COLLEGE OF PHARMACY A N N U A L R E P O R T 2020–21
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ i
CONTENTS 2
YEAR IN REVIEW
4 STUDENTS 10 FACULTY 14 RESEARCH 20 COVID-19 26 ACADEMICS 30 ALUMNI 36 SPECIAL PROJECTS
WHO WE ARE Mission Create the future of health through pharmacy.
Vision Excellence through leadership
Organizational values We value: service to the local, national, and global community; integrity and ethical behavior; innovation and collaboration in research; professional practice and education; personal growth through lifelong learning; diversity and respect for all individuals; cultural competence.
URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
DEAN’S MESSAGE If there is anything the last year-plus has taught us all, it is the monumental impact health-care professionals make in the world every day. Perhaps never before has the dedication, sacrifice, expertise, and empathy shown daily by pharmacists and pharmaceutical researchers been more evident. That includes faculty, staff, students, and alumni from the URI College of Pharmacy, many of whom have been on the front lines since the pandemic’s outset. We have had a faculty member develop a novel, saliva-based coronavirus test. Another professor assisted in establishing and coordinating the pharmacy at the state’s COVID-19 field hospital, and several have served as public faces for the pandemic response, advising residents locally and nationally on how to stay safe. Countless students joined our staff and many URI alums in the community, assisting with COVID-19 testing and administering vaccines. All of this while at the same time continuing to educate the next leaders in pharmaceutical science, and maintaining the College’s overall mission to create the future of health through pharmacy. I hope you will join me in congratulating our College personnel, our students, and our many alumni and professional colleagues for the important work they continue to do. This annual report documents just some of the initiatives our dynamic faculty, staff, and students are engaged in. I hope you’ll join me in looking back over a truly historic year in society and in the College of Pharmacy, and looking forward to all the successes to come. –Dean E. Paul Larrat
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 1
BY THE NUMBERS Rankings
93.75%
97%
79%
NAPLEX First-Time Pass Rate
PHARM.D. CLASS OF 2020 Employed at Graduation
POSTDOC RESIDENCY Placement Rate
Enrollment
140
20
INCOMING PHARM.D. Students
INCOMING BSPS Students
Philanthropic Support
32%
11%
32% URIFAE Endowment
INCREASE IN RHODYNOW: Pharmacy Fund
Trailing 1-Year Annual Return
2 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Postdoctoral Residency Placement Rate Among Nation’s Best The University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy continues to be a national leader in pharmacy education, most recently placing first in the Northeast and no. 8 nationally in postdoctoral residency placement rate for phase 1. Forty-seven members of the Class of 2021 have obtained postdoctoral residencies in the first phase of ASHP’s highly competitive match program, 82 percent of those applying. The placement rate places URI among the best in the country, well ahead of the 65 percent national average. Only seven of the 143 colleges of pharmacy in the country had a higher average than URI’s.
next with 35 placements. The University of New England scored the second-highest placement rate in the Northeast at 78 percent, placing 14 students.
In addition, 10 members of the URI Class of 2021 obtained fellowships or postdoctoral residencies outside of the ASHP match program, and 94 percent of former students from the Class of 2020 obtained second-year postdoctoral residencies, also among The URI College of Pharmacy has the highest place- the best rate in the country. Placements for these ment rate among pharmacy schools in the Northeast, two classes are widely distributed around the country, in 20 states, showing the national impact the URI and has placed the most students in residencies for College of Pharmacy has made. the second-straight year. St. John’s University was
The full list of year one residencies and fellowships include: Eliza Anderson - UMass Medical School – Clinical Pharmacy Services, Shrewsbury, MA Julia Annis - NC State Veterinary Hospital, Raleigh, NC
Rachel Fernandes - Lahey Hospital Angela Kosmanoski - Global & Medical Center, Burlington, MA Medical Affairs (Diabetes Care), BD, Franklin Lakes, NJ Shianne Fernandes - Sentara Dimos Katsaros - Clinical Fellow, Healthcare-Hampton Roads, Matchstick LLC, Boonton, NJ Norfolk, VA
Michael Barnes - Global Regulatory Morgan Gentili - Lahey Hospital & Sciences, Cerevel Therapeutics, Medical Center, Burlington, MA Boston, MA Melissa Gianetti - Rutland Regional Caitlyn Blake - Christiana Care Medical Center, Rutland, VT Health System, Newark DE Caralyn Granato - Providence Brittany Block - UMass Memorial Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Medical Center, Worcester, MA Providence, RI Kyle Blomster - Oncology Medical Affairs, Seagen, Seattle, WA
Ariel Haber - Broward Health Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, FL
Yan Cen - OSF St. Francis Medical Center, Peoria, IL
Christopher Hartley - Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME
Hailey Chapdelaine -Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA
James Hawthorne - Clinical Fellow, Matchstick LLC, Boonton, NJ
Samantha Clevenstine Cape Regional Medical Center, Cape May Court House, NJ
Joseph Honig - University of Rhode Island/Walgreens Pharmacy, Kingston, RI
Sarah Cruz - VA Connecticut Hamna Imtiaz - Methodist Charlton Healthcare System, West Haven, CT Medical Center, Dallas, TX Angela Dansereau - Hartford Hospital, Hartford, CT
Rishi Kachrani - Medical Affairs, Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, Waltham, MA
Jason Darmanin - Lawrence + Memorial Hospital, New London, CT Nicole Kalver - Rhode Island Hospital, Providence, RI Emily Duff - Baystate Medical Center, Springfield, MA Stephanie Katartzis - Stony Brook University Hospital, Stony Brook, NY Alyssa Falleni - Hennepin County Karlie Knobloch - Loyola University Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN Medical Center, Maywood, IL Danielle Famularo - Boston Medical Center, Boston, MA
David Sabatino - New York-Presbyterian Hospital, New York, NY Elizabeth Salisbury - University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
Kalyn Lazar - VA Boston Healthcare Adam Scala - Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center Acute Care PGY1, System, Boston, MA Lebanon, NH Jennifer Le - Adventist Health Imke Scheepers - Premera Blue Bakersfield, Bakersfield, CA Cross, Mountlake Terrace, WA Katherine McCann - South County Kayla Sepe - Global Field Medical Health, Wakefield, RI Center of Excellence, Oncology Melissa Menditto - DartMedical Affairs, Merck, Gwynedd, mouth-Hitchcock Medical Center PA Acute Care PGY1, Lebanon, NH Lauren Sittard - UPMC St. Scott Miele - Saint Peter’s Margaret, Pittsburgh, PA University Hospital, New Molly Stott - FL/US Virgin Islands Brunswick, NJ Poison Center, UF Health Kayla Moisan - Lowell General Jacksonville, Jacksonville, FL Hospital, Lowell, MA Brooke Szachnowicz - The Johns Anna Mortali - Baystate Medical Hopkins Hospital, Baltimore, MD Center, Springfield, MA Bailery Thayer - Yale New Haven Lian Ngaopraseut - Hartford Hospital, New Haven, CT Hospital, Hartford, CT Ryan Virgin - South County Health, Arielle Norton - VA Connecticut Wakefield, RI Healthcare System, West Haven, CT Andrew Ward - Backus Hospital Aaron Perfetto - Providence (Hartford HealthCare), Norwich, CT Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Dimitar Zelenkov - Tufts Medical Providence, RI Center, Boston, MA Victorial Plante - Waterbury Tiffany Zeng - Saint Francis Hospital, Waterbury, CT Hospital and Medical Center, David Richards - Capital District Hartford, CT Physicians Health Plan, Albany, NY
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 3
STUDENTS Preparing for the Future of Health Care 4 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
URI College of Pharmacy 2021 Commencement Dean Paul Larrat, joined by URI President David M. Dooley, Donald H. DeHayes, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and the faculty and staff of the College of Pharmacy, conferred degrees upon the graduating Class of 2021 on May 23. Dean Larrat and the entire College of Pharmacy extend their heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2021.
Pharmacy Student Wins Prestigious Rainville Student Leadership Award A University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy student is among three undergraduate student leaders the university selected to receive a prestigious A. Robert Rainville Student Leadership Award. Pharm.D. major James Cocozza credits being a resident assistant for more than five years and the president of the Housing and Residential Life Community Leadership board for teaching him what true leadership is about. Cocozza, who is entering his fourth professional year, has been nominated for a Rainville award for five-consecutive years.
