College Connections
An electronic newsletter from the College of Pharmacy
October 9, 2026
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Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As we move further into the academic year, I am continually encouraged by the many ways our students, faculty, staff, alumni, and supporters are advancing the mission of the UNMC College of Pharmacy. The accomplishments highlighted in this issue reflect a college that is not only growing, but thriving through innovation, scholarship, and meaningful engagement with the communities we serve.
One theme that stands out is the extraordinary success of our students. Whether competing on the national stage through the ACCP Clinical Pharmacy Challenge, earning prestigious university-wide recognitions, or presenting innovative educational projects, our learners continue to demonstrate the talent, professionalism, and leadership that define the future of pharmacy. Their achievements are a direct reflection of their dedication and the commitment of the faculty, staff, and preceptors who support them.
We are equally proud of the many accomplishments of our faculty. Recent appointments and academic honors recognize excellence in teaching, research, and service, while the continued growth of scholarly activity across the College reinforces our enduring commitment to discovery and innovation. These achievements strengthen our reputation and expand our impact on patient care, education, and the advancement of pharmaceutical science.
This issue also highlights the power of partnership and philanthropy. From the creation of new opportunities for students interested in pharmaceutical industry careers to the generosity of donors who invest in our mission, we are reminded that the success of the College is built upon a broad community of supporters who believe in the future of pharmacy education. Their partnership helps create opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom.
Finally, I am grateful for the many alumni, preceptors, faculty, staff, and friends who continue to engage with and advocate for the College. Whether mentoring students, supporting experiential education, advancing research, or representing Nebraska pharmacy across the nation, your contributions are helping shape the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Thank you for your continued support of the UNMC College of Pharmacy. Together, we are creating new opportunities, celebrating excellence, and building an even stronger future for our College and profession.
Warm regards,
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Donald G. Klepser, PhD, MBA
Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean
UNMC College of Pharmacy
| | Welcoming the Class of 2030 | | |
The UNMC College of Pharmacy welcomed its newest class of student pharmacists during the annual White Coat Ceremony held Aug. 21 at the Michael F. Sorrell Center. Sixty-two incoming students, including a cohort of seven students on the College’s Kearney campus, received their professional white coats and recited the pledge of professionalism, marking the beginning of their journey into the pharmacy profession. The white coats were made possible through the generous support of donors to the College’s Innovations Fund.
Dean Don Klepser, PhD, welcomed members of the Class of 2030 and their guests, emphasizing the commitment, compassion and lifelong learning that define the profession. The keynote address, You Belong Here, was delivered by Jessica Downes, PharmD, vice chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, who encouraged students to embrace their unique paths and the opportunities ahead.
Representing the College’s student body, P4 Class President Anders Freeland shared insights from his own pharmacy school experience during his remarks, Reflections from a P4. He encouraged incoming students to approach challenges with resilience, remain open to growth and make the most of the experiences that will shape them as future pharmacists.
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Tuniyazi Abuduaini, Paris, France
Rusul Al Bawee, Lincoln
Yasmean Al Neamah, Lincoln
Khadijjta Ali, Omaha
Caden Anderson, Bennington
Carlee Bartak, Merna
Mallory Beattie, Wentzville, MO
Caitlin Becker, Papillion
Breckin Berg, Plattsmouth
Lily Bleyenburg, Lincoln
Kian Botts, St, Paul
Josh Caffey, Omaha
Miya Carey, Atkinson
Le Phung Chang, Tacoma, WA
Lesli Chaparro-Gonzalez, Omaha
Brynn Collier, Mound City, KS
Katelyn Connick, Grand Island
Paige Dane, Hastings
Luca Di Ruocco, Omaha
Haley Dougherty, Omaha
Andrew Edgington, Lincoln
McCartney Elliott, Holdrege
Jayleigh Fuller, Kearney
Aaron Griffin, Omaha
Uyen Ha, Lincoln
Kayla Hall, Grand Island
Isaac Herbek, Grand Island
Yukina Higashi, Fremont
McKenzie King, Papillion
Katelyn Krayenhagen, Sioux City, IA
Blaine Krizovski, Omaha
Juanita Lango, Fremont
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Makenna Lichty, Bennington
Kate Ligon, Papillion
Paul Littlefield, Surprise
Elyse Louthan, Omaha
Ean Luebbe, Columbus
