College Connections
An electronic newsletter from the College of Pharmacy
December 19, 2025
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Dear Friends and Colleagues,
It is both an honor and a privilege to share that I have been named the 9th Dean of the UNMC College of Pharmacy. I am deeply grateful for the trust and confidence placed in me, and I look forward to continuing our mission of excellence in education, research, and patient care.
Despite the challenging landscape for higher education in 2025, our college thrived. This year, we welcomed students to our Kearney campus for the first time, developed plans for an extended PharmD program—an important step in expanding access and flexibility for future pharmacists—and completed a comprehensive strategic plan designed to grow and strengthen the College for years to come.
Our strategic plan is built on the key pillars of the NU System and UNMC strategic plan.
As we look ahead to 2026, we will begin creating new cross-program courses and an AI certificate within the PharmD curriculum, establishing academic and industry partnerships to grow our research, hosting signature community engagement events, and focusing on the well-being of our students, faculty, and staff. These efforts will position the College as a leader in education, research, and service.
Together, we will continue to advance pharmacy education, foster groundbreaking research, and serve our communities with compassion and expertise.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Here’s to a bright and impactful year ahead!
Warm regards,
Donald G. Klepser, PhD, MBA
Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean
UNMC College of Pharmacy
| | | Don Klepser, PhD, Becomes the Ninth Dean of the UNMC College of Pharmacy | | |
Don Klepser, PhD, professor of pharmacy practice and science was named the permanent Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean of the college following approval by the University of Nebraska Board of Regents on December 5. Dr. Klepser joins a remarkable lineage as the ninth dean in the college’s history, ushering in a new chapter of achievement and growth.
Dr. Klepser’s candidacy for the position was reviewed by a 14-person committee chaired by Karoly Mirnics, MD, PhD, dean and director of the UNMC Munroe-Meyer Institute. The process included focus group listening sessions and feedback from internal and external stakeholders. Dr. Klepser had served as interim dean since January 2025 when Keith Olsen, PharmD, stepped down from the role.
Dr. Klepser came to UNMC in 2005 and helped the medical center ascend to national leadership in point-of-care testing and diseases management service in community pharmacies, the expanded role for pharmacists in the changing health care environment, rural
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pharmacy access, cost containment and managed care benefit design. This work has not just brought praise in academic circles but also resulted in real benefits in underserved areas of rural and urban Nebraska.
Under his leadership, the college would be “open for business,” and “start from yes,” in looking for collaborative partnerships and opportunities.
“We want to amplify the scientific impact of our faculty, our grad students, our postdocs,” he said.
He would assume leadership of a college that is, in his own words, in “a position of strength.”
But, he said, “just as important as what we do is how we do it. I am deeply committed to fostering a strong and supportive culture, one where collaboration thrives, innovation is encouraged, and every member of our college feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.”
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College participates in AI Masterclass
Several faculty and staff members participated in a full-day AI Masterclass held on the UNO campus on December 15. This training marked an important first step toward achieving one of the college’s strategic plan initiatives.
During the session, UNO faculty provided an in-depth exploration of AI technologies and their capabilities. Participants engaged hands-on with a variety of platforms and techniques, learning practical ways to integrate AI into the classroom.
| | 2025 Distinguished Teaching Award | | P4 class president, Daniel Kresock, Dr. Sunagawa, & Dean Klepser | | |
Dr. Shawnalyn Sunagawa is the latest faculty member to receive the UNMC College of Pharmacy Distinguished Teach-ing Award. The award, which is based on votes from the P2, P3, and P4 student cohorts, was presented on November 6 as part of the annual Fall Honors Celebration.
P4 class president, Daniel Kresock, presented the award. In his remarks he noted that “Dr. Sunagawa’s approach to teaching takes even the most complex topics and turns them into something we not only understand but remember”.
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Dr. Sunagawa received her PharmD at Creighton University before completing her PGY 1 and 2 at Nebraska Medicine.
She currently serves as a Research Assistant Professor in the College and holds a clinical pharmacist appointment at the UNMC Specialty Care Center, HIV Program. Her teaching activities include lecturing in the infectious diseases/HIV sections of Pharmacotherapy III and within the Advanced Topics in HIV elective course.