Cocozza helped create, organize, and present training for more than 100 student and professional staff members. Under his stewardship, the leadership board became a vehicle that allowed RAs to express their concerns and speak about issues they wanted to be addressed. “James’ true strength is in his ability to care for others and to forget about himself while doing that,” said Wesley Cabral ‘21, chair of the diversity council for the residence council. “He is constantly encouraging the students within his residence halls and the RA community to push past their limits and make the environment safe and inspiring, while taking on one of the most difficult majors ever.” ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 5
Pharmacy Graduate Motivated by Heartbreaking Family Experience, Desire to Care for Others Like many who consider a career in a health-care field, Marie Rodriguez always had an interest in caring for others. Unlike most, the graduating URI College of Pharmacy student has unfortuMarie Rodriguez nately obtained plenty of hands-on experience in her own home, which has only hardened her resolve and given her even greater appreciation for selfless health-care professionals. “I always liked the medical field, but knew I couldn’t be a nurse, and I didn’t think I wanted to be a doctor, so pharmacy was another outlet to help people and work with patients,” Rodriguez said. “And this year, caregiving has made me appreciate nurses beyond capacity, because I can’t do this the rest of my life, so give them a lot of credit.”
the 0-6 Pharm.D. program—which allows students to earn bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in that timespan, and was a key motivator for Rodriguez to apply to URI in the first place. During her time at URI, Rodriguez immersed herself in the opportunities afforded URI students. She spent a semester abroad, played on the ultimate Frisbee team and was a program assistant at the Aquatic Center. She is a member of the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honors Society, the American Pharmacists Association, and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. She has completed clinical rotations at South County Hospital, South Bay Nursing Home, and at a hospital in her native New Jersey, where she plans to return to continue helping care for her dad while seeking pharmacy opportunities. She would like to remain at her local hospital where she is currently doing her clinical rotations, and COVID has given her a new appreciation for public health. To read more about Rodriguez’ journey, visit cutt.ly/marierodriguez.
“I always liked the medical field, but knew I couldn’t be a nurse, and I didn’t think I wanted to be a doctor, so pharmacy was another outlet to help people and work with patients,” Rodriguez was unexpectedly thrust into a caregiving role when her mother, Linda, was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in March 2020, followed by an autoimmune disease that left her unable to walk. Rodriguez had already been helping care for her dad, Tony, who had been paralyzed five years ago, leaving her and her brother, Kevin, to provide care for both their parents while she finished up her last year-and-a-half in the demanding Doctor of Pharmacy program at URI. On top of all that, Rodriguez was also navigating in new territory along with everyone else once the COVID-19 pandemic hit. She was attending virtual classes and clinical rotations while trying to finish
6 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Marie Rodriguez is pictured with her mother, Linda, father, Tony, and brother, Kevin. Marie finished her pharmacy studies at URI while caring for her family during a difficult time.
Pharmacy Students Vaccinate Hundreds Against Flu Hundreds of URI students were vaccinated against the flu last fall, thanks to a clinic organized by a College of Pharmacy student, who was also studying vaccine hesitancy for the flu and the COVID-19 vaccine. N’Deye Dabo, who specializes in public health with Clinical Professor Jeffrey Bratberg, partnered with URI Health Services to provide the vaccinations in the Memorial Union Ballroom. Dabo used the opportunity to learn from students their history with vaccinations and their willingness to receive flu and COVID vaccines. Students were asked to complete a survey asking whether they’ve received the flu vaccine in the past and whether they would continue to do so going forward. They were also asked about any concerns they may have about side effects. “We want to gauge their hesitancy for the flu vaccine, see their mindset and figure out what we can do to encourage them to take the vaccine,” Dabo said. “Are you concerned about getting sick? Are you worried about side effects? If people are uncomfortable, we want to find out how we can make them more comfortable to go in and get the vaccine.”
“Are you concerned about getting sick? Are you worried about side effects? If people are uncomfortable, we want to find out how we can make them more comfortable to go in and get the vaccine.” —N’Deye Dabo
The survey also asked students their opinions on a the COVID vaccines and whether they have any similar concerns.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 7
Pharm.D. Students Awarded Scholarships at Youngken CE Clinic
The URI Pharm.D student winners include: Aaron Perfetto Mariame Sylla
Jay Patel Justin Jackson
Lauren Eng Aaron Shaposhnikov
Lauren Fortier
Elizabeth Salisbury Ugene Sano
Nine URI College of Pharmacy students were awarded scholarships during the college’s 63rd annual Heber W. Youngken Jr. Pharmacy Clinic in November. The conference, named for the inaugural dean of the URI College of Pharmacy, brought together practicing pharmacists and pharmacy educators for a continuing education summit hosted by the College of Pharmacy and Academic Health Collaborative’s Office of Continuing Professional Development for the Health Professions. Ordinarily an in-person professional development event, the clinic was held virtually last year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The scholarship awards were presented to the students during a lunchtime ceremony.
Nine URI College of Pharmacy students won scholarships during the virtual Heber W. Youngken Jr. Pharmacy Clinic in November.
Prospective Students Virtually Tour College During High School Day More than 50 high school students descended on Avedisian Hall—virtually, of course—Nov. 20, 2021, to learn about the College of Pharmacy and the opportunities it offers during the College’s annual High School Day.
Lecturer Saleh Allababidi gives students a demonstration on the production of topicals during the virtual High School Day.
8 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Ordinarily, high school students with an interest in a career in pharmacy and their families and teachers are welcome to tour the building, and interact with faculty members and URI students about the College and the pharmacy profession in general. This year, the students from all over the region logged into a Zoom meeting to learn the information they need to help them decide to apply to URI. After an initial introduction, students broke into separate virtual rooms for presentations by Senior Lecturer Amanda Chichester in the Patient Simulation Laboratory she directs; Lecturer Saleh Allababidi, who led them through the creation of topical medications and lotions; and Clinical Professor Anita Jacobson, who demonstrated injection techniques. Finally, a handful of pharmacy students led the high school visitors through a virtual tour of the building.
Big Ideas. Bold Plans. Student Access
College of Pharmacy Graduating Students Honored with Academic Awards Numerous graduating students were honored for their outstanding academic achievements in the College of Pharmacy during a ceremony in May. The awards and their recipients include: Julia Annis—Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award Julia Annis—American College Veterinary Pharmacy Award Joseph Bowler—BPS Outstanding Achievement in Academics Award Garett Carmichael—Phi Lambda Sigma Award*
Emily Duff—American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists Award Vincent Falkowski—BPS Outstanding Achievement in Research Award (BSPS) Alyssa Falleni—University Excellence Award (PHP Department) Danielle Famularo—Merck Award
The URI College of Pharmacy is among the most selective programs in the Northeast, but academic talent, drive and compassionate character do not guarantee attendance. Student financial aid is vital for gifted students to achieve their professional dream.
Katherine McCann—Wolters-Kluwer Facts & Comparison Award Lian Ngaopraseut—Lambda Kappa Sigma Award David Sabatino—Rho Chi Pharmaceutical Honor Society Service Award Elizabeth Salisbury—PHP Outstanding Achievement Award in Pharmacy Practice
Emilie Carroll- PHP Outstanding Achievement Award in Self-Care
Carolyn Granato—Student National Pharmaceutical Association Award
Yan Cen—Rho Chi Pharmaceutical Honor Society Award (Highest GPA)
Courtney Grant—College of Pharmacy Academic Excellence Award
John Church—University Excellence Award (BPS Department)
Ariel Haber—Merck Award
Brooke Szachnowicz—PHP Outstanding Achievement Award in Research
Christopher Hartley—Student Leadership Award
Brooke Szachnowicz—Pediatric Pharmacy Association Award
Jim Hawthorne—College of Psychiatric & Neurologic Pharmacists
Kendra Walsh—College of Pharmacy Academic Excellence Award
Joseph Honig—PHP Outstanding Achievement Award in Teaching
Kendra Walsh—Natural Medicines Recognition Award
Demosthenis Katsaros—Merck Award
Rachel Wasserman—BPS Outstanding Achievement in Research Award (Pharm.D.)
Sarah Cruz—American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Award Michael Dailey—BPS Outstanding Achievement in Academics Award Anne Dionne—American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists Award Emily Duff—College of Pharmacy Academic Excellence Award
Erinn Mangona—College of Pharmacy Academic Excellence Award
Imke Scheepers—Merck Award
Claire Williamson—Merck Award
URI College of Pharmacy students distributed Naloxone as part of the Community First Responder program, whose mission is to reduce overdoses in the community. To learn more about the program, visit uri.edu/CFRP.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 9
FACULTY Dedicated Educators, Dynamic Researchers
10 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Professor Challenges Students to Change the World
Assistant professor Katharina Quinlan works with students Clarissa Muller, Alyssa Garrett, Emily Reedich, Landon Genry and Sabrina Melki in her lab in Beaupre.
Katharina Quinlan Is One Of Several Professors Offering Students The Chance To Make Real Impacts “I ask students, ‘How are you going to change the world’” While changing the entire world may be an ambitious goal, making positive change in health and health care is something students in the URI College of Pharmacy have every opportunity to do, with the bevy of scientists, professors, and pharmaceutical researchers they can work with, including Assistant Professor Katharina Quinlan.
