The College of Pharmacy celebrated its out-going seniors in the Pharmaceutical Sciences program and honored the professional mentors who have helped students transition into careers in the pharmacy industry during a reception at the Alumni Center Wednesday.
College of Pharmacy Dean Paul Larrat and Provost Donald DeHayes joined fucalty members in thanking the mentors, congratulating the graduating students and handing out Excellence Awards to a select number of students.
Awards recipients include:
2018 URI Excellence Award in Pharmaceutical Sciences
Kailen Carvalho
Kailen is a scholar who seeks to uncover new knowledge within her field of pharmaceutical sciences. In addition to demanding course loads, Kailen conducted research using a simulation-based approach to explore functional differences in drug delivery when nebulized therapeutics are paired with invasive versus non-invasive ventilation. Kailen was chosen for this University award based on her combined outstanding academic achievement and research commitment and contribution.
BSPS Academic Achievement Award
Dwight Anderson
Dwight not only stands above his peers in academic achievement, but he also completed Honors Project research in Dr. Slitt’s laboratory. In addition, he earned a summer internship at Pfizer’s Cambridge location. Dr. King notes that he “approaches critical thinking and problem solving as everyday tasks rather than unsurmountable challenges. He naturally evaluates the current situation, identifies missing or weak information, and seeks solutions.”
BSPS Research Achievement Award
Maxine Abustan and Xin Bush
Xin Bush’s outstanding contribution to research continued over six semesters and one summer shared between the labs of Dr. Yuan Zhang and Dr. Fatemeh Akhlaghi. Her work is expected to earn her authorship on at least five manuscripts and two poster presentations. Dr. Zhang noted the data she generated was always high publication quality and that Xin actively read the scientific literature on her own and followed up with essential scientific questions.
Maxine Abustan performed outstanding toxicology research with Dr. Slitt for four semesters and for two additional summers at Rutgers School of Pharmacy. She was awarded the AFPE Gateway Fellowship from the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education in 2017, a nationally competitive research award. She presented posters at two national Society of Toxicology meetings and is expected to earn authorship on several manuscripts. She was described as the “leader and motivator for the group” of undergraduates in Dr. Slitt’s lab. Maxine also found time to lead the student chapter of AAPS at URI.
BSPS Leadership and Service Award
Amanda Goldin
Amanda was our top service achiever, and she also excelled in academics and research. She was a Rhody Ambassador for the University, an ever-present recruiter and tour guide for the College of Pharmacy, and a member of the AZO professional fraternity. She volunteered at Clínica Esperanza in Providence one summer, and in Peru for one month as a global health volunteer. Somehow, Amanda also found time to be a high academic achiever, to perform research with Dr. Chen for two semesters, and earn industry internships for two summers!
American Chemical Society, RI Section, Outstanding Chemistry Award
Samuel Howarth
In the area of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, Samuel was our top achiever. Sam came to URI from New Jersey in Fall 2014 and achieved both academic and research success. He began research with Dr. Deyu Li in December 2016 and has continued his success in the medicinal chemistry area.
The College of Pharmacy BSPS graduates for 2018 include:
- Maxine Abustan
- Ben Ackley
- Madison Adams
- Dwight Anderson
- Lauren Armstrong
- Leay Ayer
- Jennifer Bairam
- Shane Bird Jr.
- Xin Bush
- Christina Capuano
- Kailen Carvalho
- Jessica Cegelka
- Brittany Cestodio
- Kudzanai Charowedza
- James Cocozza
- Rachel DeLucia
- Stefanie Erickson
- Nick Ferguson
- Brendan Fernandes
- Anna Geraci
- Amanda Goldin
- Brenner Guerra
- Samuel Howarth
- Khaled Ibrahim
- Kavan Jakuba
- Emily Khirallah
- Michelle Korsky
- Jacqueline Lusk
- Tyler Mantaian
- Adam Martel
- Ryan May
- Samantha McIntosh
- Shannon Mee
- Sean Murphy
- Joseph Peters
- Carolyn Richardson
- Firas Sammoura
- Heather Stuart
- Caitlin Sullivan
- Jenessa Syhabouth
- Shannon Tansey
- Nicholas Todaro
- Ruth Veliz