Student Spotlight: Danielle Valls

DANIELLE VALLS

In the Pursuit of Science

By Jason Roth “It seems like destiny has been pulling me towards a career in pharmaceutical sciences for a while,” exclaims Danielle Valls, a student enrolled in the inaugural cohort of students in the College of Graduate Studies’ Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences program.

Originally from Warwick, New York, a small farming town 50 miles north of New York City, Valls has always been a self-proclaimed math nerd who discovered a love of science. “I was part of our math honor society in high school,” said Valls. “Science and math have always spoken the same language, so I knew eventually it would be a natural fit for me.”

Her true love for the sciences was sparked by a biology professor at Dominican College of Blauvelt where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology. “Dr. Madeline Mignone saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself, and that was my potential for great success in the science world,” Valls recalls fondly. “Without her, I don’t think my love for the sciences could have ever matched my love of math.”

With Mignone as a mentor and while earning her undergraduate degree, Valls landed a position as a laboratory assistant at pharmaceutical giant, Pfizer, in Pearl River, New York. After her two-year contract was up, Valls and her family relocated to Las Vegas where she joined Roseman University as a laboratory research assistant for the College of Pharmacy, helping facilitate faculty and student research projects at the Henderson campus. During her time at Roseman, Valls played a critical role in organizing the University’s COVID-19 vaccination PODs, helping order and manage vaccination supplies and volunteering at POD events.

“I’ve never been part of such a community-driven workplace environment,” said Valls. “And, it feels good to know that I work for a university that is always striving to give back, especially during this ongoing pandemic.”

As Valls began to think about applying to graduate school, Roseman University was in the process of establishing its College of Graduate Studies with two program offerings – a Master of Science in Biomedical Sciences (MBS) and a Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences (MSPS). The timing was perfect.

Valls said, “After exploring my options, it appeared that the MSPS was the next logical step on my road of professional development.” She applied and was accepted into the inaugural class, which began in early September.

Valls recognizes the significance of being part of the first cohort of students in the program, explaining, “Being the inaugural class of a brand new program in a brand new college is both exciting and terrifying. Everything we do as students, from our accomplishments to our failures will guide future cohorts.” She adds that the teaching and learning model created by Roseman challenges students to always be their best, while also fostering a community of cooperation and learning. “Roseman truly holds its students to high standards, which I feel sets us up to achieve great success,” she said.

Adding to her educational experience in the MSPS program, Valls was also offered a fellowship with Henderson-based ProCaps laboratories, a manufacturer of nutritional supplements. The Student Research Fellowship program sponsors two graduate student fellows during the 2021-2022 academic year to collaborate with ProCaps in graduate-level education and research endeavors. Valls, along with another student research fellow, will have the opportunity to explore and hone their professional skills as they rotate through the various areas of Quality Control, Research, and Product Development.

“The Student Research Fellowship program brings together the College of Graduate Studies’ and ProCaps Laboratories’ shared mission to advance healthcare through discovery and research,” said Jeffery Talbot, PhD, dean of Roseman University’s College of Graduate Studies. “We are excited about this opportunity to offer a program to graduate students that provides financial and mentoring support as well as research-orientated activities that will enhance their education and training as scientists.”

Earning her MSPS at Roseman, combined with the ProCaps Student Research Fellowship, has Valls optimistic about her future. “I’m interested in continuing my career advancement at Roseman University and growing as an intellectual.”

For more information about the College of Graduate Studies, visit roseman.edu/graduate-studies.

Welcome

MICHELE BROCK

Roseman Medical Group’s newest MSN/FNP

By Emelia Enquist

Michele Brock, RN, BSN, MSN, AGNP-C joins Roseman Medical Group from Michigan. She grew up in a town of 1,200 in southwest Michigan, where her parents were factory workers by day and farmers by nights and weekends. They raised hay, strawberries, chickens and cows, with some horses and donkeys in the mix, along with quite a few dogs. “My parents were great educators. You be kind. You don’t steal. You don’t cheat. You love each other. You work hard. You wanna eat?” she adds in a testament to the grueling culture of agriculture. “You get up.”

When Michele was in her early twenties, her mom passed away due to a contaminated needle used in a cortisone injection. She’d been sick throughout Michele’s childhood, struggling with inflamed joints and using a wheelchair. Michele says her death acted as personal motivator and driver.

