Dear Silverman College of Pharmacy and Community,

As we begin another new school year, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the remarkable accomplishments of our students, faculty, staff, and alumni. The summer months were filled with growth, innovation, and connection, from global travel study programs and prestigious research awards to leadership advancements and wellness initiatives that reflect our shared commitment to excellence.

We welcomed new students with enthusiasm during the New Student Orientation Week, celebrating their entry into the pharmacy profession through meaningful traditions like the White Coat Ceremony. Our faculty members continue to lead with distinction, earning national recognition, securing competitive research grants, and contributing to the advancement of pharmacy education at major conferences. Students engaged in transformative learning experiences, both locally and globally, and our alumni continue to make impactful strides across diverse sectors of health care and industry.

This newsletter captures the vibrant spirit of our college, one that is rooted in academic rigor, professional development, and a deep commitment to well-being. I invite you to explore the stories within and celebrate the collective achievements that make the Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy a place where excellence thrives.



Wishing you a successful and inspiring semester ahead.

With appreciation and pride,

Michelle A. Clark, Ph.D.

Dean

We are proud to announce two significant leadership appointments that reflect the college’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and student success. Effective July 2025, Jose A. Rey, M.S., Pharm.D., has been appointed Chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice and William R. Wolowich, Pharm.D., M.Sc. as Director of Assessment.

Dr. Rey has been a dedicated member of the college for over three decades, most recently serving as interim department chairperson since July 2023. A nationally recognized Board Certified Psychiatric Pharmacist (BCPP), he brings extensive expertise in psychopharmacology, mental health education, and academic leadership. Over the years, Dr. Rey held numerous influential roles, including founding director of the PGY-2 Residency Program in Psychiatric Pharmacy Practice & Psychopharmacology and Director of the Innovative Teaching and Learning in Clinical Sciences and Pharmacy Program. His contributions have significantly shaped the college’s educational, clinical, and research missions. In addition to his academic leadership, Dr. Rey serves as Clinical Psychopharmacologist at South Florida State Hospital, where he provides interdisciplinary care and mentorship. His scholarly work includes numerous peer-reviewed publications, invited presentations, and book chapters.

Dr. Wolowich brings more than 30 years of academic and clinical pharmacy experience, with specialized expertise in data analytics and educational assessment. Since joining NSU in 2002, he has served in various leadership roles, including Chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice. His scholarly work includes advanced analysis of clinical trial and assessment data using techniques such as general linear modeling, mixed effects models, logistic regression, Bayesian analysis, and AI-based classification. As Director of Assessment, Dr. Wolowich will lead efforts to collect, analyze, and report curricular and programmatic data, supporting continuous improvement and fostering a culture of data-informed decision-making.



Please join us in congratulating Dr. Rey and Dr. Wolowich on their new appointments. Their leadership and expertise will play a vital role in advancing the college’s mission and shaping the future of pharmacy education.

Summer is a season of growth, not just for students, but for faculty and administrators as well. Each July, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) hosts its Annual Meeting, the premier event for pharmacy educators across the nation. This year, faculty and administrators traveled to Chicago, IL to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of pharmacy education. The meeting provides a valuable platform to exchange ideas, address shared challenges, and explore innovative solutions that shape pharmacy programs nationwide. It’s both energizing and reassuring to connect with colleagues who are navigating similar experiences, reaffirming our collective commitment to advancing pharmacy education.

