Why certain parts of the brain are more vulnerable to aging and disease remains one of the most important questions in neuroscience. At the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, Merina Varghese, assistant professor of biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences and George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience faculty member, is investigating the cellular and […]

Pharmacist-Led Research Advancing Diabetes and Cardiovascular Care Tracey Taveira advances team-based care models to improve outcomes in cardiometabolic disease Cardiovascular disease and diabetes remain leading causes of illness and death worldwide, particularly among vulnerable populations. Improving outcomes for these patients requires new care models that address both medical and social factors influencing health. At the […]

Expecting Protection: Evaluating Vaccinations in Pregnancy Virginia Lemay studies vaccine hesitancy and maternal health education Despite recommendations from leading public health organizations that many vaccines are safe and effective for pregnant women, vaccine hesitancy among this population remains high throughout the United States. Virginia Lemay, Pharm.D., clinical professor at the University of Rhode Island, is […]

From Indonesia to Rhode Island: Exploring Seaweed’s Potential for Skin Health to Human Impact Graduate student Chalissa Dibya Iranisha, working in Hang Ma’s lab, explores how local seaweed could advance skincare “Coming from Indonesia, I have always been fascinated by seaweeds and marine natural products. Studying seaweeds from the Rhode Island coast gives me the […]

Long before modern pharmaceutical laboratories existed, many of the world’s most important medicines began in nature. Aspirin traces its origins to willow bark. Digitalis, used to treat heart conditions, comes from foxglove. Even cancer therapies such as vincristine and vinblastine were first derived from compounds found in plants. At the University of Rhode Island College […]

Angela Slitt, professor and chair of the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Fabian Fischer, assistant professor in the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, study how PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), often called “forever chemicals,” affect human health. While PFAS contamination is often discussed in the context of environmental and water systems, Slitt […]

Many cancer drugs are highly effective at killing cancer cells in laboratory settings, but are less effective once they enter the human body. Often, the challenge is not the drug itself; it is the effectiveness of how the drug is delivered, whether enough of the drug reaches the right place at the right time, or […]

As health care systems search for ways to improve outcomes and reduce costs, pharmacists are increasingly recognized as key members of patient care teams. At the University of Rhode Island, Joseph Nardolillo, Pharm.D., assistant professor, is helping advance this shift in care. A board-certified ambulatory care pharmacist, he focuses on improving medication management and chronic […]

Expanding the Reach of HIV Prevention Ashley Buchanan studies how social networks can amplify the impact of HIV prevention strategies Despite major advances in HIV treatment and prevention, young Black men who have sex with men continue to face one of the highest risks of HIV infection in the United States. Addressing this disparity requires […]

Expanding the Impact of Cancer Innovation Ami Vyas studies how access, affordability and real-world use influence cancer outcomes Over the past two decades, advances in cancer biology have transformed how many cancers are treated. Breakthroughs in targeted therapies and immunotherapies have opened new possibilities, allowing physicians to harness the body’s immune system to attack cancer […]