Michele earned her Associate of Science degree in Science, and another in science and nursing, from a junior college in Michigan. While she was spending time with a friend whose son was in the pediatric ward, she noticed a nurse and was “enamored with what she was doing – her grace, her kindness to the baby.” In turn, the nurse told her, “You should go to school and become a nurse. We need more nurses.”

Michele went on to get her bachelor’s and master’s degrees online while working full time. She credits the accessibility of online learning as a monumental reason she was able to complete her programs. She’s always been passionate about teaching and is excited to work with Roseman’s patients, students, and providers alike. “As nurses, we’re supposed to be compassionate and kind to the patients,” she says, “so why don’t we bring that over to the people that we’re teaching?”

People matter a lot to Michele. She intentionally chose to focus on geriatric care after studying under a gerontologist who lovingly took time to get to know each patient and make care decisions based on their unique situations, no matter how busy his schedule. “He acted like they were the only thing that mattered in that moment,” she recalls. Now, she brings that patience, consideration, and respect to her work today. “Older people have a voice that can be muffled, and they have so much to offer,” she says. “Not only are they great historians, but we should listen to them for their care options. What’s driving them and why? We can find that out by listening.” She believes comprehensive understanding leads to better patient care. That understanding can only come from taking the time to get to know individual situations and needs.

Rural health is especially invigorating for Michele. In Michigan, she serviced four to five different villages, serving people ages 18 to 96. “I feel like it’s not my job. It’s my calling,” she says. She’s looking forward to implementing her experiences, knowledge and compassion at Roseman. “It felt like a family,” she reflects. “Everybody was warm and kind, and this is how teaching should be.”

Welcome to RMG, Michele!

Michele started in mid-October and is accepting new patients. Please call RMG at (702) 463-4040.

CALLING ALL ROSEMAN SUPERHEROES!

The Week of Thanks(Giving) is November 15-19

The Week of Thanks(Giving) is Roseman University’s annual fundraising campaign to support today’s students. Show your roadRUnner pride by making donations from Monday, November 15 through Friday, November 19 in support of student scholarships and the Dental Patient Assistance Fund.

Every year, more roadrunner students apply for scholarships to help them achieve their dreams of becoming nurses, pharmacists, dental professionals, and healthcare leaders. This year, join your burgundy and gray family in making a gift during the Week of Thanks(Giving)!

Every donation counts and adds to the scholarship funding available to students, just as every gift to the Dental Patient Assistance Fund provides care to more patients in need.

There’s power in numbers, so let’s flock together and make a difference for current students and their future patients! With your help, Thanks(Giving) will exceed its goal of raising donations from 150+ generous donors! In a fun new twist this year, all donors who contribute $75 or more will receive a limited-edition University-logoed t-shirt! Make a generous contribution and you’ll have visible proof to show the residents of your Metropolis that you’re a Roseman superhero! When you get your shirt, be sure to snap a pic and tag us on social media at @Rosemanuhs!

“We’re excited to invite University alumni, partners, friends, and faculty & staff to be the superhero in this fun and important annual event,” says Interim Vice President for Philanthropy and Alumni Relations, Dr. Tom Metzger. “More than ever, our communities today need Roseman’s highly skilled graduates. Join with other roadRUnner alums, friends, and fans to help support the future nurses, pharmacists, and dental professionals that our neighbors need.”

Save the date and make a gift! Givetoday.Roseman.edu

VIRTUAL

An Educational Series Focusing on Community Health & Well-Being.

Join us monthly for virtual presentations on a variety of healthcare topics featuring expert speakers from Roseman University. Learn alongside your neighbors, friends and members of Nevada’s healthcare community during these free community events, which are normally in person but will take to a virtual setting to keep guests safe and healthy.

Spring 2022 Lineup

Join us Thursdays at 5:30 – 7pm every month!

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022 Clark County Credit Union

Financial Fitness in the New Year: Financial Literacy

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2022 Dr. Glen Roberson Improving Nevada’s Dental Health Outcomes

Among Children: One Smile at a Time

THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2022 Dr. Joseph Lasky III Hemophilia and Blood Diseases THURSDAY, APRIL 7, 2022 Dr. Manas Mandal In Celebration of World Health Day:

Global Health in 2022 & A Look Around the World at Public Health

2022

Presenting Sponsor