
Received: |
2007, UCSF Pharmacy
Alumni Scholarship Award, Kappa Psi-Beta Gamma chapter Honors Scholarship;
2005-2002, UCSD Provost Honors Award |
| AFPE
Award: |
American
Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists - AFPE Gateway To Research
Scholarship |
|
CHARLES
J. FOSTER
University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
Christina L.
Aquilante, Pharm.D. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Assistant Professor,
Pharmacology/Toxicology |
| Major: |
Pharmacy |
| GPA: |
3.25/4.0 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
May 2010 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To determine
if genetic polymorphisms in the cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2C8 metabolizing
enzyme contribute to interindividual variability in the pharmacokinetic
parameters of the thiazolidinedione medication, pioglitazone. Pioglitazone
is a known substrate of CYP2C8 and there are several known single
nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the gene encoding this enzyme.
One SNP in particular, CYP2C8*3, has shown conflicting results between
in vitro and in vivo studies, with in vitro data showing decreased
metabolic activity for CYP2C8 substrates, and in vivo studies showing
increased clearance of CYP2C8 substrates. One hypothesis to explain
these conflicting in vitro and in vivo data is that the combination
of different SNPs (i.e., haplotypes) on a single chromosome, rather
than a single SNP (i.e., CYP2C8*3), governs disposition of CYP2C8
substrates in humans. The research goal is to determine different
CYP2C8 haplotypes based on 6 SNPs that commonly occur in the CYP2C8
gene and then compare pharmacokinetic parameters of pioglitazone between
healthy subjects with different CYP2C8 haplotypes. |
| Title
of Research: |
“Influence
of CYP2C8 Haplotypes on Pioglitazone Pharmacokinetics in Healthy Volunteers” |
| Degrees
Received: |
B.S., Biology,
Colorado State University, May 2005,
A.S., Chemistry, Northeastern Junior College, May 2003
|
| Honors
Received: |
2008, Best Student
Poster Finalist (ACCP Spring Meeting); 2007, Pharmacist's Mutual Scholarship |
| AFPE
Award: |
American
Association of College of Pharmacy - AFPE Gateway To Research Scholarship |
|
LACEY
D. GAMBLIN
Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville School of Pharmacy
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
A. Michael Crider,
Ph.D. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Professor and
Chair, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences |
| Major: |
Pharmacy |
| GPA: |
4.00/4.00 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
May 2011 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To design, synthesize,
and characterize potential Somatostatin agonists. The design process
involves traditional peptidomimetic techniques and computer generated
molecular modeling. The research goal is to analyze receptor binding
and activation of sub-type 2 and sub-type 4 somatostatin receptors. |
| Title
of Research: |
“Synthesis
of Nonpeptide Ureas and Thioureas as Selective Subtype 4 Receptor
Somatostatin Agonists." |
| Degrees
Received: |
N/A |
| Honors
Received: |
2008, Purdue
Summer Research Fellowship; 2007, SIUE Chemistry Department Outstanding
Undergraduate; 2006, Presidential Scholarship, Robert C. Byrd Scholarship |
| AFPE
Award: |
Frederick
W. Telling Endowed - AFPE Gateway to Research Scholarship |
|
MEGHAN
K. HAYES
University of Illinois at Chicago College of Pharmacy
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
Debra Tonetti,
Ph.D. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Associate Professor,
Pharmaceutics |
| Major: |
Pharmacy |
| GPA: |
4.00/4.00 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
May 2010 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To verify the
role of Protein Kinase C alpha (PKCa) expression in the development
of a hormone- independent phenotype in certain breast cancers by performing
a stable transfection of this gene into a breast cancer cell line,
MCF-7. PKCa will be cloned into the Rey Tet-On system (Clontech) and
stably transfected into the MCF-7 cell line. This viral vector allows
for inducible expression of PKCa in the target cell line and ensures
a high level of cell infectivity. After developing the MCF-7/PKCa
stable cell line, we will characterize the clone using proliferation
assays and attempt to verify the expression of PKCa by western blotting.
