ANNA BARTMAN

Degree: PhD

Track: Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry

Advisor: Lach Chair and Professor Jonathan Doorn

Research Focus: Identifying analogs from the natural product fraxinellone that mitigate cellular injury from oxidative stress through the induction of a protective response, likely Nrf2 activation. This work offers insight into a potential novel therapy to reduce cellular damage in various disease states or injuries. 

Upcoming Plans: Pursuing a medical affairs career in North Carolina.

Favorite College of Pharmacy Memories: Being part of the organizing committee for our annual Medicinal Chemistry Conference, MIKIW.

ISLAM BERDAWEEL 

Degree: PhD

Track: Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences

Advisor: Associate Professor Ethan Anderson

Research Focus: The role of carbonyl/oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling with obesity and diabetes.

Upcoming Plans: Working in Jordan’s Yarmouk University College of Pharmacy Department of Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences as an assistant professor and researching cardiometabolic diseases.

Favorite College of Pharmacy Memories: My inaugural day – I vividly recall the reception organized by the College of Pharmacy and will forever cherish Dean Donald Letendre's words: "If you dream it, you can do it." Additionally, the first encounter with Dr. Anderson, remains etched in my memory. His encouraging words on that day inspired me to join his lab.

NOAH GERNANDER

Degree: MS

Track: Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences

Advisor: Assistant Professor Marie Gaine

Research Focus: Toxic effects of chlorpyrifos (a pesticide) on liver inflammation, and micro RNA expression of a 16p11.2 genetic mutation in mice.

Upcoming Plans: Working in Iowa City until my wife and I move back to Minnesota, where I will be pursuing a master’s in divinity at a Christian theological seminary.

Favorite College of Pharmacy Memories: The PSET retreats were always a fun way to celebrate the science all the labs were doing.

I-CHAU (EMILY) LIANG*

Degree: PhD

Track: Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences

Advisor: Associate Professor Ethan Anderson

Research Focus: Carnosine, Carnosinase, and novel carnosine analogs on the treatment of cardiac and metabolic diseases. Also interested in Pharmacogenomics-CRISPR gene editing and compound analysis.

Upcoming Plans: Looking for a job or career that resembles my interest in pharmacy and genetics.

Favorite College of Pharmacy Memories: Learning with my fellow classmates in lectures, running experiments, attending departmental gatherings, and making the move from the old building to the new building.

ONYECHE OCHE*

Degree: PhD

Track: Health Services Research

Advisor: Associate Professor Korey Kennelty

Research Focus: Access to health care in vulnerable and underserved populations.

Upcoming Plans: My immediate plan is to take a much-needed vacation!

Favorite College of Pharmacy Memories: After arriving in Iowa, the day I met with Dr. Kennelty was really special. From our conversation, I knew that I had made the right decision to be mentored by her. She was not only warm and friendly, but she also gave me useful tips on how to be a successful student and what my career, post-PhD, could look like. I left that meeting very motivated.

ASEEL RATAAN

Degree: PhD

Track: Clinical Pharmaceutical Sciences

Advisor: Bighley Chair and Professor Aliasger Salem

Research Focus: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), a serious type of kidney cancer that is challenging to treat due to its resistance.

Upcoming Plans: Working in Jordan’s Yarmouk University College of Pharmacy as an assistant professor.

Favorite College of Pharmacy Memories: Engaging in trivia nights and other college-organized events, conducting experiments days and nights in a vibrant community, successfully passing the comprehensive exam, and being chosen by the UI College of Pharmacy faculty to deliver an oral presentation on my research at the 2023 PSET retreat.

NAN WU

Degree: PhD

Track: Pharmaceutics

Advisor: Associate Professor Guohua An

Research Focus: Employing quantitative mathematical methodologies to elucidate the influence of interactions between targets and drugs on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of both small and large molecules. This analysis aids in optimizing dose selection throughout the drug development process.

Upcoming Plans: Working on clinical pharmacometrics and clinical pharmacology, with the goal of conducting research to enhance dose selection in drug development.

Favorite College of Pharmacy Memories: The diverse array of courses that captivated my interest, particularly during my first semester in the fall of 2019. It turned out to be the last semester before the onset of the Covid era, and coincidentally, the only one where I had the chance to attend classes in person. The advanced PK/PD courses provided an exciting opportunity for students with various academic backgrounds to immerse themselves in the intricate world of pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics. The depth of knowledge I gained was truly impressive.