On May 13, 2026, Chapman University School of Pharmacy (CUSP) held its annual Research Day, a celebration of scientific inquiry and professional growth that brought together master’s and PhD students in the Pharmaceutical Sciences programs, PharmD students, research fellows, faculty, and distinguished guests from across the health sciences.  

The morning opened with remarks from Dr. Rennolds Ostrom, Dean of the School of Pharmacy, and Dr. Jennifer Totonchy, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs at the School of Pharmacy, setting a tone of curiosity and shared purpose. Throughout the day, Master’s, PhD and PharmD students and research fellows took to the podium to share original research spanning pharmacology, pharmaceutical sciences, precision medicine, and public health. 

“I think one of the greatest values of Research Day is in the professional development of our students,” said Jennifer Totonchy. “For many students, Research Day is their first opportunity to present their research publicly. Students I talk to find it a very friendly and supportive environment to hone their scientific presentation skills, and that increases their success and confidence when they go on to present at larger venues like national conferences.” 

This year’s keynote was delivered by Dr. Robert Thorne, who offered a first principles look at transitioning from academic research into the biotechnology industry—covering the cultural shifts, skill sets, and mindset adjustments that define long-term success. Dr. Thorne later led a roundtable discussion with graduate students, PharmD students, and research staff, offering candid guidance on navigating the hiring process and identifying the right industry positions. 

Dr. Adair Blyer of Cedars-Sinai Medical Center also gave a distinguished talk on community-based approaches to hypertension management, highlighting the vital role pharmacists play in extending cardiovascular care beyond the clinic. 

The day closed with an awards reception recognizing students for excellence in their poster presentations, and a special recognition of Rudy Chang, recipient of the prestigious Chapman University James L. Doti Outstanding Graduate Student Award. 

Thank you to Dr. Ajay Sharma, Cristina Clark, members of the CUSP Science Committee, American Association of Pharmaceutical Sciences CUSP Student Chapter, and graduate students volunteers for their help in making CUSP Research Day 2026 possible.