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PRESS RELEASES

College participates in IPA Annual Meeting
The 2008 Iowa Pharmacy Association Annual Meeting was held in Des Moines on June 20-22, with participation from College of Pharmacy faculty, students, staff, and alumni. The weekend kicked off with the annual Eggleston-Granberg Student Scholarship Golf Classic, held at the Willow Creek Golf Course in West Des Moines on Friday, June 20th. All proceeds benefit scholarship funds for student pharmacists at Drake University and the University of Iowa Colleges of Pharmacy.

On Saturday, student pharmacists from Drake University and the University of Iowa faced off in the Diabetes Care Championship quiz bowl. The friendly competition allowed students from Iowa’s colleges of pharmacy to demonstrate their pharmaceutical knowledge. Students from Iowa were, left to right, Ann Schwemm, Heidi Calvin, Adam Harris, and Gary Christensen. Mary Starry, Instructor (clinical), in the Pharmacy Practice Lab, was the team coordinator.

Featured topics in the House of Delegates included “The Future of Pharmacy Technicians in our Workforce” and “Exploring Mandatory Residencies in the Pharmacy Profession.” Dean Donald E. Letendre gave his perspective on the latter topic, an issue currently facing the profession of pharmacy. Additionally, a luncheon session highlighted exciting projects and research which promise to advance the practice of pharmacy and increase the quality of care provided to patients in Iowa.

At the Saturday evening Annual Banquet, Alumnus Bill Baer, '76 BSPh, was installed as IPA's 129th President and delivered his Presidential Address outlining priorities for the coming year. Past-president Jay Currie, '80 BSPh, '84 PharmD, Professor (Clinical), was also installed as the Chair of the Board for the 2008-2009 year. Awards announced during the banquet included:
Jordan Cohen, Emeritus Dean and Professor (Pharmaceutics), Robert G. Gibbs Distinguished Pharmacist Award, presented to a pharmacist in recognition of outstanding contributions to the profession of pharmacy and the Iowa Pharmacy Association.
Ann Higley, 4th year pharmacy student, Karbeling Leadership Award, a tribute to the late Jerry Karbeling for his tireless leadership and dedication to the profession, and passion for student involvement in professional associations as well as the political process.
Ray Buser, ’69 BSPh, Honorary President Award for the 2008-2009 academic year in recognition of his lengthy and sustained commitment and support for the Iowa Pharmacy Association.
Nancee Waterbury, ’00 PharmD, received the Young Pharmacist of the Year Award, which is designed to encourage young pharmacists’ participation in association and community activities and to recognize one young pharmacist in their first 10 years of practice for involvement and dedication to the practice of pharmacy. The award is a national awards program sponsored by Pharmacists Mutual and state pharmaceutical associations.
Diane Reist, ’81 BSPh, received the Health-System Pharmacist of the Year Award. Presented to a health-system pharmacist, Reist was recognized for her service to the profession of pharmacy, and specifically hospital pharmacy; contributions to pharmacy programs; cooperation with the entire health care team; and service to the community.
Julie Kuhle, ’76 BSPh, received the Individual IPA Appreciation Award in recognition of her support of organized pharmacy in the state of Iowa. The award annually recognizes an individual and/or organization for their contributions.
Outcomes Pharmacetucial Healthercare, Des Moines, (Tom Halterman, '89 BSPh, co-founder and CEO) received the Corporate IPA Appreciation Award in recognition of the company's "leadership in the development of nationally recognized programs providing MTM opportunities for pharmacists."


higley receives award at the iowa pharmacy association's annual meeting
The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy recipient of the 2008 Karbeling Leadership Award is Ann Higley. The award was presented at the Iowa Pharmacy Association's Leadership Breakfast at the 2008 Annual Meeting on June 22, in Des Moines.

Higley is an active member of ASP and serves as the International Pharmaceutical Student Federation liaison. She served as the 2007-2008 University of Iowa student liaison on the IPA Board of Trustees. She was the past College of Pharmacy Executive Student Council President, has served as the pharmacy chair on the Executive Council for Graduate and Professional Students and was Philanthrophy Chair for Kappa Psi pharmaceutical fraternity. "Ann's leadership in professional organizations and in the politial process makes her a role model for all student pharmacists," said Tom Temple, Executive Vice President of IPA.

The Karbeling Leadership Award was developed in tribute to the late Jerry Karbeling for his tireless leadership and dedication to the profession and especially to his passion for student involvement in professional associations as well as the political process. The Karbeling Leadership Award recognizes a student from each of Iowa's two colleges of pharmacy for their individual leadership and involvement in professional organizations and the political process.


cohen receives award at the iowa pharmacy association's annual meeting
The Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) is pleased to announce the 2008 recipient of the Robert G. Gibbs Distinguished Pharmacist Award is Jordan Cohen, PhD, Emeritus Dean and Professor (Pharmaceutics). The award was presented at the Association's 2008 Annual Meeting Banquet on June 21 in Des Moines.

Cohen is currently Interim Vice President of Research at the UI. From 1999-2007, he served as Dean of the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. During this time, Cohen continued the strong tradition of advancing the pharmacy profession in Iowa that includes the collaboration of IPA and the state's colleges of pharmacy. Most recently, Cohen was part of the initiative to create The Collaborative Education Institute with IPA and Drake University. "Jordan has contributed to the profession of pharmacy in Iowa for many years. He is being recognized for his leadership, innovation, public service and commitment to patient care," said Tom Temple, Executive Vice President of the Iowa Pharmacy Association.