“It aims to teach students about a certain topic, and also make them better citizens, make them think about something from multiple aspects,” In both the classroom and the lab, Quinlan challenges her students to make positive change. Affiliated with the George & Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, Quinlan teaches courses in neuropharmacology, as well as the College’s Pharm.D. program. She also teaches a Grand Challenge Course, an interdisciplinary program that encourages students to come up with real-world solutions to common problems, in this case, associated with the brain. “It aims to teach students about a certain topic, and also make them better citizens, make them think about something from multiple asp ects,” Quinlan said. “We have them do debates, for example, is it
ethical for the NFL to send players out onto the field with the likelihood of getting head injuries. Students finish the semester with a term paper that must propose a viable solution, grounded in reality. I think this is a great idea for teaching in general.” In the lab, the main crux of Quinlan’s research looks at neurodegeneration and/or injury and the effect on neural circuits, most of which are in the spinal cord and have a lot to do with movement. One specific study looks at one’s susceptibility to Alzheimer’s and dementia after having experiences a prenatal brain injury, and whether a healthy diet and lifestyle throughout their lives can limit that susceptibility. Undergrad students have the opportunity to make an impact on such work. Currently, six undergrads and a graduate student work with Quinlan on her fascinating projects. Some even get the chance to be co-authors on published studies. The level of participation depends on the student and how committed they are. One has even secured a paid position in the lab. “She is amazing; she wants to learn everything,” Quinlan said. “She is willing to say, ‘I really want to see this; can I look over your shoulder?’ That kind of student is really the best because if someone is continually asking, ‘Can I do more, can I see more,’ you know they’re engaged and committed. Every one of the papers I’ve submitted since I’ve gotten to URI has had an undergrad as a co-author because of their significant contributions to the work.”
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 11
Faculty Spotlight PHP Chair Kerry LaPlante Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, URI College of Pharmacy personnel have been front and center, leading testing and vaccination clinics, developing new tests and treatments, and advising the community in television, radio, and online appearances. Perhaps no faculty member has been more of a face for the College than Professor Kerry LaPlante. The chair of the College’s pharmacy practice department has joined several other professors in making dozens of public appearances, locally and nationally, to keep the public informed of the latest on the pandemic. In addition to her teaching and leadership role in the College, LaPlante advises the state Department of Health as chair of its Antimicrobial Subgroup, and serves as director of her independently funded Rhode Island Infectious Diseases Antibiotic Research program at the Providence VA Medical Center.
“I continue to enjoy my role as a pharmacist on the COVID Advisory subcommittee and use my platform to advocate for the safe use of vaccines.”
Even throughout the pandemic, she has maintained her important research into the treatment, outcomes, prevention, virulence inhibition, and decolonization of multiple drug resistant bacteria, specifically Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). LaPlante is an internationally recognized expert on antimicrobial pharmacology with more than 17 years of research in optimizing antibiotic use to prevent antimicrobial resistance, and studying the impact that antimicrobial prescribing has on the emergence and spread of antimicrobial resistance. Her research has received continuous funding from the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and research and development divisions of pharmaceutical industry. “I can tell you I’m sick of COVID and ready to focus primarily on antimicrobial resistance,” LaPlante said. “I continue to enjoy my role as a pharmacist on the COVID advisory subcommittee and use my platform to advocate for the safe use of vaccines, continue reviewing all the clinical trial data, stay abreast of the latest communications regarding the vaccine safety and efficacy, really stay focused on monitoring and understanding these variants.”
12 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Katherine Orr Named Associate Dean Clinical Professor Kelly Orr has been named associate dean of the URI College of Pharmacy, replacing the retired Norma Owens, who now serves the College as professor emeritus. Orr’s teaching, scholarship, and practice interests are in nonprescription medications, asthma management, and smoking cessation. She is involved in immunization instruction and precepts P4 students on community rotations. She is advisor to the College of Pharmacy Student Leadership Council (SLC) and the local chapter of the National Community Pharmacists Association. Orr currently serves as a member of the Nonprescription Medicines Academy (NMA) Steering Committee and was the 2011– 2012 chair of the AACP Self-Care Therapeutics/Nonprescription Medicines Special Interest Group. Along with national pharmacy organizations, locally Orr is an active member and past president of the Rhode Island Pharmacists’ Association, as well as a member of the R.I. Board of Pharmacy.
Even while students were learning remotely for much of the past year, pharmacy faculty members made sure they remained connected to the College, posing for Rhody Pride photos and encouraging students to send in their own photos wearing the Rhody blue and white.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 13
Big Ideas. Bold Plans. Strategic Opportunities Effective Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Research follows a strategic path to identify problems, craft hypotheses and frame studies that will create knowledge and inform trends in care. Philanthropic support provides nimbleness to leverage unique opportunities with proof-of-concept experiments that earn competitive federal grants.
RESEARCH Breakthroughs Fuel Health Innovation
14 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Professor Xinyuan Chen and Ph.D. student Yiwen Zhao work in Chen’s lab on a virus-like particle platform they hope will help lead to a universal flu vaccine.
Professor Develops Novel Virus-like Particle Platform Xinyuan Chen Aims To Produce Universal Flu Vaccine, New Coronavirus Vaccine A URI College of Pharmacy professor has developed a novel virus-like particle platform to aid in the development of a safe and effective universal flu vaccine and a new coronavirus vaccine.
replaced with long or short antigens for convenient vaccine development. “Our human body has a mechanism to recognize pathogens. By developing the vaccine with flagellin-coated virus-like particles, our bodies can more strongly respond to that type of vaccine,” Chen said. “Virus-like particles don’t replicate inside the body, so they are very safe.”
Xinyuan Chen recently received a $433,125 grant from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease to continue his research into the novel vaccine platform. The platform is made of flagellin-coated virus-like particles, in which flagellin Chen and Zhao have filed a provisional patent is located on the virus-like particle surface in a application for the new vaccine platform, which will highly oriented and repetitive fashion. be used to develop a universal Flagellin is the structural protein of flu vaccine that would protect flagellum that enables bacterial motility “Universal flu vaccine against multiple strains of the and also an agonist of the immune is a concept that would flu, instead of the few strains system. Yet, Flagellin sometimes the annual vaccine currently allow us to develop overstimulates the immune system protects against. immunity against and causes adverse reactions. multiple viral strains.” “Universal flu vaccine is a Chen and his Ph.D. student, Yiwconcept that would allow us —Xinyuan Chen en Zhao, have discovered that by to develop immunity against coating the flagellin on the surface of multiple viral strains.” Chen said. “In our approach, virus-like particles, the body’s immune system can a conserved extracellular domain of matrix protein be properly activated to potentiate vaccine-induced 2 will replace the highly flexible region of flagellin to immune responses without adverse reactions. At develop vaccines broadly effective against multiple the same time, the middle region of flagellin can be strains of the flu.”
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 15
Pharmacy Professors Attract Millions in Research Funding Studies Tackle Such Conditions as HIV, Alzheimer’s, Flu and More The College of Pharmacy continues to expand and strengthen its research community and activities with external funding. The past year represents another successful campaign for COP researchers as they continue to build on their research endeavors, and the College’s No.10 national ranking in federally funded research. To recognize the successes of our faculty scholars and researchers and further encourage collaborations at the University and with outside partners, the COP Research Committee has compiled a list of
research awards for the period of July 2019–June 2020. Please join us in applauding their efforts so far and wishing them success in their research goals. Log onto cutt.ly/URIresearch for a look at current funded research projects.
Dangers of Opioid Use During Pregnancy Study To Show Impacts on Mother, Child of Prescription Opioid Use Prescription opioid use among pregnant women has increased in recent years, putting both mother and unborn baby at risk. It is necessary to comprehensively evaluate the safety of opioids on both mother and infant, the subject of a funded study in the URI College of Pharmacy. Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Xuerong Wen aims to fill gaps in research on the effects of maternal opioid use on pregnancy complications and long-term developmental outcomes of children, and optimize medication assisted treatment for pregnant women with opioid use disorder. Her study has been funded by an initial grant of $435,000 from the National Institutes of Health, and a supplemental grant of $256,000 awarded in October 2020. Wen’s research is based on studies of linked mother-infant datasets, including nationwide health administrative data, R.I. Medicaid claims, R.I. vital statistics, and R.I. education records, to examine various short- and long-term outcomes. Initial results have shown that prescription opioid use is associated with increased risks of adverse pregnancy and obstetric complications, 16 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
congenital malformations (in musculoskeletal system), or neurodevelopmental disorders (mental disorders and developmental delays in the unborn child). Wen is now taking the initial study further, implementing advanced Bayesian statistical modeling to assess long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. The study aims to show that maternal exposure to prescription opioids during pregnancy increases obstetric complications, increases birth defects in infants, and reduces long-term neurodevelopment and educational status in children.
