STUDENTS

Preparing for the Future of Health Care

Dean Paul Larrat, joined by URI President David M. Dooley, Donald H. DeHayes, provost and vice president for academic affairs, and the faculty and staff of the College of Pharmacy, conferred degrees upon the graduating Class of 2021 on May 23. Dean Larrat and the entire College of Pharmacy extend their heartfelt congratulations to the Class of 2021.

Pharmacy Student Wins Prestigious Rainville Student Leadership Award

A University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy student is among three undergraduate student leaders the university selected to receive a prestigious A. Robert Rainville Student Leadership Award. Pharm.D. major James Cocozza credits being a resident assistant for more than five years and the president of the Housing and Residential Life Community Leadership board for teaching him what true leadership is about. Cocozza, who is entering his fourth professional year, has been nominated for a Rainville award for five-consecutive years. Cocozza helped create, organize, and present training for more than 100 student and professional staff members. Under his stewardship, the leadership board became a vehicle that allowed RAs to express their concerns and speak about issues they wanted to be addressed.

“James’ true strength is in his ability to care for others and to forget about himself while doing that,” said Wesley Cabral ‘21, chair of the diversity council for the residence council. “He is constantly encouraging the students within his residence halls and the RA community to push past their limits and make the environment safe and inspiring, while taking on one of the most difficult majors ever.”

Pharmacy Graduate Motivated by Heartbreaking Family Experience, Desire to Care for Others

Like many who consider a career in a health-care field, Marie Rodriguez always had an interest in caring for others. Unlike most, the graduating URI College of Pharmacy student has unfortunately obtained plenty of hands-on experience in her own home, which has only hardened her resolve and given her even greater appreciation for selfless health-care professionals. “I always liked the medical field, but knew I couldn’t be a nurse, and I didn’t think I wanted to be a doctor, so pharmacy was another outlet to help people and work with patients,” Rodriguez said. “And this year, caregiving has made me appreciate nurses beyond capacity, because I can’t do this the rest of my life, so give them a lot of credit.” Rodriguez was unexpectedly thrust into a caregiving role when her mother, Linda, was diagnosed with endometrial cancer in March 2020, followed by an autoimmune disease that left her unable to walk. Rodriguez had already been helping care for her dad, Tony, who had been paralyzed five years ago, leaving her and her brother, Kevin, to provide care for both their parents while she finished up her last year-and-a-half in the demanding Doctor of Pharmacy program at URI. On top of all that, Rodriguez was also navigating in new territory along with everyone else once the COVID-19 pandemic hit. She was attending virtual classes and clinical rotations while trying to finish

the 0-6 Pharm.D. program—which allows students to earn bachelor’s and doctorate degrees in that timespan, and was a key motivator for Rodriguez to apply to URI in the first place. During her time at URI, Rodriguez immersed herself in the opportunities afforded URI students. She spent a semester abroad, played on the ultimate Frisbee team and was a program assistant at the Aquatic Center. She is a member of the Rho Chi Marie Rodriguez Pharmacy Honors Society, the American Pharmacists Association, and the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists. She has completed clinical rotations at South County Hospital, South Bay Nursing Home, and at a hospital in her native New Jersey, where she plans to return to continue helping care for her dad while seeking pharmacy opportunities. She would like to remain at her local hospital where she is currently doing her clinical rotations, and COVID has given her a new appreciation for public health. To read more about Rodriguez’ journey, visit cutt.ly/marierodriguez.

“I always liked the medical field, but knew I couldn’t be a nurse, and I didn’t think I wanted to be a doctor, so pharmacy was another outlet to help people and work with patients,”

Marie Rodriguez is pictured with her mother, Linda, father, Tony, and brother, Kevin. Marie finished her pharmacy studies at URI while caring for her family during a difficult time.

Pharmacy Students Vaccinate Hundreds Against Flu

Hundreds of URI students were vaccinated against the flu last fall, thanks to a clinic organized by a College of Pharmacy student, who was also studying vaccine hesitancy for the flu and the COVID-19 vaccine.

N’Deye Dabo, who specializes in public health with Clinical Professor Jeffrey Bratberg, partnered with URI Health Services to provide the vaccinations in the Memorial Union Ballroom. Dabo used the opportunity to learn from students their history with vaccinations and their willingness to receive flu and COVID vaccines. Students were asked to complete a survey asking whether they’ve received the flu vaccine in the past and whether they would continue to do so going forward. They were also asked about any concerns they may have about side effects. “We want to gauge their hesitancy for the flu vaccine, see their mindset and figure out what we can do to encourage them to take the vaccine,” Dabo said. “Are you concerned about getting sick? Are you worried about side effects? If people are uncomfortable, we want to find out how we can make them more comfortable to go in and get the vaccine.”