Faculty and administrators were actively engaged in the meeting in a variety of ways. Ana Maria Castejon, Ph.D., associate dean graduate education and Alexandra Perez, Pharm.D. (‘05), associate professor were each recognized for their meaningful contributions to the academy, Dr. Castejon for completing the AACP Academic Leaders Fellowship Program with Cohort 21 and Dr. Perez as the recipient of the AACP Innovation in Teaching Award for her course Evidence Based Practice IV. Denise Elia, Pharm.D. (‘93), director preceptor development participated in a podium presentation with other experiential education professionals titled “Well-being Rx: A Prescription for Well-being for Student Pharmacists in Experiential Education. Our college also had several poster presentations to showcase programs such as:



• ‘Bridging the Research Gap: Assessing the Impact of a Required One-Semester Introductory Applied Research Course’ authored by Alexandra Perez, Pharm.D. (’05).
• ‘Experiential Education Should Represent at Least 50% of the Pharm.D. Curriculum’ authored by Ana Maria Castejon, Ph.D.
• ‘Programmatic and Quality Assurance Contributions of Preceptor Development within Pharmacy Experiential Education’ authored by Denise Elia, Pharm.D. (’93) and Jennifer Steinberg, Pharm.D.
• ‘SharkRX for a Day – Student Shadow Visit Program as a Recruitment Tool’ authored by Carla Luque, Pharm.D. (’94), Jouseph Sliba, M.S., and Michelle Clark, Ph.D.

Everyone represented NSU with excellence and brought back fresh ideas to inspire innovation and engagement in pharmacy education. The experience not only highlighted our college’s contributions to the field but also reinforced our commitment to shaping the future of pharmacy through collaboration, creativity, and continuous growth.

The Silverman College of Pharmacy is proud to celebrate the outstanding achievements of its faculty, students, and alumni who were recognized and actively participated in two major statewide events. First, in late July, the college was well represented at the 135th Florida Pharmacy Association (FPA) Annual Meeting and Convention, followed by the 59th Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FSHP) Annual Meeting in early August.

At the FPA Annual Conference, Goar Alvarez, Pharm.D. (’94), assistant dean pharmacy services received four prestigious awards recognizing his exceptional contributions and commitment to advancing pharmacy practice and mentoring future pharmacists. He was presented with the Upsher-Smith/NASPA "Excellence in Innovation Award” which honors significant contributions to patient care and the profession, the Frank Toback/AZO Consultant Pharmacist Award which recognizes excellence in consultant pharmacy, the DCPA Sidney Simkowitz Pharmacy Involvement Award which celebrates leadership at local and state levels, and the Jean Lamberti Mentorship Award which acknowledges his dedication to mentoring the next generation of pharmacists. Dr. Alvarez's lasting impact on the pharmacy community and his commitment to inspiring the next generation of professionals is truly commendable.

Also, at the FPA conference, Gabriel Beltran (’28) earned first place for his research poster titled "Empowering Prevention: Pharmacists and AI in Diabetic Retinopathy Detection." His project aligned with the FPA’s theme, ‘Innovate’, by exploring how pharmacist-led AI screening can support earlier detection of diabetic retinopathy and guide ADA-aligned therapy optimization. Gabriel’s work highlights the expanding role of pharmacists in preventive care and digital health integration.

We made a strong impression at the FSHP Annual Meeting as well, showcasing leadership, expertise, and school spirit. Melissa Santibañez, Pharm.D. (‘15) and Christopher Lynch, Pharm.D. (‘97) each had podium presentations. Dr. Santibañez, conducted a 30-minute continuing education program on cardiogenic shock management within the critical care track, titled “Blood Pressure Management Across Shock States: A Case-Based Best Practices Approach” and Dr. Lynch co-presented a student track session titled “Career Planning: Examining the Need for Post-Graduate Training.” Denise Elia, Pharm.D. (‘93) served in the FSHP House of Delegates for the Palm Beach Chapter and moderated a preceptor development session focused on artificial intelligence in experiential education. More information about this session can be found in the Experiential Education Feature section below.

Our students were amazing, as usual, winning first place in the ‘Pharmacy Student Quiz Bowl’, a Jeopardy-style competition testing pharmaceutical knowledge across multiple subjects. Our team, comprised of Jordan Gordon (’26), Shamar Sinclair (’26), and Anthony Lopez Barreda (’26), showcased their exceptional knowledge and ability to work as part of a team. Students from all Florida colleges of pharmacy participated, making this win a proud moment for the Silverman College of Pharmacy.

