Degree: PhD Candidate
Program: Pharmacology and Toxicology
Track: Pharmacology and Toxicology
Faculty Mentor: Tally Largent-Milnes, PhD
Year Enrolled: 2020
Training Grant: T32 Pre-doctoral Trainee 

Cathleen Peterson-Layne, PhD, MD received a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy in 1988 from the University of Arizona. After graduation, she practiced retail pharmacy while pursuing a PhD in neuropharmacology, then an MD at Duke University. Dr. Peterson-Layne has practiced as an anesthesiologist for over 25 years, achieving the rank of full professor. As founder of Being inCredible(TM), Dr. Peterson-Layne works with leaders, in healthcare and beyond, to create and lead extraordinary teams.

Kenry joined the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Arizona as an Assistant Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences in June 2023. Prior to that, he conducted his postdoctoral work at Harvard University, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, the University of British Columbia, and the National University of Singapore. Kenry received his PhD in Biomedical Engineering from the National University of Singapore and BEng (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) with First Class Honors from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

Shaun Phillips is the CEO at Canyon Vista Medical Center, part of LifePoint Health.  Prior to joining LifePoint, he spent 10 years in executive leadership for Bronson Healthcare Group, a not-for-profit, integrated health system operating in southwest Michigan and northern Indiana. 

Additionally, he had nearly 10 years of experience in various pharmacy leadership roles at Trinity Health, a multi-state, Catholic healthcare organization.   

Dr. Cyndi Porter Fraser has served in academic pharmacy for over 15 years as an instructor and in various leadership roles focused on student success and academic growth. Throughout her career she has worked in close partnership with faculty, administrators, and students to establish several student-centered initiatives dedicated to enhancing overall academic and personal development by empowering students to achieve life-long goals. Prior to arriving at University of Arizona, Dr.

Maura Raffensperger graduated in 1977 from the UA College of Pharmacy and went on to intern at Tucson Medical Center. She implemented one of the first surgery satellite pharmacies in California at Santa Monica Hospital, which resulted in dramatic reductions in inventory costs and improvements in patient care. During this time, she facilitated a quality circle, trained nursing and medical staff, and taught pharmacy students as a Clinical Instructor of Pharmacy at USC.

Kunal Ramani graduated from the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy in 2011 with a Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm.D.) degree. Over the years, he has built a distinguished career in the Pharmaceutical and Biotech industry, holding various roles that span Drug Safety, Medical Information, Medical Affairs, and Field Medical. Currently, Kunal serves as the Senior Director of Medical Affairs at Xeris Pharmaceuticals, where he plays a pivotal role in leading the Field Medical team. His extensive experience and expertise have made him a valuable asset in the industry.

G-protein coupled receptors (GPCR) are integral membrane proteins that transduce extracellular hormonal signals from the plasma membrane to the interior of the cell. This large family of receptors is related both structurally and functionally. Structurally, GPCRs share a characteristic "seven transmembrane motif" which means that there are seven regions of the receptor that cross the plasma membrane. Functionally, GPCRs share the ability to interact with so-called ‘G-proteins’ following stimulation of the receptor by a hormonal signal.

Purchasing agent for Pharmacology & Toxicology labs:

• Purchase research and teaching supplies, services, and equipment using requisitions, check requests, and purchasing card (PCard).
• Ensures proper coding and compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Assists with tagging and equipment inventory.

Mario E Rodriguez graduated from the University of Arizona R Ken Coit College of Pharmacy in 1995. He has held a variety of positions in his pharmacy career including community pharmacy, home health pharmacy, managed care pharmacy and has spent the past 26 years working in the pharmaceutical industry. He currently is the Senior Director for Medical Countermeasures with Emergent BioSolutions. He also serves a Commander in the United States Navy Reserve and has practiced military pharmacy around the globe.

Klaus Romero is the Chief Science Officer at the Critical Path Institute (C-Path). Dr. Romero, a clinical pharmacologist and epidemiologist with more than 17 years combined experience in academic and pharmaceutical clinical research, translational sciences, pharmacometrics, modeling and simulation and pharmacoepidemiology, has been with C-Path since December 2007.

Degree: PhD Student
Program: Pharmacology and Toxicology
Track: Pharmacology and Toxicology
Faculty Mentor: Jason Karnes, PharmD, PhD, BCPS, FAHA, FCCP
Year Enrolled: 2024

Prof. Scheeren is an accomplished global executive and leader in R&D and Regulatory Affairs. His pharmaceutical industry career spans more than 35 years in R&D and global leadership positions in the US, Europe and Asia.

Dr. Schnellmann teaches medical, graduate, and undergraduate students across several courses at the University of Arizona.