Funded Study to Address Medication Access Barriers A College of Pharmacy researcher has received a research grant to address barriers patients face in accessing needed medications for cancer. The grant is funded by the Pharmacy Quality Alliance and the National Pharmaceutical Council. Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Ami Vyas will lead a study to identify significant patient access barriers and facilitators of adherence with oral anti-cancer medications. The study will examine patient out-of-pocket costs, socioeconomic characteristics, clinical factors, and subsequent health outcomes. It will leverage the recent alliance and council framework that defines the patient journey to medication access. The framework also identifies quality measurement gaps that could address the financial and nonfinancial factors that stand between patients and the medications they need. Higher out-of-pocket costs for oral anti-cancer medications can lead to prescription abandonment, delayed initiation, and other forms of nonadherence, Vyas said, potentially leading to worsening conditions. “Our project will determine the association between patient out-of-pocket costs of oral anticancer medications and treatment adherence among adult cancer patients in the United States and will also determine how adherence impacts patient health outcomes,” Vyas said. “Our research will provide crucial evidence-based information for several stakeholders to develop and implement approaches aimed at improving patient access to oral anticancer medications.”
“Our project will determine the association between patient out-of-pocket costs of oral anti-cancer medications and treatment adherence among adult cancer patients in the United States and will also determine how adherence impacts patient health outcomes.” — Assistant Professor Ami Vyas
Vyas’ 12-month research project is ongoing. Findings are expected to be presented at a meeting of the Pharmacy Quality Alliance.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 17
Assistant Professor Matt Bertin works in his lab in Avedisian Hall on projects including one to derive medications from algal blooms.
Study to Reduce Neuroinflammation Progresses Matt Bertin’s Research into The Use of Chemicals from Algal Blooms Published in National Journal A URI College of Pharmacy professor’s study on the potential use of chemicals commonly found in algal blooms to reduce neuroinflammation has been published in a journal of one of the largest scientific organizations. Assistant Professor of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Matthew Bertin is teaming up with biotech firm Biosortia Pharmaceuticals Inc. to study the chemicals produced by algal blooms, which may hold the key to reducing neuroinflammation, a primary cause for diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s progress. His progress has been published in American Chemical Society journal, ACS Omega. Using mass spectrometry, Bertin and his team have isolated three micropeptins from Biosortia’s chromatography library that have shown as much as 50 percent reduction in neuroinflammation in mouse cells, even in tiny doses. “We don’t actually know how they are working yet,” Bertin said. “Are they inhibiting something? Are they activating something? 18 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
How are they reducing the inflammation?” Finding out is the next step. The team will use cell imaging to visualize the effect the micropeptins have. One possibility involves proteases, enzymes in a cell that cause inflammation. “They are like scissors in a cell that aid in activating other different proteins that cause inflammation,” Bertin said. “If you can inhibit that protease—if you can be the rock that blocks the scissors—you can stop that inflammation process.” Bertin’s team will next look at the effect the two micropeptins have on human cells, and seek a way to transport the molecules into the brain. The micropeptins are too large to easily slide through the body’s natural blood-brain barrier. “We’re going to try to determine how it gets transported in. There are tunnels in the cell that act like gates that let in certain molecules into a cell,” Bertin said. “Brain cells have that barrier to keep unwanted molecules out, so getting peptins into the brain is always difficult in pharmacology.”
Pharmacy Professor Wins Scholarly Excellence Award Pharmacy Professor Angela Slitt, architect of a new, saliva-based coronavirus test developed in her lab in Avedisian Hall, has been rewarded with one on the university’s premier faculty awards. Slitt was presented with the 2021 URI Scholarly Excellence award, which recognizes significant achievement from one faculty member each year. The recipients — nominated by their peers and by students—“demonstrate an extraordinary commitment to their job and to the University,” according to URI Foundation & Alumni Engagement, which presents the award. “Professor Angela Slitt has demonstrated the ability to think big and ‘make a difference’ in her research and her mentorship of graduate students, post-docs, and other researchers,” the award announcement reads. “Dr. Slitt has demonstrated tremendous prowess in securing federal funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) as both a principal investigator and co-investigator.” Slitt has received an Outstanding New Environmental Scientist Award R01 grant, and currently serves as a project co-director of an NIH/NIEHS Superfund award. She has more than 80 peer-reviewed publications in highly regarded journals. She teaches in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, along with actively serving on University and external committees.
Big Ideas. Bold Plans. Transformative Faculty Leadership Teaching and research excellence define URI College of Pharmacy, and each generation stands on the shoulders of its predecessors. In today’s competitive environment, funding is needed to recruit and retain gifted faculty like Angela Slitt to continue the legacy of excellence.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 19
COVID-19 Faculty, Staff, Students, and Alumni on the Front Lines
20 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
URI Pharmacy Personnel Lead Vaccination Efforts URI College of Pharmacy faculty, staff members, students, and alumni have been in the community since the beginning of the pandemic, helping combat COVID-19 in myriad ways. They continue to make an enormous impact on public health, leading vaccination efforts across the community. More than a dozen professors have led and assisted at 40 vaccination locations, including the state-run vaccination pods, the state field hospitals, local schools, clinics, hospitals, and more. In total, College personnel have drawn up and administered nearly 20,000 vaccines, just part of the College’s broader effort to fight the pandemic.
URI pharmacy student Katelyn Burton volunteers vaccinating patients at Newport Hospital.
URI pharmacy alumni Eugenio Fernandez and Chris Federico administer COVID-19 vaccines at a clinic in Central Falls. URI student Brynne Costa administers the COVID-19 vaccine in Central Falls. URI pharmacy student Jack Cederberg injects a Westborough, Mass., resident with the COVID-19 vaccine.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 21
URI Researchers Develop New Test for Coronavirus Researchers at the University of Rhode Island have developed a new COVID-19 test that will be put into use across its campuses as a surveillance tool for the COVID-19 virus. The saliva-based test is less invasive than many of the traditional nasal swab tests in use, and researchers say it is sensitive, specific, and can deliver results at a lower cost. Led by URI Professor of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Angela Slitt, the team began working on the test, which uses branched DNA assay technology, last spring when access to the more common polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests was severely hampered due to disruptions in the supply chain. Although PCR-based tests receive high marks for their sensitivity, they also require extraction of the nucleic acids, access to thermocyclers and other sophisticated lab equipment not as readily available outside of the United States.
Angela Slitt, URI professor of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences, developed a new, saliva-based coronavirus test in her lab in Avedisian Hall.
“One of the things we set out to do was to develop a less invasive, more cost-effective, more accessible test.” — Professor Angela Slitt
“One of the things we set out to do was to develop a less invasive, more cost-effective, more accessible test,” said Slitt. “And I think we’ve done that. We use saliva, work off different supply chains, use different, less cost-prohibitive instrumentation and are effectively lowering the barriers to entry for many.” Slitt believes the team’s COVID-19 test will be one of the few assay tests that could be made globally available. Based on trials conducted thus far, the test appears to have a high level of sensitivity similar to or more sensitive than other top-performing saliva tests on the market–meaning the test is better able to comparably detect the level of viral load in the sample. For a more comprehensive look at the groundbreaking test, visit cutt.ly/COVIDtest.
22 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
URI student researchers work in the lab of Professor Angela Slitt, helping produce a new COVID-19 test that is saliva-based.
Pharmacy students Yan Cen and Melissa Gianetti prepare COVID-19 vaccinations at Westerly Senior Center, where they joined Clinical Assistant Professor Britny Brown drawing up and administering vaccines throughout the winter and spring.
Professors, Students Vaccinate Hundreds at Westerly Senior Center Clinical Assistant Professor Britny Brown is one of several College professors, staff members, and students making a difference on the front lines of the pandemic, continuing as the COVID-19 vaccination effort shifted from larger clinics to more targeted areas to reach populations that had not yet been vaccinated. Students Melissa Gianetti and Yan Cen joined Brown at the Westerly Senior Center May 3, drawing up vaccinations for use that day. They helped prepare and administer vaccines two days a week at the senior center, along with the Westerly Hospital Pharmacy Department and other URI professors, including Elizabeth St. Louis and Margaret Charpentier, who have been volunteering throughout the pandemic. “I wish I knew the exact number, but I’ve definitely administered more than 1,000 vaccinations,” Gianetti said. “Sometimes it seems like the only thing I do is vaccines; I even dream about vaccines. But I’m happy to do whatever I can to help end this pandemic.”