Vibrant alumni gatherings took place at both conventions, offering meaningful opportunities for connection, celebration, and professional networking. Alumni from across the state came together to share memories, support current students, and strengthen the Silverman College of Pharmacy community. We are proud of our faculty, students, and alumni for representing the college with distinction and look forward to even greater achievements in the future.

We kicked off the 2025–2026 academic year with New Student Orientation on August 11, welcoming incoming students from the entry-level and advanced standing Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) programs, as well as the M.S. and Ph.D. graduate programs. Throughout the week, students had the opportunity to connect with classmates, faculty, and administrators while engaging in interactive sessions focused on curriculum expectations, assessment policies, experiential education, professional communication, and team building. Orientation also introduced students to current student leaders and the many professional organizations available to them.

Pharm.D. students participated in the White Coat Ceremony, a meaningful tradition marking their formal entry into the pharmacy profession. Ceremonies were held in both Florida and Puerto Rico, each with its own unique atmosphere. Speakers included Kiran Krishnan, Ph.D., Mike Rizo, Pharm.D. (’05), and Jonathan Iglesias (’27) in Ft. Lauderdale/Davie, and Waldemar Nieves, Pharm.D. ('13) in San Juan. Dean Clark attended both events, offering words of encouragement and guidance for success.

Graduate students in the M.S. in Pharmaceutical Affairs (MSPA), M.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS), and Ph.D. programs also participated in orientation activities tailored to their academic paths. MSPA students joined virtually, while MSPS and Ph.D. students attended on-campus sessions covering program policies, academic regulations, student services, and international guidelines for visa holders. The energy and enthusiasm of our new students set a vibrant tone for the year ahead. We extend a warm welcome to all new members of the pharmily and look forward to a year filled with growth, discovery, and success.

Faculty members from the department of pharmaceutical sciences have secured prestigious grant funding to advance high-impact research addressing critical health challenges, from cancer and cardiovascular disease to metabolic conditions. These accomplishments further reinforce NSU’s distinction as an R1 research institution, a designation reserved for universities with the highest level of research activity.

Jean Latimer, Ph.D, associate professor and director of the NSU AutoNation Institute for Breach Cancer Research and Care received a $100,000 grant from the Florida Breast Cancer Foundation. Her research will explore how exposure to environmental chemicals specific to South Florida may cause ancestry-related changes in breast cancer cells. This work aims to uncover potential contributors to disparities in breast cancer outcomes and inform more personalized, equitable approaches to prevention and treatment.

Meanwhile, Dmitriy Minond, Ph.D., professor of pharmaceutical sciences received funding from the Florida Department of Health to test a novel small molecule, discovered by NSU researchers, against chemotherapy-resistant prostate cancer in mouse models. This promising study could lead to new treatment options for patients with advanced, drug-resistant prostate cancer, offering hope where few alternatives currently exist.

Expanding the scope of impactful research, Narasimman Gurusamy, Ph.D., assistant professor was awarded $300,000 from the American Heart Association’s Transformational Project Award to evaluate the therapeutic potential of long noncoding RNA MALAT1 modulation in enhancing cardiometabolic adaptation under ketotic conditions. His research aims to improve outcomes in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a complex and increasingly prevalent form of heart disease. This innovative project could open new avenues for treatment by targeting molecular pathways that support heart function in metabolically stressed environments.



These research projects exemplify the depth and diversity of research taking place at NSU and at the Silverman College of Pharmacy. By securing competitive funding and pursuing innovative, patient-centered investigations, faculty members are advancing scientific knowledge along with reinforcing NSU’s commitment to address urgent health challenges. As an R1 research institution, the university continues to foster an environment where discovery thrives and where the next generation of scientists and clinicians are empowered to make a lasting impact.

