Matthew 18:1-5 At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who, then, is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” He called a little child to him, and placed the child among them. And he said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes one such child in my name, welcomes me.”
American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) gave an early Christmas to hundreds of low income families by giving each child a free toy at the “7th Annual Santa Cause Toys for Joy” event on Monday, December 12th, 2016. Participating families also had the opportunity to take a free picture with Santa Claus and were provided with free snacks.
The University parking lot came alive with Christmas wreaths, sparkling ornaments, nutcrackers, and a Christmas tree adorned with red poinsettias and a golden star. There was a display for the Santa Claus photo opportunity, a “Santa’s Workshop” booth where boxes of toys were displayed and a booth with rows of bags filled with snacks. Cheerful Christmas songs such as “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “Joy to the World,” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem” played on a loudspeaker while people gathered outside the gates.
The event was scheduled to begin at 2 pm but a line had already begun to form as early as 8 in the morning. The line wrapped around the campus parking lot and was filled with children excited to meet Santa and receive their gifts.
Over 40 AUHS nursing students volunteered at the event. The students were dressed in their blue uniforms but showed their holiday spirit by wearing elf ears, reindeer horns and Santa Claus hats. AUHS students, faculty and staff worked as early as 7 am setting up the booths, the
Christmas tree and decorations. They also prepared the toys and packed snacks.
Santa Claus arrived on campus around 2 pm to greet the children who were waiting for him in line. Many of the children ran to Santa for a hug while their parents took pictures on their phones. The attendees of the event was a diverse crowd. Not only were there English speaking families but many Spanish, Cambodian and Filipino speaking families as well. Santa was able to speak several phrases like “Merry Christmas,” “What do you want for Christmas?” and “Have you been good this year?” in Spanish, Tagalog and Khmer to better accommodate the children and their parents.
Quione Rodriguez, AUHS nursing student, became Santa’s little body guard for this year’s event. He stood out amongst his fellow elves by dressing as a modern elf with blue ray-ban sun glasses and a colorful sweater with “Fruit Cake” written across the chest. Rodriguez accompanied Santa while he walked to the line to greet the attendees before the event began, helping families take pictures of Santa.
“It was my first time participating in Santa Cause. I felt very privileged because I was able to interact with the families more than the other students were able to,” Rodriguez said, “This (event) stuck in my head because that’s what being a healthcare professional is all about. Caring for people doesn’t stop when you ‘clock out.’ It becomes a lifestyle and people will always expect you to help.”
Amarri Sanders, AUHS Student Success Coordinator, also volunteered at the event by helping guide the families towards the toy booth.
“The best part was seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and to see how happy all the mothers were to know that their children will be getting a present for Christmas,” Sanders said, “I love how often the university does charitable events like this and how [all the staff and faculty] gets to be a part of it.”
Sanders donated a baby doll for the Santa Cause event and was able to see the little girl who received her gift.
“It was heart-warming and it felt like I did something meaningful for Christmas,” Sanders said.
AUHS thanks all the students, faculty and staff for volunteering at this year’s Santa Cause event and for helping to bring joy to children in need this winter. AUHS also thanks Kellytoy for donating over 200 stuffed toys. This event would not have been possible without your support and generosity.
AUHS is a private, for-profit, minority owned, minority serving, Christian-based university that offers a B.S. Degree in Nursing and Pharmaceutical Sciences and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Research.
To request more information, email admissions@auhs.edu or call (562) 988-2278. For the latest news, pictures and videos of American University of Health Sciences’ events, like us on Facebook @auhs.edu and follow us on twitter @AUHS_Campus and instagram @auhsedu.
Signal Hill, CA – American University of Health Sciences, a Christian-based, minority-serving university dedicated to providing high-quality education centered around…
Raizza decided on AHS because of its esteemed reputation in nursing education, which has been pivotal in his professional advancement and career trajectory.
AHS offers a comprehensive curriculum meticulously designed to align with the diverse career aspirations of its students, showcasing the institution's unwavering commitment to academic excellence and holistic development.
Furthermore, AHS fosters a collaborative and supportive academic environment, where dedicated faculty and staff are instrumental in delivering an engaging and impactful educational experience. This focus on personalized learning has thoroughly prepared students like Raizza to excel in their future professional endeavors.
Mary Grace
Mary Grace chose AHS for its affordability, convenient location, and strong Christian values, which resonated with her personal beliefs. Her decision was further influenced by a friend's positive experience in nursing education.
She appreciates the close-knit culture at AHS, where faculty and staff are approachable and supportive. This nurturing environment has made her challenging journey through nursing more manageable.
The MSN program's flexible schedule aligns perfectly with her busy life as a working mother of four. The hybrid format enables her to effectively balance online learning with in-person classes.
Christine Le
Christine Le has had a desire to pursue pharmacy since high school. She initially attended the University of Pacific for a pre-pharmacy program but felt unhappy with the environment there. Seeking better opportunities in Southern California, she explored pharmacy schools and found a program that suited her needs, located conveniently in SoCal.
She recently moved to Long Beach for her studies, having previously lived in the Bay Area. Starting her program in the summer was a different experience, as her friends were still on break, but she enjoyed diving into her studies and learning useful information for her future career.
Christine appreciates the close-knit nature of her small cohort, where everyone has unique strengths and aspirations. Some classmates aim to work in veterinary pharmacy, while others have specific goals like working at Kaiser or pursuing research.
As a social person, Christine is open to starting her career in retail pharmacy, as she has always admired pharmacists and values the communication involved in patient care. She aims to build strong, one-on-one relationships with her patients, whether in retail or hospital settings.
Jubin David
Jubin David shares his journey as a Doctor of Pharmacy candidate. He reflects on being the first in his family to pursue a career in medicine, specifically pharmacy. Jubin completed his bachelor's degree in biochemistry, which he chose because of his interest in pharmacy from a young age. He acknowledges that the transition from biochemistry to pharmacy was made easier due to the correlation between the two fields.
He expresses his aspirations to work within the pharmacy industry or in the administrative side of healthcare systems, particularly in hospitals. Jubin recognizes the challenge of understanding the vast number of medications available but has confidence in his professors to guide him in learning how to determine the appropriate medication for each patient.
Joshua Haywood
Initially, I was a business major, but I witnessed certain things that made me reconsider my path. I felt that in business, you don't necessarily need a certification, which led me to seek a more stable industry. I started my journey as a pharmacy technician, a role I was referred to by my mother, who was also a technician. Once I got into the field, I discovered that I was good at it, which motivated me to pursue the prerequisites for pharmacy school.
I appreciated that the program was relatively new, and I learned the importance of being comfortable in your field to succeed. The institution's mission and direction, particularly with their nursing programs, aligned well with my goals. I also wanted to leverage my athletic background in pharmacy, identifying a niche where I could work with sports teams, team physicians, and athletes on issues like anti-doping, pain management, and compounding medications.
There are significant concerns regarding banned substances in sports, especially when athletes lack the education to understand what they can and cannot use. I aim to address these issues through my work in pharmacy.
Christine Le
Christine Lee, a P2 student from the School of Pharmacy, shares her experiences studying in Southern California. She highlights the vibrant opportunities available in the region, particularly in healthcare.
Christine chose the AUHS program because it is a three-year course that accelerates her education. She appreciates the emphasis on empathy within the program, which aligns with Christian values. Christine believes that empathy is a crucial component of effective healthcare.
Navjot Walia
Navjot Walia, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. The journey has been challenging, filled with late-night studying and many tears, but she wouldn’t change anything because she has learned so much from it. Navjot realized that hard work is essential to succeed; there are no shortcuts.
After high school, Navjot attended Cal State Long Beach, but due to the competitive nature of the nursing program, she decided to complete half of her prerequisites at a community college before transferring to the university. This approach allowed her to get into the program right away, and it took her two and a half years to finish her degree.
Navjot has always wanted to be a nurse since elementary school. She remembers discussing her future with her mom, and when her mom asked what she wanted to do, Navjot told her she wanted to be a nurse. She has a natural inclination to help others, which guided her pursuit of nursing. It wasn’t until she started volunteering that she truly realized this was her passion.
Navjot volunteered at the Long Beach VA hospital in the ER, which was hectic but incredibly rewarding. The fast-paced environment motivated her to pursue nursing further. As a volunteer, she found it manageable to keep up with the demands, as her responsibilities were limited. However, time management was crucial, especially when dealing with a high volume of patients and limited bed availability.
Her role involved taking patients' vital signs and reporting them to the nurses when beds were not available. Once a bed was ready, she would prepare the room and assist patients in getting settled. The 12-hour shifts they had to complete during their clinical hours helped them acclimate to the demands of the job.
Navjot wants to express her gratitude for all the support received throughout this journey, including emotional support, which was greatly appreciated.
Thank you for everything.
Quione Rodriguez
Quione Rodriguez, a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from AUHS, shares his journey and motivations behind pursuing a nursing career. He emphasizes the importance of family, expressing a desire to ensure their well-being as they age and to provide for his future family. Quione credits his success to a strong support system, particularly highlighting his mother's resilience and the encouragement from his classmates, faculty, and girlfriend.
Throughout his nursing program, he faced significant challenges, including the loss of his home, but he remained determined to overcome these obstacles. He stresses the importance of collaboration and mutual support among peers, recognizing that everyone has strengths and weaknesses that can help each other succeed.
Quione encourages others to take the first step towards their goals, despite feelings of uncertainty and lack of confidence. He believes in the power of faith and the value of attending a faith-based institution, which has helped him grow not only as a nursing professional but also as a person. He concludes by acknowledging that the education received extends beyond nursing skills, fostering personal development and character.
Manuel De la Cruz
Manuel De la Cruz, a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, described his three-year nursing program as intense but manageable, especially with the support of friends. He acknowledged the challenges of midterms, finals, and various tests, emphasizing the importance of putting in the necessary hours to succeed. The experience has helped him grow as a person, teaching him resilience and determination.
His motivation to pursue nursing stemmed from his mother, a Physician Assistant, who has always been a role model for him. He expressed gratitude towards his family, including his mom, sister, dad, grandma, aunt, uncle, and girlfriend, for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
As he looks forward to the future, Manuel shared his five-year plan to work in the field before pursuing a Doctorate in Nursing Practice (DNP). He encouraged others to do their best, reminding them that they will be responsible for people's lives, and stressed the importance of studying and collaborating with friends to achieve their goals.
Jeanetta K. Mastron is a California licensed CPhT, with a BS Chemistry, currently working on a MS Clinical Research from AUHS and is a designated subject credentialed educator. She was the AUHS Pharmacy Technician Program Director (1999 – 2012), and BS Pharmaceutical Sciences educator (2012 – 2014). She currently works as the AUHS Library/Teaching Assistant, tutors nursing dosage calculations and presents APA and study skills workshops.
Rachel Friedman received her Master’s degree in Information and Library Science from USC. She received her BA from UCR, specializing in Ancient and Medieval History. She currently works as the librarian at AUHS. Some of her specialties include academic research, cataloging, book repair, and library programs.
Thi Dang, PharmD
Assistant Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time)
An experienced, driven, and accomplished Pharmacy Professional and Leader, with a wealth of experience while working for leading, high-profile companies. Owner of Dang Pharmacy Group, Inc. experienced in managing operations, profit and loss, staff training and development, auditing for assurance of medication use safety, staff performance evaluation, staff succession planning, regulatory compliance, and handling a wide variety of special projects. Serves as Clinical Pharmacist/Pharmacist in Charge for the San Gabriel Medical Pharmacy and Pharmacist in Charge for San Gabriel Compounding Pharmacy. A proven manager and possesses a firm commitment to the timely provision of the highest levels of pharmacy services and support. Strong background in many areas including pharmacy management, best practices implementation, performance management, and patient relations. Highly-experienced in all aspects of pharmacy management, and is thoroughly familiar with pharmacy and healthcare practices, standards, and protocols. Experienced in all areas of pharmacy management, has managed many high-profile pharmacies, and is proven in meeting the highest in profitability and productivity expectations.
Ann Chung, Pharm.D, BCPS
Assistant Professor, Clinical and Administrative Sciences
Pharm.D – Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 2004
PGY-1 Tripler Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii 2005
B.S Human Physiology – University of Los Angeles, CA 2000.
Bio
Dr. Chung’s primary experience is hospital health system for nearly 20 years. Prior to becoming a pharmacist, she worked as an LVN in Long Term Care facility and Home Health Care. Fascinated with medicine, she went back to school. She graduated from UCLA with B.S. in Human Physiology, earned her Pharm.D. at Western University of Health Sciences, completed ASHP accredited PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice at Tripler Medical Center, Honolulu, HI. She had served the country as a Captain in the U.S Army at Fort Leonard Woods Community Hospital in Missouri. Dr. Chung is board certified in Pharmacotherapeutics. Her experiences include hospital pharmacy protocol clinical consultations, non-formulary medication review, antibiotic stewardship, IV preparation of compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) , USP 797, retail pharmacy, remote pharmacy order verification, prior authorization for Pharmacy Benefits Management for insurance company (Prescription Solutions). Dr. Chung is compassionate about teaching and sharing her experiences with students.
Area on interest
Acute care hospital pharmacy with a focus on Pharmacokinetics, Antibiotics Stewardship, TPN, Anticoagulation, and Critical Care.
Maria Shearing, MSN, FNP, BSN
RN Director, SON Undergraduate Programs, Clinical Affiliation Sites and Student Affairs
Dedicated and highly organized board-certified health care worker with over 20 years of experience in both hospital setting and nursing education. Efficient in fast-paced multitasking environments; able to prioritize effectively with all organizational level
EDUCATION
3/2019-4/2021
Grand Canyon University Doctor of Nursing Practice (Phoenix, Arizona) Manuscript: “Individualized Assessment and Implementation of
Current Practice Standards for Type 2 Diabetics”
8/2016-12/2017
Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science FNP Program (Los Angeles, Ca) Thesis: “Are melatonin Supplements Effective in Treating Insomnia
in Older Patients”
3/1996-2000
University of Santo Tomas BSN Program (Manila, Philippines)
HONORS/ ORGANIZATION
2023
American Association of Colleges of Nursing (Essential Champion)
2023
UST Nurses Association International (Assistant Treasurer)
2021
Nurse Hero Award (PNASC West LA Chapter) (Awardee)
2021
American Board of Peri anesthesia Nursing Certification (Certification Coach)
California Association of Nurse Practitioner (CANP) member
Open-Heart Surgery, Intra-aortic Balloon Pump, Impella, ECMO, EVD, 12-Lead ECG, ACLS, Dysrhythmia, PICC Line Certificate, Wound Care Management, Hemodynamics, CRRT, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
WORK EXPERIENCE
2022- current
Collaborator (PNASC): UCI MIND
Ahead Research Project University of California Irvine, Ca
2018-2022
Independent Consultant HIV
National Integration Research Howard University, Washington D.C
3/2022- Currently employed
Nurse Practitioner (Primary Care)
Kaiser Permanente Hospital – 9400 Rosecrans Ave. Bellflower, CA
American University of Health Sciences Signal Hill, CA
MSN Education
2017 – 12/2019
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science Nursing
2004 – 03/2006
St. Jude College (Manila Philippines)
Medical Internship
1998-1999
Veterans Memorial Medical Center
Doctor of Medicine
1994 – 04/1998
Far Eastern University (Manila Philippines)
B.S. Biology
1990 – 1994
Far Eastern University (Manila Philippines)
LICENSES
FNP
Active
American Association of Nurse Practitioners, Board of Registered Nursing
California
RN
Active
Board of Registered Nursing California
Physician (USA)
2003
United States Medical Licensure
Examination (USMLE)
Step 1 Basic Medicine
Step 2A Clinical Knowledge
Step 2B Clinical Skills
Physician (USA)
2008
Educational Commission for Foreign Medical Graduates Certificate
Physician (Philippines)
2000
Professional Regulation Commission
CERTIFICATE
Open-Heart Surgery, Intra-aortic Balloon Pump, Impella, ECMO, EVD, 12-Lead ECG, ACLS, Dysrhythmia, PICC Line Certificate, Wound Care Management, Hemodynamics, CRRT, American Association of Nurse Practitioners
WORK EXPERIENCE
Dec 2021 to Present
Life Point Urgent Care
Clinic, Urgent Care NP
Feb 2020 to Present
American University of Health Sciences
Asst. Professor BSN, MSN Assistant Dean (current)
May 2016 to Jan 2022
Little Company of Mary Medical Center
Staff RN ICU, Preceptor RN New Graduates
Mar 2018 to Feb 2020
Centinela Hospital Medical Center
Charge RN ICU, Educator Critical Care
May 2014 to Mar 2018
Fountain Valley Regional Hospital and Medical Center Hollywood
Presbyterian Medical Staff
MICU RN
Nov 2012 to May 2016
Centinela Hospital Medical Center
Staff RN ICU Preceptor RN New Graduates
Nov 2011 to Nov 2012
Torrance Memorial Medical Center Torrance, CA
MICU
Aug 2010 to Aug 2011
Memorial Hospital of Gardena, CA
Staff RN Medical-Surgical
June 2009 to Nov 2012
Infinity Care of East L.A. Los Angeles, CA
Staff RN Medical-Surgical Telemetry
April 2009 to June 2010
Infinity Care Maywood, CA
Director of Nursing
Aug 2008 to April 2009
Accent Home Care Inc, Long Beach CA
RN Supervisor
July 2007 to July 2009
Pacific Palms Healthcare, Long Beach CA
RN Supervisor / Assistant DON
Dec 2006 to Aug 2008
Harbor Care Center Torrance, CA
RN Supervisor
May 2006 to Dec 2006
Our Lady of Fatima University, Quezon City Philippines
Charge Nurse
May 2004 to June 2006
Angel ADHC, Los Angeles CA
Nursing Instructor Pathology
June 2002 to May 2004
Harbor Care Center, Torrance CA
Administrator
June 2001 to June 2002
Fairview General Hospital Philippines
Quality Assurance
May 2001 to May 2002
ER Physician
May 2001 to May 2002
PROFESSIONAL REFERENCE
Dr. Manny Atienza
Professor AUHS
702-353-2178
Dr Barbara Thurn-Tamayo Chairman
FNP-AUHS
626-319-1741
Patrick Sheehy RN
Staff RN – LCOM
310-971-1701
Greg De Grano
MD, DNPc, APRN, FPN-C, MSN DEAN, SON Graduate Programs
Gregorio L. De Grano, DNP(c), MSN, APRN, FNP-C is the Dean of Nursing Graduate Program for the School of Nursing. Dr. De Grano graduated with a Medical Degree from the Philippines and completed his MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track from Charles R. Drew University of Health and Science in Los Angeles California. He is a board-certified nurse practitioner with vast clinical experience in Family and Primary Health Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care, and has over 20-year experience in various clinical settings including ICU, PCU, Emergency Room, Medical Surgical, Acute, and Intra-operative Hemodialysis. With over 8 years of experience in academia, he has made significant contributions to developing and advancing nursing education and practice. As the Dean of the Nursing Graduate Program, Dr. De Grano is dedicated to shaping the next generation of advanced practice nurses and nursing leaders in advancing the profession through evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. His commitment to fostering excellence in nursing education is evident in his collaborative approach to curriculum development with an emphasis on incorporating the latest advancements in healthcare and ensuring the integration of cultural competence, ethics, and leadership skills. Beyond his role as a Dean, Dr. De Grano is a compassionate nurse leader who believes in the power of mentorship and empowerment as he actively mentors students and faculty, supporting their professional growth and personal development.
Hello,
After four years of learning from California State University, Fullerton, I, Alphonse Nguyen, earned the bachelor’s degree in Communications in 2000. I worked as a news writer for several newspapers for five years. Then I thought, I must stop working due to my limited physical capability. As per the job, it required a collection of new stories and information that required a lot of walking to reach to many, and to collect the latest updates from the sources. I needed a change in the career as, I could not meet the expectation.
I had registered for the MSCR program at American University of Health Sciences in 2011 and completed the program in 2013. My thesis titled, “Disease Due to Smoking and Smoking Cessation Clinical Trials” took some time to complete and I am grateful that I could passionately work on it for an extended period of time as I needed to work full time to support my family.
I am really excited as to what I have learned from my excellent Clinical Research professors at AUHS. I was trained by role playing and experienced so many new things that I had never known before. The Clinical Research Field is always in demand and I am fortunate to be a clinical researcher.
I would like to say thank you, AUHS; Pastor Johnson, Ms. Kim Dang and professors, especially Dr. Saral Amarnani who helped me from the beginning until the end with a lot of encouragement.
God bless everyone at AUHS.
Thank you once again, Alphonse Nguyen
THANK YOU, AUHS
After earning my Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry from California State University, Long Beach in 2011, I have worked as a Quality Assurance Specialist at a pharmaceutical company for one year before starting my Master’s Degree in Clinical Research (MSCR) at American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) in 2012.