The Robert G. Gibbs Distinguished Pharmacist Award is presented to a pharmacist in recognition of outstanding contributions to the profession of pharmacy and the Iowa Pharmacy Association. A five-hundred dollar scholarship grant is awarded to the recipient's college of pharmacy of choice. Cohen designated the scholarship amount to his scholarship fund. The Distinguished Pharmacist Award, the highest recognition provided to a pharmacist by IPA, was initiated in 1979 in honor of IPA's past Executive Officer, Robert G. Gibbs, who served the Association from 1959-1979.


currie installed as chair of the board for the iowa pharmacy association
Jay Currie, '80 BSPh, '84 PharmD, Professor (Clinical), was installed as the Chair of the Board for the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) at the 2008 Annual Meeting. The installation of new officers occurred during IPA's Annual Banquet on Saturday, June 21, at the Downtown Des Moines Marriott in Des Moines. Currie served as President of the Association in 2007-2008 and President-Elect in 2006-2007.

Currie is professor and associate head, division of clinical and administrative pharmacy at the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy. He is also director of the college's professional experience program, with responsibility for introductory and advanced practice experiences, coordination of the community pharmaceutical care rotation, and serving as program director for the community care pharmacy practice residency. Currie began work implementing pharmaceutical care practice in 1991, is a founding faculty member of the Iowa Center for Pharmaceutical Care, and has worked extensively with pharmacists converting their practice sites. "We are pleased to have Jay as the Chair of the Board for the coming year. His experience will be a key factor in moving the Association forward," said Tom Temple, Executive Vice President of the IPA. "Because of his strong leadership, we will be able to make a difference in the lives of the patients we serve and to the profession of pharmacy in Iowa."


college of pharmacy welcomes japanese visiting scholars
After traveling halfway across the world, Aki Tezuka and Ken Fukasawa are gaining clinical experience as they visit Iowa for two months this summer. Both are graduate students at Keio University in Tokyo, Japan. They arrived in Iowa City on June 2nd and will return to Japan at the end of July. For the seven weeks that Tezuka and Fukasawa are here, they will be doing rotations at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics (UIHC), as well as in community settings. While the majority of their time in Iowa has been spent at UIHC, they also are gaining experience by visiting community pharmacies in Cedar Rapids and North Liberty. Even with a busy schedule, Tezuka and Fukasawa have found time to enjoy Iowa City's downtown offerings, as well as to experience the flood first-hand. Tezuka and Fukasawa are the sixth pair of Japanese visiting scholars to arrive at the University. The UI College of Pharmacy has paired with Keio University since 2003 to provide a unique learning experience to qualified graduate students.


president mason visits college of pharmacy
On the afternoon of June 3rd, UI President Sally Mason visited the College of Pharmacy and took time to visit with faculty, staff, and students. After enjoying lunch in the Banker Student Activity Center with collegiate and student leaders, President Mason toured the entire building which included Pharmaceutical Services, the Pharmacy Practice Lab, and selected research laboratories in Pharmaceutics, Medicinal Natural Products Chemistry, and Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy. Her visit ended with a packed open forum that included all faculty and staff. President Mason gave brief remarks that included her agenda and priorities for the upcoming academic year. The session concluded with a question and answer session. Her intent is to visit each college on an annual basis.


clinical and administrative pharmacy residents recognized
The Division of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy recognized its residents with a graduation ceremony on June 24, 2008. The guests were welcomed by Bernard Sorofman, PhD, Professor and Head, Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy. Three residents received their Post Graduate Year 1 Pharmacy Resident certificate: Amy E. Van Gorp, PharmD; Sara A. Rietsch, PharmD; and Kristi L. Kavanaugh, PharmD. The residency coordinators for Post Graduate Year 1, Lucinda Buys, PharmD, BCPS and James Hoehns, PharmD, BCPS, were present to congratulate the residents.

Four residents received their Post Graduate Year 1 Community Care Pharmacy Practice certificates: Abby Beane, PharmD, Ellen Coughlin, PharmD, Laura Gurnee, PharmD, and Mary Mosher, PharmD. Jay Currie, PharmD, residency coordinator for Post Graduate Year 1 Community Pharmacy Practice, was present at the ceremony as well. A reception to further honor the residents was held following the ceremony.


faculty member receives research starter grant
Jennifer Fiegel, Assistant Professor, Pharmaceutics, received a two-year $60,000 Research Starter Grant from the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) Foundation for the Development of Dry Powder Aerosols to Disperse and Eradicate Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections in the Lungs. The goal of Dr. Fiegel's research is to develop a novel aerosol drug delivery system that effectively and safely eliminates respiratory biofilms. These studies will lay the groundwork for clinical development of co-delivery systems for treatment of opportunistic infections of the lungs.


alumni appointed to xcelience's executive management team
Paul F. Skultety, '82 PhD, '78 BSPh, has been appointed to executive management team of Xcelience, a contract research organization specializing in early drug development. Skultety will be the Director of Pharmaceutical Services where he will oversee Xcelience's performulation, analytical and formulation services.

In industry veteran, Skultety has over 27 years experience in pharmaceutical research and formulation development. He has held senior executive positions at companies including Aptuit Inc., Quintiles, and Hoescht Marion Roussel. After receiving his BSPh and PhD from the UI's College of Pharmacy, he began his career in 1982 as a research pharmacist for Abbott Laboratories.