To further elucidate the role of PKCa in hormone resistance, we will
utilize an in vivo approach using our inducible MCF-7/PKCa clone to
initiate tumor growth in athymic mice, which will enable us to better
understand how this expression affects cell behavior in vivo and to
compare the behavior of these cells, MCF-7/PKCa, to that of a previously
tested cell line, T47D:A18/PKCa. The overall goal is to further understand
the role PKCa expression plays in the hormone independent phenotype
of tamoxifen-resistant breast cancers. |
| Title
of Research: |
“The
Effect of Stable Transfection of Protein Kinase C Alpha in the Hormone-Dependent
Breast Cancer Cell Line MCF-7." |
| Degrees
Received: |
B.S., Molecular
and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC),
May 2006 |
| Honors
Received: |
2008, I.B. Crystal
Memorial Award; 2006, Edmund James Scholar (UIUC); 2005, Pediatric
Oncology Education Program, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital,
Memphis, TN; 2004-2002, Dean's List (UIUC); 2002, Illinois General
Assembly Scholarship |
| AFPE
Award: |
American
Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists - AFPE Gateway To Research
Scholarship |
|
TASMINA
HYDERY
Albany College of Pharmacy
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
Robert Levin,
Ph.D. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Director of Research |
| Major: |
Pharmacy |
| GPA: |
3.75/.4.00 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
May 2011 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To demonstrate
that partial bladder outlet obstruction mediates specific oxidation
and nitration of proteins associated with mitochondrial and neuronal
membranes, to correlate the level of oxidation and nitration of neuronal
and mitochondrial membranes with biochemical and functional markers
of neuronal and mitochondrial activity and function, and to demonstrate
that recovery of mitochondrial and neuronal function following treatment
with coenzyme Q10+ alpha lipoic acid correlates with decreased levels
of oxidated and nitrated neuronal and mitochondrial proteins. |
| Title
of Research: |
“Mechanism
of the Protective Effect of Coenzyme Q10 and Alpha Lipoic Acid on
Obstructive Urinary Bladder Dysfunction” |
| Degrees
Received: |
N/A |
| Honors
Received: |
2008, ACP Excellence
in Research Award; 2008-2006, Dean's List, Dean's Scholarship, Presidential
Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship; 2007, ACP Summer Research Award;
2006, NYS Merit Academic Excellence Scholarship |
| AFPE
Award: |
Johnson
& Johnson Pharmaceutical R&D - AFPE Gateway To Research Scholarship |
|
BENJAMIN
J. KULOW
University of Toledo College of Pharmacy
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
Sonia Najjar,
Ph.D. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Professor and
Director, Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research |
| Major: |
Pharmacy |
| GPA: |
3.85/4.00 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
May 2009 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To evaluate combating
type 2 diabetes through the use of glucosylceramide synthase inhibitors,
a biological pathway that is not currently used today. Inflammation,
from chronic visceral obesity, has been shown to be a possible mechanism
of type 2 diabetes. Novel pharmacological therapeutics, like a glucosylceramide
synthase inhibitor, have been shown in previous studies to ameliorate
the hyperglycemic state in certain diabetic animal models. This experiment
follows up on those studies by using a similarly active drug on the
L-SACC1 diabetic animal model. |
| Title
of Research: |
“Glucosylceramide
Synthase Inhibitors: A Novel Pharmaceutical Intervention for Type
II Diabetes on the L-SACC1 Mouse” |
| Degrees
Received: |
N/A |
| Honors
Received: |
2008, University
of Toledo Academic Year Research Scholarship; 2008-2005, Danaher Corp.
Scholarship, Dean's List; 2007, University of Toledo Summer Undergraduate
Research Fellowship |
| AFPE
Award: |
Procter
& Gamble - AFPE Gateway To Research Scholarship |
|
ANGELA
M. LUETTERS
University of Colorado at Denver Health Sciences Center
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
Robert Valuck,
Ph.D., R.Ph. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Associate Professor,
Social & Administrative Sciences |
| Major: |
Pharmacy |
| GPA: |
3.87/4.0 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
May 2010 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To quantify rates,
consequences, and costs of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor-related
drug-drug interactions (SSRI-DDI) among new users of SSRI antidepressants
in the U.S. managed care environment. The objectives of the research
are to: 1) identify clinically relevant and important SSRI drug-drug
interactions; 2) quantify the incidence of SSRI-DDI among those initiated
on SSRI therapy for major depressive disorder (MDD) or other indications
and the relative risk of SSRI-DDI by individual agent; 3) identify