I have finished all of the required courses of the MSCR program from 2012 to 2014 and successfully competed my thesis “A Clinical Trials Endpoints Review on the Effects of Injectafer®, an Intravenous Iron Therapy for Chronic Heart Failure Patients with Iron Deficiency Anemia” in December 2017, and graduated with the MSCR degree.
While studying at AUHS, I began my first position in the clinical research field at a Site Management Organization (SMO) as the Lead Clinical Research Coordinator (LCRC) for four years. Prior to being promoted as the Regional Manager for two years, I held the Phase 1 Operations Manager position at the same company for another two years. I was responsible for conducting and managing Clinical Trials for various trials of therapeutic areas as well as for multiples sites in California, USA.
In 2019, I left the SMO and started the new journey as a Clinical Research Associate (CRA) for a Contracted Research Organization (CRO) company.
The experience I have learned from working as the CRC and a Site Manager at the SMO, and especially the knowledge I gained from the MSCR program has given me the best preparation to be successful as a CRA.
5 AUG 2020 Tri Tran, MSCR.
Dear beloved AUHS family,
My name is Hieu, and I am currently working on finishing my thesis by the end of this year. After I graduated from the University of California, Irvine with a B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, I applied to AUHS for a Master’s degree in Clinical Research. I have finished all my classes, but I still need to finish my thesis in order to graduate with the degree. I extend my thanks to Dr. Saral Amarnani and other staff members who are still willing to spend time in helping me through with my thesis even in this tough times, as the pandemic is still ongoing. I am sincerely thankful to their efforts and I will be done with the thesis at the end of this year, 2020. As of now, I am working in the ‘North America Research Institute’ (NARI) as a clinical research coordinator. With all the knowledge that I gained while in school, I can easily adapt to my job and has helped me be efficient and confident. The MSCR program is very helpful and worth the money and time in preparing new students like me to step into the clinical research field.
Thank you once again, Hieu Tu, B.S.
Jenny Nguyen
Hear what Jenny Nguyen has to say during her time as a clinical research student at AUHS' Master of Science in Clinical Research program. Ms. Nguyen provides insight and an in-depth look into the academic and professional experience that progressed to where she is at now.
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Ivy Javaluyas
PExecutive Director, Student Affairs and University ALO
Genevieve (Ivy) Javaluyas has been with the University for nearly fifteen years and serves the University and its students as the Director of Student Services. Ms. Javaluyas has actively assisted with the development of many student services policies and procedures and provided leadership related to her area of expertise in participating in institutional and programmatic regulatory approvals and accreditations. Ms. Javaluyas has more than fifteen years in administration and management experience in student services. Ms. Javaluyas holds a Baccalaureate degree in Mathematics with a concentration in actuarial science.
Greg De Grano
MD, DNPc, APRN, FPN-C, MSN DEAN, SON Graduate Programs
Gregorio L. De Grano, DNP(c), MSN, APRN, FNP-C is the Dean of Nursing Graduate Program for the School of Nursing. Dr. De Grano graduated with a Medical Degree from the Philippines and completed his MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track from Charles R. Drew University of Health and Science in Los Angeles California. He is a board-certified nurse practitioner with vast clinical experience in Family and Primary Health Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care, and has over 20-year experience in various clinical settings including ICU, PCU, Emergency Room, Medical Surgical, Acute, and Intra-operative Hemodialysis. With over 8 years of experience in academia, he has made significant contributions to developing and advancing nursing education and practice. As the Dean of the Nursing Graduate Program, Dr. De Grano is dedicated to shaping the next generation of advanced practice nurses and nursing leaders in advancing the profession through evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. His commitment to fostering excellence in nursing education is evident in his collaborative approach to curriculum development with an emphasis on incorporating the latest advancements in healthcare and ensuring the integration of cultural competence, ethics, and leadership skills. Beyond his role as a Dean, Dr. De Grano is a compassionate nurse leader who believes in the power of mentorship and empowerment as he actively mentors students and faculty, supporting their professional growth and personal development.
Dr. Jaydutt V. Vadgama
Senior Vice President for Research, Innovation, and Graduate Studies
Dr. Lesher is an accomplished professional with nearly 35 years of invaluable experience in the field of higher education. With a diverse range of roles under her belt, including Chief Operating Officer, Provost, Director of Assessment, Academic Dean, and Faculty, Dr. Lesher has honed her skills and acquired comprehensive knowledge across the higher education landscape. Her extensive experience enables her to navigate the complex challenges faced by educational institutions effectively.
Notably, Dr. Lesher has played a pivotal role in helping numerous schools secure and maintain accreditation, while ensuring compliance with state regulations. Her dedication to the accreditation process is evident through her involvement as an evaluator for the Distance Education and Training Council and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). As an active member of the WASC Substantive Change Committee, she contributes to shaping educational standards and policies.
Dr. Lesher’s academic background further strengthens her expertise. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from San Diego State University, a Master of Arts degree in Organizational Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Doctorate in Higher Education Administration with a focus on Educational Leadership from Liberty University. Additionally, she is a distinguished graduate of the WASC Assessment Leadership Academy. Beyond her impressive credentials, Dr. Lesher’s passion for higher education and commitment to fostering excellence make her an asset to any institution she serves. Her ability to blend strategic thinking with practical implementation has consistently yielded positive outcomes for the organizations she has worked with.
In summary, Dr. Lesher’s extensive experience, leadership roles, and unwavering dedication to educational quality and compliance make her a highly respected professional in the field of higher education. Her contributions in accreditation, educational consulting, and assessment of student learning have positively impacted numerous institutions, positioning her as an exceptional leader in the realm of higher education administration.
Professioanl Summary
As a highly effective leader in higher education with 35 years of experience, I possess a proven track record of success in strategic planning, faculty development, assessment, and accreditation. With a deep understanding of the intricacies and challenges that come with leading an academic institution, I am committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, academic excellence, collaboration, and innovation. My ability to build strong relationships with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders has enabled me to implement successful initiatives that have positively impacted institutional effectiveness and student outcomes. I am a visionary leader with a passion for creating and implementing strategic plans that support the mission of the institution and align with the changing landscape of higher education.
Professional Experience
AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF HEALTH SCIENCES (January 2023 – Present) Vice President of Institutional Effectiveness Provides direction and oversight for institutional assessment, assessment of student learning, institutional research and strategic planning initiatives. Responsible for informing and facilitating continuous improvement across the University by providing a broad array of research and reporting services to internal and external stakeholders.
LAGUNA COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN (Januaru 2017 – Novvember 2022) Provost/WSCUC Accreditation Liaison Officer (July 2021 – November 2022) Served as the Chief Academic Officer for the college. Provided strategic leadership for curriculum development, academic program delivery, assessment activities, and program quality. Responsible for the on-going development, enhancement and measurement of learning outcomes for the College and participated in the creation of new academic programs and policies in alignment with the College’s mission and goals. Functioned as liaison between the Board of Trustees and Academic Affairs.
Managed $4.5M instructional budget with transparency.
Led new program development, quality curriculum, academic policies and retention efforts.
Supported comprehensive DEI initiatives including professional development, policy creation, curriculum and programming.
Advocated for faculty with a commitment to shared governance and academic excellence.
Maintained open and honest communication with accreditors and regulators.
Associate Provost/WSCUC Accreditation Liaison Officer (Febuary 2020-June 2021) Established collaborative strategies with the provost to ensure the College achieved its stated mission. Supported the Academic Affairs department in assessment, accreditation, student code of conduct, diversity, equity and inclusion, regulatory compliance and faculty development.
Supported the development of faculty in effective teaching and learning pedagogy, assessment practices and diversity, equity and inclusion practices.
Evaluated, investigated and adjudicated all allegations against faculty as well as violations of the Student Code of Conduct.
Participated in the creation of new academic programs and policies in alignment with the College’s mission and goals.
Director of Assessment and Accreditation/WSCUC Accreditation Liaison Officer (January 2017-January 2020) Led faculty and staff in the creation and implementation of comprehensive assessment plans and worked with the institutional research staff to transform data into information that supports institutional and program improvement. Responsible for planning and execution of all accreditation activities, initiatives, and visits.
Led faculty in development and articulation of learning outcomes for all departments.
Ensured the alignment of curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment with learning outcomes.
Supported the collection and analysis of assessment data to determine areas of improvement.
Developed and implemented a formal institutional effectiveness plan and program review process for all units.
CALIFORNIA SOUTHERN UNIVERSITY (May 2013 – December 2016) Director of Institutional Research and Assessment/WSCUC Accreditation Liaison Officer Member of the senior management team, responsible for managing the assessment department and all activities related to strategic planning, assessment, student success and compliance.
Developed and implemented student, academic and administrative policies in accordance with applicable regulations, accreditation standards, internal policies and best practices in assessment.
Built collaborative relationships between university departments to better coordinate and focus institutional assessment efforts on a learner-centered approach to student success.
Managed all new program development and substantive changes, leading program chairs in the process.
Guided university assessment activities to support planning and budgeting.
Provided training, support and resources for assessment of curricular, co-curricular and institutional effectiveness.
Analyzed legal and regulatory developments, disseminated information to appropriate departments and provided guidance on potential impacts to educational operations.
Prepared and reviewed all federal, state, accreditation and other reports and correspondence relating to institutional approvals, new programs, program modifications, and new locations as required by respective agencies. (Achieved initial accreditation with WSCUC and submitted seven substantive change reports).
HENLEY-PUTNAM UNIVERSITY (April 2006 – May 2013) Director of Educational Compliance/WSCUC Accreditation Liaison Officer Responsible for ensuring compliance with WASC and DETC accreditation standards, as well as California state regulations. Was responsible for oversight of all assessment and accreditation activities. Led WASC self-study committee for initial accreditation visit.
Chaired university assessment committee.
Gained initial DETC accreditation and approval for a new doctorate program.
Gained to VA approval, DANTES affiliation and SOC membership.
Maintained university catalog and all policy manuals.
SELF-EMPLOYED (June 2003 – April 2006) Education Consultant Consultant in the field of education. Specializing in accreditation support, student success, policy development, training, course/program development, assessment, strategic planning and retention.
Developed Distance Education Business Plan to determine feasibility of new program.
Created student retention and motivation plan for distance education.
Prepared analysis of state and accreditation standards for a national accreditor.
Worked with schools to perform critical self-analysis to prepare for accreditation and state site visits.
Performed mock-site visits for schools preparing for accreditation.
Represented educators in meetings with state licensing officials and CA state teacher credentialing agency.
AVIATION & ELECTRONICS SCHOOLS OF AMERICA (April 1998 – June 2003) Accreditation & Compliance Manager Responsible for ensuring compliance with all regulatory requirements for the school.
Designed and wrote School Catalog and Policy & Procedure Manual.
Attained DETC and COE accreditations, VA approval as well as DANTES affiliation for school.
Prepared & submitted ACE, CA BPPVE, INS, & JTPA applications.
HEALD BUSINESS COLLEGE ( September 1996 – January 1998) Dean of Instruction/Instructor Responsible for overall operations of evening classes for private business college.
Counseled and advised students on academic, attendance and conduct matters.
Supervised faculty to ensure productive classroom activity through evaluations and follow-ups.
Created Master Schedule, instructor schedules and student program plans.
Taught college level courses in Student Success, Essential Language Skills and Keyboarding.
CALIFORNIA COLLEGE FOR HEALTH SCIENCES (Febuary 1991 – July 1996) Chief Operating Officer (1995-1996) Managed the administration of business operations including strategic planning, budgeting, human resources and contracting.
Formulated and administered $2 million operations budget; met all targets.
Orchestrated successful five-year re-accreditation and California state license re-approval.
Worked closely with the Marketing department to set targets and formulate marketing strategies.
Lead successful initiatives in education planning and retention to meet college targets.
Director of Student Services (1991-1995) Managed all Student Services departments, including Admissions & Records, Faculty, Student Advisement, Communications, Mailroom, Shipping/Inventory and Financial Aid.
Developed and implemented student motivation program to increase completion rates.
Co-authored college publications such as catalogs, orientation manuals, & company policies.
Developed successful Total Quality Improvement (TQI) Program to improve customer service; overall complaints decreased 73% in first year.
Coordinated student support program from admissions to graduation.
FASHION INSTITUTE OF DESIGN AND MERCHANDISING ( May 1988 – Febuary 1991) Education Coordinator/Instructor Provided academic advisement, admissions screening, and junior college level individual tutoring.
Interviewed and tested high risk and ATB students.
Instructed four semesters of college level Introduction to Computers.
Instructed three semesters of college level English Composition, developing curriculum, training aids and grading criteria. Received outstanding rating on 100% of student evaluations.
Developed and presented numerous campus training workshops improving retention rates by 30%. Topics included: public speaking, time management, note-taking and study skills.
Education/Training
Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration: Educational Leadership
LIBERTY UNIVERSITY, 2022.
Dissertation: The Relationship between Game Art Students’ Achievement and Their Perceived Quality of Assessment
VALUE Institute Certified Scorer
ASSOCIATION OF AMERICAN COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES, 2018.
WASC Assessment Leadership Academy
WESTERN ASSOCIATION OF SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES, Oakland, California, 2015.
Master of Arts, Organizational Management
UNIVERSITY OF PHOENIX, San Diego, California, 1995.
Bachelor of Arts, English
SAN DIEGO STATE UNIVERSITY, San Diego, California, 1988.
Teaching/Training
Guest Lecturer: Pedagogy + Professional Studies, Laguna College of Art and Design MFA Course, 2018- 2022.
Trainer: Writing Course Learning Outcomes, Laguna College of Art and Design Dept. Chair Residency, 2018.
Trainer: Aligning Learning Outcomes, Laguna College of Art and Design Faculty Senate Training, 2017.
Trainer: Introduction to Assessment, California Southern University Faculty Retreat, 2014-2016.
Instructor: Student Success, Keyboarding, English Composition, Heald Business College, 1996-1997.
Instructor: English Composition, Student Success, Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, 1990-1991.
Presentations and Publications
Connection to Evidence: Methods for Learning and Knowing, WASC Academic Resource Conference, 2023.
Intersection of PLO Assessment and Advancement Review; WASC Academic Resource Conference, 2019.
Assessment in Context: Showcasing the WSCUC Community of Practice Project, Panel member; WASC Academic Resource Conference, 2019.
Assessment in the Arts Special Interest Group; WASC Academic Resource Conference, 2018, 2019, 2021and 2022.
Organized and led Assessment in the Arts collaboration session with multiple institutions, 2017.
Co-Presenter: Measuring Student Learning in the Visual and Performing Arts; WASC ARC, 2017.
Publication: Assessment, A Mouse, and a Cookie, AAHLE Intersection, Summer 2016.
Podcast: Understanding the Fundamentals of Assessment, CalSouthern Sun, August 2015.
Publication: Assessment 101, CalSouthern Sun, April 2015.
Interview: An Emphasis on Assessment, CalSouthern Sun, February 2015.
Presentation: Competency Based Education, WASC Academic Resource Conference, 2013.
Presentation: Outcomes Assessment and Program Review, DEAC Annual Meeting, 2013.
PPhD in Pharmacy Administration from the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University
BS degree in Pharmacy from Jadavpur University in India
Bio
Dr. Arjun Dutta earned a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in Pharmacy from Jadavpur University in India. He went on to complete his PhD in Pharmacy Administration at the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Dutta specializes in Outcomes Research, focusing on areas such as Pharmacoeconomics, Quality of Life, and Epidemiology. His extensive publication record includes research in Pharmacy Education, covering topics such as curriculum assessment, student admissions criteria, progression, and retention.
With over 22 years of experience in academic pharmacy, Dr. Dutta has successfully established three pharmacy programs as a founding administrator in Oregon, New York, and California. His administrative roles have included serving as the Interim Dean and Senior Associate/Assistant Dean for Academic & Student Affairs at three newly established colleges of pharmacy. Prior to his academic career, Dr. Dutta worked as an Outcomes Manager at a health economics firm specializing in Phase IV research for pharmaceutical companies.
Dr. Dutta has an impressive publication record, with over 71 research articles, abstracts, and book chapters published in various peer-reviewed journals and professional meetings. He has secured funding from both federal agencies (AHRQ, HRSA) and private sources for his research, which has primarily focused on health services and outcomes assessment. Dr. Dutta has also been invited to speak at national and international meetings.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Arjun enjoys traveling with his wife and two sons. He is an avid reader and a fan of NFL. In the past, he and his wife actively participated in Ballroom Dance competitions.
Sandy Sarge, MACC, has over 26 years of collaborative financial, operational, and technical leadership experience. Her previous experience includes 10+ years in higher education where she owned her own consulting firm specializing in finance and financial aid compliance, accounting operations, and strategic leadership. Sandy is an accomplished public advocate, speaker, and a newly selected WASC Peer Reviewer. Most recently, she was appointed to the US Department of Education’s Gainful Employment Negotiated Rulemaking Committee as a primary negotiator. Ms. Sarge holds a Master of Accountancy from the University of South Carolina, and Bachelor of Business Administration from Texas A&M University and was an actively licensed CPAV for over 10 years (currently inactive, in good standing).
Noble A. DraKoln has been involved in multiple tech startups as a consultant, investor and C-suite executive. As an NFT/blockchain game developer over the past two years he has been deeply involved helping assist new blockchain projects come to life and has created an innovative music NFT/blockchain project called BANDRoyalty.com with his co-founder Barnaby Andersun.
He began is tech investing adventure during the early days of the conversion from paging to full digital cellular networks, from TDMA to CDMA, he successfully ran a venture that made mergers and acquisitions in the 900mHz, 150mHz, and 450mHz spectrum’s.
At the introduction of DVDs he successfully ran and sold off a VHS to DVD conversion studio, and he has been a part of guiding, consulting, and assisting in financing internet startups in both Web 1.0 and Web 2.0 phases.
Mr. Drakoln started out as a futures/commodities broker at the age of nineteen trading the E-mini S&P, gold futures contracts, and treasury bond strips. Since that time he has authored the Wiley & Sons published best-selling books Winning the Trading Game and Trade Like a Pro.
Over the span of his twenty year career he has traded S&P 500 contracts, various options, and futures for himself and clients. His books have been translated into multiple languages, he has been a keynote speaker around the world, contributing writer to Forbes, Futures Magazine, along with dozens of other financial magazines, and a radio and T.V. financial commentator on Bloomberg and Fox Business News.
Dr. Carol Ryan is an accomplished hands-on leader with more than 24 years of experience in higher education serving in executive, administrative, academic, and instructional capacities. She has been instrumental in developing and launching new academic programs, and has successfully lead numerous accreditation efforts with regional, national, and programmatic accrediting bodies. She was appointed by the AUHS Board of Trustees in 2017 to serve as President and Chief Executive Officer. Dr. Ryan is active in several professional organizations. She has served on numerous accreditation teams as an educational standards evaluator and subject matter expert for DEAC and was a member of the Research and Educational Standards sub-Committee and the Appeals Panel. She chairs WASC accreditation visits. Dr. Ryan earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from California State University at Fullerton, a Master of Arts from Azusa Pacific University, and a PhD from Northcentral University.
Dr. Marilyn Uvero’s professional career as an education executive expands over 30 years and includes holding several positions as provost, Dean of student affairs, member of the academic senate, and Chair of nursing programs. Dr. Uvero has been successful in establishing strategic and operational plans, developing new programs, and strengthening competitive market positions. She has been inducted by Walden University as selected Honoree Member by Pi Alpha Alpha, National Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration based on her academic performance and professional contributions. Dr. Uvero holds a PhD in Higher Education Leadership from Nova Southeastern University and a MS in Nursing Education from California State University, Dominguez Hills. She is currently pursuing a PhD in Public Policy and Administration at Walden University in the School of Public Policy, completing her dissertation.
Song Tan holds a Doctor degree of Medicine and is the co-owner of Karing Pediatrics Medical Group. He has 33 years’ experience in healthcare field. Mr. Tan has active involvement in the Cambodian community, and his experience will be a great supplement to AUHS’s Mission in healthcare field and outreach to the community in Cambodia.
Dr. Kim Dang is the Co-Founder of American University of Health Sciences and she held the CEO/President interim role at AUHS for 19 years. Dr. Dang developed, managed and established AUHS operational processes in the areas of student services, registrar, admissions, financial aid, career services, institution publications, and finance.
In 2002 Dr. Dang was given an Honorary Doctorate in Medical Education by St. Luke School of Medicine in Liberia. In 2016, Dr. Dang was honored with the Humanitarian Award by the Council of Black Nurses for her many works with the underserved communities in the U.S. and abroad.
With decades of experience in higher education, research, and scholarly contributions to the nursing profession and practice, Dr. Betty Williams has a strong interest and passion in leading the advancement of nursing programs stemming from her exemplary experience as an educator, consultant, and scholar. Dr. Williams was the founding dean of the American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) School of Nursing in 2006. Dr. Williams holds a Doctor of Public Health and an M.S. in nursing from the University of California, Los Angeles; an M.N. in nursing from Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio; and a B.S. in zoology from Howard University, Washington, D.C. She currently resides in Los Angeles.