Xceliene is a Tampa-based laboratory that has been developing formulations for clients throughout the pharmaceutical industry since 1997. Xcelience's unique corporate structure creates project teams that work intensively with each client, bringing an extension of their own organization into Xcelience lab.


faculty member appointed editor-in-chief
The American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) has announced the appointment of Lee E. Kirsch, Ph.D. as Editor-in-Chief for AAPS PharmSciTech. Dr. Kirsch's appointment begins July 1, 2008. Dr. Kirsch is taking over this position from the incumbent, AAPS President-Elect Pat Deluca, Ph.D.

Dr. Kirsch is an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics at the UI's College of Pharmacy, where his areas of research stem from pragmatic problems in drug product and manufacturing quality and/or drug delivery. His current research interests include macromolecular peptide pro-drugs for targeted drug delivery, the kinetics and mechanisms of the chemical instability of drugs, the kinetics and mechanisms of the physical instability of dispersed and colloidal systems, and pharmaceutical package integrity technologies. Dr. Kirsch has served on the Editorial Advisory Board for both Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science and Technology. In 1997, Dr. Kirsch was also the Chairman of the AAPS Sterile Products Focus Group.

"Professor Lee Kirsch is an outstanding and respected scientist who has published extensively and has a wealth of experience as a journal editor," Dr. Deluca said. "As the incoming president of AAPS I am personally gratified and confident that the future of the Journal is healthy and promising with Professor Kirsch at the helm."


college of pharmacy staff recognized
The College of Pharmacy recently honored faculty and staff at the annual Staff Recognition Ceremony. Dean Donald E. Letendre, gave the opening remarks and welcomed the 42 recognized staff members. Years of service recognized ranged from five to 30 years. The 2008 Staff Council COmmittee is comprised of Donna Brus, COPSC Chairperson, Barb Gericke, COPSC Secretary, Eva Benedek, Becky Ellis, Mark Feldick, Julie Visin, Judy Putney, Mark Schmidt, and Mike Sullivan, Ad Hoc.

5 Years of Service: Gail Ardery, Ann Baker, Daniel Borrall, Samantha Franck-Rezac, Scott Johnson, Vicki Kee, Robert Kerns, Karen Kluesner, Daryl Murry, Deanna McDanel, Kevin Moores, Monica O'Neil, Leah Osterhaus, Mark Schmidt, and Ryan West
10 Years of Service: Paul Abramowitz, Josanna Birtcher, Zhendong Jin, Sharon Lucas, and John Swegle
15 Years of Service: Randi Betts, Alta Botha, Vern Duba, Paul Ebel, J J Freirichs, Nora Garda De Marcos, David Herold, Vijay Kumar, Liang Lin, Pam Mollenhauer, Jeff Reist, Randhall Yeates, and Brenda Zobeck
20 Years of Service: Sandra Johnson, David Luck, and William Wilson
25 Years of Service: Donna Brus, Ronald McAvoy, and Dale Eric Wurster
30 Years of Service:
Mark Feldick, Douglas Flanagan, and James Ponto

To view pictures of each recognized group, visit www.pharmacy.uiowa.edu/about/recognition.html.


college of pharmacy recognizes exceptional teachers
The College of Pharmacy is pleased to announce the Teachers of the Year for the 2007-2008 school year. The winners are selected by a committee that consists of last year’s Teachers of the Year. The process relies heavily on student recommendations but also includes review by the committee of the nominees’ teaching philosophies and other supporting documents. The winners will be formally recognized at the Scholarship Reception Thursday, November 13th.

P1 Teacher of the Year – Rob Kerns
P2 Teacher of the Year – Susan Staggs
P3 Teacher of the Year – Erika Ernst
Collegiate Teacher of the Year – Mary Starry


tom temple honored as ui distinguished alumni
Tom Temple, '77 MS, received the UI Distinguished Alumni Service Award on June 7, 2008 from the UI Alumni Association. For the past 27 years Temple has inspired health care leaders across the state and nation with his dedication to patients and commitment to pharmacy.

With initiatives such as immunization services, patient case management, and standardized pharmacy degrees, Temple has made an impact on the pharmacy profession as a whole and has become a senior state pharmacy leader. He has held one of the pharmacy profession's most critical and influential positions as executive vice president and CEO of the Iowa Pharmacy Association. Temple's expertise is frequently called upon by the state's key policymakers, including the governor, the Department of Human Services, Iowa Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services. As a loyal supporter of pharmacy education and proud UI alumnus, Temple has served for 20 years as a member of UI College of Pharmacy advisory council.

The Distinguished Alumni Service Award is granted to University of Iowa graduates or former students for significant accomplishments in business or professional life or for distinguished human service to their community, state, or nation.


paul abramowitz appointed as interim associate hospital director
Professor and Assistant Dean Paul Abramowitz, PharmD, has been appointed as interim associate hospital director for hospital based services. This position is effective immediately and will continue at least through Dec. 31, 2008. In addition to oversight of Pharmaceutical Care, Paul will provide senior administrative leadership to Radiology, Laboratory Services, Respiratory Therapy, and Rehabilitation Therapies in his new role. He will report directly to interim chief operating officer Eric Dickson.

Abramowitz joined the College of Pharmacy staff in 1998 as a Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy professor. In the same year, he became Director of Pharmaceutical Care at UI Hospitals and Clinics and is most recently Director and Chief Pharmacy Officer at UI Hospitals and Clinics. He had previously spent 10 years as Director of Pharmacy at the University of Minnesota Hospitals and Clinics. Abramowitz is a past President of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists and currently serves as the organization's treasurer. He recently completed service as chairperson of the Iowa Board of Pharmacy.


sony tuteja receives frontiers career development award
Sony Tuteja, associate in clinical pharmaceutical sciences, has received the 2008 American College of Clinical Pharmacy Frontiers Career Development Award in the maximum amount allotted of $30,000. The award was given for the work on her project entitled “Utilizing pharmacogenomics to predict drug interactions in renal transplant recipients.” The results of her study may identify a genomic marker for predicting drug-drug interactions and will aid clinicians in modifying drug dosing and alleviate patients of the burden of significant drug toxicities.