Say Meh, Omaha
Skyler Meis, Elgin
Jonathan Moran, Omaha
Mya Moss, Logan, IA
Logan Muirhead, Valentine
Cooper Neff, Bellevue
Dawson Nguyen, Lincoln
John Pearson, Grand Island
Bryce Petersen, Omaha
Ly Pham, Lincoln
Uyen Phung, Lincoln
Lauren Preister, Norfolk
Sadie Ringlein, Kearney
Kyle Rix, Omaha
Mohammad Sakizadeh, Houston, TX
Jade Salgado Antunez, Omaha
Dawson Schram, Tekamah
Adler Serp, Omaha
Leah Spencer, McCook
Sihan Sun, Shanghai, China
Caleb Sund, Fremont
Kody Tejral, Brainard
Yen Truong, Lincoln
Jessica Vollan, Merrionette Park, IL
Brayden Wilkinson, Cozad
Annalise Zeinemann, Georgetown, IN
| | from left: IPhO officers Alex Berry, Himanshu Gandhi, Dr. Jim Alexander, Yasmin Rahmatian, & Jared Bogenhagen | |
Pharmacy Alumnus Creates Fund to
Support Future Industry Pharmacists
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The UNMC College of Pharmacy recently celebrated the establishment of the James G. Alexander, PharmD Pharmaceutical Industry Education and Awareness Fund, created by College of Pharmacy alumnus Dr. Jim Alexander(Class of 1986). The endowed fund will support educational and professional development opportunities that introduce PharmD students to careers in the pharmaceutical industry, with preference given to programming that benefits the College's Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) chapter.
During a September campus visit, Dr. Alexander, founder of IPhO and a longtime pharmaceutical industry leader, met with students, faculty, and College leadership to discuss industry career pathways, fellowships, mentorship, and professional development.
The celebration also highlighted the launch of the College's new IPhO chapter in Spring 2026. The organization provides students with opportunities to explore industry-focused careers, build professional networks, and learn about pharmacists' roles in developing innovative medicines. Together, the new chapter and Dr. Alexander's generosity will help expand awareness of the many opportunities available to future pharmacists beyond traditional practice settings.
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College Welcomes New Faculty Member
Charles Ung, PharmD, has joined the College of Pharmacy as a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science. In addition to his faculty appointment, he will practice at the Nebraska Medicine Midtown Clinic.
Dr. Ung earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Philadelphia College of Pharmacy. Following graduation, he completed a PGY-1 pharmacy residency at HCA Florida Largo Hospital, and a two-year academic and ambulatory care fellowship at Purdue University. Welcome Dr. Ung!
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Dr. Cochran Named to Interim Role in Kearney
Gary Cochran, PhD, has been named the UNMC College of Pharmacy’s interim associate dean for Kearney, effective Aug. 1.
An associate professor in the UNMC Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, Dr. Cochran steps in for Linda Sobeski, PharmD, who held the post since 2024, but has decided to step away from this leadership role. She remains a valued faculty member, Dr. Klepser said.
The college will conduct a search for a permanent associate dean.
| | | College Hosts Preceptor Reception | | |
The UNMC College of Pharmacy welcomed preceptors from across Nebraska and a wide range of pharmacy practice settings for the Annual Fall Omaha Preceptor Reception on August 11, 2026. The event provided opportunities for networking, collaboration, and professional development while celebrating the vital role preceptors play in preparing the next generation of pharmacists.
Interested in becoming a Preceptor? Contact the OEP office for more information!
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Faculty & Staff Awards
Three College of Pharmacy faculty and staff were recognized at the August faculty meeting for their contributions to the college's missions of education, research, patient care, service, and community engagement. Award recipients included (from left to right in photo):
Staff Impact Award
Kim Lemmons, NECPhT
College Impact Award
Jessica Downes, PharmD
Scholar of the Year Award
Jing Jing Sun, PhD
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Sutton Receives Silver U
Keith Sutton, Grants Finance Associate, is the latest college employee to be recognized with a Silver U Award. Keith was honored for his outstanding commitment to UNMC's ITEACH values.
For nearly two decades, Keith has been a trusted resource for faculty and staff, helping ensure grant submissions, accounting processes, and sponsored funding activities run smoothly and efficiently. Keith routinely supports colleagues, shares his expertise, and steps in wherever needed to keep the college moving forward. Congratulations Keith!
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Nebraska Reception at ASHP Midyear
Attending ASHP Midyear in Orlando? Join us for the Nebraska Reception and connect with alumni, faculty, students, preceptors, and friends from across the state. We hope to see you there!