The survey also asked students their opinions on a the COVID vaccines and whether they have any similar concerns. “Are you concerned about getting sick? Are you worried about side effects? If people are uncomfortable, we want to find out how we can make them more comfortable to go in and get the vaccine.”

—N’Deye Dabo

Pharm.D. Students Awarded Scholarships at Youngken CE Clinic

Nine URI College of Pharmacy students were awarded scholarships during the college’s 63rd annual Heber W. Youngken Jr. Pharmacy Clinic in November.

The conference, named for the inaugural dean of the URI College of Pharmacy, brought together practicing pharmacists and pharmacy educators for a continuing education summit hosted by the College of Pharmacy and Academic Health Collaborative’s Office of Continuing Professional Development for the Health Professions. Ordinarily an in-person professional development event, the clinic was held virtually last year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The scholarship awards were presented to the students during a lunchtime ceremony.

Aaron Perfetto Mariame Sylla Lauren Fortier Jay Patel Justin Jackson Elizabeth Salisbury Lauren Eng Aaron Shaposhnikov Ugene Sano

Nine URI College of Pharmacy students won scholarships during the virtual Heber W. Youngken Jr. Pharmacy Clinic in November.

Lecturer Saleh Allababidi gives students a demonstration on the production of topicals during the virtual High School Day.

Prospective Students Virtually Tour College During High School Day

More than 50 high school students descended on Avedisian Hall—virtually, of course—Nov. 20, 2021, to learn about the College of Pharmacy and the opportunities it offers during the College’s annual High School Day. Ordinarily, high school students with an interest in a career in pharmacy and their families and teachers are welcome to tour the building, and interact with faculty members and URI students about the College and the pharmacy profession in general. This year, the students from all over the region logged into a Zoom meeting to learn the information they need to help them decide to apply to URI. After an initial introduction, students broke into separate virtual rooms for presentations by Senior Lecturer Amanda Chichester in the Patient Simulation Laboratory she directs; Lecturer Saleh Allababidi, who led them through the creation of topical medications and lotions; and Clinical Professor Anita Jacobson, who demonstrated injection techniques. Finally, a handful of pharmacy students led the high school visitors through a virtual tour of the building.

College of Pharmacy Graduating Students Honored with Academic Awards

Numerous graduating students were honored for their outstanding academic achievements in the College of Pharmacy during a ceremony in May. The awards and their recipients include:

Big Ideas. Bold Plans. Student Access

The URI College of Pharmacy is among the most selective programs in the Northeast, but academic talent, drive and compassionate character do not guarantee attendance. Student financial aid is vital for gifted students to achieve their professional dream.

Julia Annis—Viatris Excellence in Pharmacy Award Julia Annis—American College Veterinary Pharmacy Award Joseph Bowler—BPS Outstanding Achievement in Academics Award Garett Carmichael—Phi Lambda Sigma Award* Emilie Carroll- PHP Outstanding Achievement Award in Self-Care Yan Cen—Rho Chi Pharmaceutical Honor Society Award (Highest GPA) John Church—University Excellence Award (BPS Department) Sarah Cruz—American Society of Consultant Pharmacists Award Michael Dailey—BPS Outstanding Achievement in Academics Award Anne Dionne—American Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists Award Emily Duff—College of Pharmacy Academic Excellence Award Emily Duff—American Pharmacists Association-Academy of Student Pharmacists Award Vincent Falkowski—BPS Outstanding Achievement in Research Award (BSPS) Alyssa Falleni—University Excellence Award (PHP Department) Danielle Famularo—Merck Award Carolyn Granato—Student National Pharmaceutical Association Award Courtney Grant—College of Pharmacy Academic Excellence Award Ariel Haber—Merck Award Christopher Hartley—Student Leadership Award Jim Hawthorne—College of Psychiatric & Neurologic Pharmacists Joseph Honig—PHP Outstanding Achievement Award in Teaching Demosthenis Katsaros—Merck Award Erinn Mangona—College of Pharmacy Academic Excellence Award Katherine McCann—Wolters-Kluwer Facts & Comparison Award Lian Ngaopraseut—Lambda Kappa Sigma Award David Sabatino—Rho Chi Pharmaceutical Honor Society Service Award Elizabeth Salisbury—PHP Outstanding Achievement Award in Pharmacy Practice Imke Scheepers—Merck Award Brooke Szachnowicz—PHP Outstanding Achievement Award in Research Brooke Szachnowicz—Pediatric Pharmacy Association Award Kendra Walsh—College of Pharmacy Academic Excellence Award Kendra Walsh—Natural Medicines Recognition Award Rachel Wasserman—BPS Outstanding Achievement in Research Award (Pharm.D.) Claire Williamson—Merck Award

URI College of Pharmacy students distributed Naloxone as part of the Community First Responder program, whose mission is to reduce overdoses in the community. To learn more

about the program, visit uri.edu/CFRP.