The Frontiers Fund supports research that promotes the practice of clinical pharmacy, the safe and effective use of medications in clinical practices, the development of models to predict patient response to drug therapy, and the career development of clinical pharmacists.


college of pharmacy's class of 2008 graduates
The College of Pharmacy Commencement Ceremony was held on Thursday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. at Hancher Auditorium. Dean Donald E. Letendre, PharmD, welcomed the 100 graduating students and the family and friends who came to witness the culmination of their accomplishments. Class of 2008 President Joshua Bartlett provided opening comments at the ceremony, and the keynote address was given by Jordan Cohen, PhD, Emeritus Dean. The presentation of the graduates was given by Associate Dean Michael Kelly, '73 BS, '88 PharmD, '89 MS, while UI President Sally Mason conferred the degrees. The ceremony was then concluded with closing remarks by Dean Letendre.

The graduation ceremony marked the end of many years of hard work and perseverance. For information on being recognized in your hometown newspaper, visit www.news.uiowa.edu/hometowners.html for more information. The event was videotaped and is available as an archived streaming video. Visit www.its.uiowa.edu/tns/uitvschedule/Commencement.htm to view the video.


jay currie to participate in cic academic leadership program fellowship
Jay Currie accepted a Fellowship in the 2008-2009 Committee on Institutional Cooperation (CIC) Academic Leadership Program. The program offered Currie one of five positions available. This opportunity allows Currie "to develop the leadership and managerial skills of faculty on CIC campuses who have demonstrated exceptional ability and administrative promise." The program is designed to facilitate the advancement of talented faculty who are interested in pursuing higher education administration.

In conjunction with his acceptance of the fellowship, Currie will attend three seminars throughout the 2008-2009 school year at the University of Illinois at Chicago, the University of Michigan, and the University of Iowa. Additionally, Currie will participate in on-campus activities at the University, such as debriefing meetings and preparation for each off-campus seminar. He will also be invited to participate in the DEO Workshop Series.


matt witry receives prestigious presidential graduate fellowship
Years of hard work and studying paid off for Matt Witry. He received the Presidential Graduate Fellowship after being nominated by the College of Pharmacy and selected by a Graduate College committee. Witry is one of only thirty other promising doctoral students who will receive substantial financial aid over the next five years. In exchange for the scholarship, Witry will assist in research or teaching and complete a dissertation by the end of his fifth year. His summers, however, will remain free of mandatory service. Witry will begin research immediately this summer for various projects in the PSE program. William Doucette, PhD, Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, will be his advisor.

The fellowship is awarded to graduate students with unusually outstanding graduate academic performance. Such indicators include grades, GRE scores, letters of recommendation, previous research experience, and other relevant extracurricular or educational experiences.


pharmacy faculty celebrate recent promotions
Karen Farris, PhD, Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, and Maureen Donovan, PhD, Pharmaceutics, were promoted to professors within the College of Pharmacy.

Farris received her BSPh and MPA from the University of Tennessee and herPhD from the University of Michigan. She most recently came to the UI in 2000, from the University of Alberta, Edmington, AB, Canada, where she was an Associate Professor in the faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Farris' research uses social-psychological theories with community pharmacy as the context, and she uses quantitative and qualitative approaches in her research. Her work contributes to the theoretical and practical aspects of community pharmacy, ascertaining the social/behavioral roles of pharmacists and their influences on medication use. A second and equally important research interest is older adults’ ability to manage their medications. She is exploring different facets of cognition and their relationship to intentional and unintentional medication non-adherence. A practical aspect of this research area is that she is quantifying the impact of the MD.2 Medication Dispensing machine onpatient outcomes.

Donovan received her BS from the University of Minnesota and her PhD from the University of Michigan. Directly after she received her PhD, Donovan came to the University as an Assistant Professor and later as an Associate Professor. Donovan's research interests include novel drug delivery systems in mucosal drug delivery especially via the nasal, gastrointestinal and vaginal epithelia; and mechanisms of drug absorption and disposition.



college of pharmacy recognizes seniors with dinner and awards
The College of Pharmacy recognized graduating seniors and distinguished alumni for their accomplishments at a ceremony on May 14, 2008. Michael Kelly, '73 BS, '88 PharmD, Associate Dean, welcomed the seniors and their families present at the event. Dean Donald E. Letendre recognized Hal Schimmelpfennig and Jack Rosazza for their contributions as distinguished alumni and honory alumni respectively. The students in the Class of 2008 chose the Faculty Speakers, who were Jeffrey Reist, '82 BS, PharmD, Assistant Professor (Clinical,) and Jennifer Steffensmeier, '03 PharmD, Assistant Professor (Clincal). Tom Temple, '77 MS, Exceutive Vice President and CEO of the Iowa Pharmacy Association, and Kelly Kent, '03 PharmD, President Elect of Alumni Board, gave their congraulations to the graduating students.