Congratulations Dr. Sunagawa!
| | Jessica Downes, PharmD, Named Department Vice-Chair | | |
Jessica Downes, PharmD, has been named vice chair of department of pharmacy practice and science, the UNMC College of Pharmacy announced.
“I am excited to have Jessica in this leadership position,” said Don Klepser, PhD, Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean. “It is always exciting to see people step up to a new challenge, and I am confident Dr. Downes will do an amazing job.”
Dr. Downes, clinical associate professor within the department, also serves as a clinical pharmacist in ambulatory care at OneWorld Community Health Centers. She’s been on faculty at UNMC for nearly a dozen years and earned her PharmD degree from the University of Kansas. She has been selected for UNMC’s iLEAD (Interprofessional Leadership for Excellence and Academic Development) 2025-2026 cohort. Dr. Downes has been honored as the college’s Faculty Preceptor of the Year and
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the OneWorld Community Health Centers have been honored as the Preceptor Site of the Year.
She specializes in serving patients from underserved populations to help better manage their chronic conditions including hypertension, diabetes and cardiovascular risk reduction and her clinical and didactic teaching reflect these areas of specialty. Her research explores population-based health with an emphasis on vulnerable populations. Dr. Downes also led the development of a Medical Spanish Language track within the college, to ensure more students had an opportunity to develop their Spanish language skills to support patients across Nebraska.
“Jessica is an engaged member of the department, and I am excited about the perspective and energy she will bring to this role,” said Kim Scarsi, PharmD, chair and Lewis E. and Antonia E. Harris Professor of pharmacy practice and science.
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Tune in to the Pharmacy Fun Zone
Looking for a new way to connect with the College of Pharmacy community? Check out the UNMC College of Pharmacy Fun Zone Podcast! This podcast brings you stories, insights, and conversations that highlight the people and experiences that make our college unique.
🎧 Listen now on Spotify: UNMC College of Pharmacy Fun Zone Podcast
| | | | Students Pitch Big Ideas to the College of Pharmacy Sharks | | P3s Dallon Lemon and David Berger pitch their idea to the Sharks | | |
On December 4, College of Pharmacy students stepped into the spotlight to share their wish list for updates and amenities—presenting their ideas to a panel of “Sharks” in a lively, interactive event.
The Sharks included:
Don Klepser, PhD, College Dean
Drew Prescott, PharmD, Assistant Dean Student Affairs
Chris Schaffer, PharmD, PhD, Interim Associate Dean Academic Affairs
Linda Sobeski, PharmD, Associate Dean for Kearney
Kim Scarsi, PharmD, Chair, Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science.
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The event was emceed by P3 students Hilary Vaughn and Carissa Caraway-Richey, with Walgreens generously sponsoring snacks for the live student audience.
Students pitched a variety of creative ideas—from adding a student refrigerator to installing portable fans in study rooms. Each proposal was met with thoughtful consideration as the Sharks decided whether to invest in the idea or pass.
Winning pitches received funding and support from the Dean’s Office to bring their ideas to life.
| | Students Win Fall Semester Ellie Awards | | The Ellie is a College of Pharmacy award presented to students, faculty, and staff who exhibits the traits of UNMC’s mascot, Ellie the Lab: loyalty, curiosity and compassion. | | |
David Bruce, P3, was the September Ellie Award winner. David's nominator noted, "David is an exceptional team player whose dedication and positivity elevate every project he’s part of. Need support? David is always the first to step up and lend a helping hand. willingness to be a team player. "
David also co-chaired this year's Operation Immunization committee helping to organize flu clinics both on and off campus.
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For the first time, three students—Hilary Vaughn, Carissa Caraway-Richey, and Kalynn Doehling—were recognized together with the October Ellie Award.
The trio of P3 students earned this honor for spearheading a Kearney campus visit designed to engage and support the P1 cohort, fostering connection and community across campuses.
| | Students Host Triva Night | | Dean Klepser and winning trivia team BowWow-Go Labs! | | |
A dozen teams battled it out for the coveted title of College Trivia Champs. Students, faculty, and staff gathered for the APhA-ASP Fall Trivia Night, for a much-needed midterm break. Dean Klepser played trivia master, while our two Kearney teams joined the fun via live stream.
