Welcome to the newsletter of the School of Pharmacy Worcester/Manchester 

Message from the Dean

Hello Friends,

We’re pleased to share this summer newsletter and deliver exciting updates from the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, School of Pharmacy – Worcester/Manchester.

We began the year on a high note: the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy reported a stable NAPLEX first-attempt pass figure of 79.1% for our 2025 graduates. We remain committed to preparing our students and alumni for this important milestone and are optimistic that future cohorts will sustain this performance.

In May, we celebrated Commencement with approximately 100 graduates at the Leader Bank Pavilion in Boston. Our students continue to make use of our enhancement opportunities, with more than 40% of them completing a concentration or a concomitant Graduate Certificate program.

We’re also advancing development of a Hybrid Online PharmD Pathway, launching this fall with a target cohort of 25 students. Cheryl Durand will serve as Program Director to provide strategic, academic, and operational leadership. Gretchen Jehle has been appointed Director of Online Experiential Programs to oversee experiential operations for the pathway.

The hybrid pathway’s curriculum will mirror the campus-based program, but delivery will be primarily asynchronous online instruction supplemented by intentional synchronous sessions that reinforce application, foster faculty and peer engagement, and build advanced practice skills. Students will participate in three required on-campus experiences: orientation and two immersive sessions. Experiential rotations may be completed with existing University sites and preceptors or in preferred regions identified by students. We’re excited to launch this initiative and to learn from our first cohorts as the pathway grows.

If you’re interested in supporting our students—by volunteering your time or sharing your expertise—we would love to connect with you! Just fill out this brief interest form and we will be in touch.

Warm regards,

Paul Belliveau, PharmD

Dean, School of Pharmacy – Worcester/Manchester

Hooding, Awards and Commencement Ceremonies 2026

Beyond the Grade: MCPHS Students Fight Rare Cancer Disease

Sofia Orlando, PharmD

Class of 2026

Abigail Chan, Pharm D

Class of 2026

Before graduating in May, Sofia Orlando and Abigail Chan both completed a Concentration in Pharmaceutical Cancer Research under the direction of Dr. Robert Campbell, Professor of Pharmaceutics. A total of 11 PharmD graduates from the Class of 2026 participated in the concentration, and all of them were invited to present their research in the 2025-2026 school year. The result was 13 poster presentations at three national conferences: ASHP Midyear, Northeast Society of Toxicology (NESOT), and the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR).

At the AACR conference in San Diego, CA, Sofia Orlando presented novel findings featuring a nano delivery approach for targeting a cell model of a rare cancer disease, low-grade ovarian carcinoma [1]. What’s next for her? Sofia will participate in a PGYI residency training program at Massachusetts General Hospital.

Also at the AACR Conference, Abigail Chan presented novel findings featuring a nano delivery approach for targeting a cell model of a rare cancer disease, clear cell sarcoma [2]. What’s next for Abby? She will participate in a PGYI residency training program at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.

(1)   Citation: Sofia Orlando, Krishna Panchal, Heer Patel, and Robert B. Campbell, PhD. Cellular uptake of nanoliposomes with optimized cholesterol concentration and lipid extract derived from a model low grade serous ovarian carcinoma cells. Session Category: 2026 AACR conference; San Diego, CA, Cancer Research 86 (7_Supplement), 3027-3027.

(2)   Citation: Abigail Chan, Simoun Banoud, Charlotte Bouchard, Ashley Silva, and Robert B. Campbell, PhD. SU-CCS-1 lipid extract-modified nanoliposomes and characteristic growth profile of a model clear cell sarcoma target cell line. 2026 AACR conference, San Diego, CA. Cancer Research 86 (7_Supplement), 3030-3030.

Graduate certificates provide an opportunity for students to enhance their education. Integrated into the core curriculum, the certificates allows them to sharpen their expertise and expand their career options in a specialized area of pharmacy practice.

In the PharmD – Accelerated program, students are eligible to pursue a master’s degree in a complementary area of study. These dual degrees provide a competitive edge for fellowships, residencies, jobs in the pharmaceutical industry, and more. They're designed for those looking to deepen their knowledge of drug development and seek employment beyond the traditional pharmacy setting.

Sarra Catizone, PharmD Candidate 2028

As a first-year Doctor of Pharmacy student at MCPHS, I have always been passionate about increasing support for women in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Throughout my academic journey, I have noted the lack of representation of women in STEM fields and college majors. This inspired me to create #STEMinist: Closing the STEM Gender Gap, a community service initiative dedicated to empowering current and future female STEM leaders.

After developing #STEMinist, I noticed there were very few children’s books with female STEM representation. I wanted to develop a resource that introduces young girls to STEM in an

engaging way. That idea became Sarra the STEMinist: Color Your Future. Through interactive activities, coloring pages, and career exploration, I wanted to create something that encourages young girls to envision themself in STEM fields.