Additionally, thirteen graduating College of Pharmacy students were given awards as a result of their achievements. Following are the names of the student award recipients and the awards they received:

Jessica Eveleth
APhA-ASP Mortar & Pestle Professionalism Award
Tracey Irwin
College of Pharmacy Faculty Excellence Award
Megan Leloux
College of Pharmacy Faculty Award
Jodi Langstaff
College of Pharmacy Faculty Leadership Award
Tsung-Chi Lien
Dean's Achievement Award
Heidi Wood
Facts & Comparisons Award
Christine Rupp
GlaxoSmithKline Patient Care Award
Ashley Bramble
Merck Prize
Tracy Lemonds
Merck Prize
Erin Daley
Mylan Pharmaceuticals Award
Emilie Porter
Perrigo Company Award for Excellence in Nonprescription Studies
Matthew Witry
Roche Pharmacy Communications Award
Erin Kennedy
TEVA Company Award


college of pharmacy professor receives seed grant
Mahfoud Assem, Ph.D., assistant professor of clinical and administrative pharmacy in the UI College of Pharmacy, received a $30,000 American Cancer Society seed grant. He will investigate improving diagnosis and treatment of diffuse gliomas (brain tumors) by evaluating which genes are active within tumors.

Assem received the seed grant through the Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center at the UI. The Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center coordinates all cancer-related research, education, and patient care throughout the University of Iowa by faculty from 38 departments in six different colleges. Founded in 1980, it promotes interactive cancer research and provides high-quality health care regarding prevention, detection and treatment of cancer, as well as educating Iowan professionals and citizens about cancer.


Schimmelpfennig, Rosazza receive College of Pharmacy alumni awards
The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy honored two individuals with alumni awards at the college's annual senior and alumni dinner and awards banquet May 14 in Iowa City. Hal Schimmelpfennig received the college's Distinguished Alumnus Award, and John Rosazza was presented with the Honorary Alumnus Award.

Schimmelpfennig graduated from the College of Pharmacy in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He then enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was stationed at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Weisbaden, Germany, where he was in charge of the pharmacy at the base's 350-bed hospital. In 1959, Schimmelpfennig was hired as a pharmaceuticals sales representative covering central Ohio for Eli Lilly and Company. His success led to other key management positions with the company in Stockholm, London, South Africa and the Philippines. In 1981, he returned to Indianapolis to serve as director of international marketing for Lilly. Throughout his career he has been an active member of the American Pharmaceutical Association and the Indianapolis Association of Pharmacists, and he has worked with students at Indiana University, Miami University in Ohio and Purdue University. Schimmelpfennig's career has extended beyond the pharmacy profession. He served as the marketing manager for the Pan American games in 1987 and then became marketing manager of the Indianapolis Zoo, where he works today. As throughout his career, he continues to assist on various environmental and civic projects.

Rosazza received bachelor's (1962), master's (1966) and doctoral (1968) degrees from the University of Connecticut. As a doctoral student, he was a National Institute of Health trainee in the first natural products chemistry program in the United States involving organic chemistry, mycology and pharmacognosy. Following a postdoctoral appointment at the University of Wisconsin, Rosazza came to the UI College of Pharmacy in 1969 as a faculty member in the Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry. His career at the college includes serving as head the medicinal and natural products chemistry division for 18 years, during which he served as mentor and advisor for 30 doctoral students and 30 postdoctoral or visiting scholars. His research encompassed biocatalysis (the use of natural catalysts or enzymes to cause chemical changes on organic compounds) in organic chemistry, and he and his research colleagues have identified many microorganisms and new biocatalytic reactions. Rosazza established the UI Center for Biocatalysis and Bioprocessing (CBB), a multidepartmental research group that includes 60 faculty members from eight UI departments and one of the leading fermentation and bioprocessing laboratories in the world. In addition, Rosazza has served as a consultant to the National Cancer Institute as well as numerous pharmaceutical and chemical companies. Now a professor emeritus, Rosazza maintains a research laboratory at the CBB.


kappa psi assists for ronald mcdonald house
In the final months before students leave Iowa City for the summer, members of Kappa Psi fraternity volunteered their time to fundraise for the Ronald McDonald House in Iowa City. Ranging from the end of March to the first weekend in May, Kappa Psi sponsored four events which benefited the Ronald McDonald House.

Starting on March 27,Kappa Psi relaxed with the residents of the Ronald McDonald House by enjoying a meal together and tie-dying. On April18, the members returned to cook another dinner for the residents, as well as a night filled with Bingo. Along with the dinners, Kappa Psi also sponsored a Bowl-a-thon at Colonial Lanes in Coralville on April 24th. Fifteen Kappa Psi members took part in this event, including Elizabeth Frazier, Emily Douglass, Tian Zhang, Sara Kehe, Bridget Jermeland, Randy Shaw, Ben Suth, Kelly Richael, Amanda Drevyanko, Megan Brockman, Katie Rollinger, Dana McDougall, Audra Hudrlik, Karen Hora and Ann Higley.

The final event of the year was the Ronald McDonald House 5K Fun Run on May 3rd. Thirteen Kappa Psi members participated, including Kyle Beyer, Randy Shaw, Amanda Drevyanko, Megan Brockman, Jon Hemmer, Kristin Sloccum, Ashley Virene,Audra Hudrlik, Christina Gaard, Sara Kehe, Tom Fisher, Karen Hora andAnnHigley. The proceeds from each event go directly to the Ronald McDonald House.

Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. is the world's oldest and largest pharmacy fraternity. The UI's chapter, Delta Zeta, was founded in 1968 and currently has 127 active members. Throughout the year, the chapter meets regularly to plan and participate in social events and fundraisers. The current president of the UI's chapter is Megan Brockman, and the faculty advisor is Deanna McDanel.


su zhang lands competitive internship with pfizer
College of Pharmacy graduate student Su Zhang has accepted a highly sought-after and prestigious internship position with Pfizer, the world's largest research-based pharmaceutical company.