RSVPs are appreciated but not required. Your response helps us plan, but all attendees are welcome.
Learn more and RSVP
| | Team Reaches Quarterfinals of ACCP Challenge | | |
Three UNMC College of Pharmacy students have earned a spot in the quarterfinals of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Clinical Pharmacy Challenge and will represent UNMC at the ACCP Annual Meeting this October in Salt Lake City, Utah.
The team, composed of P4s Alex Duminy, David Berger, and David Bruce, successfully advanced through five rounds of rigorous competition, demonstrating exceptional clinical knowledge, teamwork, and critical thinking skills. Their achievement places them among the top student teams competing in this nationally recognized challenge.
The ACCP Clinical Pharmacy Challenge tests participants' ability to apply clinical pharmacy knowledge across a wide range of therapeutic areas under the pressure of a fast-paced, quiz bowl-style format. Advancing to the quarterfinals is a significant accomplishment and reflects the dedication, preparation, and academic excellence of these students. Good luck!!!
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College Celebrates Two Kate Field Grant-in-Aid Winners
This year, P4 David Berger and P2 Himanshu Gandhi were among just three students selected across UNMC to receive the Kate Field Grant-in-Aid Award. Recipients are chosen through a competitive process that recognizes exceptional leadership, active involvement in professional and community organizations, scholarly achievement, and overall excellence.
As award recipients, Berger and Gandhi will each receive a stipend to support their continued education and professional development.
Notably, this marks the sixth consecutive year that two College of Pharmacy students have been selected for the award. Himanshu also became the first P2 student in College of Pharmacy history to receive the Kate Field Grant-in-Aid Award, an achievement that reflects his outstanding accomplishments and contributions early in the professional program.
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Students Participate in the 2026 InnovatED Symposium
Dr. Ally DeringAnderson joined pharmacy students (pictured left to right) Justin Martin (P4), Tomasa Trejo (P4), Tristan Duff (P4), and Dane Messersmith (P3) to present their work demonstrating how collaboration can expand health professions education beyond traditional academic settings at the fourth annual InnovatED Symposium.
The symposium is a campus-wide event that brings together educators, staff and learners from across Nebraska to share novel and innovative teaching approaches, exchange practical strategies to incorporate right away, and foster new collaborations with peers
The team’s presentation highlighted the development of pharmacist play-kits designed for childcare programs served by University of Nebraska Extension Offices. The team shared the collaborative process used to design, refine, and validate the kits, as well as the valuable feedback provided by Extension Office partners. Attendees had the opportunity to view a completed play-kit and learn how the project introduces young learners to health sciences and pharmacy through engaging, age-appropriate activities.
The impact of the session was further reflected when P3 student Dane Messersmith was personally encouraged by participants to apply for the Interprofessional Academy of Educators (IAE) student program next fall.
| | Kristen Cook, PharmD, BCACP Named Associate Dean | | |
The UNMC College of Pharmacy is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Kristen Cook as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs. A UNMC alumna and Clinical Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science, Dr. Cook brings a deep commitment to student success and a wealth of experience in pharmacy education, curriculum development, and academic leadership.
Throughout her career, Dr. Cook has had a lasting impact on pharmacy students through her innovative, student-centered approach to teaching. She has played a key role in advancing skills-based and interprofessional education, serves as director of the Pharmacotherapy Skills & Applications Lab course series, and has been a strong advocate for faculty development, wellness, and creating a culture of belonging within the college.
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Dr. Cook's excellence as an educator has been recognized through numerous awards and honors. Among these are UNMC's Innovative Practices in Education Award, the Faculty Senate Outstanding Teacher Award, and being named the College of Pharmacy Distinguished Teacher of the Year twice. Most recently, she was recognized as a Distinguished Educator by the UNMC Interprofessional Academy of Educators.
In her new role, Dr. Cook will help lead the college's academic programs, support faculty and students, and continue enhancing the educational experience for learners across the College of Pharmacy. Her collaborative leadership style, passion for teaching, and dedication to student success make her exceptionally well-suited for this important role.
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Three New Inductees to the Diamond Scholar Club
The UNMC College of Pharmacy is proud to recognize three faculty members as the newest inductees into the Diamond Scholars Club, an honor reserved for faculty who have achieved 100 or more peer-reviewed publications.
Established in 2022, the Diamond Scholars Club celebrates faculty whose scholarly contributions reflect sustained excellence in research, discovery, mentorship, collaboration, and a commitment to advancing human health.
