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OUR COMMUNIT Y— CONNECTING THE PAST WITH THE FUTURE NOVEMBER 2023
/ MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT / DEAR MCPHS COMMUNITY,
Our Bicentennial season is now in full swing, with events and celebrations creating many opportunities for us to engage as we continue to honor our rich history and embrace our vision for the future. It was humbling, yet inspiring, to see so many familiar President Richard J. Lessard faces at the All Class Alumni Reunion on October 28, as over 3,000 attendees reminisced with former classmates and members of our Community about their nostalgic MCPHS experiences. I was struck by the impact our University has had on so many alumni and their families, and it validated, in a very profound way, our purpose of “Leading with Vision, Educating with Passion, and Serving with Care”. I was similarly inspired by conversations at the Campus Life Fair, where hundreds of current students gathered to recruit new members to cultural clubs, academic societies, and other organizations. Our students understand that they are building on a legacy of leadership, and they have a strong vision for how to further shape and evolve healthcare. They represent the future of MCPHS, and their ideas, drive, and passion are truly impressive. Our University continues to build on its strong foundation in health and life sciences education as we evolve to meet the emerging needs of society. To that end, we recently launched a collection of programs to expand the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) workforce as companies around the globe struggle to find and retain talent. We have been receiving prestigious recognition and significant grant funding around workforce development as biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies add jobs at an impressive rate. Rest assured, MCPHS continues to be resolute in our responsibility of preparing our graduates as leaders in health and life science practice and education. We will also be steadfast in our commitment to our Vision of “Empowering our Community to create a healthier, more equitable world .“ Thank you, as always, for taking a few moments to reflect on “Our Story.” This is an unprecedented time in our University’s history, and we should all be very proud. M
2 | MCPHS | President’s Newsletter
OUR COMMUNITY —CONNECTING THE PAST WITH THE FUTURE Students gathered at Evans Way Park in Boston on September 14 for the annual Campus Life Fair, a testament to the diversity and vibrancy of the MCPHS Community. The theme of this year’s event, “Your MCPHS Era,” inspired future healthcare leaders to reflect on their place in history and celebrate as the University turns 200. It also captured the zeitgeist of 2023 as Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour sweeps the nation and the world. Ninety groups participated in the fair, with representatives from organizations ranging from cultural clubs to academic societies to student support services. Similar events took place on the Worcester and Manchester campuses. At Evans Way, more than 500 new and returning students perused booths, mingled with University leaders, enjoyed tasty treats from food trucks, and posed for selfies with Red, forming and strengthening connections across the Community. As MCPHS embarks on its next chapter, engaged students stand ready to shape a bright future. M
The leaders of the MCPHS chapter of Lambda Kappa Sigma, a professional fraternity for women in pharmacy, recruited new members at the Campus Life Fair. “We have a lot of pride,” said Vice President Maisha Ibnat, PharmD ’26. “Our school started this organization to provide lifelong opportunities for women in pharmacy, and we’re continuing the tradition of building connections.”
/ COVER STORY /
MCPHS began in response to a need. In the early 19th century, there was little oversight of the independently owned businesses that made up the pharmacy industry. Concerned about the lack of regulation and the dangers it presented to the public, 14 apothecaries joined together to create a solution, including a new institution of higher learning for pharmacy professionals. Red learned how to sign his name at the event. Leaders of the American Sign Language Club emphasized the importance of inclusion in healthcare to new recruits. “We need to be able to help everybody,” explained President Marinés Rivas Rodrigues, BS in Premedical Health Studies ‘25. “There are long waits at hospitals for interpreters. We need more healthcare professionals to learn sign language.”