In May, Zhang will begin a 14-week summer internship at Pfizer in New London, Conn. Zhang will be working in the area of informatics, studying the structure, behavior and iterations of systems that store and process information. Her internship will also include working on product information retention and decision-making in the strategic management group.

A China native, Zhang came to the United States six years ago to pursue Pharm.D. and M.B.A. degrees after receiving a degree in medicinal chemistry at Ocean University of China. Zhang is excited about this opportunity and has been interested in working for the pharmacy industry for a long time. "This really opens the door for me," Zhang said. "It's a good thing to get to know people and gain exposure." Zhang hopes to one day work in new product development and commercialize technology for the benefit of others. "I want my career to be meaningful and challenging at the same time," she said.


three college of pharmacy students receive recognition
Xiaoyun Pan, Tsung-Chi Lien and Benton Stamper received awards of excellence at the 9th Annual Research Achievement Day Symposium and Poster Session on April 17th. The event was put on by the College of Pharmacy's Division of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy. The three College of Pharmacy students presented their posters to faculty, staff and judges along with nine other finalists.

In the Graduate Student/Fellow Category, Pan won for his poster "The Impact of Medicare Fee Variation on Physician-Induced Demand for G-CSF". Lien received the award in the Pharm.D. Student Category for his poster "A Novel Assay for Determination of Pyronaridine in Whole Blood Collected on Cotton Rope". Finally, in the Clinical Resident Category, Stamper received the award for his poster "The Utilization of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors and Angiotensin Receptor Blockers in a Veteran Population with Diabetes".

The event was held on April 17th in the Eckstein Medical Research Building. It was the 9th annual Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy Research Day. The day also included a keynote symposium, a lunch and research symposium reception.


ui alumni reunite for spring football game
On April 19th UI College of Pharmacy area alumni were invited to attend a tailgate party and the spring football scrimmage in the Presidential Press Box Suite at legendary Kinnick Stadium. Alumni enjoyed meeting UI Presidenty Sally Mason and her husband, as well as Dean Donald Letendre. The group of 70 attendees enjoyed sub sandwiches, hot dogs, and shared collegiate and football memories.


ui alumnus visits with pharmacy students
UI College of Pharmacy alumnus Traviss Tubbs, '01 PharmD, visited with pharmacy students on April 14th. He spoke about resumes, CVs, and how to interview with success. Tubbs is a pharmacist at UIHC and a former pharmacist recruiter. The event was sponsored by the University of Iowa's chapter of the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (UI-SHP).


ui pharmacy students named to leadership honor society
Fourteen University of Iowa College of Pharmacy students were inducted as members of Phi Lambda Sigma, also known as the national Pharmacy Leadership Society, during an initiation ceremony March 27 at the Iowa Memorial Union. The students joined the UI's Beta Epsilon Chapter. Members are chosen by peer recognition. At the event, graduating PLS members were given an honor cord in recognition of their accomplishments.

The following students were selected for PLS: Sam Andregg, Tricia Bockenstedt, Hillary Charmichael, Rachel Elsey, Christina Gaard, Heather Heit, Colleen Kann, Stephanie Malenfant, Stuart Pitman, Amber Riesselman, RaShauna Starks, Candi Sturges, Natalie Tarkett, Farah Towfic, Ashley Virene, and Angela Yee.

The mission of Phi Lambda Sigma is to support pharmacy leadership commitment by recognizing leaders and fostering leadership development. Established in 1965 at Auburn University, the society became national in 1968. The current president of the UI's chapter is Erin Berry, and the faculty advisor is Karen Farris.


ui alumnus talks to ui pharmacy students about the future of pharmacy
Students recently had the opportunity to learn more about their future profession from a highly respected professional in the field. Tom Temple, '77 MS, gave a presentation entitled "Creating Your Future" on April 7th. Temple, CEO and Executive VP of the Iowa Pharmacy Association, discussed prevalent changes occurring in the Pharmacy field, including current legislative bills going through both houses of Congress, the shift from dispensing to cognitive services, the need to end the silo approach to health care to a more integrated approach, and the dependence on a compliant prescription therapy. The presentation concluded with a question and answer session between Temple and the students. The Academy of Student Pharmacists (ASP) sponsored the event.


ui pharmacy students achieve success at interdisciplinary poster session
Amal Al Omari, MS, PhD candidate, Xiaoyun Pan, MS, PhD candidate and Olayinka Oladimeji, BPharm, PhD candidate, all of the Division of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, participated in the 9th Annual Student Interdisciplinary Health Research Poster Session. Omari created a poster titled "Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms and Neuropsychological Sequelae of Chemotherapy in Lymphoma Survivors." Pan received the Public Policy Center Award as a result of her poster, "A Study of Medicare Reimbursement Policy and its Influence on G-CSF Treatment." Oladimeji received the Center on Aging Award for her poster presentation, "Risk Factors of Self-Reported Adverse Drug Events Among Medicare Enrollees Before and After Medicare Part D."

The poster session was held on April 15, 2008 in the EMRB Atrium from 11am to 1:30pm. A total of thirty-two students from across campus and different specializations presented their health-related work at the event. This poster session allows UI students to present their research and interact with researchers from disciplines other than their own.


ui faculty member helps saudi arabian delegation
Ronald A. Herman, '76 BSPh, '78 MS, '92 PhD, associate professor (clinical), of clinical and administrative pharmacy, and Director, Iowa Drug Information Network, spent time with a Saudi Arabian Delegation touring the Statewide Poison Center in Sioux City, Iowa. Pharmacists Mohammed Barasain and Omar Al-Burikan of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, traveled to Iowa to learn the skills needed to create and run a nationwide drug information system. The Saudi Food and Drug Authority wishes to create a branch dedicated to drug information, and wants to model it after Iowa's drug information service database, designed by the College of Pharmacy at the University of Iowa.