Pastor Gregory A. Johnson brings practical experience in operating an institution of higher education though his years of working consulting services as well as over 20 years of leadership in managing numerous eclectic private propriety schools, colleges and universities as Chief Operating Officer or Vice President. As the Co-Founder of AUHS, his extensive experiences regarding the business management perspective in health care education and services are invaluable. This process has been augmented by creating successful startups of educational facilities and the enhancement of excellence in education both of which are ingrained in the mission and vision of AUHS.
Suzanne Richards is currently serving as the CEO of SMR Healthcare Management, Inc. working as a healthcare consultant focusing primarily on hospital operations; owns and operates two home care companies in CA and NV; and owns and operates an ambulatory surgery center in CA. Prior to owning her own businesses, Ms. Richards had six years of successful leadership as the Chief Executive Officer of Healthcare Operations for KPC Healthcare, overseeing a group of seven acute care hospitals. She also serves as Chief Executive Officer during that time for its Southern California-based flagship hospital and regional trauma center, Orange County Global Medical Center. Prior to her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of KPC Healthcare, Ms. Richards served as the Chief Clinical Officer for Prime Healthcare.
Named Businesswoman of the Year in 2017 by the Orange County Business Journal, Ms. Richards is an accomplished healthcare executive with a diverse background in management and direct patient care. Throughout her career spanning more than twenty-five years, she has added significant value to the organizations and people she has served. She is now providing innovative leadership and a strategic vision to KPC Health and its system of community hospitals. KPC funds approximately $47 million in Medi-Cal/Medi-Cal Managed Care, and another $40 million in charity/indigent costs annually. In addition to her duties as a corporate and hospital CEO, in 2014 Ms. Richards was appointed by the CalOptima Board of Directors as the Hospital Representative to the Provider Advisory Committee, an agency ranked California’s top Medi-Cal Plan by NCQA for 2014-15 with $3 billion in revenues serving over 500,000 members. In 2014, she was elected by her peers to serve as the Orange County Area Representative on the Board of Directors for the Hospital Association of Southern California and is currently its chairwoman. In 2015, Ms. Richards was selected by the Orange County Board of Supervisors to serve on an Ad Hoc Committee tasked with developing policy reforms to address Emergency Department overcrowding and the need for expanding Behavioral Health Crisis Stabilization services.
She has served as CEO, COO and CNO at for-profit and not-for-profit hospitals in Orange and Los Angeles counties. Ms. Richards has extensive experience with diverse medical groups, health plans, IPAs, workers’ compensation, case management, Medi-Cal, and healthcare legal consultation. She has contracted with the county during COVID-19 pandemic to write and implement Alternative Care Sites.
A licensed Registered Nurse, Ms. Richards graduated from the California State University, Fullerton with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and spent the majority of her clinical career as an intensive care unit nurse. She earned a Master of Public Health (MPH) with an emphasis in Biostatistics from Loma Linda University and a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the University of California, Irvine in the Healthcare Executive Program. Ms. Richards is also a former surveyor for The Joint Commission and has conducted accreditation surveys of healthcare entities throughout the United States since 2005.
Ms. Richards is a Certified Professional in Healthcare Quality (CPHQ), a Certified Healthcare Executive (CHE), a Diplomat and Fellow of the American Board of Quality Assurance and Utilization Review Physicians (CHCQM), a Certified HIPAA Professional (CHP), a Fellow of the American Institute of Healthcare Quality (FAIHQ), and a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE).
Ms. Richards is a member and/or leader of multiple associations including the March of Dimes LA Market and the Chair of the Board of Trustees for American University of Health Sciences. She currently teaches strategic planning and population health for the graduate program at California State University Long Beach. She is frequently a featured speaker on healthcare issues and trends.
Gene Jose Dillague is currently a Senior Clinical Research Associate at one of the top global Clinical Research Organizations and an adjunct professor at the School of Clinical Research at AUHS since 2013. After he completed his MSCR from AUHS, he worked as a clinical research coordinator for the Transplant Research Institute in Los Angeles and was then hired as a Clinical Research Associate at Naurex in Evanston, IL. He has extensive experience in handling Phase I-III clinical studies and performing both site start-up and clinical research monitoring activities on behalf of major pharmaceutical companies. His clinical research experiences are on indications such as transplant research, rare diseases, psychiatric, and general medicine clinical trials.
Dr. Dillague is a Certified Clinical Research Associate in the Association of Clinical Research Professionals (ACRP) and a certified Family Physician in the Philippine Academy of Family Physicians (PAFP).
Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery’ (M.B.B.S.), Terna Medical College, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, Mumbai
Bio
Dr. Khushbu Singh earned a ‘Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery’ (M.B.B.S.) medical degree from Terna Medical College, Maharashtra University of Health Sciences, in the city of Mumbai, India. Dr. Singh has extensive knowledge in medical sciences and patient care along with experience in global clinical trials management, both in academia and the private sector. Dr. Singh has passed ECFMG exams and is also certified as a Clinical Research Professional. She started her professional journey by serving as a physician at Holy Spirit Hospital in Mumbai, and also completed Post-Graduate training and received the Diplomates of National Board (DNB) form from one of the prestigious hospitals in the country. She continued her education in the U.S. and transitioned into the field of clinical research that provided her the opportunity to use her medical knowledge, experience and passion, and make her contribution in the field of clinical research. Dr. Singh began as a clinical research coordinator in pediatrics in the private sector at Ohio Pediatrics Group and then moved on to Pediatric Oncology as a clinical research associate at Stanford School of Medicine. She has also worked on the Endocrinology and Metabolic disorders clinical trials and has managed a busy clinical research site at Stanford School of Medicine. She currently holds a position as a Clinical Research Project Manager in Oncology at Moores Comprehensive Cancer Center at UC San Diego, which is one of the top 10 Hospitals and Oncology care providers in the United States and the only comprehensive cancer center in Southern California.
Dr. Singh is a highly motivated individual who strongly believes in continuing to learn without any means to stop while at the same time, wants to give back to the clinical research student community by providing them with the support, tools and resources that she can. She believes that a robust clinical research education program and mentorship is crucial in building the student’s foundation.
Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering, PhuTho Technical Center/Saigon University
Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.
Bio
Mr. Tien Phuc Nguyen holds over 45 years of experience in medical devices, engineering research and development, project management, and process design improvement. As an engineering professional, he has worked in operations and the manufacturing of new and existing medical device products. In addition, he believes that innovation and dependency are several key components to becoming a successful professional in the clinical research field. Mr. Nguyen earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from the PhuTho Technical Center/Saigon University and his Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Professor Nguyen also received a total of 5 patents from the United States Patent Office through all companies. Professor Nguyen likes to teach Biomedical device classes to MSCR students.
Medical Degree at Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam, India.
Bio
After receiving her medical degree from Andhra Medical College in Visakhapatnam, India, Dr. Buddha worked as a Research Assistant at Saint Louis University. During her tenure at Saint Louis, Dr. Buddha treated patients with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Many had elevated liver enzymes, for which few treatments were available. This always challenged her to the necessity of transformational clinical research that would determine new treatments for her NASH patients.
Dr. Buddha’s project “Activation of Insulin-PI3K/Akt-p70S6K Pathway in Hepatic Stellate Cells Contributes to Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis”, has provided insights into the genetic and genomic factors involved in gene amplification. She also gained more knowledge regarding human genetic variation and genome evolution, topics that are important for understanding the complexity of the human genome.
The high prevalence of chronic Hepatitis C among veterans (especially Vietnam War veterans) led to a study to develop safe and efficacious direct acing anti-viral medications. The large number of veterans needing this treatment stressed the resources of the Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Senator Burr specifically requested Dr. Daniel Chao to serve as PI on a study to provide a comparison of VA and non-VA (choice) care. With Dr. Chao, Dr. Buddha was also tasked to determine whether care provided through choice is timelier, cost-effective, and of better quality than care provided by the VA. We submitted an abstract to Digestive Disease Week and won an award for poster of distinction. Dr. Buddha has also worked at Loma Linda VA Hospital and conducted private sector sponsor funded clinical studies as well.
Working as a Clinical Research Program Manager at the University of California in Riverside, Dr. Buddha is providing support, coordination and leadership for industry sponsored along with government sponsored, and investigator initiated clinical research. Study management, preliminaries, protocol development, budget submittal and study start-up preparation for different types of phase II thru phase IV clinical trials in adult subjects are Dr. Buddha’s expertise. Dr. Buddha would like to teach MSCR students how to coordinate and conduct study initiation tasks such as preparation of study binders, study start-up documents in TMF, and sending out to multiple sites, review and file site approval documents, continuing communication with clinical sites regarding documentation issues and discrepancies, just to name a few.
Dr. Buddha also has enriched experience in assisting in external audits from regulatory bodies and undertaking other duties as delegated by senior management. Additionally, training medical students, graduate students, residents, new clinical research coordinators, the recruiters and schedulers, and other support personnel, coordinating research meetings and acting as a valuable resource are also part of Dr Buddha’s ongoing job description.
In summary, armed with expertise in both the concepts (cancer biology, human genetics and molecular evolution) and methodology (molecular biology, cell biology and genomics), Dr. Buddha is dedicated to teaching and the development of interventions for human diseases using diagnostic tools and treatments.arch.
Doctor of Philosophy in Genetics at the University of Madras in Chennai, India
Bio
Dr. Chandrasekhar Kesavan completed his Doctor of Philosophy in the field of Genetics from Dr. ALM Post-Graduate Institute of Basic Medical Sciences at the University of Madras in Chennai, India on January 2002. Upon completing his Ph.D., Dr. Kesavan joined Dr. Subburaman Mohan’s lab and Dr. David J. Baylink’s Musculoskeletal Disease Center Group for his Post-Doctoral training in January 2002. In due course of time, Dr. Kesavan became a research associate and then, as a scientist at VA Loma Linda Healthcare Center, joined Loma Linda University in 2010 as an Assistant Research Professor in the Department of Medicine. In 2016, Dr. Kesavan joined Dr. Richard Strong M.D., a group in the Gastroenterology Department at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare system as clinical study staff/investigator.
Dr. Kesavan’s research is focused on bio-medical basic science and clinical research. In the bio-medical field, Dr. Kesavan has 18 years of research experience in skeletal biology. His goal is to improve a patient’s quality of life by developing therapeutic agents and/or strategy to improve bone mass where bone development and maintenance are compromised (osteoporosis, fracture healing, bone metastasis, traumatic brain injury). Towards this goal, Dr. Kesavan has optimized and used various state-of-the-art technologies to study skeletal growth and maintenance using in vitro and in vivo models that translate most effectively into clinical situations. His research works led to publish more than 35 papers in the field of bio-medical science, in which his works presented several of his findings as oral, plenary and poster in the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research. As an independent investigator, Dr. Kesavan guided several students from diverse background towards their research project and has obtained extramural funds from the National Institute of Health and Department of Defense. Additionally, Dr. Kesavan has taught molecular genetic labs to post-graduate genetic students during his Ph.D. program and microbiology labs at Crafton Hills Community College. Dr. Kesavan also taught skeletal biology, drug designing and testing, and 3-D bio-printer application to diverse students of various levels (high school students, undergraduate, post-graduate and medical students) who are involved in the research project work at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare system. In clinical research, Dr. Kesavan has 4 years of experience focused on understanding how existing therapies are efficient in treating patients and identifying key elements associated with disease, which are critical towards developing precision medicine and to improving quality of life in patients. In view of this, Dr. Kesavan has collaborated with physicians involved in the prospective, observational, and retrospective studies of infectious disease and gastroenterology (angiodysplasia using endoscopy vs. endocuff assist, chronic diarrhea in the population of veterans) at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare system. Lastly, Dr. Kesavan also has 10 years of experience in serving as a member at the Institutional Biosafety Committee at the VA Loma Linda Healthcare system.
Basic and clinical research go together, and as scientific knowledge is increasing at an ever-expanding rate, new technologies, their applications and regulatory are constantly being developed. Based on his experience in the field of bio-medical science and clinical research, Dr. Kesavan would like to teach students how to develop study hypothesis, study design, study pitfalls and alternate strategies, writing an IRB protocol and SOP, research safety protocol, executing a study involving planning and resources, data collection and organization, data analysis and interpretation, and good clinical practice. Dr. Kesavan is also well-appreciated, teaching in skeletal biology, microbiology, in 3-D scaffold bio-printer applications in clinics, and he provides students bio-medical basic science project (drug testing on cells) work that are translated to pre-clinical studies. In summary, Dr. Kesavan would like to share the experience and expertise that he gained in his journal of life to students by teaching and training them in the field of bio-medical basic science and clinical research.
B.S., College of Basic Sciences, Maharaja Sayajirao University, India
M.S., Medical Sciences, Medical College, Maharaja Sayajirao University, India
M.S., Pharmacology, Medical College, Maharaja Sayajirao University, India
Ph.D., Clinical Pharmacology, Medical College, Maharaja Sayajirao University, India
Bio
Dr. Saral Amarnani currently serves as Dean, School of Clinical Research at the American University of Health Sciences. She brings rich international background intertwined with academia and the private sector, serving in the field of Clinical Research for more than three decades. Dr. Saral has experience coordinating, monitoring, and managing global clinical studies for biochemical, pharmaceutical, biomedical device, and government agencies. Dr. Saral has enriched clinical research experience from Asia, the UK, and the USA, starting with an Asian Congress of Pharmacology Award as a Ph.D. student for her study on ‘Pharmacokinetic Profile of Rifampin and undernutrition in Tuberculosis. Thanks to many mentors, Dr. Saral brings 35 years of academic and private sector Clinical Research experience to AUHS, starting with her first pharmaceutical grant in 1985 from Sarabhai Chemicals, now, SUN Pharma, which is the world’s 4th largest specialty generic pharmaceutical company in Vadodara, India.
Dr. Saral earned her Medical Sciences degree (M.B.B.S. classes) from the Maharaja Sayajirao (MS) University and completed her Ph.D. in Clinical Pharmacology at Baroda Medical College, MS University. Dr Saral migrated to the USA to start as an NIH fellow at the Department of Pathology and Dept of Pharmacology , Washington University in St. Louis, MO and, also conducted clinical research studies as a Narcotic Inspector at Jefferson Barracks VA Hospital. Dr. Saral continued her Clinical Research at J. L. Pettis VA Hospital in the Department of Mineral Metabolism, as well as had earned the Seed Money Academic Grant Award from the Department of Pediatrics at Loma Linda University. Next, Dr. Saral joined as a visiting Assistant Professor at the Department of Pharmacology and Department of Ob/Gyn at UCLA, Los Angeles and continued as an Assistant Researcher at UCLA School of Medicine. In 2005, Dr. Saral moved to the private sector and has successfully performed various roles as a Clinical Research Coordinator, Clinical Research Associate, Clinical Trial Manager or a consultant at site management organizations, and Clinical Research Organizations.
Dr. Saral is also a driven professor who is passionate about teaching pharmacology and clinical research. Dr. Saral also believes that it is her time to ‘give back’ and restart in academics full time, so that her students’ foundations of clinical research knowledge and the skills they learn, help them develop into successful clinical researchers while serving the Clinical Research field.
Publications/Certifications
Green tea and the risk of gastric cancer: Epidemiological evidence. World Journal of Gastroenterology, 2013 June 28; 19(24): 3713-3722
‘Role of Dendritic Cell Phenotype, Determinant Spreading, and Negative Co stimulatory Blockade in Dendritic Cell-Based Melanoma Immunotherapy’. Journal of Immunotherapy. 2004, Jan 1; 27:354-367.
‘T-cell responses to HLA-A*0201 immunodominant peptides derived from alpha-fetoprotein in patients with hepatocellular cancer’. Clinical Cancer Research. 2003, Dec 1;9(16 Pt .1):5902-8
‘Determinant spreading associated with clinical response in dendritic cell-based immunotherapy for malignant melanoma’. Clinical Cancer Research.2003, Mar; 9(3):998-1008.
‘Immunosuppressive effects of interleukin-12 co expression in melanoma antigen gene-modified dendritic cell vaccines’. Cancer Gene Therapy. 2002, Nov; 9(11):875-83.
‘CD40 cross-linking bypasses the absolute requirement for CD4 T cells during immunization with melanoma antigen gene-modified dendritic cells’. Cancer Research.2001, Dec15; 61(24):8787-93.
‘Immune deviation and Fas-mediated deletion limit antitumor activity after multiple dendritic cell vaccinations in mice’. Cancer Research. 2000, Apr 15; 60(8):2218-24
‘Generation of T-cell immunity to a murine melanoma using MART-1-engineered dendritic cells’. Journal of Immunotherapy. 2000, Jan; 23 (1):59-66
‘Effects of selected endothelium-dependent vasodilators on fetoplacental vasculature: physiological implications’. American Journal of Physiology. 1999 Aug; 277(2 Pt 2):H842-7:157-65
‘Autocrine Regulators of MC3T3-E1 Cell Proliferation’. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research, Volume 8, Number 2, 1993
‘Development of monoclonal antibodies to parathyroid hormone-induced resorptive factors from osteoblast-like cells’. Calcification Tissue International Journal. Mar; 50(3):237-44
‘Insulin-Like Growth Factors and their Binding Proteins: Role in Pre and Post-Natal Growth and Development’. Inland Pediatrics, December, Vol. 6, No 5
Narleski Johnson, PharmD
Associate Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time)
Doctor of Pharmacy, 1986. University of Southern California Bachelor of Arts, Chemistry, 1983. California State University
Bio
An experienced Clinical Pharmacist with 35 years in practice with clinical skills in oncology, intensive care unit, trauma, and mental health pharmacy. As oncology pharmacist, Dr. Johnson managed pharmacy technicians in preparation of chemotherapy drugs, storage and distribution, in addition to setting up and managing ICU pharmacy for trauma patients. As pharmacist-in-charge, Dr. Johnson managed pharmacy staff in the mental health inpatient pharmacy.
Areas of Expertise
Oncology, intensive care unit, trauma, and mental health
Pharmacy Practice Experience
Oncology Pharmacist Martin Luther King Hospital Los Angeles County Department of Health Services, Los Angeles, CA Clinical Pharmacist Managed Oncology Pharmacy with preparation of chemotherapy drugs, storage and distribution.
Intensive Care Unit, and Trauma Center Pharmacist Martin Luther King Hospital Intensive Care Unit, Trauma Center Set-up and managed the ICU satellite for trauma patients in the ICU. Responsible for infectious disease on pharmaceutical investigational drugs.
Mental Health Pharmacist Augustus Hawkins Mental Health Pharmacy Managed pharmacy staff in the mental health in-patient pharmacy part of the Los Angeles County Department of Health Services.
Halline Uzell Overby, MD
Full Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time)
Doctor of Medicine (1975): Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, D.C.
Fellowships: Hematology-Oncology:
University of California Los Angeles,
Veterans Administration Hospital, Sepulveda, CA
University of California, Davis
Veterans Administration Hospital, Martinez, CA
Bio
Board Certified Hematologist-Oncologist with over 46 years of experience in hematology, medical oncology, and internal medicine. Dr. Overby’s clinical experiences and expertise over 46 years included leadership positions, academic appointments, and professional presentations in varied health care organizations. In his leadership role, he held a two-term Chief of Staff at St. Francis Medical Center, Chairman of Bioethics Committee, Director of Tumor Board, President of Jason-West Society, and currently he Director of Hematology-Oncology Division, Martin Luther King Jr., Outpatient Center. Adding to his expertise and experience, Dr. Overby held positions as physician-specialist at City of Hope National Medical Center, Martin Luther King Hospital Outpatient and Urgent Care clinic. Physician-owner of Halline Overby, MD Inc., Dr. Overby was also a physician-partner with Pacific Hematology-Oncology, Inc., and holds long-term hospital appointments. A member of Memorial Care Physician Society which drives clinical outcomes and performance for Memorial Care Health System.
Residencies
Internal Medicine:
Martin Luther King, Jr., Medical Center,
Los Angeles, CA
Internship:
Los Angeles County-University of Southern California
Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA
Areas of Expertise
Hematology – Oncology, Internal Medicine, Medical Oncology, Hematology
Professional Licensure & Certifications
Doctor of Medicine License (1975): California Board of Medicine
American Board of Internal Medicine (1976): Washington, D.C.
American Board of Medical Oncology (1983):
Academic Appointments
Assistant Professor: Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA
Hospital Appointments
Los Alamitos Medical Center, 3751 Katella Avenue,
Los Alamitos, CA 90720
Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, 2801 Atlantic Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90806
St. Francis Medical Center, 3630 E. Imperial Highway, Lynwood, CA, 90262
Professional Societies
Physician for a National Health Program
National Medical Association
American Society of Clinical Oncology
Leadership Positions
Director, Hematology-Oncology Division, Martin Luther King Jr., Outpatient Center
Chairman of Bioethics Committee, St. Francis Medical Center
Director of Tumor Board, St. Francis Medical Center
Chief of Staff, St. Francis Medical Center
President, Jason-West Medical Society, Lynwood, CA
Professional Presentations
Monthly Tumor Board, Martin Luther King Outpatient Center /Charles Drew University
Medical Grand Rounds, “Prostate Cancer Screening”. Charles R. Drew College of Medicine and Science Speaker-Panelist: “Prevention, Treatment, and Control of Cancer In Our Community”.