Leaders of the Black Student Union—which currently boasts 150 active members—encouraged students, faculty, and staff from all backgrounds to join and get involved in organizing popular events, such as the annual Black Excellence Dinner. “We strive to educate and engage many different Community members,” said President Thenicha Bruny, PharmD ‘25. The first African American woman to graduate from MCPHS was Rosamond A. Guinn, who earned her PhG in 1915, five years before women were allowed to vote and nearly 50 years before the Civil Rights Act was signed into law. Guinn worked in her family’s pharmacy business in New Bedford after graduating.
Lambda Kappa Sigma, the oldest professional fraternity for women in pharmacy, started at MCPHS in 1913. Librarian Ethel Heath and nine students formed the organization, which continues to thrive.
Leaders of the MCPHS Habitat for Humanity chapter stressed that service is key to the mindset of a healthcare professional. “My goal is to help people,” said Vice President Jyun-Ruei Ho, BS in Dental Hygiene—Predental Track ‘24. “Volunteer work is important to me.” NOVEMBER 2023 | 3
/ BICENTENNIAL /
RECONNECT, REFLECT, CELEBRATE: MCPHS HOLDS HISTORIC ALUMNI REUNION ON SATURDAY, OCTOBER 28, MCPHS held the biggest alumni gathering in the University’s 200-year history. The All Class Reunion & Bicentennial Celebration brought together thousands of alumni from eight different decades to reflect on the impact MCPHS has had on their lives, reconnect with peers and mentors, and celebrate the promising future
of the University. The event was an all-day affair, culminating in an evening celebration that the MCPHS Community will never forget. The festivities began in the morning as alumni were invited to tour the Boston campus. Student tour guides took alumni—many of whom hadn’t been back to campus since their graduation—on a journey, showcasing the ways the University has evolved
and improved over the years. The tours also featured historical displays and guest appearances from renowned faculty. Through this unique experience, alumni relived their own campus memories and saw what life at MCPHS is currently like.
A NIGHT OF CELEBRATION After nightfall, it was time for the main event—the All Class Reunion & Bicentennial Celebration. It was by far the biggest reunion event in MCPHS history, as 3,000 alumni and
their guests, faculty, and staff were in attendance. It also marked the first in-person reunion in more than four years. The celebration extended across two premier Boston hotels to accommodate the unprecedented response to the event. “What an amazing experience, sharing this historic moment with so many of our alums,” said Sue Gorman, Chief Advancement Officer. “From the
moment they arrive, our students are members of our Community for life. It is an honor to bring so many alumni together to celebrate our shared pride for the University.” Alumni attendees represented nearly every graduating class between 1952 and 2023 and traveled from all over the country and around the world to celebrate the special night. They enjoyed dinner, music, dancing, photo booths, and MCPHSthemed decorations. There were also designated gathering spaces for every school within the University, allowing alumni to reconnect with their peers, mentors, and instructors. The impressive turnout is a testament to the powerful connections students make while at MCPHS, connections that were enhanced through the celebration. A group of distinguished guests were also in attendance. President Richard J. Lessard, Provost Caroline Zeind, members of the Board of Trustees, and University leaders were also at the celebration to share in the joy of the Bicentennial and look forward to the next 200 years and beyond. “We must reflect on and honor our past to build a healthier, more equitable future,” said Richard J. Lessard, President of MCPHS. “Bringing together alumni from over many decades to share memories, experiences, and insights over such a joyous occasion presents a powerful opportunity to do so.” M
KEEP THE CELEBRATION GOING WITH CARDINAL KUDOS
In honor of the Bicentennial, we are inviting all alumni, students, faculty, and staff to share praise for other Community members who have had a positive impact on their MCPHS experience. Visit mcphs.edu/bicentennial/inclusive-community/cardinal-kudos to learn more.
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/ BICENTENNIAL /
/ UNIVERSITY NEWS /
MCPHS LAUNCHES OFFICE OF SPONSORED RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP Following a needs assessment conducted by an external consultant, MCPHS quickly mobilized to create a centralized resource for faculty seeking external funding for research, launching the Office of Sponsored Research and Scholarship (OSRS) in September 2023. The OSRS will be a part of the Center for Research and Discovery (CRD), which is headed by Founding Director Keri Griffin, PhD, who is also a Professor of Public Health. The CRD connects students and faculty members to encourage intellectual collaboration and shares a similar mission with the OSRS of facilitating intellectual exploration and new discoveries.