“I wish I knew the exact number, but I’ve definitely administered more than 1,000 vaccinations.” — Melissa Gianetti
Public health efforts like vaccination clinics are part of the learning experience URI College of Pharmacy students get through their clinical rotations. Experiential education has been a big part of Cen’s and Gianetti’s time at URI, helping both land postgraduate residencies at medical centers in Illinois and Vermont, respectively.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 23
College Trains Pharmacists, Technicians To Deliver COVID-19 Vaccine University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy faculty and staff members continued their efforts to hasten the end of the COVID-19 pandemic through the winter, training pharmacists and pharmacy technicians to administer the vaccine that was on the horizon. Under new COVID health regulations, pharmacy technicians were allowed to administer the vaccine, necessitating training for those who hadn’t previously vaccinated. They joined pharmacists, who were granted the right to vaccinate in Rhode Island about 10 years ago. Mary-Jane Kanaczet, director of the college’s office of continuing professional development for the Health Professions, received a license from the American Pharmacists Association to provide the training, and taught hundreds of pharmacy techs and pharmacists, including Paul Larrat, dean of the College of Pharmacy.
URI College of Pharmacy faculty and staff members have trained hundreds of pharmacists and pharmacy techs to administer the COVID-19 vaccine.
“This is in addition to the hundreds of students who we’ve trained in recent years to administer vaccines. They get certified early on—in their first professional year—and they’re able to begin administering vaccines in pharmacies, under the supervision of a pharmacist,” Larrat said.
Big Ideas. Bold Plans. Rhody Now Pharmacy The COVID-19 pandemic required a fresh approach to teaching, stretched clinical capacity, and inspired new paths of scientific research. Immediate and flexible funding from the College of Pharmacy RhodyNow Fund was essential to meet heighted financial need. Thanks to the generosity of alumni and friends, the college met the challenge, increasing past RhodyNow achievements by 11percent. 24 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Clinical Assistant Professor Todd Brothers coordinated pharmacy efforts at the state field hospital in Cranston, set up to treat COVID-19 patients during the height of the pandemic.
‘The Community is Relying on Us. We Can’t Fail’ URI Pharmacy Professor Todd Brothers Coordinates Covid-19 Field Hospital Pharmacy, Along with Fellow Professors, Students Several University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy students and professors stepped up to fight the COVID-19 pandemic at the Care New England Field Hospital in Cranston, including Clinical Assistant Professor Todd Brothers who is coordinated pharmacy efforts there. In March 2020, Brothers started setting up the pharmacy before the curve of infections flattened, eliminating the initial need for it. However, just before Thanksgiving, it became clear that infections were rising and the hospital would be necessary again. His first task was to start building a team to staff the pharmacy, putting out a call to hospitals and colleges across the state. URI Pharmacy professors Margaret Charpentier, Britny Brown, Kristina Ward, Michael Simeone, and Jane Pawasauskus joined pharmacy students Joe Honig, Hannah Feratta, and Morgan Chatterley, along with several URI graduates, in answering the call to serve. The pharmacy was tasked with servicing as many as 300 people should the hospital reach capacity. In addition, as many as 24 residents a day were transported to the facility to receive injections of monoclonal antibodies. Despite some logistical problems early on, Brothers and his team were ready, thanks largely to the pharmacy professionals of all backgrounds who have stepped up to help, from students just entering their pharmaceutical rotations to pharmacists who have been working for 30-plus years.
“It’s helping me get through the lack of sleep, and the stress, and the responsibility to have these brave pharmacy leaders to support the effort. It’s just awesome. We all realize the community is relying on us. We can’t fail. It’s that simple.
“I’m pulling from all these professionals and their experience, –Professor Todd Brothers and we’re making it happen in a safe way,” Brothers said at the time. “It’s helping me get through the lack of sleep, and the stress, and the responsibility to have these brave pharmacy leaders to support the effort. It’s just awesome. We all realize the community is relying on us. We can’t fail. It’s that simple.” For a more comprehensive look at the field hospital and the college’s involvement, visit cutt.ly/FieldHospital.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 25
ACADEMICS Comprehensive Programs Prepare the Next Health Professionals 26 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
URI Launches Undergraduate Degree Program In Interdisciplinary Neuroscience URI Celebrated The Launch of its New Undergraduate Program in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Last Year with A Free Virtual Event to Welcome to its Inaugural Class. Former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy (R.I.), noted mental health advocate, served as keynote speaker for the event, joined by former URI Provost Donald H. DeHayes, Lisa Weyandt, director of URI’s Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, INP faculty, and undergraduate students. The new Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Neuroscience, a partnership among the Colleges of Pharmacy, Health Sciences and the Environment and Life Sciences, offers students the option
to choose from among three areas of focus within their neuroscience major, distinguishing it among neuroscience programs in New England. The INP at URI brings together a wide range of disciplines— from basic research and clinical studies to new drug development—allowing for a more thorough study of neurological processes, cellular function, psychological disorders, and brain health promotion. For more information on the program and its curriculum, visit uri.edu/inp.
Students Brainy Adventure Teaches Kids About Brain Science We may not know it by name, but executive functioning is something we use every day. It helps us remember information, gives us the flexibility to multitask, and helps us control our attention, behavior and thoughts. “It’s responsible for all of our decisions and is the basis for all of our behavior,” said Sydney Bartman. “Without it, our behavior would be random and without context.” For Bartman, Jennifer Mattar, and Lauren Thompson, doctoral students in the URI’s Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, executive functioning is their way of connecting with K–12 students and teaching them about the brain as part of the annual Brain Week RI in March. The virtual “Brainy Adventures” program replaced Brain Week’s school outreach with seven virtual lesson plans teachers can access online. Their Brainy Adventure—“What’s the Scoop on the Stroop—explores working memory, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility. The lesson provides assessments students conduct on each other or family members to share with classmates. One assessment — the Stroop test, which examines inhibitory control — asks students to read a list of words for colors, which are also printed in colored type.
Interdisciplinary neuroscience doctoral students Sydney Bartman, Jennifer Mattar, and Lauren Thompson presented a virtual “Brainy Adventures” program for high school students during the annual Brain Week.
The first time, the students read aloud the words as fast as they can in 45 seconds; the second time, they must note the color of the letters. The assessments teach the students what it’s like to be a scientist. “It’s really crucial that we break down the barrier of the what the belief of STEM fields is for kids,” Mattar said. “A lot of people are intimidated by science. But by empowering kids to do things themselves and ask creative questions, it removes the anxiety some kids may feel about science and technology.”
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 27
“With this certificate, I now bring post-cultivation experience to the workplace and contribute to the science-driven part of the business, including extraction, sample preparation, working in a lab, etc. It’s rounded out my knowledge base in cannabis and I think it’s really going to help me grow professionally in the industry.” –Graduate Brendan Craveiro
Online Therapeutic Cannabis Program Graduates Inaugural Class The inaugural class of the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy’s groundbreaking online undergraduate certificate program in therapeutic cannabis studies graduated this spring, adding educated personnel to one of the fastest-growing industries in the country. The online therapeutic cannabis studies course aims to provide graduates with an in-depth knowledge about the safe production and dissemination of cannabis-related information and products for qualified patients. The certificate program offered through the College’s Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences department focuses on many diverse positions in the industry, including sales, brand ambassador, laboratory technicians, quality compliance/assurance, dispensary management, and product development and manufacturing. “This certificate is something that will help me in a short period of time grow a lot,” said graduate Brendan Craveiro. “Currently working in the industry, I can see the growth happening every day. With this certificate, I now bring post-cultivation experience to the workplace and contribute to the science-driven part of the business including extraction, sample preparation, working in a lab, etc. It’s rounded out my knowledge base in cannabis, and I think it’s really going to help me grow professionally in the industry.” The online therapeutic cannabis program is geared toward multiple positions in the medical and cannabis fields. Students in the program’s first year represent multiple professions, including pharmacists, nurses, attorneys, dieticians, cannabis growers, and budtenders, among others. Students successfully completing the course, which continues with another session this fall, earn a 12-credit certificate.
28 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Pharmacy Program Trains CNAs to Deliver Meds
Online Healthcare Management Master’s Program Open to Pharmacy Alumni Alumni from College of Pharmacy, as well as nursing and health sciences, have the opportunity to learn more about the business of health care, thanks to a new online program in the URI College of Business.
Certified Nursing Assistants in Rhode Island Department of Health-approved long-term care facilities will soon be able to administer medications to patients, helping relieve the burden of nurses in often short-staffed facilities, thanks to a partnership between the URI College of Pharmacy Office of Continuing Professional Development, R.I. Department of Health (DOH), and the URI Office of Strategic Initiatives. The State Approved Training Program in Drug Administration educates CNAs to become medication technicians, certified to deliver drugs in the DOH facilities, including longterm care facilities and adult day-care centers. Taught by registered pharmacists and nurses, led by URI pharmacy Senior Lecturer Patrick Kelly, the 15-week course teaches CNAs all they need to know to safely and effectively deliver medications. Tuition for the course and licensing fees are waived for CNAs, thanks to a grant from the state Department of Labor and Training, part of Transforming Health in Rhode Island Partnership. The Real Jobs RI-affiliated program aims to provide the training and education healthcare professionals need to transform and modernize the delivery of health care in Rhode Island. To apply, visit cutt.ly/medtraining.
