Graduate Students Recognized for Academic Excellence, Outstanding Research
R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy graduate students were acknowledged for research excellence and academic achievements during the 13th Annual Graduate Research Awards Reception.
The award reception celebrates excellence in the graduate programs, highlighting the dedication and hard work of Doctor of Philosophy and Master of Science candidates. Nathan Cherrington, PhD, and Georg Wondrak, PhD, presided over the event and shared words of congratulations and admiration for all the participants in the program.
Graduate Research Awards
The following graduate research awards are handed out each year to deserving graduate students in the College of Pharmacy.
- The Caldwell Health Sciences Research Fellowship is dedicated in memory of Mary Caldwell, who worked at the University of Arizona for 55 years as a biology and bacteriology professor and then as a researcher. It is awarded to reward and encourage graduate students who are conducting original research.
- The Joseph B. Ryan Memorial Award was established by Joey Nell Leonard in memory of her father, Joseph B. Ryan, a prominent Phoenix pharmacist who operated a number of drug stores in Arizona. This fund is awarded to UA College of Pharmacy alumni who are interested in the MS/PhD program.
- The Conklin Sheevers Award was established by Dr. Neilson Conklin and Dr. Hilary Sheevers in 2023 to grant travel funds for Master, PhD or post-doctoral students to attend the Society of Toxicology annual meeting or other scientific meetings and training opportunities.
- The Glenn Sipes Graduate Travel Award was started by Dr. Glenn Sipes, this award is intended to fund travel expenses for graduate students who are pursuing a doctorate in pharmacology and toxicology and will enable and encourage them to advance their research by participating in scientific meetings. Travel to conferences and scientific meetings remains an important aspect of graduate education where students network with fellow scientists and researchers. This award will continue to encourage students to participate and reduce the burden of costs associated with travel.
Graduate Student |
Graduate Research Awards |
| Joseph Adams | Joseph B. Ryan Memorial Fellowship |
| Aryatara Shakya | I. Glenn Sipes Graduate Student Travel Award |
| Michael Arowosegbe Rukayat Aromokeye Dominque Farrera Naoya Kitamura Sarah Olson Paul Victor |
Caldwell Health Sciences Research Fellowship |
| Lisa Tran | Conklin Sheevers Award |
The graduate awards were selected by the Research Affairs Committee, who was comprised of the following pharmacy faculty:
- Nathan Cherrington, PhD, Chair
- A. Jay Gandolfi, PhD
- Bonnie LaFleur, PhD
- Gregory Thatcher, PhD
- Catharine Smith, PhD
- Rui Xiong, PhD
Graduate Track Awards
Graduate track awards recognize students from each of the four graduate program tracks who have showcased academic excellence and outstanding research throughout the past year. Recipients were selected for two categories based on either GPA or research nominations. The executive committee then made the selection, and the Track Directors announced the awardees to the Grad Student Council.
Drug Discovery & Development PhD Track
Academic Excellence |
Outstanding Research |
| Jack Godek Xiaoyi Zhu |
Xiang Meng |
Health & Pharmaceutical Outcomes PhD Track
Academic Excellence |
Outstanding Research |
| Uche Agu | Daniel Arku |
Pharmacology & Toxicology PhD Track
Academic Excellence |
Outstanding Research |
| Michael Arowosegbe Sarah Olson |
Kara Miller Austin Thompson |
Pharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics PhD Track
Academic Excellence |
Outstanding Research |
| Joseph Adams | Yanhao Jiang |
Pharmaceutical Sciences MS Track
Academic Excellence |
| Punam Behera |
Faculty Teaching & Mentor Awards
Graduate faculty members were also honored at this year's event. Students nominate faculty who contribute to the high-quality learning environment and help maintain high scholarly standards. In addition, they also nominated faculty members who provide advice and opportunities to enhance career development and actively publish work featuring graduate students.
Faculty Award |
Faculty Winner |
| Mentor of the Year | Zelieann Craig, Ph.D. |
| Teacher of the Year | Bonnie LaFleur, Ph.D. |