BowWow-Go Labs!—a team of P1 students led by Dr. Logan Franck—claimed first place. Coming in second was Mandi and the Rxchange Students, featuring members of our fall LAU cohort and Student Services Coordinator Mandi Fishler.
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Three faculty researchers were recently recognized at the 2025 Distinguished Scientist Awards on Thursday, November 6. Dr. Jonathan Vennerstrom, Dr. Jingjing Sun, and Dr. Anthony Podany all took home honors.
A direct and compelling headline
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Career Achievement Award
Jonathan Vennerstrom, PhD, Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, stands among the most influential researchers in UNMC’s history and is the inaugural recipient of the Career Achievement Award.
Spending time in Ethiopia as the child of missionary parents, Dr. Vennerstrom witnessed the devastating impact of malaria and schistosomiasis firsthand. Those early experiences, combined with a passion for chemistry, relentless work ethic, and quiet humility, shaped a career that has earned international recognition.
His groundbreaking research in antiparasitic drug discovery—particularly in the design and synthesis of antimalarial drugs—has advanced global health and cemented his reputation as a leader in the field.
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Dr. Sun - New Investigator
Jingjing Sun, PhD, Assistant Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, describes her research as focused on targeted drug delivery, specifically addressing how to treat diseases more effectively with fewer side effects.
To receive a New Investigator Award, recipients must have se-cured their first funding from the NIH, the US Department of Defense, or other national sources. They must also demonstrate scholarly activity such as publishing their research and/or presenting at national conventions.
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Dr. Podany- Distinguished Scientist
Anthony Podany, PharmD, PhD, Associate Professor, De-partment of Pharmacy Practice and Science, researches HIV pharmacology. Particularly, his interest includes the treatment of individuals coinfected with HIV and tuberculosis.
Distinguished scientist awardees are recognized researchers who have been among the most productive scientists at UNMC during the past five years.
| | | Faculty Participate in ID Week 2025 | | Sean Avedissian, PharmD, PhD | | Shawnalyn Sunagawa, PharmD | | | |
Many of our faculty traveled to Atlanta, GA in October to present at IDWeek 2025: a joint annual meeting of the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, the HIV Medicine Association, the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Society and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists.
At the conference, Sean Avedissian, PharmD, PhD, was recognized with the SIDP Outstanding Early Career Investigator Award.
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The award recognizes and supports early career researchers in the field of infectious diseases.
Josh Havens, PharmD, participated as both a poster presenter and session speaker hosting two sessions: Updates on Implementation Strategies for HIV Prevention and Proven LAI Implementation Strategies in HIV Prevention and Treatment . Both Dr. Havens and Shawnalyn Sunagawa, PharmD, received ID Week Abstract Awards at the conference.
| | College of Pharmacy Spotlight | | Highlighting college alumni, students, and/or faculty members! | | | Today, we meet a student from the class of 2026 and highlight alumni and faculty member Dr. Ally DeringAnderson. | | |
Nathan Mai, PharmD Candidate,
Class of 2026
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Where were you born and where did you go to high school?
I was born in Lincoln, Nebraska and attended
Pius X Highschool.
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Where did you complete your undergraduate requirements for pharmacy school?
I completed my undergraduate requirements at UNL.
What is your favorite part of pharmacy school?
My favorite part of pharmacy school was all of the connections I’ve made. There are some really cool and real people who are very caring!
Have you decided where you might like to practice when you graduate?
I'm still on the fence. My problem is that I like TOO many things within pharmacy!
If you could send a brief message to all of the people who donate to the UNMC College of Pharmacy, what would you say?
Thank you for your donation, no matter how big or small. You supporting us makes a bigger impact than you know and it is what helps keeps us going!
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Leading with Impact: Dr. Ally DeringAnderson’s
Global Mentorship Journey
| | from left; Daniel Kresock, Shelby Butts, Dr. Ally, Paige DeWeese, & Tanner Cromer | | |
Dr. Ally DeringAnderson continues to make an extraordinary impact on pharmacy education—both locally and globally. Her journey with the Agathe Wehrli Mentorship Program, part of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP), began over a decade ago. Initially mentoring two to three students each semester, her role expanded significantly in February 2023 when the program signed a memorandum of agreement with the LiveWell Initiative in Lagos, Nigeria. This partnership launched a formal, email-based mentoring program, resulting in an incredible 500+ mentees to date. Current cohorts include participants from Nigeria, the Republic of South Africa, Wales, and Denmark, creating a truly international learning community.