California Science Center, Los Angeles, CA
Speaker: “Sickle Cell Anemia”, Good News Radio Program, KTYM, Inglewood Ca.
Oncology Lecture: “Use and Administration of Cisplatin Chemotherapy”. St. Francis Medical Center Lecturer: “Lymphoma Overview”. Charles R. Drew College of Medicine and Science.
Speaker-Grand Rounds: “Anemia”. Department of Medicine, Martin Luther King Jr., OutPatient Center.
Speaker: “Risk Factors for Rectal Cancer “. Good News Radio Program.
Speaker: “Cancer Prevention”, Women’s Association of Lynwood. Lynwood, CA.
Speaker: “Palliative Care”, Third Annual End of Life Conference. St. Francis Medical Center.
Speaker: “Medical Futility”, Bioethics Grand Rounds. St. Francis Medical Center.
Speaker: “Hydroxyurea Therapy for Sickle Cell Anemia”. Conference. Charles Drew College of Medicine and Science.
Speaker: “Treatment of Aids”, Allied Health Students. St. Francis Career College, Lynwood, CA.
Speaker: “Single Payer Health Care System”. Los Angeles County Medical Association, District 10. Speaker: “Proposition 185, California Health Security Act”, Medical Staff Quarterly Meeting.
St Francis Medical Center.
Carol Yuan, BS, Pharm.D, BCPP, APH
Adjunct Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical and Administration Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time)
Doctor of Pharmacy – Western University of Health Sciences
PGY-2 Psychopharmacology & Clinical Psychiatry, Western University of Health Sciences/Aurora Charter Oak Hospital
B.S. Biological Sciences, CSU East Bay
Teaching Certificate obtained from PGY-2 training – Western University of Health Sciences
Bio
Dr. Yuan currently serves as Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Clinical and Administrative Department at the American University of Health Sciences School of Pharmacy. Dr. Yuan comes to AUHS with extensive pharmacy practice and pharmacy consulting experiences in both psychiatric hospital and retail pharmacies, specializing in adolescent and adult clinical psychiatry and psychopharmacology.
As an experienced clinical pharmacist clinician, Dr. Yuan works as a Director of Pharmacy and clinical pharmacist in an inpatient psychiatric hospital for over 11 years. Prior to working as a clinical pharmacist in a hospital setting, she also had many years of experiences working in the retail pharmacies as a pharmacist and pharmacy manager. Dr. Yuan has been precepting pharmacy technician students, Pharm.D. students, and Pharmacy residents from multiple pharmacy schools for over 13 years.
Dr. Yuan is well experienced in pharmacy management, both in the acute care psychiatric hospital setting and retail setting. She is highly proficient in performance management, clinical protocol development, policy and procedure development, best practices implementation, and students/pharmacy residents developments.
Courses Taught
Personality Disorder
ADHD
Glaucoma
Publications
01. Carol Yuan, Ji Haeng Heo, Busuyi Olotu, Annie Hiu, Michael Pondrom, Maria Arredondo. “Comparison of Long-Acting Injectables in the Treatment of Mental Illness to Prevent Hospital Readmission in Less Than 30 days After Discharge: A Retrospective Study. Poster presented in the CPNP Annual Meeting, April 2019. Salt Lake City, NV, USA.
02. Shankar, G.S., Yuan, X.J., “Comparative study of Zolpidem and Hypnotic Benzodiazepines Related Falls in Acute Psychiatric Hospital.” Abstract accepted by CPNP, Florida 2012.
03. Shankar, G.S., Yuan, X.J., “Evaluation of the Substance Detoxification Protocols in an Acute Psychiatric Hospital.” Abstract accepted by CPNP, Florida 2012.
04. Shankar, G.S., Luu, Haiau, Yuan, X.J., “Impact of Pharmacists in Achieving Therapy Goals, Medication Adherence, and Patient Satisfaction in Patients with Psychiatric Illnesses in an Outpatient Setting.” Abstract accepted by CPNP, Florida 2012.
05. Hugo R. Arias, Avraham Rosenberg, Katarzyna M. Targowska-Duda, Dominik Feuerback, Xiaojuan Yuan, Krzysztof Jozwiak, Ruin Moaddel, Irving W. Wainer. “Interaction of Ibogain with Human α3β4-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in Different Conformational States.” The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology 42 (2010) 1525-1535
06. Yuan, X.J., Guo, W., Dong, F., Lin, SH., Chu, K., Nate, C., G.S Shankar “A Cross Country Study of the Effect of Three Dibenzodiazepines: clozapine, quetiapine and olanzapine on Thyroid Function in Patients with Schizophrenia.” Published in the Journal of Pharmacy Practice, May 2010.
07. Shankar, G.S., Yuan, X.J., “Monitoring and Counseling of Metabolic Complications and Antipsychotic Pharmacotherapy.” published on Premier Education Solution, 2010.
08. “A Novel Model for Community Pharmacy Practice Residency to Promote Medication Therapy Management.” CAPSLEAD TEAM – XJ Yuan, A Khosho, H Umenoto, S Yang , HT Li, K Mai, L Kaw, B Joy de Guia, J Wong, H.P Nguyen, E Gupta E, K Hess K, S Shimomura, and SF Wong. Poster Presented in:
– California Pharmacists Association Annual Meeting Outlook 2008, February 7-10, 2008 in Sacramento, California.
– 42nd ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting December 2-6, 2007 in Las Vegas, NV.
– CSHP Seminar October, 2007 in Palm Spring, California
09. Yuan, X.J., Arias, H.R., Bhumireddy, P., Glick, S.D., and Kuehne, M.E. “Characterization of the 18-Methoxycoronaridine Binding Site on the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor.” J.Neurochem. 2007; 102, (Suppl.1), 271 (Abs. P.424)
10. Yuan, X.J., Arias, H.R., Bhumireddy, P., Glick, S.D., and Kuehne, M.E. “Characterization of the 18-Methoxycoronaridine Binding Site on the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor.” 46th Annual Meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology, San Diego, CA, USA, Dec. 9-13, 2006
Daniel Hoang, PharmD, BCOP, BCSCP, PMP
Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time)
PG-Y1 Residency Pharmacy Resident (2007): UC Irvine Health Pharmacy Orange, CA
Doctor of Pharmacy (2007): UC San Diego School of Pharmacy, San Diego, CA
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (2000): UC Irvine, Irvine, CA
Bio
Board Certified Oncology Pharmacist with 10+ year experience including supervision, management and working experience in Pharmacy IT Support and Cancer Center Pharmacy Operations. Also experienced in clinical research pharmacy, and expert in Epic Willow inpatient, and Beacon Subject Matter, designed and implemented EPIC Willow Inpt/Beacon pharmacy/nursing workflows for Infusion Centers. With these expertise and experiences, Dr. Hoang has certifications on the following: EPIC Beacon and Willow Inpatient; PMI Certified Project Management Professional with proven experience in leading multiple successful projects; Allscripts Certified in Medical Logic Module, ObjectPlus, and Sunrise Clinical Manager, and Board-Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacist. Strong knowledge with SQL Report, MS Project, MS Visio, MS Word, MS Excel, MS Access and Tableau BI.
Areas of Expertise
IT Medicine Management & Oncology, Pharmacy Informatics, Infusion Center Pharmacist
Pharmacy Practice Experience
UC Irvine Health Infusion Center Pharmacy Manager: Orange, CA Pharmacy Services
UC Irvine Health Infusion Center Pharmacy Supervisor: Orange, CA Pharmacy Services
UC Irvine Health IT Med Mgmt & Oncology Supervisor: Orange, CA Informational Services
UC Irvine Health Pharmacy Informatics Specialist: Orange, CA Informational Services
UC Irvine Health Infusion Center Pharmacist: Orange, CA Pharmacy Services
Professional Licensure & Certifications
Advanced Practice Pharmacist APH# 10096: CA Board of Pharmacy
Registered Pharmacist RPH# 59004: CA Board of Pharmacy
Board Certified Sterile Compounding Pharmacist Board of Pharmacy Specialty
Board-Certified Oncology Pharmacist Board of Pharmacy Specialty
Project Management Professional Project Management Institute
Certified Professional in Health Information and Management Systems HIMSS
BLS/ACLS AHA
EPIC Beacon Certified EPIC
EPIC Willow Inpatient Certified EPIC
MLM/ObjectPlus Allscri
Joseph Kunchandy, MPharm, PhD, RPh
Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time)
B. Pharm | College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trivandrum, Kerala, India
M. Pharm | Center for Advanced Pharmaceutical Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
Ph.D. in Neuropharmacology | Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Pediatric Neuropharmacology | UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA
Post-Doctoral Fellowship in Medicinal Chemistry & Cell Culture | College of Pharmacy, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
Bio
Dr. Joseph Kunchandy brings forth acute care hospital management, clinical and retail-based pharmacy, professional research experience, and teaching experience to the School of Pharmacy at American University of Health Sciences. His range of clinical and research experiences are based on years of acute care hospital pharmacy management, retail-based pharmacy, and application and knowledge of neuropharmacology research. Dr. Kunchandy also participates as a consultant in the hospital accreditation process in areas of medication, such as the management process.
Jeanne Brady, PharmD
Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time)
Doctor of Pharmacy University of the Pacific, Thomas J Long School of Pharmacy, Stockton, CA
PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency – St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Stockton, CA Bachelor of Science Rutgers College, Rutgers University, New Brunswick NJ
Bio
An experienced Clinical Manager with over 25 years in practice with pharmacy management, acute care practice, and oncology care management. Prior to joining AUHS, Dr Brady leads clinical programs and productivity at a large community district hospital in Monterey County managing all clinical program development, education, training, and implementation, chairing Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Glycemic, Antimicrobial Stewardship and Medication Safety Committees. She directs and oversees all aspects of medication policy and protocol development, regulatory and best practices standards in Oncology Infusion Center and hospital operations including 340B program standards.
Dr. Brady is actively involved in mentoring and training Pharmacy students in institutional and internal medication rotations and serves as Pharmacy Technician program instructor.
Areas of Expertise
Acute care including Code Blue, Code Stroke, PK, TPN, Infectious Disease, Oncology
Presentations
Implementation of an Antimicrobial Stewardship Program ASP managed by an Infectious Disease Physician and Pharmacists in a Community Hospital, ASHP Midyear 2019, Las Vegas, NV
Christine Han, PharmD
Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time)
BS (Psychobiology) – University of California, Los Angeles
Bio
Dr. Han brings over 10 years of community practice, pharmacy management, and medication therapy management experiences to the AUHS School of Pharmacy. Prior to joining AUHS, Dr. Han was in pharmacy practice working closely with independent pharmacies and physicians in developing procedures for drug management and regulatory compliance. She has managed multiple pharmacies and has taught numerous pharmacist interns and pharmacists who have successfully become pharmacy managers. Dr. Han has been actively involved in educating seniors on medication adherence, chronic disease states, and Medicare Part D prescription drug benefits. She also provides medication management in various senior facilities. Dr. Han currently serves as a member for the California Korean American Pharmacist Association.
Chong MT and Han CSH. “Integration of a Business Plan Project within a Pharmacy Management and Marketing course for Pharmacy Students in a Doctor of Pharmacy Program.” J Am Pharm Assoc 2013;53:2:89-90
Chong MT and Han CSH. “Student’s Perception and Feedback on A Management and Marketing course offered in a PharmD Program.” 11th Asian Conference on Clinical Pharmacy Abstracts Publications, Manila. June 2011,“Target Your Heart,” Target Corporation “Wellness” Business Plan Competition Finalist, University of Hawaii, Hilo College of Pharmacy. Nov 2011,
Boris Zhang, PharmD
Assistant Professor, Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time)
PharmD – Washington State University, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA
Pharmacy Academia Fellowship – Washington State University, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Spokane, WA
BS in Chemistry – University of Nevada, Reno, Reno, NV
Bio
Dr. Zhang obtained a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Nevada, Reno and his PharmD from Washington State University, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (WSU). Upon graduation, he continued a two-year fellowship in pharmacy academia at WSU before coming to AUHS. His clinical background includes long-term care, home health care, and pharmacy academia. His interests include improving students through soft skill engagement and using learning activities such as games to improve student performance.
Publications
Zhang B., Kim, S., Xiao, Y., Damman, C., Kelly, K., Fitzpatrick, D., Anderson, C., Ritchie, M., Bray, B., Stewart, A., Daoud, S., Remsberg, C. A Student Initiative to Implement Peer-led Study Groups for a Pharmacogenomics Course: Evaluation of Student Performance and Perceptions. CPTL. 2020; 12(5): 549-557. doi: 10.1016/j.cptl.2020.01.013
Dr. Meyer received his BS and PharmD degrees from the University of the Pacific College of the Pacific and School of Pharmacy respectively.
Bio
Dr. Meyer currently serves as Associate Professor in the Clinical and Administrative Department at the American University of Health Sciences School of Pharmacy. Dr. Meyer comes to AUHS with a background of more than 40 years of pharmacy practice experience, specializing in long term care and geriatrics. His experience includes clinical practice as a consultant pharmacist, long term care pharmacy operations and administration in both long term care pharmacy companies and long term care companies providing skilled nursing and residential services.
Dr. Meyer has been active in several pharmacy organizations for many years. He has been a member of the American Society of Consultant pharmacists since 1985 and served on numerous Committees, the Board of Directors and as President and Chairman of the Board. As a long-time member of the California Pharmacists Association, Dr. Meyer has served on multiple committees, is a member for the Academy of Long Term Care and has served on the Board of Trustees. Dr. Meyer has also worked with the Pharmacy Quality Alliance on measurable criteria for pharmacists’ quality measures, and with NCPDP Workgroup 14 on electronic data standards for prescribing in nursing facilities. He is a member of the Medication Safety Officers Society and has been a member of the American Geriatrics Society, California Association for Long Term Care Medicine. He is currently a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council for Marshall B. Ketchum School of Pharmacy, and for Chapman University School of Pharmacy until 2020.
Dr. Meyer currently serves as preceptor for an IPPE and APPE practice site involved in projects relating to the role of the pharmacist in transitions of care and medication safety.
Kal Chatto, M.S. Pharm
Assistant Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time)
Co-Founder Genom Global Venture (A Division of Genom LIfe Sciences)
Mr. Kal Chatto, is an entrepreneur and business executive with 30 plus years’ worth of expertise and experience in the biotech & pharmaceutical world. Mr. Chatto is an Adjunct Professor at Chapman University School of Pharmacy. He was also an Adjunct Visiting Professor for 4 years (3/’13-3/’17), Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal University ranked #1 in India.
In 2005, as the Co-Founder and Board Member, Mr. Chatto helped in building and shaping Manipal Acunova, which acquired Ecron, a top European Contract Research Organization (CRO) and became Ecron Acunova (EA), one of the most successful international CROs (Privately held). Ecron Acunova won the prestigious Proximire Award and Bio-Excellence Award and EA was acquired by Take Solutions in FY 2015- 2016. In 2007, he became the Co-Founder and Board member of Avitacor, LLC, a CRO focusing on Latin America, which was sold to a private investors group in Mexico.
In 1988, Mr. Chatto was recruited from the Glaxo Pharmaceuticals (now GSK) in Marketing and Sales Leadership Team to be one the first 9 Amgen Founding Marketing and Sales leaders to launch and commercialize a major breakthrough biotech products, Epogen, Neupogen, Aranesp, Neulasta and Enbrel. Mr.Chatto relentlessly contributed to Amgen’s paramount success (market cap from $100 Million to $75.17 Billion in Q4’04) in becoming one the best biotech companies worldwide by improving values for patients, payers & providers, and stockholders.
Mr. Chatto was Co-Chair of the Host Committee for the 2004 FIP World Congress, New Orleans, U.S.A. In 2005, Mr. Chatto was awarded the “FIP Distinguished Service Award” by the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) in recognition of his exceptional and distinguished contribution to FIP. Recognized globally, the award honors outstanding achievers who inspire others with their vision and leadership. Mr.Chatto also served on the board of leading professional organizations such as Federation of International Pharmacy (FIP) for Education and Research, American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Research Institute as well as key pharmacy schools at the University of Arizona, University of Wisconsin, University of Tennessee, and USC.
Mr. Chatto received his B.Pharm from IIT (B.H.U) and M.S. in Pharmacy Administration from Long Island University, New York. He also completed Executive Management Programs from Marshall School of Business, USC, and Anderson School of Management at UCLA
Thi Minh Dang, PharmD
Assistant Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time)
Doctor of pharmacy, 2003: University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, Denver, Colorado
Certified pharmacy technician, 1998: American Institute of Health Sciences, Long Beach, California
Pre-pharmacy studies: University of California- Irvine, Irvine, California
Bio
An experienced, driven, and accomplished Pharmacy Professional and Leader, with a wealth of experience while working for leading, high-profile companies. Owner of Dang Pharmacy Group, Inc. experienced in managing operations, profit and loss, staff training and development, auditing for assurance of medication use safety, staff performance evaluation, staff succession planning, regulatory compliance, and handling a wide variety of special projects. Serves as Clinical Pharmacist/Pharmacist in Charge for the San Gabriel Medical Pharmacy and Pharmacist in Charge for San Gabriel Compounding Pharmacy. A proven manager and possesses a firm commitment to the timely provision of the highest levels of pharmacy services and support. Strong background in many areas including pharmacy management, best practices implementation, performance management, and patient relations. Highly-experienced in all aspects of pharmacy management, and is thoroughly familiar with pharmacy and healthcare practices, standards, and protocols. Experienced in all areas of pharmacy management, has managed many high-profile pharmacies, and is proven in meeting the highest in profitability and productivity expectations.
Areas of Expertise
Community Practice, Ambulatory Care
Pharmacy Practice Residency Experience
Oncology: Preceptor: Shirley Wong, Pharm. D.
Critical Care Surgical/Trauma: Preceptor: Paul Tan, Pharm.D., FASHP
Neonatology: Preceptor: Bill Renfro, Pharm.D.
Internal Medicine: Preceptors: Sharon Basile, Pharm.D., BCPS, Ben Balto, Pharm. D.
Psychiatry: Preceptor: Elizabeth Eichel, Pharm .D.
Medical Intensive Care Unit: Preceptor: Andrea Williams, Pharm.D.
Community Pharmacy: King Soopers Pharmacy #39, Denver, Colorado – Preceptor: John Kuttler, R.Ph. (2003)
Adult Medicine: Rose Medical Center, Denver, Colorado – Preceptor: Kevin LeBlanc, Pharm.D. (2003)
Investigational Drug Research: Centura Health Hospital, Denver, Colorado – Preceptor: Susan Lottimer, Pharm. D. (2002).
Critical Care Pharmacotherapy: University Hospital, Denver Colorado – Preceptor: Dough Fish, Pharm. D. (2002)
Ambulatory Care: Kaiser Permanente – East Clinic, Denver, Colorado – Preceptors: Erin Vogel and Katie Peterson, Pharm.D (2002)
Drug Information: University of Colorado Health Services Center School of Pharmacy, Denver Colorado Preceptor: Janet Pate, Pharm.D.
Community Pharmacy: Kaiser Permanente of Colorado-East Clinic, Denver, Colorado-Preceptor: Bruce Emerson, R.Ph.