rates of drug (SSRI and interacting drugs) dose changing, switching,
and discontinuation after the occurrence of SSRI-DDI and rates of
diagnosed secondary conditions (sequelae) precipitated by the SSRI-DDI;
and 4) estimate the costs associated with occurrence and management
of SSRI-DDI from the managed care (payer) perspective. One overall
goal is to determine if there are differences in the drug-drug interactions
among individual users, in order to prescribe the safest medicines. |
| Title
of Research: |
“Incidence,
Treatment Patterns, and Costs of SSRI Drug-Drug Interactions” |
| Degrees
Received: |
B.S., Chemistry,
Regis University, December 2004 |
| Honors
Received: |
2007-2006,
UCD School of Pharmacy Dean's List; 2004, Forstall Award for Analytical
Chemistry, Miller Award for Organic Chemistry; 2003, Alpha Sigma Nu
Jesuit Honor Society; 2002-2001, Regis University Dean's List; 2000,
Regis University Board of Trustee's Scholar |
| AFPE
Award: |
Pfizer
Inc. - AFPE Gateway To Research Scholarship |
|
ASHISH
V. PATEL
University of California at San Francisco School of Pharmacy
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
Deanna Kroetz,
Ph.D. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Professor, Biopharmaceutical
Sciences, Pharmaceutical Chemistry |
| Major: |
Pharmacy |
| GPA: |
3.58/4.00 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
May 2009 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To determine
the contributions of two variables, the CYP2B6 genotype (516 G>T)
and African ancestry, on the pharmacokinetics (steady-state concentration
and clearance) in Africans versus African-Americans. The secondary
focus is to study these pharmacokinetic effects due to the CYP2B6
genotype as predictors as nevirapine-induced neurotoxicity (dizziness,
confusion, slight psychoses, etc.). |
| Title
of Research: |
“The
Influence of a Cytochrome p450 Polymorphism and African Ancestry on
Nevirapine Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity" |
| Degrees
Received: |
B.A., Integrative
Biology, University of California-Berkeley, May 2004 |
| Honors
Received: |
2008, Long's
Tradition of Caring Scholarships; 2008, Dean's Leadership Grant; 2007,
UCSF Duffy Scholarship, UCSF School of Pharmacy Alumni Scholarship,
SNPhA/Wal-Mart National Scholarship, SNPhA/Wal-Mart Regional Scholarship;
2007-2006, Kappa Psi Scholastic Achievement; 2006, UCSF Duffy Scholarship;
2004-2001, National Society of Collegiate Scholars |
| AFPE
Award: |
AstraZeneca
Pharmaceuticals - AFPE Gateway To Research Scholarship |
|
LORI
A. PRATER
University of Kentucky College of Pharmacy
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
Karen Blumenschein,
Pharm.D. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Associate Professor,
Pharmacy Practice |
| Major: |
Pharmacy |
| GPA: |
3.90/4.00 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
May 2009 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To investigate
how patients interpret statements of verbal probability and compare
those to interpretations collected from pharmacists. Pharmacists are
responsible for communicating medication risk and benefit information
to patients. Although verbal probability statements are used to convey
this vital information, very little is known about how inherent subjective
interpretations affect the communication between pharmacists and patients.
The goal of the research is to determine if verbal probability statements
allow patients to make educated, informed decisions about their own
healthcare. |
| Title
of Research: |
“Do
Patients and Pharmacists Agree on the Interpretation of Verbal Probability
Statements?" |
| Degrees
Received: |
B.S., Biology,
B.A., Chemistry, University of Kentucky, May 20055 |
| Honors
Received: |
2008, Rotary
Foundation Scholarship, VA VALOR Program; 2007-2005 Dean's List, 2005-1999,
Undergraduate Honors Program; 2004-2003, Gaines Fellowship for the
Humanities; 2001, Golden Key Nation Honor Society (Initiate) |
| AFPE
Award: |
National
Community Pharmacists Association - AFPE Gateway To Research Scholarship |
|
PATRICK
M. SCHMEES
Ohio Northern University College of Pharmacy
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
Amy Stockert,
Ph.D. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Assistant Professor,
Biochemistry |
| Major: |
B.S., Pharmaceutical
Sciences |
| GPA: |
3.81/4.00 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
May 2011 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To understand
the reaction between xanthine oxidase and benzotriazole-1-acentitril
and to examine the electron density shift and orientation associated
with binding in order to enhance our development of xanthine oxidase
inhibitors used as protectants against ischemia-reperfusion damage
associated with heart attack. The goal of the research is to understand
the key interactions that correspond to significant shifts in electron
density between the potential drug and the enzyme that allow adequate
control of the enzyme activity. |
| Title
of Research: |
“The
Reaction of Benzotriazole-1-Acetonitrile with Xanthine Oxidase." |