The college is now offering a Master of Science in Healthcare Management. Taught in asynchronous seven-week modules, the program offers maximum flexibility for working professionals. The health-care management course is a 30-credit graduate program designed for current and future health-care professionals. Flexible and convenient, the two-year online program will teach students how to integrate leadership and knowledge of health-care systems to enhance the management of patient care and quality in health organizations. Students may take one or two courses per semester during fall, spring, and summer semesters. Those with five or more years of full-time, relevant professional work experience, graduates from URI with a minimum 3.5 GPA, or anyone already holding a master’s degree or higher may qualify for a GMAT/GRE waiver. Visit businesscas.org/apply for more information and to apply.
Big Ideas. Bold Plans. Innovative and Distinctive Programs Collaborative environments that draw on shared expertise generate high-impact research and robust partnerships. The Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program establishes relationships among faculty and students that provide fuel for discovery and train leaders to address the neurological and mental health needs of tomorrow.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 29
ALUMNI Spreading URI’s Global Impact
30 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
First Montalto Memorial scholarship awarded Pharmacy Student, National Guard Reservist Is Inaugural Recipient The memory of a URI College of Pharmacy graduate, who became a prominent optometrist and a lieutenant colonel in the U.S. Air Force Reserves, is being honored in a scholarship that is benefiting another pharmacy student serving in the military. Samuel Montalto graduated from URI in the 1980s. He served as a pharmacist while attending New England College of Optometry. He was a commissioned officer in the United States Air Force Reserves, a member of the 439th Aerospace Medicine Squadron, serving at Westover Air Reserve Base from 2010 until he died from pancreatic cancer in 2017. Montalto, of Westerly, was 57 years old. Montalto’s family, along with close friends Paul and Amey Larrat, and John and Mary Mastrianni, created the Samuel J. Montalto Jr. Memorial Scholarship to benefit URI College of Pharmacy students. The first recipient is Michaela Young, a student in her second professional year who serves as a pharmacy technician in the R.I. National Guard. Last March, the Cranston native was activated to assist with COVID-19 pandemic in Rhode Island, continuing her studies during breaks from serving on the state’s Contact Tracing Team. The scholarship helps Young cover her expenses, allowing her to focus on her schoolwork and her service to the community in the National Guard.
URI pharmacy student Michaela Young, the first recipient of the Montalto Scholarship, studies for classes during a break from contact tracing with the Air National Guard.
Samuel Montalto is pictured with his family, wife Debbie Montalto and children, Catherine, Emily and Sam, before his passing in 2017.
“Michaela exemplifies many of the traits that I remember in Sam,” Dean Larrat said. “A love of country, family, and colleagues. An unwavering desire to “Michaela exemplifies many of the support those around them. A traits that I remember in Sam.” positive outlook, a great sense —Dean Paul Larrat of humor, and a love for life. I know Sam would be proud an exemplary student and dedicated member of the community member like Michaela is the inaugural recipient of his scholarship.”
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 31
New URI Pharmacy Scholarship to Benefit Underrepresented Students While improvements in diversity have been made in recent years, African American people are still severely underrepresented in the pharmacy profession across the country, accounting for less than 5 percent of all pharmacists, according to PharmacyTimes. A new scholarship established by one of URI’s first doctor of pharmacy graduates aims to help lessen the disparity. The Robert and Birdie Lawrence Endowed Scholarship will support students in the College, with a preference for qualified African American students with a demonstrated financial need, or students from other historically underrepresented populations. The $50,000 gift was invested within the URI endowment, where it will grow over time and continually help students with financial need pursue a world-class education. URI alumnus Kenneth Lawrence ’88, Pharm.D. ’90, established the scholarship in the names of his parents, “whose lifelong commitment to the importance of education and perseverance in the face of adversity shaped my character and informed my career,” he said. “Education was always a big priority for my parents, and going to URI was a huge opportunity for me. I want to help others have that same opportunity.” Lawrence spent 20 years as a clinical pharmacist before moving into pharmaceutical development, currently serving as senior director of Seres Therapeutics in Watertown, Mass. He credits the opportunity he got at URI and the hard work he was exposed to in the College of Pharmacy for his career success, and hopes to pay that opportunity forward, especially for a student with a similar background to his. In addition to providing opportunity for students, Lawrence hopes the scholarship plays at least a small part in increasing diversity in health care in general.
32 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
TIME + TALENT Our college community is indebted to a vast network of alumni, partners and friends who dedicate their time and expertise to support our mission. BSPS ALUMNI MENTORS
Susan Petrovas ’92
Leah Allebach
Todd Brothers
Robert W. Potter Jr. ’83
Edward Allie
Amy Brotherton
Matthew Alcusky ’14
Edward M. Rudnic ’78, Ph.D. ’83
Nicole Allie
Anne Brown
Rachel Almeida
Britny Brown
Sarah Thompson
Nilesh Amin
Robert Brunault
EMERITUS MEMBERS
Dana Amore
Shannon Burke
Heather Larch ’98
Valerie Anselmo
Theresa Byrne-Hart
Colleen Moffit ’88, M.S. ’94
Madeline Archer
Stacy Cairns
Nicole Asal
Juli Caisse
Edward Quinlan ’71
Ifeoma Asoh
Nick Caldarelli
John Zevzavadjian ’88
Dhiraj Asrani
Scott Candon
FRIENDS OF THE YOUNGKEN GARDEN
Leah Baccari
Steven Cano
Jose Badillo
Rebecca Carlson
Muriel Benjamin
Paul Badore
Tonya Carlton
Amey Larrat
Lynette Badu
David Caron
Joan Lausier
Rita Baglini
Michael Carrier
Julia Law
Tania Baker
Bob Cattan
Victoria Leyden
Julie Barber
Vivianne Celario
Robin Rodgers
Tricia Bardzak
Ryan Centafont
Kenneth Rose
Joanna Barnas
Michael Cerasuolo
Hiroko Shimizu
Amanda Barner
Scott Cerce
Richard Youngken
Christina Barnett
John Cerini
PRECEPTORS
Pamela Barton
So Sum Chack
Tena Abraham
Mark Basile II
Randy Charlska
Kimberly Ackerbauer
James Beaulieu
Maggie Charpentier
Shawn Ackerman
Joanne Hoffman Beechko
Kevin Charron
Casey Adams
Glenn Beloso
Jeff Chau
Erica Adler
Kathryn Bender
Ashley Child
George Grandolfi, Ph.D. ’81
Cyrus Agarabi
James Berghelli
Ashley Chin
Kyriakos Agathangelou
Kyle Bertram
Sebastian Choi
Kathleen Jaeger ’87
Paul Ahearn
Andrea Bianco
Keith Choquette
Kenneth Lawrence ’88, Pharm.D. ’90
David Ahern
Amanda Bissonnette
Anthony Ciampi
Scott Ahern
Deepa Blomstedt
Gregory Cianfarani
Emem Akpan
Christine Borowy
Raymond Ciarleglio
Monica Akus
Carol Botelho
Vincent Cinquemani
Betool Al-Mazraawy
Amani Boutros
Nicole Clark
Chris Albanese
Jennifer Boyle
Kathleen Cleary
Christopher Albanese
Jeffrey Bratberg
Ebenezer Cofie
Chirene Albatal
Eleanor Broadbent
Lisa Cohen
Stephen J. Allen ’76 Steven Arcidiacono ’80, ’84 Marc Bernarducci ’91, ’95 Richard Bianco ’86 Jeffrey E. Cehelsky ’87 Amanda Copans ’00 James Fratantino ’14 David F. Ludwig ’80 Robyn Peters ’86 Kim Queren ’83 Jason Soares ’98 Carl Symecko ’94
DEAN’S ADVISORY BOARD Henrique T. Pedro ’76, chair Lynn Pezzullo ’91, vice chair Rami Beiram Ph.D. ’17 Dea Belazi, Pharm.D, ’01 Norman Campbel, Ph.D. ’57, Christine M. Collins ’90 Ewa Dzwierzynski, Pharm.D. ’96
David Ludwig ’80 Justina Molzon ’73, M.S. ’76 Nancy C. Motola, Ph.D. ’83 Eleanor Perfetto ’90, M.S. ’88