As Director of the OSRS, Frankhauser will work with senior leadership to strengthen the structures of communication and collaboration necessary to support the faculty in pursuing extramural funding. The establishment of the OSRS highlights the importance of scholarship at MCPHS, where faculty are encouraged to explore ideas, conduct research, and generate knowledge. M
“The formation and development of the OSRS will serve as the foundation of our planned phased approach to strengthen the research and scholarship infrastructure at MCPHS,” said Caroline Zeind, PharmD, RPh, Vice President for Academic Affairs and Provost of MCPHS. The CRD will work with the OSRS to build a robust organizational structure for the procurement of funding. School of Pharmacy Professor Frederick Frankhauser, JD, MBA, RPh, will serve as Director of the OSRS. Frankhauser has worked for the University for 19 years. Recently, he served as the principal investigator of a substantial workforce development grant that the University received from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center. Prior to joining MCPHS full-time, he served as the Director of Grants and Contracts at Tufts Medical Center.
Keri Griffin, PhD
Fred Frankhauser, JD, MBA, RPh
The Center for Research and Discovery organizes an annual Student Research Conference that showcases projects on a wide range of topics.
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/ UNIVERSITY NEWS /
EXPANDING LIFE SCIENCES EDUCATION WITH AN ESTABLISHED REPUTATION AS A LEADER in life sciences education, MCPHS is reinforcing its position and expanding its programming to help address a major shortage of skilled workers in the region and around the world. Companies in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, and biomanufacturing space are struggling to recruit and retain talent as the industry grows, and the University is doing its part to help.
NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CENTER FOR LIFE SCIENCES MCPHS appointed Timur Yusufzai, PhD, as the inaugural Executive Director of the Center for Life Sciences in September. He comes to the University with a wealth of experience in both education and biotech at institutions such as Harvard Medical School and DanaFarber, where he received funding from Novartis. Dr. Yusufzai is the founder of Episode One Labs and co-founder of Cambridge-based biotech company MOMA Therapeutics. As Executive Director, Dr. Yusufzai will lead strategic planning and development for the Center. His work will focus on fostering collaboration with industry leaders and increasing opportunities for students to gain knowledge of current industry standards and practices as well as experience with cutting-edge techniques. The Center for Life Sciences is the fifth and newest Center for Excellence at MCPHS, joining the Center for Health Humanities, the Center for International Studies, the Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education, and the Center for Research and Discovery as a home for essential areas of interest that contribute toward the University’s unique academic and collaborative culture.
NEW GRANT FUNDING The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), an economic development and investment agency, has awarded MCPHS a $750,000 grant that will enable students at the University to acquire and demonstrate skills that employers look for in job candidates. It will be used to purchase new lab equipment, upgrade existing equipment, and create a system that will allow students to earn and display digital badges and micro-credentials that signify familiarity or competence with advanced scientific instruments. 2023 is the second year in a row that MCPHS has received a grant from the MLSC. “MCPHS is an established leader in life sciences practice and education, and we continue to keep pace with new scientific advances, including the latest developments in industry lab skills,” said Richard J. Lessard, President of MCPHS. “The grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center will help us to ensure that today’s students become tomorrow’s life science leaders.”