UI PHARMACY ALUMNI elected ipa officers and trustees
In an electronic ballot, six alumni from the University of Iowa College of Pharmacy were elected to serve as officers and trustees for the Iowa Pharmacy Association (IPA) during the 2008-2009 administrative year. The alumni elected and their new positions are as follows:
Bill Baer, '76 BSPh President
Gary Albers, '75 BSPh Trustee of Region 1
Carrie Koenigsfeld, '98 PharmD Trustee of Region 3
Lisa Mascardo, '97 PharmD and '95 BSPh Trustee of Region 5
Julie Kuhle, '76 BSPh Trustee At Large
Chris Donner-Tiernan, '81 BBA Trustee At Large

IPA is the state society representing the profession of pharmacy, united for the purpose of advancing public health, particularly the pharmaceutical care of all Iowans. IPA is organized to preserve and advance the interests of the profession and to serve the professional needs of all pharmacists, pharmacy students, and pharmacy technicians.


UI pharmacy students named to national honor society
Twenty-three University of Iowa College of Pharmacy students were inducted as members of the Rho Chi Society at a ceremony April 4 in Iowa City. Congratulations to UI pharmacy students Erin Anderson, Tessa Anderson, Kelsey Bohling, Grant Buxton, Sean DeFrates, Russell DeVolder, Rachel Dimmer, Barry Francois, Catherine Gannon, Ryan Holt, Colleen Kann, Julie Knetl, Brett McArthur, Olayinka Oladimeji, Amal Al Omari, Megan Peters, Daniel Petersen,rho chi Sheena Rassman, Jill Robertson, Kelly Schueller, Nathan Votroubek, Elizabeth John Unni and Lori Wozniak.

Rho Chi, established in 1922, is an academic honor society in pharmacy. As the fourth chapter established in the United States, the University of Iowa’s Delta Chapter began in 1923. The Rho Chi Society encourages and recognizes excellence in intellectual achievement.


SNPhA Holds Toiletry Drive For ShelterRaShauna
The Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) held it's second annual toiletry drive for the Women's Domestic Violence Shelter last month. The drive was a competition between the P1s, P2s, and P3s. The class donating the most items were the P3's! The class was honored with a breakfast hosted by SNPhA. RaShauna Starks, SNPhA's Vice President, was in charge of the drive.

The purpose of SNPhA is to plan, organize, coordinate, and implement programs geared toward improving the health, social, and educational environment of the community, to educate students about, and promote active participation in national health care issues, develop the role of minority health professionals as vital members of the health care team, and to educate minority communities to better health care practices and increase their awareness and understanding of the most prevalent disease conditions.


cop ball provides entertainment and respite from school work
On April 5, over 200 students, faculty and guests took a break from school work to attend the College of Pharmacy Ball. It was held at the Isle of Capri Casino in Bettendorf, and the theme of the event was "Viva Las Vegas." True to the theme, the entertainment of the night was an Elvis impersonator, who has a face frequently seen in the COP hallways. Natalie Tarkett, Doctor of Pharmacy candidate, was in charge of the event, with faculty help from Karen Farris, professor of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy.

Prior to the COP Ball, an alumni reception occurred. Those attending had the opportunity to meet Dean Donald E. Letendre.


faculty recognized by American Pharmacists Association at 2008 Meeting
Jordan L. Cohen, PhD, professor, dean emeritus and interim vice president of research, was named the recipient of the Hugo H. Schaefer Award and Barry L. Carter, professor of clinical and administrative pharmacy, was selected for the Research Achievement Award in the Pharmaceutical Sciences, from the American Pharmacists Association (APhA) at the 2008 annual meeting in San Diego.

Cohen was selected in recognition of his distinguished service to the profession and pharmaceutical education. He has been an instrumental and influential leader in the profession, advocating for and working to promote the value that pharmacists bring to patient care. He has dedicated his career to enhancing the integrity and credibility of pharmacists and stimulating leadership and professional development in thousands of student pharmacists. The Hugo H. Schaefer Award was established in 1964 to recognize APhA members who have made outstanding voluntary contributions to society, the profession of pharmacy, and APhA.

Carter was selected in recognition of his innovative research in the area of evidence-based treatment of hypertension, which has been widely used in the profession, research community, and other disciplines. He is recognized as a pioneer in the advancement of clinical pharmacy in ambulatory care settings, and his prolific research scholarship has had a significant impact on patient care. His recent grant awards include three R01s from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute to evaluate physician-pharmacist collaborative models to improve blood pressure control, adherence to hypertension guidelines, and provide continuity of care between inpatient and community settings. The Research Achievement Award, administered by the APhA Academy of Pharmaceutical Research and Science, encourages and recognizes outstanding meritorious achievement in any of the pharmaceutical sciences.


pharmacy students honored for "operation immunization"
The University of Iowa College of Pharmacy chapter of the American Pharmacists Association Academy of Student Pharmacists (APhA-ASP) recently won an award for its participation in Operation Immunization, a campaign promoting immunization education and the implementation of immunization services in pharmacies.

