COMFORT A. AGYEMANG
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Major	Medicinal/Pharmaceutical Chemistry
GPA:	3.9/4.0
Graduation Date:	August 2010
Focus of Research:	To study the broad spectrum of activity of the natural product called cryptolepine or 5-methyl-5H-indolo[3,2-b] quinoline that is isolated from the shrub Cryptolepis sanguinolent against several infectious microorganisms including antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal activities. These activities along with demonstrated effectiveness in our laboratories against resistant pathogens led to selecting cryptolepine as a lead scaffold to the development of newer agents as alternatives to Amphotericin B. This research will investigate the possibility of increasing potency and decreasing cytotoxicity as compared to Amphotericin B, which is considered the “gold standard” in antifungal drug development. However, because Amphotericin B lacks oral efficacy and induces several side effects including nephrotoxicity, leukopenia, thrombocytopenia and febrile reactions, new agents are needed. Several analogs of cryptolepine have been synthesized and some are more potent and less toxic than Amphotericin B. Several compounds also show remarkable activities against bacterial microorganisms such as methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and E. coli. These results encourage further exploration of the pharmacological and toxicity profiles of these compounds with the hope they prove to be alternatives to amphotericin B and other standard drugs. This study will include optimization of the isosteres, additional biological evaluations against other microorganisms, such as Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and the testing for in vivo efficacy of at least three of these compounds to give a better picture of the importance of these synthetic agents. The research goal is to develop new agents against AIDS-related opportunistic pathogens. Opportunistic infections are caused by pathogens that take advantage of a suppressed immune system. Such conditions as HIV AIDS disease, organ transplantation, and long-term use of corticosteroids, for example, cause either immune suppression or some disruption in the immune system. With an estimated 33 million people living with AIDS around the globe and increasing development of resistance to current therapies, there is a continuing need for new anti-infective agents against opportunistic infections.
Disease(s) Addressed:	Opportunistic infectious agents
Title of Dissertation:	“Development of New Agents Against Aids-Related Opportunistic Pathogens"
Degrees Received:	B.S., Chemistry, University of Cape Coast (Ghana), June 2003
Honors Received:	2009, Dr. Israel Tribble, Jr. Award by FAMU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science; 2008, Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation - AFPE Minority Pre-Doctoral Fellowship; INRO 2008 Participant award by National Institute of Health; Intramural Trainingship award by National Institute of Health; 2007, Alpha Kappa Mu Honors Society; 2006, America Association for Pharmaceutical Scientist, 2005, America Chemical Society, Graduate Assistant in Areas of National Need (GAANN) Fellow
AFPE Award:	Merck & Co., Inc. - AFPE Minority Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science
DANIEL C. LANE
University of Michigan College of Pharmacy
Major	Social & Administrative Sciences
GPA:	3.62/4.30
Graduation Date:	May 2010
Focus of Research:	To employ a variety of mixed-methodological approaches from a constructivist and participatory perspective to study the behavioral, biological, economic, and social influences effecting individual and group health- related medication related decision-making with a focus on the roles of emotion and motivation and a particular interest in populations with mental disorders. There has been considerable interest in understanding decision-science at numerous levels within the pharmaceutical sciences, whether it be identifying student and trainees careers selection processes, providers product and service selections, patient health related decision making, or the decisional process involved in innovation and discovery, or understanding decisional science and its potential influences. In the future, this area will flourish due to the emphasis on translational research and the need to move innovation efficiently and effectively from bench to the bedside.
Disease(s) Addressed:	Mental disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder & depression and chronic disease states such has hypertension, diabetes, and asthma
Title of Dissertation:	“Investigating the Role of Emotional Appraisals, Motives, and Values in Patient and Provider Medication Related Decision Processes”
Degrees Received:	Pharm. D., Pharmacy, Hampton University, May 2002
Honors Received:	2009, AACP/Wal-Mart Annual Conference Scholarship; 2009-2005, Horace H. Rackham Merit Fellowship; 2009-2005, Who's Who of Empowering Professionals; 2008, Josiah Macy, Jr. Foundation - AFPE Minority Pre-Doctoral Fellowship; 2005,Omnicare NWO Wonderful Individual Performance; 2003, CHRISTUS Jasper Memorial Hospital Patient Care Director of the Year & Team of the Year; 2002, Dean’s List; 2001, AstraZeneca Professional Scholarship; 2001, Dean’s List; 2000, Eckerd Scholarship Recipient, Perrigo Scholarship Recipient; 1999, Dean’s List; 1998-1996, Penfield Scholar; 1997, Dean's List
AFPE Award:	Merck & Co., Inc. - AFPE Minority Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science
LETISHA R. WYATT
University of Southern California School of Pharmacy
Major	Pharmacology/Toxicology
GPA:	3.85/4.00
Graduation Date:	May 2012
Focus of Research:	To Identify initial sites and mechanisms of alcohol actions on P2X receptors through lentiviral-mediated delivery of these receptors in primary hippocampal and cortical neurons. In combination with electrophysiological studies, this technique will allow for the assessment of the role of P2X receptors in alcohol-induced behaviors. P2X receptors are a superfamily of ligand-gated ion channels that are emerging as important targets for modulating and/or mediating ethanol-induced behavioral effects. In the future, studies of these receptors may be used to guide the development of novel therapeutic compounds, targeting P2X receptors, which could be efficacious in the treatment of alcohol-related disorders. Current pharmacological strategies to treat alcohol related disorders have had limited success, due in part to the lack of knowledge regarding the initial sites and mechanisms of alcohol action. A better understanding of where and how alcohol acts is a primary goal of the alcohol research and neuroscience communities.
Disease(s) Addressed:	Alcoholism
Title of Dissertation:	“Ethanol Modulation of Neuronal P2X4 Receptors"
Degrees Received:	B.S., Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior, University of California-Davis, 2005
Honors Received:	2007, Gates Millennium Scholar; USC Neuroscience Graduate Program Provost Fellowship; USC College Diversity Enhancement Summer Fellowship; Nu Rho Psi
AFPE Award:	Merck & Co., Inc. - AFPE Minority Pre-Doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science