Dr. DeringAnderson’s commitment to global education didn’t stop there. In spring 2025, she stepped in to teach synchronously with students in Jordan through a program sponsored by HIVER (Harnessing Innovation Through Virtual Exchange for Enhanced Results) and the U.S. Department of State. What began as a small qualitative study with 11 students quickly grew into a robust research project by incorporating mentees from the LiveWell Initiative—expanding the participant pool to over 500 voices worldwide.
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This fall, Dr. DeringAnderson was able to present the group’s findings in a poster presentation at the 83rd FIP World Pharmacy Congress in Copenhagen Denmark, earning Chairman’s Recognition. She presented the findings again, this time with four UNMC P4 students who had participated in the research while on rotation with her, Paige DeWeese, Shelby Butts, Daniel Kresock, and Tanner Cromer, during the UNMC InnovatED Symposium.
In addition to the contributions from UNMC students, she also collaborated with students from the Fall 2024 LAU cohort who worked on the project while completing elective rotations with her earlier this spring. It came as no surprise then, when Dr. DeringAnderson was named as the P4 Preceptor of the Year (2024–2025) by the Lebanese American University. This award, voted on by graduating pharmacists, recognizes exceptional contributions to education, mentorship, and professional role modeling during Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences.
Dr. DeringAnderson’s work exemplifies the power of mentorship and innovation in pharmacy education—bridging continents, cultures, and communities to inspire the next generation of pharmacists.
| | Recent Faculty Publications | | |
Synthesis, antimicrobial activity, and preliminary mechanistic studies of phenazine sulfonamides
Seleem M.A., Abutaleb N.S., Hussein H.T., Abouelkhair A.A., de Oliveira K.M.P., da Silva Dantas F.G., de Campos L.J., Drobotka C., Aguiar-Alves F., Seleem M.N., Conda-Sheridan M.
Bioorg. Med. Chem. 2026 132:
Embase, MEDLINE
Smart polymeric nanoparticles for targeted delivery and microenvironment-responsive therapy in pancreatic cancer
Kar N.P., Lin J., HassankhaniRad A., Li W., Aboushanab A.R., Li Y., Sun J.
Smart. Mater. Med. 2025 6:3 (368-386)
Embase
Inter- and intraindividual variability of long-acting cabotegravir/rilpivirine pharmacokinetics after 1 year of continuous use
Sunagawa S., Havens J., Bares S., Kubat M., O'Neill J., Lyden E., Mykris T., Winchester L., Avedissian S., Podany A., Fletcher C., Scarsi K.
Br. J. Clin. Pharmacol. 2025 91: (15)
Embase
Lipid nanomedicine simultaneously inhibits BRD4/PI3K and MDM2/XIAP signaling pathways for effective treatment of Medulloblastoma
Sethi B., Gupta A., Pan Q., Mahto S., Chittipolu A., Erickson H., Kumar V., Chen Y., Wu Z., Dong Y., Li W., Ronning D.R., Coulter D.W., Mahato R.I.
J. Control. Release 2025 387:
Embase, MEDLINE
Reactive Oxygen Species-Responsive Polymeric Chloroquine Nanogel for Targeted Oral Therapy of Ulcerative Colitis
Kumari N., Panja S., Kumar B., Ahmad R., Kollala S.S., Siddhanta K., Islam F., Joshi V., Talmon G.A., Murry D.J., Singh A.B., Oupický D.
ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2025 17:36 (50443-50463)
MEDLINE
Evaluation of an international mentoring programme from the mentees' view
Dering-Anderson A., Bright B., Timothy M., Carhart H., Chahine T., Deweese P.
Pharm. Educ. 2025 25:4 (5-6)
Embase
Exploration of the utilization of irreversible cysteine protease inhibitor in FAP-targeted radiopharmaceuticals design to increase tumor residence time
Brake K., Matus-Meza A.-S., Rawat P., Rikhtechi P., Sadi K.S., Garrison J.C.
Nucl. Med. Biol. 2025 146-147:
Embase, MEDLINE
| | Interested in becoming a Preceptor? Contact the OEP office for more information! | | | | |