The APhA-ASP chapter at the UI received a plaque at the APhA annual meeting, held March 14-17 in San Diego, California. At the meeting, each chapter from around the nation that participated in the Operation Immunization campaign was presented with a certificate of recognition for its efforts, and regional winners were announced. UI pharmacy students who coordinated the local initiative were Ashley Faber and Tricia Bockenstedt. Both Ashley and Tricia attended the conference to accept the award for Region 5, which includes ASP chapters in Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming.

The goal of Operation Immunization is to increase community awareness of immunization information, advise patients where they can obtain the proper immunizations, promote immunization services in pharmacies, and increase the public's awareness of the important role both pharmacists and student pharmacists can play in public health. Since the campaign began, over 538,300 patients have been immunized by pharmacists and student pharmacists participating in Operation Immunization.


ui pharmacy students and faculty travel to mexico for health project
From March 9 to March 14, pharmacy students Jessica Eveleth and Rebecca Lamis, along with faculty members Hazel Seaba, assistant dean for curriculum, and Christine Catney, clinical assistant professor, visited numerous preschools and primary schools in Xicotepec, Mexico, and provided 3,128 children with the deworming medication albendazole. The trip was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Iowa. This is the sixth year the Rotary Club of Iowa has supported Xicotepec projects and the third year UI students and faculty have participated in the effort. In 2007, 2,000 children were successfully treated. "The students' Xicotepec experience is an international service-learning course that is built on a partnership of mutual benefit between the College of Pharmacy, Rotary and the Xicotepec community," Seaba said. "Through the course, students participate in a valuable community public health initiative and acquire skills that support their future professional practice, particularly with underserved populations."

Children in Xicotepec and other parts of Mexico are vulnerable to intestinal worm infections, often due to poor drinking water and sanitation conditions. If untreated, these infections can cause malnutrition and delayed mental growth. As part of the treatment, the team recorded the height and weight of each child and dispensed a full tablet, quartered tablet or crushed tablet of albendazole mixed with yogurt, depending on each child's ability to chew the medication.

Forty-seven faculty members, students and community members from Iowa, Pennsylvania and North Carolina were involved in the project. The team was aided by nursing students from Xicotepec and students and faculty from the Benemerita Universidad de Pueble (BUAP) pharmacy school in Puebla, Mexico. "Not only did this experience aid the children of Xicotepec, but it also helped us to form a strong relationship with the faculty and students of BUAP," Lamis and Eveleth wrote in a summary report. "This relationship will hopefully result in joint health care missions in Xicotepec that are not only sustainable but also unending with possibilities."


Teaching Assessment task force participates in workshop
The College of Pharmacy Task Force on Teaching Assessment recently participated in a two day workshop, directed by a highly regarded and published (AJPE 2007) University of Colorado peer assessment team. The workshop took place on the U of I campus. The Colorado team conducting the workshop included Dr. Laura Hansen, PharmD (19taskforce95 Iowa alumnae), clinical faculty member in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and practices in family medicine, Dr. Marianne McCollum PhD, pharmaceutical socioeconomics faculty member in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy, and Dr. Susan Paulsen, PharmD, faculty member in the Department of Clinical Pharmacy and practices in the Alternative Medicine Clinic.

The two day workshop included a pre- and post- observation conference with U of I faculty volunteers, an observation and tape recording of a faculty volunteer lecture, task force meetings, a 'train-the-trainer' session, and lunch and presentation to the full faculty.

The U of I Teaching Assessment Task Force is led by Barry Carter, professor, Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy. Members include Jonathan Doorn, assistant professor, Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, Ali Salem, assistant professor, Pharmaceutics, Amy Becker, assistant professor (clinical), Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, Horacio Olivo, associate professor, Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry, Gary Milavetz, associate professor, Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy, and Lynne Dunlay, Doctor of Pharmacy candidate.


janjira intra takes third place at graduate forum
At the 10th Annual James F. Jakobsen Conference on March 28-29, the Conference Committee awarded Janjira Intra, Pharmaceutics, third place in the Biological and Health Sciences for her research presentation, "Pulsatile release of biomolecules from polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) chips with biodegradable seals."

The Jakobsen Conference was the culmination of Graduate Student Recognition Week 2008. Co-sponsored by the Graduate College and the Graduate Student Senate, the week was dedicated to celebrating UI graduate students and the work they have completed. It also allowed them the opportunity to present their research to the public.

The College of Pharmacy also recognized its own advanced degree students by hosting a reception in conjunction with Graduate Student Recognition Week. Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs Michael Duffel gave opening remarks and welcomed the guests. Dean Donald E. Letendre was present to give his congratulations to the graduate students, and he thanked them for their commitment, their hard work, and their loyalty to the program.


Student Organization offers Hypertension screenings
Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc. took part in community service during the month of March, helping Iowa City, Coralville, and North Liberty citizens to become more informed about their health. Students visited local pharmacies and offered free hypertension screenings and tested over twenty patrons.

screeningKappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity Incorporated is the oldest and largest professional pharmacy fraternity in the world. Currently, there are 70 active Collegiate and 50 active Graduate Chapters across the United States and Canada. Known as an international professional fraternity, Kappa Psi strives to promote the field of pharmacy through the benefits of fraternal affiliation and innovation.


Liu receives award at American Pharmacists Association meetingYifei
Yifei Liu, a postdoctoral researcher in the UI College of Pharmacy, won the Best Podium Presentation Award for the economic, social and administrative sciences section of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA). Liu was honored at the APhA's annual meeting March 14-17 in San Diego. His presentation was titled, "Norm Balance in Predicting Pharmacists' Intention to Collaborate to Improve Medication Therapy." Liu's co-authors on the presentation were UI College of Pharmacy faculty members William Doucette and Karen Farris.

 
     
     
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