Professional Licensure
Advanced Practice Pharmacist (2016-Present), State of California APH (10195)
Pharmacist, State of California (2004-Present) RPH (56258)
Pharmacist, State of Florida (2004-2005) PS (37880)
Certified Compounding Pharmacist (Since 2013)
Intern Pharmacist (2000-2004), State of California (10901)
Intern Pharmacist (2000-2003), State of Colorado
Pharmacy Technician (1998-1999)
Professional Presentations
In Service: Urinalysis; Presented to psychiatric nursing staff, Shands Jacksonville Medical Center (2004)
In-Service: The Use of Xigris, The Use of Pharmacodynamics to Select and Optimize Antimicrobial Therapy, Presented to critical care nursing staff, Shands Jacksonville Medical Center (2004)
Southeastern Residency Conference: Characterization of Medication Induced Angioedema at Shands Jacksonville (UFJ 2003-0124); presented to pharmacists and pharmacy residents about residency research project that was done at Shands Jacksonville, The University of Georgia, Center for Continuing Education (2004)
Jacksonville (UFJ 2003-0124); presented to pharmacists and pharmacy residents about residency research project that was done at Shands Jacksonville, The University of Georgia, Center for Continuing Education (2004)
In-Service: Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia; Presented to critical care physicians, medical residents, pharmacists, pharmacy residents and others; Shands Jacksonville Medical Center (2004)
Grand Rounds: Palliative Care In Cancer Patients’ Psychological Perspective-Anxiety/Depression; Presented to pharmacists, pharmacy students, and others; Shands Jacksonville Medical Center (2004)
P&T Meeting: Fulvestrant Monograph; Presented to Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee for Formulary Review; Shands Jacksonville Medical Center (2004)
Class Review: Therapeutic Management of Nausea/Vomiting; Presented to Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee for Formulary Review, Porter Adventist Hospital, Denver, Colorado (2003)
Leukemia and Tumor Lysis Syndrome; Presented to pharmacists, Porter Adventist Hospital, Denver, Colorado (2003)
Opportunistic Infections in Post-Renal Transplant; presented to pharmacists and pharmacy students, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Denver, Colorado (2002)
Narcotic Potency Comparison and Cross Allergenicity: Presented to pharmacists, Kaiser-Permanente – East Clinic, Denver, Colorado (2002)
Cancer Cachexia: Presented to pharmacist and pharmacy students, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Denver, Colorado (2020)
Drug Inducted Nutrient Depletion: Presented to pharmacists and pharmacy students, Kaiser-Permanente – East Clinic, Denver Coronado (2002)
Common Mucocutaneous Toxicities Associated with Chemotherapy: Pharm. D. Seminar, presented to faculty and pharmacy students, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Pharmacy, Denver, Colorado (2001)
Research Experience
Characterization of Medication Induced Angioedema at Shands Jacksonville (UFJ 2003-0124)
Co-Investigators: Amy M. Petrehn, Pharm. D., June McAdams, Pharm. D, Shands Jacksonville Medical Center, Jacksonville, Florida (2003-Present)
Professional Organizations
California Society of Health System Pharmacists
American Society of Health System Pharmacists
Member, Board of Trustees, American University of Health Sciences, Long Beach, California
American Pharmaceutical Association
Member, PCCA (Professional Compounding Centers of America
Member, CPhA (California Pharmacist Association)
Member, NCPA (National Community Pharmacists Association)
Jimmy Nguyen, PharmD
Assistant Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time)
Bachelor of Science from the University of California in Biological Sciences
Bio
Dr. Jimmy Nguyen graduated with his PharmD from Chapman University as the first inaugural class. Dr. Nguyen graduated his class as Rho Chi, top 10%. While there he was a Board Member of California Health Science Systems and other distinguished groups in the accreditation process of his school. From there, he worked as an outpatient pharmacist for Rite Aid Pharmacy then moved on to CVS Pharmacy. While working with CVS, he was able to lead his own team in COVID vaccine clinics, traveling to different sites every day to administer vaccines. There he learnt the importance of charisma, leadership and organization. Currently he is a part of the Emerging Leader Program with CVS while being an adjunct clinical professor with AUHS.
Leonel Garcia Jr., PharmD
Assistant Professor of Clinical and Administrative Sciences (Adjunct/ Part-time)
Doctor of Pharmacy from Western University of Health Sciences
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from California State University, Fullerton
Bio
Dr. Garcia graduated with his PharmD from Western University of Health Sciences. From there, he worked as an outpatient pharmacist for Safeway where he would counsel patients and give vaccinations. He then moved to Apple Valley where he worked as an inpatient pharmacist for St. Mary Medical Center. While working there, he also became a staff pharmacist for Telnet-Rx Telepharmacy where he would help with remote order entry. There he learned many electronic health record software programs and verified medications throughout different hospital systems in California. Now, he works at St. Francis Medical Center where he monitors and doses clinically significant medications such as vancomycin, heparin, aminoglycosides and epoetin.
Invention
While Dr. Garcia was studying at Western University of Health Sciences, he created an invention for extracting liquid from capsules which is still in use in UCI Medical Center. This invention is useful for medications like nimodipine which is used for stroke patients. His invention is published on the UCI Beall Applied Innovation website and patented by UCI. He was featured on Western University’s magazine, RxBound, as the college’s first student published inventor. Below are the links for the invention and interview.
BS (Biochemistry Cell-Bio and Psychology) – University of California, San Diego, CA
Bio
Dr. Kim has practiced as an inpatient pharmacist at Fountain Valley Regional Hospital in Fountain Valley, CA. Later, she joined the faculty at AUHS in the Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences. She practices as an inpatient clinical pharmacist with an acute care focus, specializing in pharmacokinetics, nutrition, emergency medicine, and antibiotic stewardship. She also serves as a preceptor for pharmacy IPPE and APPE students.
Areas of Expertise
Acute care including PK, TPN, ID, emergency medicine
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) at University of the Pacific, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy
Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biological Sciences at University of California, Irvine
Bio
Dr. Tiffany Nguyen received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from University of the Pacific and Bachelor of Sciences (BS) in Biological Sciences from University of California Irvine. Prior to joining AUHS, Dr. Nguyen practiced pharmacy at a hospice-focused company for five years, working her way up from Pharmacist to Clinical Services Manager to Director of Pharmacy, and ultimately, to Director of Operations. She directed the internal operations of the hospice pharmacy as well as the non-sterile compounding pharmacy, while also serving as the main point-of-contact for clinical and client services. She managed hospice accounts and partner pharmacies contracted with the company’s hospice-focused PBM–an operation that spanned across California and even entered into Texas, Utah, Nevada, and Arizona.
Aside from the business administrative and managerial experiences, Dr. Nguyen precepted pharmacy interns and educated hospice nurses and clinical leadership through published monthly newsletters and clinical in-services. She genuinely cares about preparing students to become the best versions of themselves–not only as professionals, but also as individuals and members of the community. She hopes to instill confidence, leadership, professionalism, and humility in the future generations of the pharmacy profession.
Areas of experience: end-of-life or hospice and palliative care (pain and symptom management), nonsterile compounding, pharmacy operations management, client services/account management, drug utilization review and formulary development, business administration and management
PharmD – Loma Linda University, School of Pharmacy, Loma Linda, CA
PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice Residency – Dignity Health, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Stockton, CA
Pharmacy Resident Teaching Certification – University of Pacific, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy, Stockton, CA
BS in Biochemistry – University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV
Bio
Dr. Rhee obtained her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Loma Linda University in Loma Linda, CA. She completed an ASHP accredited PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice residency at Dignity Health, St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Stockton, CA with an acute care focus, specializing in internal medicine/oncology, infectious disease, emergency services, cardiology, and pharmacokinetics. During her residency training, Dr. Rhee also obtained a pharmacy resident teaching certification at the University of the Pacific, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy. She is a member of Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Society.
Areas of Expertise
Acute Care Services
Course Taught
Integrated Pharmacotherapy VI – Infectious Disease
Youngil Chang, PharmD. M.S.
Assistant Professor, Clinical and Administrative Sciences
Doctor of Pharmacy, Palm Beach Atlantic University, FL
M.S. in Chemistry, Seoul National University, South Korea
B.S. in Chemistry, Seoul National University, South Korea
Bio
Dr. Chang received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from Palm Beach Atlantic University at the west palm beach, FL. After graduation, he joined the graduate research fellowship at Western University of Health Sciences, CA in organ transplantation and pharmacogenomics. During his fellowship he was working with the organ transplant team at St. Vincent Medical Center, Los Angeles for the management of the kidney transplant patients and also performed independent research in pharmacogenomics and antibody mediated rejections on transplanted organ at the HLA laboratory, Los Angeles, which provide essential genetic testing for the transplant donors and recipients. Dr. Chang also had involved in research for drug target identification at Purdue University, IN and anesthesia drug monitoring in animal models at Wester University of Health Sciences, CA. He is interested in improving patient’s outcome through translational research that could be applied in the clinical settings.
Publication
K. Choi, Y. Chang, T. Shah, D. Min, Analysis of genetic and clinical risk factors of post-transplant thrombocytopenia in kidney allograft recipients. Transplant Immunology, 55 (2019) 101206.
Y. Chang, N. Lemp, J. Cicciarelli, D. Min, R. Naraghi, T. Shah, Detecting Glycosylation of Donor Specific Antibodies (DSA) with Single Antigen Beads., Annal. of Transplantation Research. 1 (2018) p1014-5.
Y. Chang, T. Shah, J. Yang, D.I. Min, Association of genetic polymorphisms of angiopoietin-like 4 with severity of posttransplant proteinuria in kidney allograft recipients., Transpl. Immunol. 40 (2017) 35–41.
Chang, Y., Shah, T., & Min, D. I. Association of Genetic Polymorphisms of Macrophage Inhibitory Factor (MIF) and B-cell Activation Factor (BAFF) with Donor Specific Antibodies in Kidney Allograft Recipients. 2017. Human immunology Submitted.
J.C. Cicciarelli, N.A. Lemp, Y. Chang, M. Koss, K. Hacke, N. Kasahara, K.M. Burns, D.I. Min, R. Naraghi, T. Shah, Renal Transplant Patients Biopsied for Cause and Tested for C4d, DSA, and IgG Subclasses and C1q: Which Humoral Markers Improve Diagnosis and Outcomes? (2017). Epub 2017 Jan 15 ahead of printing.
Chang, Y., Shah, T., Min, D. I., & Yang, J. W. Clinical risk factors associated with the post-transplant anemia in kidney transplant patients. Transplant Immunology. 2016, 38, 50–53.
Rose Bagheri, PharmD
Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences
Dr. Bagheri received her Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Texas, Austin and her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from West Coast University, School of Pharmacy, as a member of the inaugural class. After graduation, Dr. Bagheri worked as a clinical pharmacist at Coram CVS/Specialty Infusion Pharmacy. During this time, she provided ongoing clinical monitoring and medication assessment for all infusion patients, including IV antibiotic dosing, TPN formulation, and specialty drugs. Dr. Bagheri currently serves as the CE Committee Chair for the Pharmacists’ Professional Society of the San Fernando Valley chapter of the California Pharmacists Association (CPhA). Her clinical practice interests are in ambulatory care and pharmacogenomics. Dr. Bagheri is passionate about empowering students to strive for excellence and achieving their professional and personal goals.
Dr. G.S. Shankar Completed his PharmD from Creighton University, Omaha, Nebraska, Master of Science degree from UNC in Public Health, completed Master of Clinical psychology from Calsouthern University and is a PsyD candidate from the same university. He is a registered pharmacist in the state of California and licensed as Advanced Practice Pharmacist as well from the state Board of Pharmacy. He is Fellow of the Australian College of Pharmacy (FACP) and fellows of the Australian college tend to have had training and certification in two clinical specialties and Dr. Shankar completed training and certifications in psychiatry and Geriatrics at the time of the fellowship award. He completed two years of training as a Pharmacist clinician and licensed as pharmacist clinician from New Mexico Board of pharmacy up to 2010.
Recently he completed 5 years of experience as Clinical Pharmacy Specialist-Psychiatry at Veteran’s Out-patient’s Clinic with prescribing privileges at Laredo, Texas. Prior to this he worked as Associate Professor at Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, California for a period of 13 years and also conducted a successful Psychopharmacology residency program. Prior to his teaching assignment, he worked as treatment review consultant to the department of mental health at Vacaville.
Article Publications
Mehgan Hassanzadah, Adib H. Bitar, Nile M. Khanfar, Fadi T. Khasawne, Kabirullah Lutfy, and Gollapudi S. Shankar, *A Retrospective Cohort Study of the Prevalence of Anxiety and Agitation in Schizophrenic Smokers and the Unmet Needs of Smoking Cessation Programs. Journal of Medicine (Dec 2019)
Molecular Basis of Neuropsychiatric Disorders: from Bench to Bedside-A Book Chapter for Publication -Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Research, 2019, Elsevier Series (Sept 2019)
Shankar GS (2015) Role of Autacoids in the Development of Vulnerability and Resilience in Patients with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). J Autacoids 4: e126. doi:10.4172/2161-0479.1000e126
Khasawneh F and Shankar G, (2014), Minimizing Cardiovascular Adverse Effects of Atypical Antipsychotic Drugs in Patients with Schizophrenia. Cardiology Research and Practice
Shankar GS, Yuan C (2013) Effects of 5HT2c Blockade of Dibenzodiazepines on Thyroid Levels in Patients with Schizophrenia or Schizoaffective Disorder. J Autacoids 2: 102. doi:10.4172/2161-0479.1000102
Shankar G (2012) Role of Serotonin from Thought and Anxiety to Weight Gain and Metabolic Syndrome. J Autacoids 1:e118. doi:10.4172/21610479.1000e118
Nazer L, Al-Najjar T, Shankar G, “Agranulocytosis Associated with Psychotropic Medications: A Fatal Case”- Literature Survey ‘Journal of American Society of Hospital Pharmacy’ published in July 2012
Shankar G. “Clinical Assessment of Substance Abuse” Clinical Knowledge, Research and Therapeutics section, Spring 2010 California Pharmacist
Shankar G. ‘Conundrum of Bipolar Depression’, California Journal of Hospital Pharmacy May/June 2008; 18-23.
Shankar G, Nate C. “Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale as a long- term outcome measurement tool in patients receiving clozapine ODT- a Pilot Study”. Pharmacy Practice 2007; 5(1): 42-45.
Shankar G, Kelly Lee, Jack Chen. Metabolic Adverse Effects of Atypical Antipsychotic Medications. California Pharmacist Spring 2006; 12-17.
Jun JK, Shankar G, Shapiro K. The Pharmacology of Pain. California Pharmacist 2003; XLX (3):
Book Chapters
Shankar, G and Lutfy, K. Molecular Basis of Neuropsychiatric Disorders: from Bench to Bedside-A Book Chapter for Publication -Progress in Molecular Biology and Translational Research, 2019, Elsiever Series (Sept 2019)
Shankar G. “Clinical Psychopharmacology in Correctional settings”, Book: Correctional Mental Health- from Theory to Best Practice, 2010, SAGE Publications, Inc
Shankar, G. “Practical Psychopharmacology: What every mental health professional needs to know – Manual for Mental Health Professionals”, Pesi HealthCare. 2007
Shankar G, Kelly Lee, Jack Chen. “Metabolic, Endocrinology, and Cardiovascular Adverse Effects of Psychotropic Drugs”, Psychiatry, PSAP Program, Fifth Edition 2004, Volume 3, 163-182
Non-Peer Reviewed
Shankar and Yuan, 2010. Monitoring and Counseling of Metabolic Complications and Antipsychotic Pharmacotherapy; Premier Educational Solutions
Shankar, 2007. Efficacy of Polypharmacy with Atypical Antipsychotic Medications in Schizoaffective Patients, Prescription Times
Ann Chung, Pharm.D
Assistant Professor, Clinical and Administrative Sciences
Pharm.D – Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 2004
PGY-1 Tripler Medical Center, Honolulu, Hawaii 2005
B.S Human Physiology – University of Los Angeles, CA 2000.
Bio
Dr. Chung’s primary experience is hospital health system for nearly 20 years. Prior to becoming a pharmacist, she worked as an LVN in Long Term Care facility and Home Health Care. Fascinated with medicine, she went back to school. She graduated from UCLA with B.S. in Human Physiology, earned her Pharm.D. at Western University of Health Sciences, completed ASHP accredited PGY-1 Pharmacy Practice at Tripler Medical Center, Honolulu, HI. She had served the country as a Captain in the U.S Army at Fort Leonard Woods Community Hospital in Missouri. Dr. Chung is board certified in Pharmacotherapeutics. Her experiences include hospital pharmacy protocol clinical consultations, non-formulary medication review, antibiotic stewardship, IV preparation of compounded sterile preparations (CSPs) , USP 797, retail pharmacy, remote pharmacy order verification, prior authorization for Pharmacy Benefits Management for insurance company (Prescription Solutions). Dr. Chung is compassionate about teaching and sharing her experiences with students.
Area on interest
Acute care hospital pharmacy with a focus on Pharmacokinetics, Antibiotics Stewardship, TPN, Anticoagulation, and Critical Care.
Bachelor of Science from the University of California in Physics and Psychology
Bio
An experienced Ambulatory Community Pharmacist with 20 years in practice with pharmacy management, community practice, and medication therapy management. Prior to joining AUHS, Dr. Transon Nguyen was in pharmacy practice working with independent pharmacies and non-profit clinics in drug information, developing formularies and procedures for drug management and regulatory compliance. He has managed multiple community pharmacies and has taught numerous pharmacists and interns.
Dr. Transon Nguyen has been actively involved in educating school children and seniors on medication safety, adherence, basic self-care and healthcare. He is an active community volunteer for the Red Cross and the city of Irvine’s Community Emergency Response Team.
Dr. Transon Nguyen currently serves as mentor for the students of the non-profit Orange County Community Health Affiliation and he has an ongoing working relationship with the non-profit Lestonnac Free Clinic since 2005.
Publications
Nguyen, Transon. Apothecary Anecdotes: Old Tales from The Pharm. Amazon Publishing, 2021.
Nguyen, Transon. Nowhere: Steps along the journey from nowhere to now here. Amazon Publishing, 2021.
Elaine Nguyen, PharmD, MS
Director, Pharmacy Practice Experience (IPPE)Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical and Adminsitration Sciences
Doctor of Pharmacy from Western University of Health Sciences.
Master of Science in Health Care Administration from Oklahoma State University.
Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences from University of California, Irvine.
Bio
Dr. Elaine Nguyen joined AUHS with over 7 years of community practice experience. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) from Western University of Health Sciences, Master of Science in Health Care Administration (MHA) from Oklahoma State University, and Bachelor of Sciences (BS) from University of California, Irvine. Prior to joining AUHS, Dr. Nguyen worked with independent pharmacies in developing and implementing policies and procedures for new clinical programs and regulatory compliance.
Dr. Nguyen is an active community volunteer and promoter of her profession, serving on a number of boards, including Orange County Pharmacists Association, Orange County Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention Coalition, and Vietnamese Pharmacists Association. She is also part of the California Medical Assistance Teams (CAL-MATs), group of highly-trained licensed medical professionals and logisticians organized and coordinated by the State Emergency Medical Services Authority (EMSA) for rapid field disaster medical response. As a CALMAT member, Dr. Nguyen was deployed to assist the state during the Campfire in Paradise, Butte County, California in 2018 and deployed to Sacramento to operationalize various missions throughout California during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Publications and Scholarly Activities
A. PUBLICATIONS (Peer reviewed) Hata, M PharmD., Shimomura, S PharmD., Nguyen, E PharmD., Hoang, S PharmD Candidate 2018, Nuesa, M PharmD Candidate 2018,. 2017. Medicare Part D Primer. California Society of Health-Systems Pharmacists, Vol.29 No.5: 133-143.
Stanley W. Luong, Stephanie Tran, Amy Ngo, Michael Caulderon, Joyce Fong, Michelle Tran, Elaine Nguyen, Nicholas Do, Sumayya Khan, Edward K. Wong, Jur. MD; A Study of Interleukin Cytokines in the Neurotrophic Keratitis and Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca Animal Model. Invest. Ophthalmol Vis. Sci 2011; 52(14): 3776.
B. PUBLICATIONS (Non-Peer Reviewed) Nguyen E, Vuong L. Retrospective Analysis of an Outbound Telephonic Medication Adherence Program. Poster Day, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, April 2016.
C. MANUSCRIPT REVIEWER Journal of Pharmacy Practice, 2019 – present
Arjun Dutta, PhD
Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time Faculty)
PPhD in Pharmacy Administration from the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University
BS degree in Pharmacy from Jadavpur University in India
Bio
Dr. Arjun Dutta holds a BS degree in Pharmacy from Jadavpur University in India. He then completed his PhD in Pharmacy Administration from the Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Dutta specializes in Outcomes Research including the areas of Pharmacoeconomics, Quality of Life, and Epidemiology. Dr. Dutta has published extensively in Pharmacy Education including assessment of the curriculum, student admissions criteria, progression, and retention. Dr. Dutta has been involved in academic pharmacy for the past 22 years and has successfully started three pharmacy programs as a founding administrator in Oregon, New York, and California. His decanal appointments (over 12 years of administrative experience) include serving as the Interim Dean as well as Sr. Associate/Assistant Dean for Academic & Student Affairs at three new colleges of pharmacy. Prior to joining academia, he was an Outcomes Manager at a health economics firm specializing in Phase IV research for pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Dutta has over 71 publications in the form of research articles, abstracts, and book chapters in various peer-reviewed journals and professional meetings. He has received both federal (AHRQ, HRSA) and private funding and has conducted research in the areas of health services and outcomes assessment. Dr. Dutta has also been invited to speak at both national and international meetings.
Arjun enjoys travelling with his wife and two sons and is an avid reader and NFL-fan. He and his wife used to regularly compete in Ballroom Dance competitions.
Publications
Islam MA., Talukdar RM., Taheri R., and Dutta A. (2019), “Pharmacy relative to other Health Professionals in IPE: A Bibliometric Study.” Journal of National Black Nurses Association: JNBNA, 30 Nov. 2019, 30(2):38-43.
Lakhman S and Dutta A. (2019), “Endocrine Disruptive Chemicals: Silent poison for human health.” EC Pharmacology and Toxicology. 7.11 (2019): 62-63.