Ronny Priefer, PhD, Associate Dean of Graduate Studies, was co-lead on the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center grant with Frederick Frankhauser, JD, MBA, RPh, Director of the new Office of Sponsored Research and Scholarship. NOVEMBER 2023 | 7
/ ACADEMIC NEWS /
BUILDING THE STEM WORKFORCE AROUND THE WORLD, demand is rising for professionals trained in science, technology, engineering, and math, or STEM. MCPHS offers a variety of degrees—including the newly launched programs listed below—to provide a springboard for our students to pursue career opportunities across these fields. And students in the United States on F-1 visas who earn a degree with a STEM designation—as defined by criteria established by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security—may qualify for an extension of their post-completion optional practical training (OPT), giving them a chance to get more real-world experience in U.S. institutions and industries. In addition to offering a new Master of Science in Clinical Investigation and Development as well as a Master of Science in Regulatory Sciences, MCPHS is launching the following undergraduate programs. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN BIOTECHNOLOGY Biology is the foundation for healthcare education, and in this program, students learn to apply critical concepts of biology to the development of new products, methods, and organisms. Students who earn this degree are prepared for entry-level positions at life sciences companies or graduate education.
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DATA SCIENCE AND HEALTH ANALYTICS Healthcare relies more and more on data to uncover and address challenges across the industry. This program is for students interested in working at the intersection of healthcare and data science through statistical modeling, analytics, and data manipulation. Students with this degree are qualified to fill data scientist or analyst roles at a variety of organizations. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN DATA SCIENCE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY RESEARCH This program is designed to help aspiring data scientists prepare specifically for roles in biotechnology. In addition to acquiring foundational knowledge, students will have experiential opportunities in research and development, including supervised internships and structured activities that foster collaborative practice. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN HEALTH INFORMATION MANAGEMENT & TECHNOLOGY In healthcare, proper management of patient information is critical. Students in this program learn to collect, analyze, store, and safeguard valuable information using existing and emerging technologies. Students can use these skills to support decision-making in a variety of professional settings. M
NEW GRADUATE CERTIFICATE FOCUSES ON LEADERSHIP The School of Healthcare Business and Technology has launched a new Healthcare Innovation and Leadership Graduate Certificate for working professionals in healthcare-related fields, including the life sciences. In three courses, students will build a foundation in business, creative thinking, and management to advance their leadership capabilities and professional skills. Upon completion, students will be prepared to manage the challenges of healthcare business and drive innovation in this evolving industry. Students may also later use earned credits toward entry to the Master of Business Administration in Healthcare Management (MBA) program. M
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/ FACULTY NEWS /
IN ADDITION TO THEIR TEACHING AND LEADERSHIP RESPONSIBILITIES ,
MCPHS faculty are pushing forward healthcare innovation and driving impactful initiatives across the country and around the world.
ADVANCING DENTAL EDUCATION & RESEARCH SKILLS
Dianne Smallidge, EdD, RDH
Rania Mekary, PhD, MSc
Dean of the Forsyth School of Dental Hygiene Dianne Smallidge, EdD, RDH, and Professor of Epidemiology Rania Mekary, PhD, MSc, are collaborators on the Harvard School of Dental Medicine Collaborative Clinical Practice-based REsearch Program to DENTal Schools (H-CREDENT), which has received funding from the National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research. The goal of the project is to determine risk factors for pain following invasive dental procedures and investigate the ability of providers to predict the severity of post-procedure pain. It will also engage students of all levels in practice-based research to improve education for the next generation of dental students. The Forsyth Dental Hygiene Clinic at MCPHS is one of seven sites where patient data will be collected and analyzed. M
BUILDING THE LIFE SCIENCES WORKFORCE The School of Healthcare Business and Technology is working to meet the growing needs of the life sciences industry by creating a Certificate in Quality Assurance & Quality Control. The certificate is partially funded by a grant from Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI), the longest-running life sciences incubator in the state. Spearheaded by Michael Spooner, EdD, Dean of the School of Healthcare Business and Technology, this certificate was developed in collaboration with MBI to train individuals with the skills and data science knowledge required to support biomanufacturing efforts in Worcester County. The fourcourse certificate is part of the new undergraduate data science programs launching next fall. The certificate will also be open to students with a high school diploma or equivalent and will primarily be delivered online in partnership with the School of Professional Studies to enhance workforce development for central Massachusetts. M
Michael Spooner, EdD
NOVEMBER 2023 | 9
/ STUDENT NEWS & EVENTS
/
WELCOMING OUR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS THE COMMUNITY CELEBRATED the start of a new academic year by welcoming international students at receptions in Boston and Worcester. The events served as a way for new students to network with each other while enjoying refreshments and meeting faculty and staff, who stopped by to greet the new faces. MCPHS President Richard J. Lessard and Provost Caroline Zeind, PharmD, RPh, spoke, emphasizing the importance of a vibrant and cross-cultural community of learners at the University. The new students were also addressed by Sara Sanford, Executive Director of International Academic Services, and Stephen Kerr, PhD, Associate Provost for International Affairs. Approximately 150 students attended the receptions. Attendees come to MCPHS from nearly every continent, including Asia, Europe, South America, and Africa. M
SGA LEADERS SELECTED The 2023 leaders of the Student Government Association (SGA) across all three campuses were selected earlier this year based on votes received from the Community.