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 33
Alexa Colavecchio
James Doolittle
Dana Gagnon
Kristen Ignacio
Alyssa Lazzara
Abimbola Cole
Muriel Dorval
Julia Galea
Amy Ingargiola
Veronica Lee
Christine M. Collins
Alex Dozier
Lyndsey Garde
Anita Jacobson
Daniel Lefkowitz
Andrea Cone
Kristen Driscoll
Kevin Gaul
Nicholas Jandovitz
Anthony Leggio
Brent Conlee
Robert Dufresne
Michelle Gaumond
Whitney Jandreau
Ginger Lemay
Samantha Copeland
Kayla Duquette
Alycia Gelinas
Daniel Janish
Francis Lerz
Kenny Correia
Chris Durigan
Marc Gentile
Jacqueline Jankins
Nicholas Leso
Thomas Cory
Courtney Durkin
Robert George
Kirsten Jenkins
Emma Letts
Jackie Costantino
Christine Dyer
Gavin Gillespie
Peter Jensen
Shannon Levesque
Kelly Cotter
Kelsey Eggeman
Sean Gilman
Premesh Jina
Joseph Lewis
Erin Cournoyer
Christine Eisenhower
Jane Girgasky
Sony John
Justin Liauw
John Coutros
Sarah Ekbatani
Anthony Giso
Gregg Jones
Jean Lilly
Cassandra Couture
Consuelo Elder
Anthony Giuliani
Jay Joshi
Denis Lipovac
Susan Couture
Corey Elias
Lindsay Gladysz
Thomas Kalista
Amy Little
Marty Coyne
Natalie Erichsen
David Goodnow
Harpreet Kaur
Brian Little
James Craven
Erica Estus
Robert Goris-Kolb
Richard Kavi
Alyssa Littlejohn
Megan Crete
Jenny Eung
Lisa Grabowski
Amanuel Kehasse
Erica Liu
MaryAnne Cronin
Michael Facente
Rachel Grant
Michelle Kelley
Riley Lizotte
Hanaa Crvaric
Alexander Fairhurst
Stephanie Grant
Ryan Kelley
Mark Lorson
Becky Curtin
Erika Fallon
Justin Greene
Mary Kate Kelly
Nicholas Lotano
Mark Curtis
Natalija Farrell
Rebecca Greene
Patrick Kelly
Christopher Lotito
Jeanne Curzake
Ashley Fay
Paul Hackett
Brigita Kelsey
Jeff Low
Melissa DaCosta
Megan Feeney
Mary Hall
Bassam (Sam) Khalil
Scott Lucian
Manuel Dalomba
Dawn Feret
Melissa Kilsey
Samantha Luk
Jessica Damon
Jacqueline Ferreira
Gina Policelli Halvorsen
Brianna Kimball
Karl Lussier
Erica Dankiewicz
Diana Fields
Tara Hanagan
Elizabeth Koczera
Daniel Lyktey
Michela Fiori
Lori Hand
Anna Koltracht
Brian MacDonald
Melissa Davis
Pamela Fiske
Lisa Harpel
Michelle Komlo
Celia MacDonnell
Kevin Dehner
Kylie Fogarty
Britt Harrington
Elizabeth Korah
Sesily Macon
Angie Forbes
Ashley Harris
Akshita Kota
Julia MacManus
Alexis Dellogono
Donna Fortin
Anthony Harrison
Dylan Krawczyk
Leana Mahmoud
Kelly DeMoura
Rachel Fortin
Cherie Hatch
Agnes Krudysz-Zajac
Lauren Major
Kevin Foster
Michelle Hersey
Pranati Kuchimanchi
Andrea Malanakarot
Kyle Fraielli
Tamara Hersh
Kathleen Kundrat
Mia Marcello
Chris Franzese
Amanda Higgins
Heather Kutzler
Allison Marchand
Alexander Fredette
AnnMarie Higgins
Marta Lachcik
Cindy Margaritonda
Carlos Freitas
Ryan Hitte
Kimberly LaCroix
Jonathan Marquess
Kristina LaPerriere
Emily Marshall
Jennifer Diamond
Katharine Freudenberger
Kevin Horbowicz Victoria Hudson
Kerry LaPlante
Paul Martel
Christopher DiBlasi
Kayla Friend
Kyle Hultz
Chelsea Laracy
Sara Martin
Cheryl DiLucchio
Brandon Fusaro
Anne Hume
Joanmarie Lariviere
Corinn Martineau
Lucy DiMase
Amy Gabriel
Erika Huntley
Jason Laskosky
Paul Massad
Vincent Do
Paul Gabriele
Justin Huynh
Lisa Lavalette
Megan Masse
Frank Dogali
Elyse Gagne
Robert Iacobucci
Ashley Davey
Jeffrey Del Ricci Jr.
Casey Dempsey Jillian DePaola Mary Depippo Noemi/Lisa DeSimone/Cohen Heather Deslauriers
34 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Kevin Silvestre
Ronald Tutalo
James Olszewski
Noemi Ramos -DeSimone
Sarah Silvia
Kate Ulbricht
Carmen Oquendo
Craig Randall
Amrita Singh
Bryan Vachon
Jeff Owren
Lee Raspet
Shally Singh
Julie Valdes
Rachel McGarty
Nathan Pallang
Dereck Realejo
Andrew Smith
Jerril Varghese
Gerald McGaunn
Jugal Panchal
Emily Reese
Jennifer Smith
Oksana Vernik
Effie Papatsoris
Gene Regnier Jr.
Bill Snow
Lyly Vien
Melanie F. McGuire
Paul Parchesky
Kate Reichert
Dawn Sollee
Laura Villegas
Donald McKaig
Grace Park
Ashley Reynolds
Jenna Solomon
Michael Viscusi
Alison Parker
Amy Ricupero
April Sorrentino
Nancy Volpe
Christine McLellan
Hiren Patel
Michael Riendeau
Raymond Spinella
Tammy Walker
Kevin McMurray
Nainesh Patel
Vera Rigali
Amy St Amand
Leah Walsh
Payal Patel
Jacob Ripley
Wendy Steadman
Allan Wang
Saloni Patel
Margaret Rivera
Michael Stearns
Kristina Ward
Shardul Patel
Lisa Robbins
Marina Sulik
Taylor Ward
Suraj Patel
Anella Robinson
Mary Takhtovich
Audrey Wentworth
Vimal Patel
Victoria Rodgers
Alyssa Taqi
Alexander West
Vrushank Patel
Lisa Rodriguez
Angelica Taskin
Lisa Wheaton
Darlene Molett
Jayne Pawasauskas
Mark Rogers
Tracey Taveira
Gregory Wheeler
Miranda Monk
Cory Pazcoguin
Luis Rosado
Andrew Terranova
Stephanie Wildenhain
Maricelle Monteagudo-Chu
Meredith Peabody
Felicia Rosh
Xia Thai
Meghan Wilkosz
Kayla Pederzani
Andrew Ross
Suja Thannickal
Steve Willis
Stephanie Morais
Brittany Pelsue
Adam Rucando
Rosalba (Rose) Thiboutot
Ian Willoughby
Titus Mathew
Matthew Olivier
Kelly Matson Megan McCaskill Kimberly McCormack
Kristina McGill
Kristi McKenzie
Krista Mecadon Michael Medouris Brian Meneses Diana Mercurio Aimee Mertz Roger Michaud
Amanda Penacho
Robert Saba
Katrina Moran
Jeffrey Pepe
Mark Santilli
Elsy Thomas
Bridgit Witbeck
Jason Mordino
Kathy Peterson
Kelley Sanzen
Margot Wolf
Michael Piampaino
Christopher Saunders
Germain (Gigi) Thomas
Melvin Morales Jr.
Chloe Morgan Elisa Morgan
Marisa Piers-Gamble
Paula Morgan
Vinicius Pimentel
Angelo D. Morgantini
Katelyn Pina
Mark Morrison
Leslie Pires
Michael Muller
Kevin Placentino
Tara Mulligan
Mark Porcaro
Brian Musiak
Jill Powers
Foster Myers III
Christina Procaccianti
Jessica Nagy
Ellie Provisor
Safiya Naidjate
Michael Przekopowski
Joseph Navarra
Jessica Putney
Kristen Nelligan
Kayla Quan
Karen Nolan
William Quirk
Sean Nolan
Margaret Fox Racette
Kelsey Nordaby
Anika Raisa
Kelsey Norman
Jena Ramdat
Karen Thomas
Marizela Savic
Rhonda Thomas
Renee Savory
Neil Tierson
Cynthia Scaffidi
Frank Toce
Amy Schauster Alison Schiesl
Amanda Tommasiello
Amy Schuck
Christopher Toro
Hope Serafin
Nancy Tortolani
Ronald Serak
Robert Tortolani
Elena Serpico
Sarah Tortora
Deven Shah
Cristina Tran
Purvi Shah
Julienne Tran
Rajeev Shah
Andrea Tremblay
Sunish Shah
Shayna Trenn
Ann-Marie Shea
Krupali Trivedi
Stacie Siedzik
Sarah Troob
Jillian Silber
Lily Tuleva
Jennifer Wills
Corinne Woods Kevin Yeh William Zaleha Christopher Zemaitis Min Zhang Lorraine Zinga Allison Zuern
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 35
SPECIAL PROJECTS Making an Impact Beyond the Classroom
36 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
PDI Partners with RI BIO on Innovative Workforce Training Program The University of Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Development Institute has teamed up with RI Bio, Back to Work RI, and Rhode Island’s Department of Labor and Training to introduce workers to careers in biotechnology. “Introduction to Biotechnology” is a free, virtual course providing an overview in the STEM fields. Presented by Beth Zielinski-Habershaw, coordinator of training at the URI College of Pharmacy’s institute, the three-part course covers current trends in biotechnology, spanning marine, agricultural, and medical biotechnology. It will introduce students to careers as diverse as fish farm technician, agricultural product development, and medical biomanufacturing technician. It also includes information on pharmaceutical development, as well as antibiotic and vaccine development. Participants will learn the skills desired by science and technology employers and make connections with Rhode Island biotech employers. “Our mission is to support the economic development of the region’s pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and expand the life sciences workforce,” Zielinski-Habershaw said. “Biotech work is extremely fulfilling. The goals within the biotechnology industry are to design products and processes that improve the quality of life for the patient and provide solutions for environmental issues. These goals positively impact communities locally, regionally, and globally.” The ongoing partnership is aimed at helping workers displaced by COVID-19 find new careers, as well as returning veterans and the unemployed. Intro to Biotechnology is self-paced and generally takes about two weeks to complete. For more information and to apply, visit uri.edu/pharmacy/pdi.