Dutta A. (2017) The need to integrate Public Health courses in Health Professions curriculum. [Letter]. JOJ Pub Health 2(1): JOJPH.MS.ID.555576 (2017). Available at: https://juniperpublishers.com/jojph/pdf/JOJPH.MS.ID.555578.pdf
Dutta A. (2016) Strategies to Improve Student Learning of Pharmacology in Pharmacy Curriculum. Pharm Pharmacol Int J 4(3): 00076. DOI: 10.15406/ppij.2016.04.00076 Available at: http://medcraveonline.com/PPIJ/PPIJ-04-00076.pdf
Chen JJ, Horne KE, Dutta AP (2015) “Faith-Based Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy in the United States: A Taxonomic Survey and Results.” Pharm Pharmacol Int J 2(2): 00019. DOI: 10.15406/ppij.2015.02.00019. Available at: http://medcraveonline.com/PPIJ/PPIJ-02-00019.pdf
Addo-Atuah J., Dutta A., Kovera C. (2015), “A Global health Elective Course in a Pharm.D. Curriculum.” American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education: 2014; Volume 78, Issue 10, Article 187. Available online at: http://www.ajpe.org/doi/full/10.5688/ajpe7810187 Accessed February 4, 2015.
Miederhoff P., Dutta A., Koomer A. (2013), “The Fungal Meningitis Tragedy: Implications for Pharmacy Education and the Profession.” [Letter]. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education: 2013; Volume 77, Issue 1, Article 18. Available online at: http://www.ajpe.org/doi/full/10.5688/ajpe77118 Accessed February 14, 2013.
St. Onge E., Suda K., Devaud L., Wilson A., Dutta A., Et al. Approaches to Management of Dilemmas by Leaders in Academic Pharmacy. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning. Apr. 2012: V4 (2):78-83e2.http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S187712971200010X. Accessed March 30, 2012.
Dutta A. (2011), “Is There a Need for More Research-based Courses in the PharmD Curriculum?” [Letter]. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 2011; 75(5); Article 102. Available online at: http://www.ajpe.org/view.asp?art=aj7505102&pdf=yes
Koomer A., Lourdes M., Coronel C., Dutta A., Et. al. A pilot study highlighting differences in pharmacists’ perceptions regarding use of pharamcogenetic information in their profession. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Health Care (JPRHC) 2011; Vol. 3, Issue 2: 50-61. http://www.jprhc.in/files/0862.pdf
Dutta A., Koomer A. (2011), Survey of new pharmacy schools: insights on structure and planning. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. 2011:10(1): 34-41. http://journalofpharmaceuticalresearch.org/index.php/kpc/article/view/89037. Accessed: March 31, 2017.
Dutta A. (2010), “Change of the Guard- Are we ready?” [Letter]. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 2010; 74(1); Article 16. Available online at: http://www.ajpe.org/view.asp?art=aj740116&pdf=yes&w=n
Hailemeskel B., Dutta A., Daftary M, Oluwaranti A, Ayuk-Egbe P, Koomer A, Ellis L et al. A Campus-Community Pharmacy Partnership to Foster Awareness and Utilization of MedlinePlusJournal of American Pharmacists Association May-June 2007; 47(3): 385-389.
Ghilzai NK, Dutta A. (2007), “India to Introduce 5-year Doctor of Pharmacy Program” [Letter]. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 2007; 71(2); Article 38. Available online at: http://www.ajpe.org/aj7102/aj710238/aj710238.pdf
Hailemeskel B., Dutta A., Olagbaju F., Ifelowo O., Koomer A. Demographic Differences and Drug Information Resource Preferences of U.S. Pharmacists. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. Oct. 2006; Vol.5, No. 4: 104-107.
Hailemeskel B., Dutta A., (2006), Daftary M., Ayuk P., Et. al. Relationship between pharmacy technician experience and academic performance- A pilot project. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. July 2006; Vol.5, No. 3: 65-68.
Koomer A., Dutta A., Et. Al. To Grade or Not To Grade: Moving away from Grades. U.S. Pharmacist Student Edition Winter 2006:5-7.
Dutta A., (2006), A commentary on stress research in the US. International Journal of Therapy and Rehabilitation. March 2006; v13 (3): 117.
Hailemeskel B., Dutta A., and Rose D. (2006), Drug Interactions-Knowledge and attitudes of Hospital Pharmacists. Journal of Pharmaceutical Research. January 2006; Vol. 5, No. 1: 1-5.
Dutta A., Oke F., Daftary M., Et al. Geriatric Education in US Schools of Pharmacy. Consultant Pharmacist. 2005; 20(1): 45-51.
Dutta A., Pyles M, and Miederhoff P. Stress in Health Professions Students. Journal of National Black Nurses Association. July 2005; 16(1):63-68.
Reddy R, Daftary MN, Delapenha RD, Dutta AP, Oliver J, Frederick W., Avascular Necrosis and Protease Inhibitor Therapy: 3 Cases. Journal of the National Medical Association 2005; 97(11): 1543 -1546.
Montague M., Nichols S., Dutta A. (2005), Self-Management in African-American women with diabetes. The Diabetes Educator. 2005; v31n5: 700-710.
Sansgiry S., Bhosle M., Dutta, A. Predictors of test anxiety in doctor of pharmacy students: An empirical study. Pharmacy Education. June 2005; v5(2):121-129. Available online at: http://journalsonline.tandf.co.uk/app/home/contribution.asp?wasp=23190293b2af41218b49270a7592fcd2&referrer=parent&backto=issue,7,11;journal,1,17;linkingpublicationresults,1:300275,1
Wutoh A., Dutta A., et al. Treatment perceptions and attitudes of older HIV-infected adults. Research in Social and Administrative Pharmacy. 2005; 1:60-76.
Calrke-Taker V. and Dutta A. African-American men and their reflections and thoughts on Prostate Cancer. Journal of National Black Nurses Assoc. July 2005; 16(1):1-7.
Dutta A. (2005), “The FPGEE Curriculum Requirement: An Insurmountable Hurdle?” [Letter]. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education 2005; 69(5); Article 105. Available online at: http://www.ajpe.org/aj6905/aj6905105/ajpe105.pdf
Sansgiry S., Dutta, A., Et al. Predictors of Academic Performance at Two Diverse Universities: Effect of Academic Progression. AJPE. Oct. 2004; 68(4); Article 103. Available online at: http://www.ajpe.org/view.asp?art=aj6804103&pdf=yes
Shields K., Dutta A, Daftary M., Et al. NP and CAM education in the US pharmacy schools-Results & Comparisons of two surveys. Journal of Pharmacy Teaching. 2004; 11(2):1-12.
Hailemeskel B, Bullard W, Ayuk-Egbe P, Daftary M, Akiyode O, Dutta A, Bernard D, Olusanya O, Keeys C, and Bwayo S. (2004), Selected non-approved use of recombinant human erythropoietin. Part 2 of 2. Advances in Pharmacy. 2004; 2(3):280-288.
Bullard W, Hailemeskel B, Ayuk-Egbe P, Daftary M, Akiyode O, Dutta A, Bernard D, Belrhiti S, Eze G, and Keeys C. (2004), Selected non-approved use of recombinant human erythropoietin. Part 1 of 2. Advances in Pharmacy. 2004; 2(2):146-155.
Dutta A. In response to the letter entitled, “Pharmacy Graduates from Foreign Countries Flooding US Job Market” [Letter]. AJPE 2004; 68(1), Article 23. Available online at: http://www.ajpe.org/view.asp?art=aj680123&pdf=yes
Dutta A., Miederhoff P, and Pyles M. (2003), Complementary & Alternative Medicine Education: Students’ Perspectives. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education. 2003; 67(2), Article 46. Available online at: http://www.ajpe.org/volsIssues/issueView.asp?vol=67&issue=02
Daftary M., Dutta A., Lee E., Olagundoye A., and Xue Z. Patients’ willingness to pay for cognitive pharmacy services in ambulatory care settings in the US. Journal of Pharmacy Practice and Research. 2003 (December); 33: 265-7.
Dutta A., Bwayo S, Xue X, Et al. Complementary and Alternative Medicine Instruction in Nursing Curricula. Journal of National Black Nurses Association. Dec. 2003; 14(2):30-33.
Dutta A., Daftary M., Ayuk P., and Kang H. State of CAM Education in US Schools of Pharmacy: Results of a National Survey. JAPhA. Jan-Feb. 2003; 43(1):81-83.
Bernard D., Dutta A., Daftary M. A descriptive report of bleeding complications secondary to Warfarin Therapy. Hospital Pharmacy 2003; 38(1):36-39
Hailemeskel B., Dutta A., and Daftary M. SIAR in a university teaching hospital. American Journal of Health-System Pharmacy Jan. 2003; vol. 60:194-195.
Dutta A., Wutoh A., Williams C., and Ofosu J. Predictors of Academic Success at a Historically Black School of Pharmacy. Journal of Pharmacy Teaching 2002; 10(2): 1-14.
Dutta A. In response to the letter entitled, “Doctoral Education: A tragedy of the commons” [Letter]. Am. J. Pharmaceutical Education 2002; 66(4):463-464.
Hailemeskel B. and Dutta A. A Review of Internet Based Drug Information Resources and Student Preferences. Journal of Social and Administrative Pharmacy. 2002; 19(3):82-86.
Hailemeskel B, Ayuk-Egbe P, Akiyode O, Dutta A., Olu Ifelowa, Betton T, Kim M, Dillon E, and Fullas F. The effect of Pharmacist’s Herbal Counseling on Patients’ Knowledge and Satisfaction in a Community Pharmacy. Natural Health Partner; 2002:1(15) (On-line Journal) http://www.imakenews.com/entrails/e_article000078191.cfm
Hailemeskel B., Dutta A, Wutoh A., Adverse Reactions and Interactions among Herbal Users. Issues in Interdisciplinary Care, National Academies of Practice, Oct. 2001; V3N4:297-300.
ABSTRACTS AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS
Lu, S., Li, L., S heng, J., Spink, D. and Aldous, K. Comparison of Untargeted Methods using GC-MS and LC-TOF-MS/MS for Analysis of K2/Spice Synthetic Cannabinoids in Herbal 2017 US MSACL (The Association for Mass Spectrometry Applications to the Clinical Lab), Palm Springs, CA.
Ding , S heng, J.J, Wang, Y, Kluetzman K, Zhang Q.Y., and Turesky, R.J. (2016) Transgenic Mouse Development for Studying Human Serum Albumin as a Biomarker of Carcinogenic Exposure. Experimental Biology 2016/ American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, San Diego, CA.
Paul, P. Suwan, J. Sheng, J.J.Linhardt, R.J. Dordick, J. Liu, J. (2012) Assays for enzymes used in the chemoenzymatic synthesis of heparin American Chemistry Society 243rd National Meeting, Philadelphia,
Paul, P. Suwan, J. Sheng, J.J.Linhardt, R.J. Dordick, J. Liu, J. (2012) Assays for enzymes used in the chemoenzymatic synthesis of heparin American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Meeting 2012, Pittsburgh,
Kapoor, and S heng, J. (2008) Studies on the regulatory roles of human estrogen sulfotransferase SULT1E1 in the expression of signal transduction-related genes in human prostate cancer CA-HPV-10 cells. Experimental Biology 2008/American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, San Diego, CA.
Kapoor, and Sheng, J. (2007) DNA microarray analysis suggests a regulatory role of human estrogen sulfotransferase SULT1E1 in the expression of signal transduction-related genes in human prostate cancer CA-HPV-10 cells. Experimental Biology 2007/ American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Washington DC.
Nimmagadda, D. and Sheng, J. (2007) Immunochemical characterization of human sulfotransferase SULT1E1 in HEK293 cells. Poster presented at Experimental Biology 2006/ American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, San Francisco,
Nimmagadda, D., Greiff, A., Gustad, T., and Sheng, J.J. (2005) Overexpression of hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase SULT2A1 enhances the cytotoxicity of N-hydroxy-2- acetylaminofluorene in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Poster presented at Experimental Biology 2005/American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, San Diego, CA.
Greiff, H. and Sheng, J.J. (2004) Quantitative analysis of gene expression of hydroxysteroid/ alcohol sulfotransferase (SULT2A1) and estrogen sulfotransferase (SULT1E1) in normal and malignant human prostate cell lines.Poster presentation at Experimental Biology 2004/ American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Washington, DC.
S heng, J. J., and Duffel, M. W. (2002) Enantioselectivity of human hydroxysteroid (alcohol) sulfotransferase ST2A3 for 1-naphthyl-1-ethanol, a model 1-arylethanol. 16th World Congress of Pharmacology, San Francisco,
S heng, J. J., Saxena, A., Sharma, V., and Duffel, M. W. (2002) Studies on the molecular basis for the stereoselectivity of rat aryl sulfotransferase IV (ST1A1). Poster presentation at Experimental Biology 2002 /American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, New Orleans,
S heng, J. J., and Duffel, M. W. (2001) Expression, rapid purification, and stereoselectivity of recombinant hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase STa (ST2A2). 10th International Society for the Studies of Xenobiotics (ISSX) North American Meeting, Indianapolis,
S heng, J., Hua, Z, and Ding, X. (1997) Cloning and characterization of a human nasal cDNA related to olfactory-specific CYP2G1. 36th Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, OH.
Ding, X., Spink, D. C., Bhama, J. K., Sheng, J., Vaz, N. D., and Coon, M. J. (1995) Metabolic activation of a potent olfactory-specific toxicant, 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (DCBN), an olfactory-Specific toxicant, by rat, rabbit, and human cytochrome P450: role of 2A and 2E Experimental Biology 1995/American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Washington, DC.
Jonathan Sheng, PhD
Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences (Adjunct/Part-time Faculty)
Post-Ph. D. Pharmaceutical Sciences/Medicinal Chemistry
Division of Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry
College of Pharmacy, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Ph. D. Toxicology/Drug Metabolism
Department of Environmental Health Sciences and Toxicology
School of Public Health, State University of New York, Albany, New York
B. M. Medicine
Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
Bio
Dr. Jonathan Sheng received his Ph.D. training in Environmental Sciences and Toxicology at State University of New York at Albany and his post-doctoral training in Medicinal Chemistry/Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Iowa. He currently is a regular member of American Chemical Society (ACS), American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS), American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET), and International Society for the Study of Xenobiotics (ISSX).
Dr. Sheng’s research interests and expertise are in the areas of drug and xenobiotic metabolism, drug analysis (both small molecules and biological molecules), enzymology (P450s and cytosolic sulfotransferases), protein chemistry (protein structure/function, molecular mobility, subcellular localization, and stereochemistry), transgenic animal model development, and drug/environmental chemical-protein interaction studies.
Publications
S heng, J.J, Wang, Y, Turesky, R.J., Kluetzman K, Zhang Q.Y., Ding X. (2016) Novel Transgenic Mouse Model for Studying Human Serum Albumin as a Biomarker of Carcinogenic Exposure. Chemical Research in Toxicology 29:797-809
S heng, J.J. and Acquaah-Mensah, G.K. (2011) Subcellular location and molecular mobility of human sulfotransferase SULT1C1 in living human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Drug Metabolism and Disposition 36:1-4.
Kapoor, R. and S heng, J.J. (2008) Transfection of human CA-HPV-10 cells with sulfotransferase SULT1E1 affects estrogen signaling and gene expression. Drug Metabolism and Disposition 36:316-21.
Kapoor, R., Nimmagadda, D. and Sheng, J.J. (2007) Cellular localization studies on human estrogen sulfotransferase SULT1E1 in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Drug Metabolism and Disposition 35:17-20.
S heng, J.J., Saxena, A. and Duffel, M.W. (2004) Influence of phenylalanines 77 and 138 on the stereospecificity of aryl sulfotransferase IV. Drug Metabolism and Disposition 32:559- 565.
S heng, J.J., and Duffel, M.W. (2003) Enantioselectivity of human hydroxysteroid (alcohol) sulfotransferase ST2A3 (SULT2A1) for 1-naphthyl-1-ethanol, a model 1-arylethanol. Drug Metabolism and Disposition 31:697-700.
Shibutani, , Ravindernath, A., Terashima, I., Suzuki, N., Laxmi, Y.R.S., Kanno, Y., Suzuki, M., Apak, T.I., S heng, J.J., and Duffel, M.W. (2001) Mechanism of lower genotoxicity of toremifene compared with tamoxifen. Cancer Research 61:3925-3931.
S heng, J.J., Sharma, V, and Duffel, M.W. (2001) Measurement of aryl and alcohol sulfotransferase activity. Current Protocols in Toxicology 1:4.5.1-4.5.9. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New
S heng, J.J., and Duffel, M.W. (2001) Bacterial expression, purification, and characterization of rat hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase STa.Protein Expression and Purification 21:235-242.
S heng, , Hua, Z., Guo, J., Cagganna, M., and Ding, X. (2001) Identification of a new human CYP2A gene fragment with close linkage to CYP2GP1. Drug Metabolism and Disposition 29:4-7.
S heng, J.,Guo, J., Hua, Z., Cagganna, M., and Ding, X. (2000) Characterization of human CYP2G genes: widespread loss-of-functional mutations and genetic polymorphism. Pharmacogenetics 10:667-678.
Su, , Sheng, J.,Lipinskas, T.W., and Ding, X. (1996) Expression of P450 2A genes in rodent and human olfactory mucosa. Drug Metabolism and Disposition 24:884-890.
S heng, J., and Ding, X. (1995) Identification of human genes related to olfactory-specific CYP2G1. Biophy. Res. Com. 218:570-574.
Ding, X., Spink, D.C., Bhama, J.K., Sheng, J., Vaz, N.D., and Coon, M. J. (1995) Metabolic activation of a potent olfactory-specific toxicant, 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (DCBN), an olfactory-Specific toxicant, by rat, rabbit, and human cytochrome P450: role of 2A and 2E isoforms. Pharmacology 49:1113-1121.
Kittel, M., S heng, J., Sellinger, O., and Domino, E.F. (1994) Effects of MK-801 and PCP on rat brain cortical respiratory metabolism. Pharmacology Communications 4:258-261.
Domino, E.F., Yao, L.K., Sheng, J., Grekin, R.J., and Malvin, R.L. (1993) Is nitric oxide involved in mediating rat open field behavior? Pharmacology Communications 3:175-178.
Domino, E.F., and Sheng, J. (1993) N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist and dopamine D1 and D2 agonist interactions in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,5,6-tetrahydropyridine induced hemiparkinsonian monkeys. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 264:221-225.
Domino, E.F., and Sheng, J. (1993) Relative potency and efficacy of some dopamine agonists with varying selectivities for D1 and D2 receptors in MPTP-induced hemiparkinsonian monkeys. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.265:1387-1391.
El Karib, A.O., Sheng, J., Betz, A.L., and Malvin, R.L. (1993) The central effects of a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor (N-nitro-L-arginine) in blood pressure and plasma renin. Exper. Hypertension 15:819-822.
ABSTRACTS AT NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL MEETINGS
Lu, S., Li, L., S heng, J., Spink, D. and Aldous, K. Comparison of Untargeted Methods using GC-MS and LC-TOF-MS/MS for Analysis of K2/Spice Synthetic Cannabinoids in Herbal 2017 US MSACL (The Association for Mass Spectrometry Applications to the Clinical Lab), Palm Springs, CA.
Ding , S heng, J.J, Wang, Y, Kluetzman K, Zhang Q.Y., and Turesky, R.J. (2016) Transgenic Mouse Development for Studying Human Serum Albumin as a Biomarker of Carcinogenic Exposure. Experimental Biology 2016/ American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, San Diego, CA.
Paul, P. Suwan, J. Sheng, J.J.Linhardt, R.J. Dordick, J. Liu, J. (2012) Assays for enzymes used in the chemoenzymatic synthesis of heparin American Chemistry Society 243rd National Meeting, Philadelphia,
Paul, P. Suwan, J. Sheng, J.J.Linhardt, R.J. Dordick, J. Liu, J. (2012) Assays for enzymes used in the chemoenzymatic synthesis of heparin American Institute of Chemical Engineers (AIChE) Annual Meeting 2012, Pittsburgh,
Kapoor, and S heng, J. (2008) Studies on the regulatory roles of human estrogen sulfotransferase SULT1E1 in the expression of signal transduction-related genes in human prostate cancer CA-HPV-10 cells. Experimental Biology 2008/American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, San Diego, CA.
Kapoor, and Sheng, J. (2007) DNA microarray analysis suggests a regulatory role of human estrogen sulfotransferase SULT1E1 in the expression of signal transduction-related genes in human prostate cancer CA-HPV-10 cells. Experimental Biology 2007/ American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Washington DC.
Nimmagadda, D. and Sheng, J. (2007) Immunochemical characterization of human sulfotransferase SULT1E1 in HEK293 cells. Poster presented at Experimental Biology 2006/ American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, San Francisco,
Nimmagadda, D., Greiff, A., Gustad, T., and Sheng, J.J. (2005) Overexpression of hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase SULT2A1 enhances the cytotoxicity of N-hydroxy-2- acetylaminofluorene in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Poster presented at Experimental Biology 2005/American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, San Diego, CA.