We are proud to celebrate the well-earned promotions of two faculty members for their exceptional contributions to teaching, research, and service. Melissa Santibañez, Pharm.D. (‘15), now an associate professor, is a dedicated educator who teaches both in the classroom and in a clinical setting at Memorial Healthcare System. Her commitment to student learning and mentorship was honored with the 2024 Faculty Preceptor of the Year award, reflecting her high standards of professionalism and the deep respect she has earned from her students. She was also recognized for her contributions to critical care medicine with a fellowship in the American College of Critical Medicine in 2024. Dr. Santibañez’s research has made meaningful contributions in areas such as hemostasis and anticoagulation reversal, antimicrobial stewardship in intensive care, and pharmacist burnout. Beyond her academic and clinical roles, she has been actively engaged in professional service through local and national organizations in pharmacy and critical care, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to advancing the profession.

Dmitriy Minond, Ph.D., has been promoted to the prestigious rank of Professor, a recognition of his sustained excellence in scholarship and leadership in biomedical research. His contributions, particularly in the field of drug discovery, reflect the innovation and scientific rigor that distinguish our faculty. This promotion not only acknowledges the impact of his research but also highlights his deep commitment to mentoring the next generation of scholars, researchers, and academicians, and to advancing the frontiers of scientific inquiry. Throughout his tenure as a faculty member, Dr. Minond has taught students at various levels, both in the classroom and in laboratory settings, fostering a dynamic and hands-on learning environment. He holds membership with several professional organizations, including the American Association for Cancer Research, the International Proteolysis Society, and the American Peptide Society, reflecting his deep engagement with the broader scientific community. His commitment to education and collaboration continues to enrich both his research and his students' academic experiences. Dr. Minond’s success in securing multiple competitive research grants further underscores the significance of his work. His external research funding exceeds 1 million dollars and includes a $450,000 award from the Community Foundation of Broward for his project ‘Exosome-based Immunotherapies for Melanoma’ and a $616,000 National Institute of Health (NIH) R16 grant for ‘Novel Immunomodulators for Melanoma Therapy’. He also received a $424,289 grant from the Florida Department of Health’s Cancer Innovation Fund to support pre-clinical studies combining spliceosomal immunomodulators with checkpoint inhibitors in humanized melanoma mouse models. Internally, he was recently awarded the NSU President’s Research Grant, to fund cutting-edge spatial transcriptomics research on melanoma tumors. These achievements not only highlight Dr. Minond’s leadership in cancer research but also his commitment to developing transformative therapies that address some of the most challenging issues in oncology today. Dr. Minond’s promotion to Professor honors his remarkable achievements and signals the continued impact his research will have on advancing cancer therapies and inspiring future scientific breakthroughs. We thank him for exemplifying the caliber of innovation and expertise that defines our faculty.

NSU’s Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy continues to lead in experiential learning and clinical excellence with the launch of the Clinical Hospital Inpatient Pharmacy Services (CHIPS) program, a rigorous, rotation-based initiative designed to prepare students for high-level practice in inpatient settings. The CHIPS program is a competitive, application-based initiative led by faculty member Brian Hierholzer, Pharm.D. (’05), clinical assistant professor and Tina Rodriguez, Pharm.D. (’03), clinical coordinator at Broward Health North. The program consists of a three-rotation APPE block focused on developing clinical independence and readiness for residency or employment in hospital pharmacy.

Participants are expected to function independently with minimal supervision, delivering 12–15 presentations on disease states, patient cases, and journal clubs. They also complete long-term projects and develop posters or platform presentations for professional meetings. The program emphasizes the real-world application of didactic knowledge in clinical settings, fostering advanced critical thinking and professional growth. Congratulations to the first cohort of students who successfully completed the CHIPS program: Ana De Jesus (’26), Rosemery Govea (’26), Hoai Pham (’26), and Estheisy Roman Pagan (‘26). Currently three of the students, Ana, Rosemery, and Estheisy, are preparing a poster on the use of potassium-competitive acid blockers combined with mono or dual antibiotic regimens for the treatment of H. pylori infections. The success of these students reflects the high standards of pharmacy education at the college and the transformative impact of immersive, real-world clinical training.