Left: Beth Zielinski-Habershaw, coordinator of training at the URI College of Pharmacy’s Pharmaceutical Development Institute, trains biopharmaceutical employees from the community in Institute’s labs in Avedisian Hall.
Pharmacists Tackle Key Health-Care Issues at Seminar By the Sea Health professionals from around the region met to discuss some of the most pressing healthcare issues of the day while earning valuable continuing education credit during the 36th annual Seminar by the Sea Northeast Regional Conference presented by the URI College of Pharmacy Office of Continuing Professional Development. Seminar By the Sea brings together pharmacists, nurses, students, and clinicians from multiple health-care disciplines for three days of seminars and discussions. Ordinarily held in person over three days in Newport, R.I., this year’s conference was held virtually due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The conference includes discussions and workshops covering many health issues, including extensive coverage of the pandemic, telemedicine, palliative care, the opioid epidemic, and more. Visit uri.edu/pharmce for information on next year’s conference, scheduled for March 16–18, 2022, as well as the several CE events available throughout the year.
ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 37
Expert Biopharmaceutical Training Solutions The URI College of Pharmacy’s Pharmaceutical Development Institute trains biopharmaceutical employees, including some from Amgen Inc.
URI Pharmaceutical Development Institute Offers Suite of Online, In-person Courses, Launching online Training Center The URI Pharmaceutical Development Institute is revolutionizing pharmaceutical training and workforce development opportunities in biopharmaceutical processing and manufacturing, helping meet the critical demand for skilled professionals. The PDI continues to provide solutions for training even in these challenging times, offering live online and in-person courses throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. The Institute launched its online Training Center Dec. 16, offering easy access for pharmaceutical firms to train their staffs even during the pandemic. The institute’s combination of deep industry knowledge and educational expertise ensures the delivery of industry-focused value to all participants. Pharmaceutical employees working already in the field, as well as students just beginning their careers, get the education they need through the PDI’s comprehensive scheduled training sessions, and its dynamic customized programs tailored to a contracting company’s specific needs. To learn more, visit uri.edu/pdi
38 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
College Hosts Racial Dialogue Expert for Lecture on Structural Racism, Health Equity The URI College of Pharmacy and Academic Health Collaborative welcomed St. John’s University Clinical Professor and racial dialogue expert Vibhuti Arya for a fascinating discussion on structural racism and health equity on March 26. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the lecture was delivered via Zoom. Structural racism impacts every conceivable part of our society, and its manifestations impact health on a national and a global scale. When we perpetuate structural racism, intentionally or unintentionally, we do our patients, and our society at large, plenty of harm. Recognizing our own biases and how they may impact our relationships and decisions about our patients, our colleagues, and society at large is vital. “Although engaging in these conversations can be uncomfortable, we can work to create the space and time to have honest discussions to deepen our own understanding in order to address ways in which we can work toward mitigating the negative impacts of structural racism within our society,” Arya said. The free discussion explored what structural racism is, how it has impacted our physical and mental health, and the role students and faculty can play in furthering these conversations in academia.
Big Ideas. Bold Plans. The URI Learning Experience The College of Pharmacy expands student horizons beyond the classroom. Students meet world-renowned speakers, travel abroad, cheer on Rhody athletics, and enjoy an array of extracurricular activities. As student needs and interests evolve, resources are needed to capture their imagination.
College Launches Pharm.D. Exploration Center The URI College of Pharmacy has launched a Pharm.D. Exploration Center to help educate potential students on the College and on the many of career options available to pharmacists. The Exploration Center offers 17 digital learning activities via an accessible platform with content focused on URI alumni career experiences, pharmacy practice settings, pharmacist career paths, 360-degree virtual tours of pharmacies, and URI College of Pharmacy details. “We are pleased to collaborate with CORE Higher Education Group on this exciting project that exposes students to the wide spectrum of opportunities offered by study toward a pharmacy degree,” Dean Paul Larrat said. Part of the mission of the Exploration Center is to expose students to the career paths and diverse roles of College of Pharmacy graduates, helping prospective and current students envision a career in pharmacy through relatable success stories. The Center also offers testimonials from URI College of Pharmacy alumni, detailing their careers, their time at URI and the opportunities a URI College of Pharmacy education affords them. “Our alumni represent valuable resources to mentor, educate, and connect with our students in many ways. This platform will be valuable for prospective students, but also support our current students, introducing them to additional career paths and professional relationships,” said URI Clinical Professor Erica Estus, chair of the College Admissions Committee. Visit the center at cutt.ly/explorationcenter. ANNUAL REPORT 2021/ 39
Fast-changing health-care systems require investment in the future of pharmacy education: The Covid-19 pandemic brought heightened attention to pharmaceutical sciences and the pharmacy profession, but pharmacy’s role in health-care has been evolving for years: Health-care delivery is moving from hospitals to community settings where pharmacists are front-line healthcare providers. Patients remaining in hospitals require highly personalized therapies, with some costing over $100,000. Pharmacists must meet the needs of a socially diverse population, and continuously learn from an expanding collection of knowledge, while researchers remain vigilant toward the next pandemic. This fast-changing health-care landscape brings soaring costs to pharmacy education and research, and the need for philanthropic support has never been greater. URI and the College of Pharmacy are addressing this need through Big Ideas. Bold Plans.
40 / URI COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
The Campaign for the University of Rhode Island, and we need your support. You can advance the College of Pharmacy by investing in increased student access, an enlivened URI learning experience, the next generation of transformative faculty leadership, new Innovative and Distinctive programs, and emerging strategic opportunities. For more information about supporting the College of Pharmacy, contact: Eric Schonewald, managing director of development, at eschonewald@uri.edu or 401.874.9017 Tim Babcock, director of development, at tbabcock@uri.edu or 401.874.4909
IN MEMORIUM Distinguished Alumnus Paul Pierpaoli URI College of Pharmacy alumnus Paul G.Pierpaoli died at his home in Hilton Head, S.C. on Dec. 17, 2020, after a long and valiant battle with Parkinson’s disease. Devoted to his profession for more than 60 years, he served as a professor and director of pharmacy at numerous institutions, including UConn Health Center, VCU Medical Center, and Rush University Medical Center, Chicago. He was a prolific author, served as a board member and national president of ASHP, received the Whitney Award, his profession’s highest honor, and trained more than 100 residents. He was the recipient of distinguished alumnus awards by both his alma maters, URI and the University of Michigan. Born the son of Olga (Rocchetti) Pierpaoli and Gaspare Pierpaoli, poor immigrants from Italy, he took great pride in his cultural heritage and was entirely a self-made man. He was the first in his family to complete high school, college, and graduate school. He spoke often and passionately about the importance of human dignity and believed that all human labor, no matter the level, was innately noble. Pierpaoli was also an accomplished chef, a lover all things Italian, an excellent sculptor, and an expert of jazz music. A charitable and caring friend to all, in retirement he volunteered in the Second Helpings and Memory Matters organizations.
College of Pharmacy Avedisian Hall, 7 Greenhouse Road Kingston, RI 02881
COLLEGE OF PHARMACY
Stay Connected:
URI_Pharmacy uripharmacy uri_pharmacy uri-college-of-pharmacy
uri.edu/pharmacy
URI is an equal opportunity employer committed to the principles of affirmative action. 11/2021 1,750PHR PHOTOS: JOE GIBLIN; NORA LEWIS; PATRICK LUCE; MIKE SALERNO
How to Give: Gifts to the University of Rhode Island should be made payable to the URI Foundation and can be made online at urifoundation. org/giveonline.