These are the first new inductees since the club's inaugural class of ten scholars was recognized in 2022.The newest Diamond Scholars Club members include:
Dr. Kim Scarsi, PharmD
Dr. Paul Dobesh, PharmD
Dr. Yazen Alnouti, PhD
| | from left: Kim Scarsi, Corey Hopkins, Ram Mahato, Paul Dobesh, Aaron Mohs, and Dong Wang | |
Pharmacy Faculty Honored at UNMC Circle of Distinction
Eight College of Pharmacy faculty members were recognized during UNMC's Circle of Distinction ceremony on October 6, which celebrates faculty members who hold endowed deanships, chairs, and professorships. These prestigious appointments recognize excellence in teaching, research, clinical practice, and service, while honoring the generosity of donors who support UNMC's mission.
Among those recognized were four faculty members who recently received named professorships:
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Aaron Mohs, PhD, Parke-Davis Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
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Dong Wang, PhD, Joseph D. and Millie E. Williams Professor of Pharmacy
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Corey Hopkins, PhD, Edward B. (Ted) Roche, PhD, Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
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Paul Dobesh, PharmD, Charles H. Krobot, PharmD, Professor of Pharmacy Practice & Science
The ceremony also recognized faculty members currently serving in endowed leadership and professorial roles:
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David Oupicky, PhD, Parke-Davis Chair in Pharmaceutics
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Ram Mahato, PhD, Parke-Davis Professor
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Kim Scarsi, PharmD, Lewis E. and Antonia E. Harris Professor
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Donald Klepser, PhD, MBA, Joseph D. Williams Endowed Dean
Endowed positions represent some of the university's highest academic honors, recognizing distinguished achievement while supporting excellence in teaching, research, clinical practice, and service.
| | College of Pharmacy Spotlight | | Highlighting College Alumni, Students, and/or Faculty Members | | | Today, we spotlight a Class of 2027 PharmD candidate alongside a Class of 2017 alumnus and faculty preceptor. | | |
Tristin Duff, PharmD Candidate
Class of 2027
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Where were you born and where did you go to high school?
Las Cruces, NM. High school at Saint Pius X High School in Albuquerque, NM
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Where did you complete your undergraduate requirements for pharmacy school?
I attended Hastings College, Hastings, NE
What is your favorite part of pharmacy school?
Building relationships with peers and progressing as a professional. It is really a cool thing to look back at how far we have all come and the spaces we are getting into now!
Have you decided where you might like to practice when you graduate?
Hopefully ambulatory care 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 generous support of the UNMC College of Pharmacy. Your donations have a direct impact on my education and growth, helping me become a pharmacist who can better serve patients and my community. I’m truly grateful for your support.
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Logan Franck, PharmD, BCACP
Class of 2017
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Where were you born and where did you go to high school?
I was born in Kearney, Nebraska, and grew up in Seward, Nebraska, where I graduated from Seward High School.
Where did you complete your undergraduate requirements for pharmacy school?
I attended Morningside College for one semester before transferring to the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO), where I completed my pre-pharmacy coursework.
What is your favorite memory of pharmacy school?
I have many great memories from pharmacy school, but one of my favorites was competing in the Mr. Pharmacy competition. While I failed miserably and certainly did not win, one of my best friends took home the title after an unforgettable performance that included singing “I Want It That Way” by the Backstreet Boys songs on stage. The event perfectly captured the camaraderie and fun that made pharmacy school such a memorable experience.
Describe your career path since you graduated?
After graduating from the College of Pharmacy, I completed a PGY1 Pharmacy Residency at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center in Chicago, Illinois. I knew ambulatory care pharmacy was the area I wanted to pursue, and the residency provided an outstanding foundation for my career. Following residency training, I joined the UNMC College of Pharmacy as clinical faculty. In my current role, I split my time between ambulatory patient care, teaching pharmacy students, and participating in scholarly and service activities.
Please list any honors or recognitions you have received during your career.
While I have not received any specific honors or recognitions that I would highlight, I consider the opportunity to teach, mentor, and work alongside exceptional students, residents, and colleagues to be among the most rewarding aspects of my career.
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How many years have you served as a preceptor for UNMC?
7 years
Please describe your path to becoming a preceptor for the College of Pharmacy.
I became a preceptor shortly after joining the UNMC College of Pharmacy. Having benefited from outstanding preceptors throughout my own education and residency training, I was excited for the opportunity to help educate future pharmacists. I enjoy watching students take concepts they have learned in the classroom and apply them to real patient care situations in the ambulatory care setting.