| Degrees
Received: |
Pharm. D.-Candidate,
Pharmacy, Ohio Northern University, May 2011 |
| Honors
Received: |
2008, Mortar
Board Induction; 2008-2005, Dean's List; 2006, Emerging Leaders Award;
2005, ONU Prestigious Award Scholarship |
| AFPE
Award: |
United
States Pharmacopeia (USP) - AFPE Gateway To Research Scholarship |
|
ALEX
VILLANUEVA
Albany College of Pharmacy
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
Carlos A. Feleder,
Ph.D. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Assistant Professor,
Pharmacology/Toxicology |
| Major: |
B.S. in Pharmaceutical
Sciences |
| GPA: |
3.64/4.0 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
May 2009 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To test the hypothesis
that endotoxic shock, the sudden fall in blood pressure caused by
systemic infection, is initiated by activation of a neural network
in the brain. This is a novel hypothesis because most current theories
state that lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and other bacterial endotoxins
cause arterial blood pressure to fall in septic shock by producing
vasodilation, a peripheral mechanism. Our findings suggest that septic
shock can be prevented completely by inhibiting neuronal activity
in a very specific area of the brain: the preoptic anterior (POA)
of the hypothalamus. Our findings suggest that lipopolysaccharide
initiates septic shock by activating a neural network in the POA. |
| Title
of Research: |
“The
Preoptic Anterior Hypothalamic Area Neuronal Network Mediates Endotoxic." |
| Degrees
Received: |
N/A |
| Honors
Received: |
2007,
ACP OGA Research Scholarship; 2005, ACP Presidential Scholarship |
| AFPE
Award: |
Wyeth
- AFPE Gateway To Research Scholarship |
|
RACHAEL
E. WATERSON
Ohio Northern University College of Pharmacy
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
Boyd Rorabaugh,
Ph.D. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Assistant Professor,
Pharmacology and Cell Biology |
| Major: |
Doctor of Pharmacy |
| GPA: |
3.91/4.00 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
May 2011 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To find new pharmacotherapies
that can protect the heart from ischemic injury. Our laboratory findings
indicate that signaling through alpha 1A-adrenergic receptors, but
not through alpha 1B-adrenergic receptors, protects the heart from
ischemic injury. Our research hypothesis is that differences in the
abilities of different alpha 1-adrenergic receptor subtypes may be
caused by differential coupling of these receptors to transactivation
of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Our research will
seek to determine whether alpha 1A- and alpha 1B-adrenergic receptors
are differentially coupled to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
transactivation. |
| Title
of Research: |
“Differential
Coupling of a1 – Adrenergic Receptor Subtypes to Transactivation
of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor” |
| Degrees
Received: |
N/A |
| Honors
Received: |
2007, Inducted
into Mortar Board |
| AFPE
Award: |
American
Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists - AFPE Gateway To Research
Fellowship |
|
MICHAEL
A. ZIELENSKI
Temple University School of Pharmacy
|
| Faculty
Sponsor: |
Scott Rawls,
Ph.D. |
| Faculty
Sponsor Title: |
Professor, Experimental
and Clinical Pharmacology |
| Major: |
Pharmacy |
| GPA: |
3.93/4.00 |
| Expected
Graduation: |
May 2010 |
| Focus
of Research: |
To participate
in testing the overall hypothesis that beta-lactam antibiotics produce
regional decreases in extracellular glutamate which acts to decrease
morphine physical dependence in rats by carrying out research to:
1) determine the effect of beta-lactam antibiotics on morphine dependence.
Rats will be made dependent by the implantation of a morphine pellet.
A withdrawal syndrome will be precipitated by naloxone and withdrawal
signs will be quantified, The effects on the development and maintenance
of morphine physical dependence will be determined by the following
drugs: (a) beta-lactam antibiotics, (b) a non-beta lactam antibiotic,
and (c) MS-153 a synthetic agent that simulates glutamate reuptake,
and 2) determine the effect of beta-lactam antibiotics on extracurricular
glutamate in the locus coeruleus (LC) of morphine-naïve and morphine-dependent
rats. The techniques of microdialysis and HPLC will be used to sample
and quantity extracellular glutamate. The combined results from these
studies will elucidate important interactions between beta-lactam
antibiotics and glutamatergic systems as related to opioid addiction
and delineate the effect of beta-lactam antibiotics on morphine-mediated
behaviors. |
| Title
of Research: |
“Can
Common Antibiotics Block Morphine Physical Dependence by Increasing
Glutamate Reuptake?" |
| Degrees
Received: |
B.S., Biochemistry,
University of Minnesota, Twin Cities, May 2006 |
| Honors
Received: |
N/A |
| AFPE
Award: |
IMS
Health - AFPE Gateway To Research Scholarship |
|
| |