BOSTON
WORCESTER
MANCHESTER
Priyam Prasad, PharmD ’26, President
Nasr Issa, Accelerated PharmD ’25, President
Liana Thompson, PharmD ’25, President
Vihan Ujash Vachhani, BS in Healthcare Management ’24, Vice-President
Wilfred Tazocha Asonglefac, Accelerated PharmD ’25, Vice-President
Ditya Belwal, Master of Physician Assistant Studies ’25, Vice-President
Torri Carter, BS in Healthcare Management ’25, Secretary
Meghan McGonagle, Accelerated PharmD ’25, Wellness Chair
Kairvi Mehta, Master of Physician Assistant Studies ’24, Treasurer
Allen Suiyanka, BS in Premedical Health Studies ’24, Event Coordinator
Kishan Patel, Accelerated PharmD ’25, Social Chair
Rebecca Ide, Master of Physician Assistant Studies ’24, Physician Assistant Liaison
Jiho Min, PharmD ’25, Treasurer
Olatomiwa Isolagbenla, Accelerated PharmD ’25, Inclusion Chair
Brett Simpson, BS in Nursing ‘24, Nursing Liaison
Caiqi Wei, PharmD ’25, Treasurer Minh Hong Tran, PharmD ’27, Senate Clerk Laura Choi, PharmD ’25, Public Relations Officer 10 | MCPHS | President’s Newsletter
Alexandra Simmons, MS in Occupational Therapy ’24, Occupational Therapy Liaison
/ STUDENT NEWS & EVENTS /
CLAMBQ WITH A TWIST This year’s ClamBQ had an exciting new theme: Barbie. The annual celebration, a highlight of the year that always draws a large crowd, was held during Family Weekend this year on October 21. The MCPHS Community took over the Lawn on D in Seaport—a popular outdoor event space and public park—for the festivities. Barbie fever was in full swing as attendees dressed up in outfits from the recently released movie and enjoyed taking pictures in a special Barbie photo booth. Of course, it wouldn’t be a Boston barbecue without lobster and clam chowder, which students and their families enjoyed between time spent playing outdoor games and dancing to music, including the Barbie movie’s soundtrack. Students connected with each other and introduced their families to the Community, proving that October isn’t too late for a barbecue—and it’s never the wrong time for a party. M
/ COMMENCEMENT /
GEARING UP FOR COMMENCEMENT The next MCPHS Commencement ceremony will take place on December 19 at the DCU Center in Worcester. The alumni speaker will be Marli Caslli, Master of Public Health ’19, Master of Science in Regulatory Affairs and Health Policy ’21. Caslli is the Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Quincy, where he leads public health initiatives for a community of more than 100,000 people. M
Marli Caslli, MPH ‘19
NOVEMBER 2023 | 11
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