Please describe your practice site, including the location. What special things do the students get to learn from you?
My practice site is Nebraska Medicine's Fontenelle Health Center in Omaha, Nebraska. During their rotation, students gain hands-on experience managing chronic disease states such as diabetes, hypertension, and anticoagulation with warfarin. One unique aspect of the rotation is learning to interpret and manage continuous glucose monitor (CGM) data. Students also have the opportunity to wear a CGM themselves, which helps them better understand the patient experience and the value of this technology in diabetes management.
What is the most rewarding part of being a preceptor for the College of Pharmacy?
The most rewarding part of being a preceptor is watching students grow throughout the rotation. They arrive with a strong clinical knowledge base, but over the course of the month they develop confidence in making recommendations, communicating with patients, and functioning as members of the healthcare team. My goal is for every student to feel independent and practice-ready by the end of the rotation. Seeing that transformation occur each month is incredibly rewarding.
If you could give one message to future pharmacists, what would it be?
Never stop learning. The profession of pharmacy continues to evolve rapidly, creating new opportunities for pharmacists to impact patient care. Stay curious, embrace change, and always remember that building relationships with patients is just as important as developing clinical expertise.
| | Recent Faculty Publications | | |
AKR1C3 inhibitors and exploiters for the treatment and therapeutic monitoring of cancer: a patent review (2020–present)
Case A.M., Smith M.M., Mack C.A., Trippier P.C.
Expert Opin. Ther. Pat. 2026 36:8 (743-755)
Embase, MEDLINE
Chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles amplify glycopeptide efficacy against Staphylococcus aureus
Khairnar S.V., Sommers A., Muldiiarova E., Bayles K.W., Oupický D., Thomas V.C., Sadykov M.R., Romanova S.
[In Process] Front. Microbiol. 2026 17:
Embase, NURSING
Targeted Amino Acid Substitution Overcomes Scale-Up Challenges with the Human C5a-Derived Decapeptide Immunostimulant EP67
Alshammari A.M., Smith D.D., Parriott J., Stewart J.P., Curran S.M., McCulloh R.J., Barry P.A., Iyer S.S., Palermo N., Phillips J.A., Dong Y., Ronning D.R., Vennerstrom J.L., Sanderson S.D., Vetro J.A.
[In Process] ACS Infect. Dis. 2020 6:5 (1169-1181)
Embase, MEDLINE
Fluorescence-Guided Surgery of Rhabdomyosarcoma Using a B7-H3 Targeted Antibody–Fluorophore Conjugate
Gupta R., Ehrhorn E.G., Pant A., Streeter S.S., Samkoe K.S., Henderson E.R., Mohs A.M.
Mol. Pharm. 2026 23:7 (3789-3799)
Embase, MEDLINE
Cloning and expression of natively paired antibody fragments from single B cells of immunized rhesus macaques
Malik J.R., Fletcher C.V., Avedissian S.N.
Front Immunol 2026 17: (1832934)
MEDLINE
Inter- and intraindividual variability of long-acting injectable cabotegravir/rilpivirine trough concentrations after 1 year of continuous use
Sunagawa S.W., Havens J.P., Bares S.H., Kubat M., O’Neill J., Lyden E., Mykris T., Winchester L.C., Weinhold J., Avedissian S.N., Podany A.T., Fletcher C.V., Scarsi K.K.
J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 2026 81:9
Embase, MEDLINE
Antischistosomal Ozonide Glycine Ethyl Esters
Ren R., Häberli C., Chen G., Singh S.K., Bruha K.M., Davis P.H., Dong Y., Charman S.A., Keiser J., Vennerstrom J.L.L
[In Process] ACS Med. Chem. Lett. 2026 17:8 (1909-1914)
Embase
Assessing the effects of an indication-based panel for prescribing direct oral anticoagulants at discharge from the emergency department of an academic medical center
Meyer K., Reha C., Gomez L., Langenhan E.
Am. J. Health-Syst. Pharm. 2026 83: (S3027-S3032)
Embase, MEDLINE, NURSING
Pharmacokinetics and Toxicity Assessment of Artesunate and Its Metabolite, Dihydroartemisinin, in NOD Scid Gamma Mice
Agrawal P., Singh S.K., Talmon G., Mahapatra S., Murry D.J.
[In Process] Molecules 2026 31:17
Embase, MEDLINE
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