Dustin Le Joins Chapman University School of Pharmacy as an Assistant Professor
In June 2025, we were pleased to welcome Dustin Le, Pharm.D., as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice. Le is the first faculty member in our young history to also be a CUSP alumnus after earning his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2020*. Before attending Chapman University, Le completed his Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience at
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
Goad Earns Top ISTM Recognition for Global Impact
Jeff Goad, Pharm.D., received the inaugural Excellence and Achievement in Travel Health Pharmacy Award from the International Society of Travel Medicine (ISTM). This honor was given in recognition of Goad’s extensive contributions to travel health pharmacy. Established by the ISTM Pharmacist Professional Group (PPG) to acknowledge long-term dedication in travel medicine, this award is granted
Valerie Scudder Award Recognizes Rachita Sumbria
Rachita Sumbria, PhD, is the 2025 recipient of the Valerie Scudder Award, an award that recognizes outstanding achievement in teaching, research, scholarly or creative activities, and exemplary service to Chapman University. Selected from the group of Unit Faculty Excellence Award winners, Sumbria was recognized by her peers for her research impact and accomplishments. Sumbria’s extensive
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
Chapman Researchers Explore Innovative Approaches to Protect Aging Hearts
As people grow older, their bodies often carry silent diseases. According to research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, more than 70% of adults over 70 in the United States have at least one type of cardiovascular disease, which claims millions of lives annually. Two Chapman University School of Pharmacy faculty members,
On the CUSP: April 2025
Awards and Recognitions Dr. Laressa Bethishou began her term as the chair-elect for the APhA Transitions of Care Community. Dr. Kamaljit Kaur co-organized/co-chaired a symposium titled “DNA-encoded libraries for Drug Discovery” at the ACS Spring 2025 Meeting and Exposition, San Diego, CA, USA, Mar 23-27, 2025. (Organizer: Kamaljit Kaur, Chapman University; Gunda Georg, University of
Driven by Discovery, Research Day Advances Diverse Sectors of Health Science
On May 7, 2025, Chapman University School of Pharmacy hosted its annual Research Day, which showcased groundbreaking research from multiple California graduate-level health science colleges and schools. Martina Nieswandt, Vice President of Research, and Jennifer Totonchy, Associate Dean of Research, welcomed students, faculty, and guest researchers bright and early. “Looking at the schedule and abstracts,