What started as a simple idea quickly turned into a passion project. The story of Sarra the STEMinist has been brought to classrooms and libraries across New Hampshire. If this book helps even one young girl realize she belongs in STEM, then I have accomplished my goal. Through Sarra the STEMinist: Color Your Future, I hope to inspire the next generation of female leaders to dream big and pursue their passions endlessly. Anyone can be a #STEMinist, let’s close the STEM gender gap together.

Vipul Patel, PharmD, Class of 2026

Class of 2026 Graduate Vipul Patel and pharmacy students from across the country recently gathered for a two-day advocacy program designed to strengthen understanding of healthcare policy and the pharmacist’s role in shaping it. The first day featured an immersive introduction to policymaking, communication strategies, and current pharmacy issues. Sessions led by policy experts and National Association of Chain Drug Stores (NACDS) staff provided valuable insight into how healthcare decisions are made in Washington, effective approaches to legislative advocacy, and how organizations engage audiences in the digital age. Attendees also learned about new NACDS Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience and fellowship opportunities, which could serve as meaningful professional pathways for MCPHS students and graduates. The day concluded with an evening reception hosted by NACDS President & CEO Steven Anderson and keynote speaker Congressman Buddy Carter, a pharmacist who has played a key role in advancing federal PBM reform.

On the second day, students were paired with practicing pharmacists representing organizations from across the United States. Efforts were made to align students with professionals from their regions. Vipul was paired with Moira O’Toole, Katie Thornell—an MCPHS graduate—and Nancy Lyons. Together, they met with the offices of Senators Susan Collins and Elizabeth Warren, Representatives Chellie Pingree and Seth Moulton, and Senator Angus King.



During these meetings, the group advocated for continued support of PBM reform and for the “Ensuring Community Access to Pharmacist Services Act” (ECAPS). This legislation would enable pharmacists to provide testing and treatment for conditions such as flu, strep, and RSV, while ensuring fair reimbursement for these services. The experience highlighted the critical role of advocacy in expanding patient access to care and advancing the future scope of pharmacy practice.

Helen Pervanas, PharmD, RPh

Dr. Helen Pervanas is a Professor of Pharmacy Practice for the School of Pharmacy Worcester/Manchester. She has been with the University since 2009, sharing her past career experiences and mentoring students to be knowledgeable and empathetic pharmacists.



Helen graduated from the Boston campus with her Bachelor of Science degree and started her pharmacy career working as a consultant pharmacist for Unicare Services, a long-term care pharmacy. Working with older adults was something that she enjoyed as she grew up spending time and caring for her grandparents. At Unicare, her responsibilities included visiting the long-term care facilities and ensuring that the older adult residents were treated with medications that were safe, effective, and appropriate.

Helen then transitioned to community pharmacy and focused on managing patients with diabetes, offering diabetes care sessions on dietary considerations, weight loss, insulin injection training, and medication management. She continued to work at the pharmacy part-time and began working as a hospital pharmacist at Catholic Medical Center (CMC) in Manchester NH where she continued to care for patients with diabetes as part of the CMC diabetes care team.



In 2003, a new career opportunity to work as a clinical account pharmacist for Anthem Prescription Benefit Management/WellPoint NextRx became available. This role in managed care allowed her to work with primary care providers and specialists to provide clinical support and reporting for disease management initiatives. It was during this time that Helen pursued her doctorate degree and enrolled in the MCPHS non-traditional PharmD program in Boston and graduated in 2008.

Helen was then promoted to pharmacy director and was able to implement pharmacy programs and initiatives to optimize cost of care and expand services such as immunizations at community pharmacies. Other efforts included benefit/formulary design and management, customer resolution, and prior authorization appeals.

Returning to the University to pursue her doctorate degree led to her interest in applying for a faculty position on the Manchester campus. Over the last 16 years Helen has mentored numerous students during their advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) rotations at the Lamprey Clinic in Nashua NH. Working with students and mentoring students is something that she loves most about being at the University. Providing them with opportunities to advocate on behalf of the patient and profession and working within the community to offer medication clinics and health fairs is something that she feels is important.

Although Helen will be stepping down as full faculty in August, she will continue to work as an adjunct professor teaching and mentoring students. 

Michael Steinberg, PharmD, BCOP

As I reflect on my retirement from MCPHS after 24 years, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences, opportunities, and relationships that have shaped my career.



My professional journey began after earning my BPharm and PharmD from MCPHS Boston. I was fortunate to be the first pharmacy practice resident at UMass Medical Center when the program was established in 1995. Following residency, I served in several clinical and leadership roles, including bone marrow transplant pharmacist and manager of the outpatient pharmacy, oncology pharmacy, and investigational drug service at UMASS Memorial Medical Center. During that time, I discovered a passion for teaching and mentoring pharmacy students, which ultimately led me to join the School of Pharmacy in 2002.

At MCPHS, I had the privilege of teaching, mentoring, and helping students develop into pharmacy professionals. I also enjoyed pursuing scholarship, collaborating with colleagues and students on publications and presentations, and contributing to the profession as both an educator and researcher. These experiences supported my growth from Assistant Professor to full Professor of Pharmacy Practice.