Greiff, H. and Sheng, J.J. (2004) Quantitative analysis of gene expression of hydroxysteroid/ alcohol sulfotransferase (SULT2A1) and estrogen sulfotransferase (SULT1E1) in normal and malignant human prostate cell lines.Poster presentation at Experimental Biology 2004/ American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Washington, DC.
S heng, J. J., and Duffel, M. W. (2002) Enantioselectivity of human hydroxysteroid (alcohol) sulfotransferase ST2A3 for 1-naphthyl-1-ethanol, a model 1-arylethanol. 16th World Congress of Pharmacology, San Francisco,
S heng, J. J., Saxena, A., Sharma, V., and Duffel, M. W. (2002) Studies on the molecular basis for the stereoselectivity of rat aryl sulfotransferase IV (ST1A1). Poster presentation at Experimental Biology 2002 /American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, New Orleans,
S heng, J. J., and Duffel, M. W. (2001) Expression, rapid purification, and stereoselectivity of recombinant hydroxysteroid sulfotransferase STa (ST2A2). 10th International Society for the Studies of Xenobiotics (ISSX) North American Meeting, Indianapolis,
S heng, J., Hua, Z, and Ding, X. (1997) Cloning and characterization of a human nasal cDNA related to olfactory-specific CYP2G1. 36th Society of Toxicology Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, OH.
Ding, X., Spink, D. C., Bhama, J. K., Sheng, J., Vaz, N. D., and Coon, M. J. (1995) Metabolic activation of a potent olfactory-specific toxicant, 2,6-dichlorobenzonitrile (DCBN), an olfactory-Specific toxicant, by rat, rabbit, and human cytochrome P450: role of 2A and 2E Experimental Biology 1995/American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Washington, DC.
Professor Oksana Zayachkivska, MD, Ph.D., DSc, Professor of Physiology and former Head of the Department of Physiology, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University (LNMU), Lviv, Ukraine, has been involved in research since 1990 and got her Ph.D. degree in 1996. Her post-doctoral research related with study neuro-humoral molecular mechanisms of cytoprotection in gastrointestinal organs and metabolic disorders, stress-associated injuries, and searching of novel promising therapeutic tools for cytoprotection and she got DSc degree in 2007.
Prof. Zayachkivska regularly reported her research at many domestic and international conferences (USA, Canada, UK, Japan, France, Italy, Croatia, Hungary, Czech Republic, Poland). She has published in leading professional Ukrainian and international journals, including J Physiol Pharmacol, World Journal of Gastroenterology, Inflammopharmacology, PLoS ONE, Front Gastrointest Res (Basel, Karger), FASEB J, Gut, Digestive Diseases and Sciences, Physiology News, Advances of Cognitive Psychology, Journal of Psychophysiology and others.
She is a reviewer at several indexed journals, including Frontier in Pharmacology (USA), Southeast European Medical Journal (Croatia), Medical & Health Sciences Review (Poland), reviewer Elsevier, Frontiers in Gastrointestinal and Hepatic Pharmacology, World Journal of Gastroenterology. In 2014, Prof. Zayachkivska took the post of Editor-in-Chief at Proceeding of The Shevchenko Scientific Society. Medical Sciences.
Prof. Zayachkivska’s teaching is related to lecturing and conducting classes on disciplines and training course “Physiology”, “Molecular Physiology and Modern Biotechnology” for native and English-speaking students of LNMU for medical and pharmacy students. She works with young scientists, as the co-founder and member of the organizing committee SMART LION symposiums (2017, 2018) and a member of faculty in the International Summer School on Stress (2014-2016). She was a mentor for 5 Ph.D. medical doctors. Prof. Zayachkivska is a member of a specialized Academic Council of LNMU for the defense of Ph.D. students on specialty “Physiology” and “Pathology”.
Prof. Zayachkivska is a member of the Ukrainian Physiological Society, Shevchenko Scientific Society (Medical Commission), Ukrainian Medical Society, The Physiological Society (UK) (ID 132570), FASEB / ASPET (ID 31126), Global GI Club in FASEB, IUPHAR-GI section.
Scopus ID: 8393653800
ORCID: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-4309-2473
Nhung Le, PhD
Dr. Nhung Xuan Hong Le is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Science (Adjunct/Part-time).
The focus of my previous work was centered around biocomplexity and how our immune system communicates with our microbiome, as well as how these interactions affect female reproductive disorders such as endometriosis and preterm birth. Thus, as my next step in my career, I want to continue to focus on using molecular biology techniques in order to gain a mechanistic understanding of the interactions between the immune system and mucosal microbial dynamics.
Bio
Dr. Coffman has been teaching Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics for the last few decades and has supported his students with research, poster presentations and publications. Dr. Coffman has developed several biomedical science programs along with courses in health-care administration, and he has also worked with several institutions on accreditation, programmatic assessments, student recruitment and marketing strategies.
Molecular and Cellular Biological Techniques
Quantitative PCR
ELIZA’s
FACs
Immunohistochemistry
Western Blot
Mammalian Cell Culture
Microbiome Bioinformatics
Education and training
2016 – 2021 Ph.D., Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Cell Biology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine
2014 – 2016 M.S., Public Health, Southern Illinois University Carbondale
2009 – 2010 M.S., Epidemiology, Washington University in St. Louis
2004 – 2008 B.A., Biochemistry, Westminster College
Education and training
Le N, Cregger M, Brown V, Loret de Mola J, Bremer P, et al. (2021)Association of microbial dynamics with urinary estrogens and estrogen metabolites in patients with endometriosis. PLOS ONE 16(12): e0261362. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0261362
Le NXH, Loret de Mola JR, Bremer P, Groesch K, Wilson T, Diaz-Sylvester P, Braundmeier-Fleming AG. Alteration of systemic and uterine endometrial immune populations in patients with endometriosis. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2021 Mar;85(3):e13362. doi: 10.1111/aji.13362. Epub 2020 Oct 29. PMID: 33070438.
Brazel DM, Jiang Y, Hughey JM, Turcot V, Zhan X, Gong J, Batini C, Weissenkampen JD, Liu M; CHD Exome+ Consortium; Consortium for Genetics of Smoking Behaviour, Barnes DR, Bertelsen S, Chou YL, Erzurumluoglu AM, Faul JD, Haessler J, Hammerschlag AR, Hsu C, Kapoor M, Lai D, Le N, de Leeuw CA, Loukola A, Mangino M, Melbourne CA, Pistis G, Qaiser B, Rohde R, Shao Y, Stringham H, Wetherill L, Zhao W, Agrawal A, Bierut L, Chen C, Eaton CB, Goate A, Haiman C, Heath A, Iacono WG, Martin NG, Polderman TJ, Reiner A, Rice J, Schlessinger D, Scholte HS, Smith JA, Tardif JC, Tindle HA, van der Leij AR, Boehnke M, Chang-Claude J, Cucca F, David SP, Foroud T, Howson JMM, Kardia SLR, Kooperberg C, Laakso M, Lettre G, Madden P, McGue M, North K, Posthuma D, Spector T, Stram D, Tobin MD, Weir DR, Kaprio J, Abecasis GR, Liu DJ, Vrieze S. Exome Chip Meta-analysis Fine Maps Causal Variants and Elucidates the Genetic Architecture of Rare Coding Variants in Smoking and Alcohol Use. Biol Psychiatry. 2019 Jun 1;85(11):946-955. doi: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.11.024. Epub 2018 Dec 6. Pubmed PMID:30679032
Erzurumluoglu AM, Liu M, Jackson VE, Barnes DR, Datta G, Melbourne CA, Young R, Batini C, Surendran P, Jiang T, Adnan SD, Afaq S, Agrawal A, Altmaier E, Antoniou AC, Asselbergs FW, Baumbach C, Bierut L, Bertelsen S, Boehnke M, Bots ML, Brazel DM, Chambers JC, Chang-Claude J, Chen C, Corley J, Chou YL, David SP, de Boer RA, de Leeuw CA, Dennis JG, Dominiczak AF, Dunning AM, Easton DF, Eaton C, Elliott P, Evangelou E, Faul JD, Foroud T, Goate A, Gong J, Grabe HJ, Haessler J, Haiman C, Hallmans G, Hammerschlag AR, Harris SE, Hattersley A, Heath A, Hsu C, Iacono WG, Kanoni S, Kapoor M, Kaprio J, Kardia SL, Karpe F, Kontto J, Kooner JS, Kooperberg C, Kuulasmaa K, Laakso M, Lai D, Langenberg C, Le N, Lettre G, Loukola A, Luan J, Madden PAF, Mangino M, Marioni RE, Marouli E, Marten J, Martin NG, McGue M, Michailidou K, Mihailov E, Moayyeri A, Moitry M, Müller-Nurasyid M, Naheed A, Nauck M, Neville MJ, Nielsen SF, North K, Perola M, Pharoah PDP, Pistis G, Polderman TJ, Posthuma D, Poulter N, Qaiser B, Rasheed A, Reiner A, Renström F, Rice J, Rohde R, Rolandsson O, Samani NJ, Samuel M, Schlessinger D, Scholte SH, Scott RA, Sever P, Shao Y, Shrine N, Smith JA, Starr JM, Stirrups K, Stram D, Stringham HM, Tachmazidou I, Tardif JC, Thompson DJ, Tindle HA, Tragante V, Trompet S, Turcot V, Tyrrell J, Vaartjes I, van der Leij AR, van der Meer P, Varga TV, Verweij N, Völzke H, Wareham NJ, Warren HR, Weir DR, Weiss S, Wetherill L, Yaghootkar H, Yavas E, Jiang Y, Chen F, Zhan X, Zhang W, Zhao W, Zhao W, Zhou K, Amouyel P, Blankenberg S, Caulfield MJ, Chowdhury R, Cucca F, Deary IJ, Deloukas P, Di Angelantonio E, Ferrario M, Ferrières J, Franks PW, Frayling TM, Frossard P, Hall IP, Hayward C, Jansson JH, Jukema JW, Kee F, Männistö S, Metspalu A, Munroe PB, Nordestgaard BG, Palmer CNA, Salomaa V, Sattar N, Spector T, Strachan DP; Understanding Society Scientific Group, EPIC-CVD, GSCAN, Consortium for Genetics of Smoking Behaviour, CHD Exome+ consortium, van der Harst P, Zeggini E, Saleheen D, Butterworth AS, Wain LV, Abecasis GR, Danesh J, Tobin MD, Vrieze S, Liu DJ, Howson JMM. Meta-analysis of up to 622,409 individuals identifies 40 novel smoking behaviour associated genetic loci. Mol Psychiatry. 2019 Jan 7. doi: 10.1038/s41380-018-0313-0. Pubmed PMID:30617275
Wetherill L, Agrawal A, Kapoor M, Bertelsen S, Bierut LJ, Brooks A, Dick D, Hesselbrock M, Hesselbrock V, Koller DL, Le N, Nurnberger JI Jr, Salvatore JE, Schuckit M, Tischfield JA, Wang JC, Xuei X, Edenberg HJ, Porjesz B, Bucholz K, Goate AM, Foroud T. Association of substance dependence phenotypes in the COGA sample. Addict Biol. 2015 May;20(3):617-27. doi: 10.1111/adb.12153. Epub 2014 May 16. Pubmed PMID:24832863
Kapoor M, Wang JC, Wetherill L, Le N, Bertelsen S, Hinrichs AL, Budde J, Agrawal A, Almasy L, Bucholz K, Dick DM, Harari O, Xiaoling X, Hesselbrock V, Kramer J, Nurnberger JI Jr, Rice J, Schuckit M, Tischfield J, Porjesz B, Edenberg HJ, Bierut L, Foroud T, Goate A. Genome-wide survival analysis of age at onset of alcohol dependence in extended high-risk COGA families. Drug Alcohol Depend. 2014 Sep 1;142:56-62. doi: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.05.023. Epub 2014 Jun 11. Pubmed PMID:24962325
Wetherill L, Kapoor M, Agrawal A, Bucholz K, Koller D, Bertelsen SE, Le N, Wang JC, Almasy L, Hesselbrock V, Kramer J, Nurnberger JI Jr, Schuckit M, Tischfield JA, Xuei X, Porjesz B, Edenberg HJ, Goate AM, Foroud T. Family-based association analysis of alcohol dependence criteria and severity. Alcohol Clin Exp Res. 2014 Feb;38(2):354-66. doi: 10.1111/acer.12251. Epub 2013 Sep 9. Pubmed PMID:24015780
Wang JC, Foroud T, Hinrichs AL, Le NX, Bertelsen S, Budde JP, Harari O, Koller DL, Wetherill L, Agrawal A, Almasy L, Brooks AI, Bucholz K, Dick D, Hesselbrock V, Johnson EO, Kang S, Kapoor M, Kramer J, Kuperman S, Madden PA, Manz N, Martin NG, McClintick JN, Montgomery GW, Nurnberger JI Jr, Rangaswamy M, Rice J, Schuckit M, Tischfield JA, Whitfield JB, Xuei X, Porjesz B, Heath AC, Edenberg HJ, Bierut LJ, Goate AM. A genome-wide association study of alcohol-dependence symptom counts in extended pedigrees identifies C15orf53. Mol Psychiatry. 2013 Nov;18(11):1218-24. doi: 10.1038/mp.2012.143. Epub 2012 Oct 23. Pubmed PMID:23089632
Wang JC, Spiegel N, Bertelsen S, Le N, McKenna N, Budde JP, Harari O, Kapoor M, Brooks A, Hancock D, Tischfield J, Foroud T, Bierut LJ, Steinbach JH, Edenberg HJ, Traynor BJ, Goate AM. Cis-regulatory variants affect CHRNA5 mRNA expression in populations of African and European ancestry. PLoS One. 2013 Nov 26;8(11):e80204. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0080204. eCollection 2013. Pubmed PMID:24303001
Kapoor M, Wang JC, Wetherill L, Le N, Bertelsen S, Hinrichs AL, Budde J, Agrawal A, Bucholz K, Dick D, Harari O, Hesselbrock V, Kramer J, Nurnberger JI Jr, Rice J, Saccone N, Schuckit M, Tischfield J, Porjesz B, Edenberg HJ, Bierut L, Foroud T, Goate A. A meta-analysis of two genome-wide association studies to identify novel loci for maximum number of alcoholic drinks. Hum Genet. 2013 Oct;132(10):1141-51. doi: 10.1007/s00439-013-1318-z. Epub 2013 Jun 7. Pubmed PMID:23743675
Abstract, Posters, Oral Presentations
Le N, Cregger M, Lynn N, Loret de Mola JR, Ghareeb A, Groesch K, Wilson T, Paula Diaz-Sylvester P, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2019). Alteration of Microbial Communities and Immune Populations in Patients with Endometriosis. The American Society for Reproductive Immunology. Grand Rapid, MI. (oral)
Le N, Cregger M, Lynn N, Loret de Mola JR, Bremer P, Ghareeb A, Groesch K, Wilson T, Paula Diaz-Sylvester P, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2019) Pre- and Postoperative changes in Urinary Estrogen Metabolites in Women with Endometriosis. Illinois Symposium for Reproductive Sciences. Chicago, IL. (oral)
Idusuyi B, Le N, Thompson T, Gong J, Groesch K, Loret de Mola JR, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2019). Maternal Inflammation and Urogenital Microbial Profiling as Predictors of Preterm Birth. ACOG. Nashville, TN.
Portugal A, Le N, Thompson T*, Gong J, Groesch K, Loret de Mola JR, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2019). Association of Fecal Microbial Profiles and Estrogen Metabolism in Patients with Preterm Birth. ACOG. Nashville, TN.
Onyewuenyi T, Le N, Addo J, Groesch K, Loret de Mola JR, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2019). Chronic peripheral inflammation and perinatal depression in high risk pregnancies. ACOG. Nashville, TN.
Ghareeb A, Gibson K, Maxheimer K, Cregger M, Close D, Karr M, Badger T, Le N, Groesch K, Diaz-Sylvester P, Wilson T, Brard L, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2019). Understanding and Diagnosing endometrial cancer using multi-organ microbial taxonomic signatures. Society for Gynecological Oncology. Honolulu, HI.
Gibson K, Ghareeb A, Maxheimer K, Cregger M, Close D, Karr M, Badger T, Le N, Groesch K, Diaz-Sylvester P, Wilson T, Brard L, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2018). Understanding and Diagnosing endometrial cancer using multi-organ microbial taxonomic signatures. Illinois Symposium for Reproductive Sciences. Carbondale, IL.
Acheampong N, Le N, Nicholson K, Idusuyi B, Thompson T, Portugal A, Ghareeb A, Groesch K, Diaz-Sylvester P, Wilson T, Gilber J, Yee A, Loret de Mola JR, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2018). The Impact of Maternal Inflammation on Preterm Birth. Illinois Symposium for Reproductive Sciences. Carbondale, IL.
Le N, Cregger M, Nguyen L, Loret de Mola JR, Groesch K, Wilson T, Diaz-Sylvester P, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2018). Alteration of microbial communities and immune populations in patients with endometriosis. Illinois Symposium for Reproductive Sciences. Carbondale, IL. (poster)
Kendall K, Diaz-Sylvester P, Wilson T, Groesch K, Maxheimer K, Hamilton K, Badger T, Le N, Semaan A, Braundmeier-Fleming A, Brard L. (2018). Potential Biomarkers for Endometrial Cancer. 28th Annual Trainee Research Symposium. SIUSOM, Springfield IL.
Maxheimer K, Cregger M, Close D, Karr M, Badger T, Le N, Groesch K, Diaz-Sylvester P, Wilson T, Brard L, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2018). Understanding and Diagnosing Endometrial Cancer Using Multi-Organ Microbial Taxonomic Signatures. 28th Annual Trainee Research Symposium. SIUSOM, Springfield IL.
Le N, Cregger M, Nguyen L, Loret de Mola JR, Groesch K, Wilson T, Diaz-Sylvester P, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2018). Alteration of Microbial Communities and Immune Populations in Patients with Endometriosis. Society for the Study of Reproduction. New Orleans, LA. (oral and poster)
Loret de Mola JR, Le N, Nguyen L, Diaz-Sylvester P, Wilson T, Groesch K, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2018). Detection of Urinary Estrogen Metabolites in Women with Endometriosis. European Congress on Endometriosis. Vienna, Austria.
Le N, Roy S, Diaz-Sylvester P, Wilson T, Groesch K, Braundmeier-Fleming A. (2017). The impact of maternal inflammation on preterm birth. Society for the Study of Reproduction. Washington D.C (poster)
PhD University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
MBA Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL, USA
BA Southeastern University, Lakeland, FL, USA
Bio
Dr. Coffman has been teaching Medical Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics for the last few decades and has supported his students with research, poster presentations and publications. Dr. Coffman has developed several biomedical science programs along with courses in health-care administration, and he has also worked with several institutions on accreditation, programmatic assessments, student recruitment and marketing strategies.
Published Research
Shaw, G and Coffman, J. Components of an Evidence-Based Analytic Rubric for Use in Medical School Admissions. JAPMA 2017, Vol. 107, No. 1, pp. 65-71.
Noriega B, Sanchez-Gonzalez, M, Salyakina D. and Coffman J. Understanding the Impact of Omega-3 Rich Diet on the Gut Microbiota. Case Reports in Medicine, Volume 2016 (2016), Article ID 3089303.
Whalen D, Molnar D, Milne F., Schwal L., Hackett V. and Coffman J. Flu vaccine experiences and beliefs influence vaccination decision making more than knowledge. F1000Research 2014, 3:224.
Strong T, Dowd S, Gutierrez A and Coffman, J. Amplicon pyrosequencing and ion torrent sequencing of wild duck eubacterial microbiome from fecal samples reveals numerous species linked to human and animal diseases, F1000Research 2013, 2:224
Murray PE, Coffman JA, Godoy-Garcia F. Dentists could be leading bioengineers of 21st century. Today’s FDA. 2005; 17: 17-8.
Murray, P.E., Coffman, J.A. and Garcia-Godoy, F. (2004). Pulp Responses to Remaining Dentin Thickness. Today’s FDA. July. 17-19.
Kathleen H. Cox, Rajendra Rai, Mackenzie Distler, Jon R. Daugherty, Jonathan A. Coffman and Terrance G. Cooper (2000). Saccharomyces cerevisiae GATA Sequences Function as TATA Elements during Nitrogen Catabolite Repression and When Gln3p Is Excluded from the Nucleus by Overproduction of Ure2p. J. Biol. Chem. 275: 17611-17618.
Research and Areas of Interest Vaccination Decision Models Oral and Intestinal Microbiota Studies Opioid Use Order in Medical Education
B.S., Oceanography (Major) and Chemistry (Minor), Pukyong National University, South Korea
M.S., Marine Chemistry, Stony Brook University, New York
Ph.D., Medicinal Chemistry, Chonnam National University, South Korea
Bio:
Dr. Suhui Yang obtained her B.S. in Oceanography (major) and Chemistry (minor) from Pukyong National University, South Korea, in 2004 and her M.S. in Marine Chemistry from Stony Brook University, New York, in 2008. She later switched her interest to Medicinal Chemistry and earned her Ph.D. under the guidance of Prof. Won-Jea Cho from Chonnam National University, South Korea, in 2012. Her doctoral research was focused on the design and development of novel small molecule compounds targeting Androgen Receptor, Topoisomerase, or JAK/STAT pathway for treating cancers. In research, she used to apply computational techniques such as virtual screening or molecular docking, synthesize various chemical libraries, and optimize the active compounds.
