On the CUSP: July 2025
Awards and Recognitions Dr. Rocke Demark will serve on the AACP Admissions Workshop Advisory Committee for 2025-26. Grants Dr. Ajay Sharma was awarded a grant in the amount of $47,137 by Tarsus Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to evaluate the ocular safety and trans corneal penetration of the test compound Tarsus NCE1. Publications Amanda Brown, Dr. Laressa Bethishou,
Nauli Research Discoveries Make Global Headlines in High Impact Journals
Each day, researchers push the boundaries of science in pursuit of new developments in medicine and human health. Faculty at CUSP, including Surya Nauli, Ph.D., are leading these developments to share with the world and have recently published in two different high-impact journals. In scientific research, few journals are as respected within the medical profession
In Complex Care Settings, Fong Prepares Students to Expect the Unexpected
At Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, one of California’s largest safety-net hospitals, patients navigate medical complexities while also facing difficult realities like unstable housing, limited income, low health literacy, and living with chronic conditions that often go untreated for years. These challenges ask healthcare providers to think creatively and compassionately about how to provide specialized care, including
On the CUSP: June 2025
Awards and Recognitions Dr. Emmanuelle Schwartzman received the University of Southern California Alfred E. Mann School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Alumni Excellence in Education Award during an awards ceremony on June 27th, 2025. Dr. Sherry Yun Wang has been named the recipient of the “2025 AI in Research Award – AI Researcher of the
On the CUSP: May 2025
Awards and Recognitions Dr. Hindu Rao began her term as the Chair of the American Pharmacists Association Quality Based Care Community SIG. Dr. Jeff Goad received the Inaugural International Society of Travel Medicine award for Excellence and Achievement in Travel Health Pharmacy in New Orleans, LA on May 11, 2025. Dr. Luma Munjy and Dr.
With Purpose, Kierra Koehn Shapes the Future of Pharmacy with Legacy of Compassion
For Kierra Koehn, the decision to pursue a career in pharmacy was fueled by a quiet certainty that it was the perfect combination for her love of science, math, and a passion for helping people. Kierra felt that Chapman University offered a perfect academic fit for her, including an accelerated pathway to her dream career
How Global Health and Experiential Learning Shaped Vincent Thai, a Rising Pharmacy Leader
When Vincent Thai walked onto Chapman University’s campus as a business major, healthcare wasn’t even on his radar as a career path. Now, white coat on his shoulders and a PGY-1 residency lined up at VA Loma Linda, Vincent is ready to start his next chapter. A first-year student from Gilroy, CA, Vincent initially aspired
Accelerated Path to Impact: Ashley Alexander’s 4+1 Pharmacy Discovery
Originally from West Linn, Oregon, Ashley’s journey as a student at Chapman University was a blend of scientific curiosity and a desire to help people from all walks of life. Ashley enjoyed science classes throughout her childhood, but her specific interest in pharmacy was sparked during an organic chemistry class in high school. Her teacher
Eric M. Scandrett Graduate Research Prize Awards PhD Student Gerald Obinna Ozota
Gerald Obinna Ozota, a CUSP Ph.D. candidate, has won first place in the 2025 Eric M. Scandrett Graduate Research Prize. This award recognizes outstanding research and academic excellence among graduate students at Chapman University. The Eric M. Scandrett Graduate Research Prize is awarded to Chapman University graduate students who have created exceptional research by utilizing