For Immediate Release 

Contact:

Krista Fuentes,

Development & Grants Manager

(571) 404-0471

[email protected]

The American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education Announces the Recipients for the 2023 ClinicalMind Scholarship for Black Pharmacy Students

The American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE) is pleased to announce Margaret Afolabi, University of Illinois at Chicago and James Baffoe, The University of Texas at Austin as the recipients of the ClinicalMind Scholarship for Black Pharmacy Students.

The primary goal of the ClinicalMind Scholarship for Black Pharmacy Students is to fund black students pursuing a PharmD or Ph.D., in one of the following research areas: rare disease, gene therapy, small molecule therapeutics or underserved populations. Ellen Woods, President, AFPE stated: "AFPE is pleased to partner with companies like ClinicalMind that recognize the importance of supporting student research and opening doors to opportunities for them to contribute to improving patient and public health."

Bart Zoni, Vice President of Marketing, ClinicalMind said "We're inspired by and appreciate the important research that both Margaret and James are conducting. Both are extremely deserving of this scholarship award. ClinicalMind is very proud to be even a modest part of their journey." 

For more detailed information on the awards and fellowships AFPE offers, please click here.

Congratulations to the 2023 Scholarship Recipients

Margaret Afolabi, University of Illinois at Chicago

Title of Research: Prediction assay of small molecule cancer therapeutics using fresh biopsy and microfluidic device

Summary of Research: Variability in patient responses to cancer therapy highlights the need for personalized treatment based on individual tumor biology. Recent advancements in small molecular drugs offer multiple options for cancer treatment, but selecting the most appropriate drug for each patient remains a challenge. To address this, Margaret's research aims to develop a high-throughput screening tool using microfluidic chips and fresh core needle biopsies, which can predict the therapeutic effects of small molecular drugs and assist oncologists in making informed treatment decisions.

James Baffoe, The University of Texas at Austin

Title of Research: The impact of perceived discrimination on medication use behaviors among people experiencing homelessness (PEH)

Summary of Research: This project is to understand how perceived discrimination impacts medication adherence among PEH. Study aims include: 1) to characterize the factors associated with PEH’s perceived discrimination during their healthcare encounters, 2) to examine the relationship between PEH’s perceived discrimination with delaying or forgoing their medications, and 3) to examine the relationship between PEH’s perceived discrimination and medication use. To gather this data, a cross-sectional survey (including measures of perceived discrimination and medication adherence) will be conducted in person at community-based sites in Central Texas. Descriptive statistics, bivariate and logistic analyses will be conducted. Study findings are expected to elucidate PEH experiences of discrimination from healthcare providers and the impact that has on medication use behaviors. Findings will be shared with community stakeholders to initiate a dialogue about improving interactions between healthcare providers and PEH to positively impact health behaviors such as medication adherence.