Campus Connection

The Pharmacy Student Research Showcase took place on Tuesday April 8th from in the MSTF atrium. In previous years, the event had been held in smaller venues, but this year the larger area was booked due to the increased interest in participation.

The Showcase provided an opportunity for students, residents and post-doctoral fellows to present their research projects to the entire pharmacy community at the University of Maryland. The pharmacy school is comprised of three departments; Pharmaceutical Health Services Research (PHSR), Pharmacy Practice and Science (PPS) and Pharmaceutical Sciences. This year’s event boasted over 160 registrants who displayed their hard work for all to see and for the coveted first place awards.  Events like this not only give faculty and students a better understanding of other types of research that is taking place outside of their isolated laboratories, but it may also foster collaborations within and across the three sects of the pharmacy school.

The event began with a panel discussion from three alumni from the Pharmacy School. The topic “Life after Graduation” was intended to provide information and advice to current students on how to get good jobs after completion of the degree program. At the conclusion of the panel discussion, attendees were invited to view the poster displays, which were divided into three sessions.

Chandra Khantwal, a PSC graduate student, presented a poster at the event and was enthusiastic about the change in venue and the increased number of judges. He liked that fact that more judges “give you time to really explain your work.” Twenty two judges volunteered their time and advice to the many participants.

Dr. Yuan Luo, a professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences said that she was “really impressed with the student presenters”. She thought that many of the students had “very clear explanations and where looking ahead to future directions for their projects.”

Although many students came to enjoy the showcase and consume goodies baked by the Student Chapter of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientist, Rana Rais was willing to share her perspective on some of the other advantages of a showcase like Pharmacy Research Day. She thought it was “great to interact with professors who may be interested in your work as well as other students who may be working on a similar project, [but you have yet to meet].”

The Student Research Day Prize Winners Included: