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Washington State University
Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty

Q&A with the new executive director of graduate programs

Salah-uddin Ahmed has been named the new executive director of graduate programs at the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPPS). In his new position, will provide oversight and vision for the Pharmaceutical Sciences and Molecular Medicine graduate program at the college.

Ahmed has taught in the graduate program since he first joined the college in April of 2014 first as an associate professor and now as a full professor with tenure. In addition to his new role, Ahmed will continue to teach in courses focused on topics varying from the fundamentals of molecular and cellular mechanisms in diseases and toxicological studies to drug discovery … » More …

How one professor is combating a silent epidemic in eastern Washington

Just as the COVID-19 epidemic exploded on the world stage in early 2020, a silent epidemic was also taking place in parallel to the spread of the deadly virus: drug overdoses, which increased nationally by 42% in May 2020 compared to year before, according to ODMAP. Law enforcement and public health experts believe the growth of overdoses was a result of state-mandated stay-at-home orders. Job losses, reduced income, and increased stress and anxiety have led to increased drug use as a coping mechanism for many. In 2020, fentanyl overtook methamphetamines as the drug most involved in overdoses in Washington state. This is where Assistant Professor in Pharmacotherapy Nicole Rodin has made it her mission to educate communities in eastern Washington about the dangers of illicit fentanyl and the use of naloxone, the antidote to reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. » More ...

Q&A with the new associate dean of external relations

Julie Akers, class of 2000, has been named associate dean for external relations at the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (CPPS). In her new position, she will be managing and maintaining external relationships of the college while continuing her long-standing legislative and professional advocacy efforts.

Akers first joined the college back in 2013, when the program made the transition from Pullman to Spokane. Since then, she has taught in the Doctor of Pharmacy … » More …

Celebrating college excellence

As COVID-19 spread across the globe, colleges found themselves pivoting to distance learning experiences leaving students, faculty and staff to adapt to a rapidly changing environment while navigating the implications of a global pandemic. Though everyone in the college deserves to be recognized for persevering through this difficult year, several have been recognized by their peers for their outstanding leadership, teamwork and service. » More ...

CPPS students and faculty recognized by University

Across the Washington State University (WSU) spring is a time to recognize those who go above and beyond, making an impact in their programs, the University, and their communities. It is with great pride the college announces the WSU President’s Awards for Leadership and WSU Health Sciences Chancellor’s Excellence Awards received by CPPS students and faculty. » More ...

Raising trans awareness in pharmacy education and across campus

By Sara Zaske, WSU News
Originally posted in the WSU Insider March 31, 2021

The guest speaker in Cheyenne Newsome’s pharmacy class confesses he hates Brussel sprouts. He loves his daughter. He is also transgender. He does not like public speaking but feels compelled to speak to the class in honor of his transgender friend who had little support and died by suicide.

Unfortunately, this is not an unusual story. An estimated 40% of transgender and non-binary people attempt suicide, compared to 4.6% of the general public. While there is strong evidence that gender-affirming care can help resolve gender dysphoria and improve … » More …

CPPS announces faculty promotions

The time a student spends in a University are foundational to their future careers. The connections they build and the community they become a part of leave a permanent mark. Faculty are a substantial part of this community. They guide students through the curriculum, sharing their own experiences and expertise to help students forge their own paths. By giving faculty the opportunity to excel through professional advancement and research, both faculty and students benefit. » More ...

Pharmacy’s Angie Stewart to lead interprofessional coalition in Yakima

College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Associate Dean for the Yakima Extension and Associate Professor of Pharmacotherapy Angie Stewart was selected as incoming executive director for the Yakima Valley Interprofessional Practice and Education Collaborative (YVIPEC). Stewart has been an integral part of the YVIPEC since its inception, serving on various committees and leadership positions. » More ...

HealthChats: vaccines, flu season and COVID-19

The WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences held an illuminating discussion on commonly asked questions about vaccines, this year’s flu season, and what that could mean for the eventual distribution of a COVID-19 vaccine. Kim McKeirnan and Nicole Rodin, who both teach in the Department of Pharmacotherapy at the college, shared their expertise on how vaccines get produced, and the push to get students certified so that they are ready to vaccinate for what is expected to be a busy flu shot season. » More ...