Service to the University was equally rewarding. As Chair of the Assessment Committee and later Assistant Dean of Assessment, I worked alongside dedicated faculty and staff to support accreditation efforts and enhance the student experience.

While retirement was not an easy decision, it has provided new opportunities to spend time with my grandchildren and enjoy activities such as pickleball, golf, gardening, and training for endurance events. This spring, I completed another Ironman Triathlon—an unforgettable achievement.

What I cherish most from my years at MCPHS are the people. The students, colleagues, and friends I met along the way made this journey truly special. Their support, friendship, and shared commitment to excellence are what I will remember most.

Based on my experiences, my advice to others is simple: chase opportunities to grow and contribute, value experiences with others, and never stop learning. 

Nicole Carace, PharmD, MHA, RPh

I wanted to be a veterinarian!

It has been 40+ years since I left MCP with my bachelors in pharmacy and stepped into the white lab coat. I started out in an independent community pharmacy where I quickly learned the art of putting together the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and other Sunday newspapers, and that wearing gloves was a necessity! It was everybody’s job to get those papers ready for the onslaught of crossword aficionados.

I filled many a prescription utilizing the best electric typewriter at that time, compounded lots of acne cream, filtered a plethora of minoxidil topical solution, and updated the loose-leaf Drug Facts & Comparisons binder on a monthly basis. 

 

After a few years in community pharmacy, I transitioned to the inpatient hospital world. An environment with no natural lighting since the pharmacy was located in the basement and always seemed to be across from the x-ray department. I witnessed the transition of pharmacists never venturing out of the basement to becoming an integral part of the healthcare team. There were definitely some bumps in the road and some took longer than others to trust in our medication expertise. Unfortunately, there still may be some non-believers.

For my final career move, why not choose the place that had caused me so much anxiety and insomnia decades ago…the very place that I swore I would never revisit? Fast forward 15 years, it was the best decision I ever made. Collaborating and working with the best staff, faculty and adjunct faculty imaginable, earning my Doctor of Pharmacy (more anxiety and insomnia) and building lasting relationships was more than I ever hoped for. I honestly would not change my career path one degree!

Besides, taking care of adorable animals is over-rated (just kidding)!

Amanda Morrill, PharmD, CDCES

Amanda M. Morrill, PharmD, BCPS, Professor of Pharmacy Practice on the Manchester campus is wrapping up her four-year term as President of the New Hampshire Pharmacists Association (NHPA). During her tenure, she played an essential role in advancing pharmacy practice at both the state and national levels. Her leadership has not only strengthened the organization, but also created meaningful opportunities for student engagement, particularly for students based on the Manchester campus.

A cornerstone of Dr. Morrill’s presidential priorities has been legislative advocacy. She led the development of a forward-looking bill aimed at modernizing the definition of pharmacy practice in New Hampshire. This important initiative included provisions to expand pharmacist prescribing authority and implement standard-of-care regulations. In support of this effort, Dr. Morrill worked closely with state legislators to educate them about pharmacist training and expertise, and she provided testimony before multiple House and Senate committees.

With more than a decade of involvement in the organization, Dr. Morrill has served in numerous leadership roles, including as Secretary and Continuing Education Chairperson. Even while serving as President, she remained actively involved in conference planning and continued to oversee a broad range of initiatives, including strategic planning, media outreach, social media management, and membership growth.

On the national stage, Dr. Morrill represented New Hampshire at the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) House of Delegates, where she contributed to discussions and voted on key national policy statements shaping the future of pharmacy practice. She also participated in the National Alliance of State Pharmacy Associations meeting, collaborating with pharmacy leaders from across the country and gaining insight into innovative care models and practice advancements. As she transitions into her new role as Immediate Past-President, Dr. Morrill will continue to play an integral part in guiding the organization and supporting its members.

Kyle Doyle, Class of 2026

My time in pharmacy school has allowed me to develop both professionally and personally. I began this program as a chemistry major who had barely experienced the world of healthcare outside of working at CVS. As I learned more about pharmacy and healthcare, I took on new challenges and leadership roles.

I served on the Assessment Committee, worked as a peer tutor, and held positions on the executive boards of AMCP, ASHP, Rho Chi, and Phi Kappa Phi. I was also inspired to begin working in the UMass inpatient pharmacy during my time at MCPHS, splitting my weekends between UMass and CVS. Together, these experiences helped me become more confident and driven to achieve my goals.

I plan to continue my professional growth throughout this next year as a PGY-1 pharmacy resident at Maine Medical Center. MCPHS helped me discover my passion for pharmacy and healthcare. During my time here, I explored areas of pharmacy I had never considered before, including ambulatory care and infectious diseases, while continuing to grow my interest in academia and teaching.



I am incredibly thankful to my family, friends, and professors for encouraging me throughout my journey and providing me with a strong support system during pharmacy school. As I continue my professional career, the lessons I learned at MCPHS both inside and outside of the classroom will be instrumental to my future success. I am proud to represent MCPHS as I move to Maine and hope to remain connected to the MCPHS community. After all, pharmacy is a small world!

View as Webpage