Dr. Yang moved to the University of Michigan where she conducted research as postdoctoral fellow with Prof. Nouri Neamati, working on synthesis of bioactive small molecule compounds as anti-cancer agents (2013-2017). Dr. Yang joined the faculty of the American University of Health Sciences as an Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, in August 2018. Her current research interests are the design and development of small molecule compounds as chemotherapeutic agents and the use of photoaffinity probes for identification of the molecular targets of small molecules.
Selected Publications
1. J. Han, HW. Lee, Y. Jin, DB. Khadka, S. Yang, X. Li, M. Kim, WJ. Cho, “Molecular design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of bisamide derivatives as cyclophilin A inhibitors for HCV treatment”, Eur. J, Med. Chem., (2020), 188, 112031.
2. S. Xu, Y. Liu, K. Yang, H. Wang, A. Shergalis, A. Kyani, A. Bankhead, S. Tamura, S. Yang, X. Wang, C. Wang, A. Rehemtulla, M. Ljungman, N. Neamati, “Inhibition of protein disulfide isomerase in glioblastoma causes marked downregulation of DNA repair and DNA damage response genes”, Theranostics, (2019), 9, 2282.
3. S. Yang, A. Shergalis, D. Lu, A. Kyani, Z. Lu, M. Ljungman, N. Neamati, “Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of Novel Allosteric Protein Disulfide Isomerase Inhibitors”, J. Med. Chem., (2019), 62, 3447.
4. A. Kyani, S. Tamura, S. Yang (co-first), A. Shergalis, S. Samanta, Y. Kuang, M. Ljungman, N. Neamati, “Discovery and Mechanistic Elucidation of a Class of Protein Disulfide Isomerase Inhibitors for the Treatment of Glioblastoma”, Chem. Med. Chem., (2018), 13, 164.
5. K. Ramkumar, S. Samanta, A. Kyani, S. Yang, S. Tamura, L. Ziemke, J. Stuckey, S. Li, K. Chinnaswamy, H. Otake, B. Debnath, V. Yarovenko, J. Sebolt-Leopold, M. Ljungman, N. Neamati, “Mechanistic evaluation and transcriptional signature of a Glutathione S-transferase Omega 1 inhibitor”, Nature Comm., (2016), 7, 13084.
6. S. Yang, J. K. R., S. Lim, T. G. Choi, J.-H. Kim, S. Akter, M. Jang, H.-J. Ahn, H.-Y. Kim, M. P. Windisch, D. B. Khadka, C. Zhao, Y. Jin, I. Kang, J. Ha, B.-C. Oh, M. Kim, S. S. Kim, W.-J. Cho, “Structure-Based Discovery of Novel Cyclophilin A Inhibitors for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infections”, J. Med. Chem., (2015), 58 (24), 9546-9561.
7. C. Zhao, S. H. Yang, D. B. Khadka, Y. Jin, K.T. Lee, W.-J. Cho, “Computer-aided discovery of aminopyridines as novel JAK2 inhibitors”, Bioorg. Med. Chem., (2015), 23, 985-995.
8. D. B. Khadka, H. Woo, S. H. Yang, C. Zhao, Y. Jin, T. N. Le, Y. Kwon, W.-J. Cho, “Modification of 3-arylisoquinolines into 3,4-diarylisoquinolines and assessment of their cytotoxicity and topoisomerase inhibition”, Eur. J, Med. Chem., (2015), 92, 583-607.
9. H. T. M. Van, H. M. Jeong, D. B. Khadka, S. H. Yang, C. Zhao, Y. Jin, K. Y. Lee, Y. Kwon, W.-J. Cho, “Design, synthesis and systematic evaluation of cytotoxic 3-heteroarylisoquinolinamines as topoisomerases inhibitors”, Eur. J, Med. Chem., (2014), 82, 181-194.
10. Y. Jin, D. B. Khadka, S. H. Yang, C. Zhao, W.-J. Cho, “Synthesis of novel 5-oxaprotoberberines as bioisosteres of protoberberines”, Tetrahedron Lett., (2014), 55, 1366-1369.
11. S. H. Yang, C.-H. Song, H. T. M. Van, E. Park, D. B. Khadka, E.-Y. Gong, K. Lee, and W.-J. Cho, “SAR Based Design of Nicotinamides as a Novel Class of Androgen Receptor Antagonists for Prostate Cancer”, J. Med. Chem., (2013), 56 (8), 3414-3418.
12. C.-H. Song, S. H. Yang (co-first), E. Park, S. H. Cho, Eun-Yeung Gong, D. B. Khadka, W.-J. Cho, and K. Lee, “Structure-Based Virtual Screening and Identification of a Novel AR Antagonist”, J. Biol. Chem., (2012), 287 (36), 30769-30780.
13. T. N. Le, S. H. Yang (co-first), D. B. Khadka, S. H. Cho, C. Zhao, W.-J. Cho, “Synthetic approaches to natural antioxidant Benzastatin E, F and G analogues”, Bull. Korean Chem. Soc., (2011), 32 (12), 4309-4315.
14. S. H. Yang, D. B. Khadka, S. H. Cho, H.-K. Ju, K. Y. Lee, K.-T. Lee, W.-J. Cho, “Virtual screening and synthesis of quinazolines as novel JAK2 inhibitors”. Bioorg. Med. Chem., (2011), 19 (2), 968-977.
15. S. H. Yang, H. T. M. Van, T. N. Le, D. B. Khadka, S. H. Cho, K.-T. Lee, E.-S. Lee, Y. B. Lee, C.-H. Ahn, W.-J. Cho, “Development of 3-aryl-1-isoquinolinamines as potent antitumor agents based on CoMFA”, Eur. J. Med. Chem., (2010), 45 (11), 5493-5497.
16. S. H. Yang, H. T. M. Van, T. N. Le, D. B. Khadka, S. H. Cho, K.-T. Lee, H.-J. Chung, S. K. Lee, C.-H. Ahn, Y. B. Lee, W.-J. Cho, “Synthesis, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of 3-arylisoquinolinamines as potent antitumor agents”, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett., (2010), 20 (17), 5277-5281.
Alamdar Hussain, Ph.D.
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Admission / Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Sandor Szabo, a Fellow of the American Gastroenterological Association (AGAF), and an External Member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences: After finishing medical school in Belgrade, obtained MSc & PhD in the institute of Hans Selye (the ‘father of biologic stress’) at the University of Montreal & continued with pathology residency at Harvard Med Sch, Boston, where he became assistant & associate professor. He also obtained an MPH at Harvard School of Public Health, & after 20 years at Harvard, became a professor of pathology & pharmacology at the Medical School of University of California, Irvine (UCI), CA. He also served as chief of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine Service for 20 years, of which for 12 years also covered the functions of chief of staff at the VA Medical Center in Long Beach, CA, where he continued his productive research in the molecular mechanisms of stress-related diseases, esp., gastrointestinal (GI) ulceration. His laboratory was the first to publish easily reproducible, chemically induced duodenal ulcers & adrenal necrosis in rats. This was followed by structure-activity studies (SAS) with chemicals that induce duodenal ulcers which is the most frequent form of peptic ulcers in patients. These SAS led to the first recognition of dopamine in the pathogenesis of duodenal ulceration in animal models & man. Subsequently, he demonstrated for the first time the potent ulcer healing effect of angiogenic growth factors which on molar basis 2-7 million times more potent than antisecretory or anti-H. pylori drugs. His laboratory also published the first gene expression & gene therapy results in duodenal ulceration.
So far, he has 235 original, peer-review publications (several in the best scientific journals like Nature, Science, PNAS, BBRC, JAMA, Lancet, J. Clin. Invest., Lab. Invest., Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Am. J. Pathol., J. Pharm. Sci., J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther.), 55 review articles, 37 book chapters, 5 books edited, & 241 invited lectures in North America, Europe, Asia & Australia as well as 9 approved patents, mostly for new GI ulcer drugs & one pending application. In teaching activities, he was course director for general pathology at Harvard Medical School & was teaching GI & endocrine pathology as well as courses in public health & toxicology at Harvard & UCI.
He was associate master at one of the 5 student academic societies at Harvard Medical School (i.e., at Peabody Society) & initiated the establishment of similar student academic societies at UCI to promote small-group teaching & flip classroom techniques. In 2013 he initiated the annual week-long international Summer Schools on Stress (https://www.stresseducation.org ) that has been held at various universities over the world, e.g., Hungary, Croatia, France, Slovakia, Japan & Russia.
Selected Publications
Selye H, Szabo S. Protection by various steroids against gold nephropathy. Eur. J. Toxicol. 1971; 4:512-516.
Szabo S, Selye H. Duodenal ulcers produced by propionitrile in rats. Arch. Pathol. 1972; 93:389-390.
Selye H, Szabo S, Kourounakis P. Protection against phenylisothiocyanate by various steroids, phenobarbital and diphenylhydantoin. J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 1972; 24:333-334.
Selye H, Szabo S. Experimental model for production of perforating duodenal ulcers by cysteamine in the rat. Nature 1973; 244:458-459.
Szabo S, Selye H, Kourounakis P, Taché Y. Comparative studies on the effect of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and pregnenolone-16a-carbonitrile (PCN) upon drug response and distribution in rats. Biochem. Pharmacol. 1974; 23:2083-2094.
Kourounakis P, Szabo S, Selye H. Effect of various steroids and ACTH on the distribution of zoxazolamine in rats. J. Pharm. Sci. 1973; 62:1946-1949.
Szabo S, Kourounakis P, Selye H, Da Silva O. Pharmacodynamic interactions among gluco-, mineralo-, glucomineralocorticoids, pregnenolone-16a-carbonitrile and various drugs. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 1974; 188:45-54.
Szabo S, Komlos S, Ignjatovi_ Z. Effect of pregnenolone-16a-carbonitrile (PCN) on drug response in man. J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 1975; 27:113-118.
Szabo S, Kourounakis P, Selye H. Influence of adrenocorticotropic hormone, somatotrophic hormone and pregnenolone-16a-carbonitrile on drug response and metabolism. Biochem. Pharmacol. 1975; 24:1549-1551.
Szabo S, Reynolds ES, Kovacs K. Animal model of human disease. Waterhouse-Friderichsen syndrome. Animal model: acrylonitrile-induced adrenal apoplexy. Am. J. Pathol. 1976; 82:653-656.
Szabo S, Reynolds ES, Moslen MT. Chemical factors in aetiology of duodenal ulcer. Lancet 1975; 2:73.
Schwedes U, Usadel K, Szabo S. Somatostatin prevents cysteamine-induced duodenal ulcer. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 1977; 44:195-196.
Szabo S. Animal model of human disease. Duodenal ulcer disease. Animal model: cysteamine-induced acute and chronic duodenal ulcer in the rat. Am. J. Pathol. 1978; 93:273-276.
Szabo S, Bailey KA, Boor PJ, Jaeger RJ. Acrylonitrile and tissue glutathione: differential effect of acute and chronic interactions. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 1977; 79:32-37.
Szabo S, Horvath E, Kovacs K, Larsen PR. Pyrazole-induced thyroid necrosis: a distinct organ lesion. Science 1978; 199:1209-1210.
Szabo S. Dopamine disorder in duodenal ulceration. Lancet 1979; 2:880-882.
Szabo S, Hüttner I, Kovacs K, Horvath E, Szabo D, Horner HC. Pathogenesis of experimental adrenal hemorrhagic necrosis (“apoplexy”). Ultrastructural, biochemical, neuropharmacologic and blood coagulation studies with acrylonitrile in the rat. Lab. Invest. 1980; 42:533-546.
Szabo S, Trier JS, Frankel PW. Sulfhydryl compounds may mediate cytoprotection. Science 1981; 214:200-202.
Szabo S, Reichlin S. Somatostatin depletion in rat organs: a novel effect of the potent duodenal ulcerogen, cysteamine. Endocrinology 1981; 109:2255-2257.
Szabo S, Reynolds ES, Unger SH. Structure-activity relations between alkyl nucleophilic chemicals causing duodenal ulcer and adrenocortical necrosis. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 1982; 223:68-76.
Palkovits M, Browstein MJ, Eiden LE, Beinfeld MC, Russell J, Arimura A, Szabo S. Selective depletion of somatostatin in rat brain by cysteamine. Brain Res. 1982, 240, 178-180.
Adler RS, Gallagher GT, Szabo S. Duodenal ulcerogens cysteamine and propionitrile decrease duodenal neutralization of acid in the rat. Dig. Dis. Sci. 1983; 28:716-723.
Neumeyer JL, Szabo S. (-)-10,11-Methylenedioxy-N-propylnoraporphine, an orally effective dopamine agonist and duodenal antiulcerogen in the rat. Eur. J. Pharmacol. 1983; 88:273-274.
Gallagher GT, Szabo S. Direct measurement of duodenal acid-pepsin exposure at site of ulceration in rats. Am. J. Physiol. 1984; 246: G660-G665.
Szabo S, Gallagher G, Horner HC, Frankel PW, Underwood RH, Konturek SJ, Brzozowski T, Trier JS. Role of the adrenal cortex in gastric mucosal protection by prostaglandins, sulfhydryls and cimetidine in the rat. Gastroenterology 1983; 85:1384-1390.
Szabo S, Trier JS, Brown A, Schnoor J. Early vascular injury and increased vascular permeability in gastric mucosal injury caused by ethanol in the rat. Gastroenterology 1985; 88:228-236.
Pihan G, Kline TJ, Hollenberg NK, Szabo S. Duodenal ulcerogens cysteamine and propionitrile induce gastroduodenal motility alterations in the rat. Gastroenterology 1985; 88:989-997.
Crum R, Szabo S, Folkman J. A new class of steroids inhibits angiogenesis in the presence of heparin or a heparin fragment. Science 1985; 230:1375-1378.
Szabo S, Brown A, Pihan G, Dali H, Neumeyer JL. Duodenal ulcer induced by MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine). Proc. Soc. Exp. Biol. Med. 1985; 180:567-571.
Szabo S, Horner HC, Maull H, Schnoor J, Chieuh CC, Palkovits M. Biochemical changes in tissue catecholamines and serotonin in duodenal ulceration caused by cysteamine or propionitrile in the rat. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 1987; 240:871-878.
Silver EH, Szabo S, Cahill M, Jaeger RJ. Time-course studies of the distribution of [1-14C] acrylonitrile in rats after intravenous administration. J. Appl. Toxicol. 1987; 7:303-306.
Szabo S, Rogers C. Diet, ulcer disease, and fish oil. Lancet 1988; 1:119.
Folkman J, Szabo S, Stovroff M. McNeil P, Li W, Shing Y. Duodenal ulcer: discovery of a new mechanism and development of angiogenic therapy that accelerates healing. Ann. Surg. 1991; 214:414-426.
Hauser J, Szabo S. Extremely long protection by pyrazole derivatives against chemically induced gastric mucosal injury. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther., 1991; 256:592-598.
Giampaolo C, Gray AT, Olshen RA, Szabo S. Predicting chemically induced duodenal ulcer and adrenal necrosis with classification trees. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 1991; 88:6298-6302.
Szabo S, Folkman J, Vattay P, Morales RE, Pinkus GS, Kato K. Accelerated healing of duodenal ulcers by oral administration of a mutein of basic fibroblast growth factor in rats. Gastroenterology 1994; 106:1106-1111.
Nagy L, Kusstatscher S, Hauschka PV, Szabo S. Role of cysteine proteases and protease inhibitors in gastric mucosal damage induced by ethanol or ammonia in the rat. J. Clin. Invest. 1996; 98:1047-1054.
Szabo S, Vincze A, Sandor Z, Jadus M, Gombo Z, Pedram A, Levin E, Hagar J, Iaquinto G. Vascular approach to gastroduodenal ulceration: new studies with endothelins and VEGF. Dig. Dis. Sci. 1998;4 3:40S-45S.
Khomenko T, Deng XM, Jadus MR, Szabo S. Effect of cysteamine on redox-sensitive thiol-containing proteins in the duodenal mucosa. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 2003;309:910-916.
Khomenko T, Deng XM, Sandor Zs, Tarnawski AS and S Szabo. Cysteamine alters redox state, HIF-1 transcriptional interactions and reduces duodenal mucosal oxygenation: novel insight into the mechanisms of duodenal ulceration Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 2004; 317(1):121-127.
Deng XD, Szabo S, Jadus MR, Khomenko T, Yoshida M, Herlyn M, Nesbit M, Matsumoto H, Florsheim WH. Gene therapy with naked DNA or adenoviral vector of VEGF or PDGF increases endogenous VEGF, PDGF and bFGF expression and accelerates chronic duodenal ulcer healing in rats. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2004; 311:982-988.
Khomenko T, Szabo S, Deng XM, Jadus M, Ishikawa H, Osapay K, Sandor Zs, Chen L. Suppression of early growth response factor– 1 with antisense oligodeoxynucleotide aggravates experimental duodenal ulcers. Am. J. Physiol., Gastrointest. Liver Physiol., 2006; 290:1211-1218.
Sandor Zs, Deng XM, Khomenko T, Tarnawski AS, Szabo S. Altered angiogenic balance in ulcerative colitis: A key to impaired healing? Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun., 2006; 350:147-150.
Ozdemir V, Jamal MM, Osapay K, Jadus MR, Sandor Z, Hashemzadeh M, Szabo S. Cosegregation of gastrointestinal ulcers and schizophrenia in a large national inpatient discharge database: revisiting the “brain-gut axis” hypothesis in ulcer pathogenesis. J. Investig. Med. 2007; 55(6):315-20.
Deng X, Szabo S, Khomenko T, Jadus MR, Yoshida M, Chen L. Detection of duodenal ulcer-associated genes in rats. Dig. Dis. Sci. 2008; 53(2): 375-84.
Tolstanova G, Khomenko T, Deng XM, Chen L, Tarnawski A, Ahluwalia A, Szabo S, Sandor Z. Neutralizing anti-VEGF antibody reduces severity of experimental ulcerative colitis in rats. Direct evidence for the pathogenic role of VEGF. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2009; 328:749-757.
Khomenko T, Szabo S, Deng XM, Ishikawa H, Anderson G J, McLaren GD. Role of iron in the pathogenesis of cysteamine-induced duodenal ulceration in rats. Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 2009; 296: G1277-1286.
Deng XM, Tolstanova G, Khomenko T, Chen LC, Tanarwski AS, Szabo S, Sandor Zs. Mesalamine restores angiogenic balance in experimental ulcerative colitis by reducing expression of endostatin and angiostatin: Novel molecular mechanism for mesalamine’s therapeutic action. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2009; 331:1071-1078.
Tolstanova G, Deng XM, Khomenko T, Garg P, Paunovic B, Chen LC, Sitaraman SV, Shiloach J, Szabo S, Sandor Zs. Role of anti-angiogenic factor endostatin in the pathogenesis of experimental ulcerative colitis. Life Sci. 2011; 88: 74-81.
Florkiewicz RZ, Ahluwalia A, Sandor Z, Szabo S, Tarnawski AS. Gastric mucosal injury activates bFGF gene expression and triggers preferential translation of high molecular weight bFGF isoforms through CUG-initiated, non-canonical codons. Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 2011; 409:494-499.
Deng XM, Szabo S, Khomenko T, Xiong XM, Sandor Zs, Osapay K, Jadus MR, Tolstanova G, Shiloach J, Chen L. Inappropriate angiogenic response as a novel mechanism of duodenal ulceration and impaired healing. Dig. Dis. Sci. 2011; 56:2792-801.
Tolstanova G, Deng XM, French S, Lungo W, Paunovic B, Khomenko T, Ahluwalia A, Kaplan T, Dacosta-Iyer M, Tarnawski A, Szabo S, Sandor Zs. Early endothelial damage and increased colonic vascular permeability in the development of experimental ulcerative colitis in rats and mice. Lab. Invest. 2012; 92:9-21.
Paunovic B, Deng XM, Khomenko T, Ahluwalia A, Tolstanova G, Tarnawski A, Szabo S, Sandor Z. Molecular mechanisms of bFGF effect on healing of ulcerative colitis in rats. J. Pharmacol. Exp. Ther. 2011; 339:430-437.
Khomenko T, Kolodney J, Pinto JT, McLaren GD, Deng X, Chen L, Tolstanova G, Paunovic B, Krasnikov BF, Hoa N, Cooper AJ, Szabo S. New mechanistic explanation for the localization of ulcers in the rat duodenum: role of iron and selective uptake of cysteamine. Arch. Biochem. Biophys. 2012; 525:60-70.
Ahluwalia A, Jones MK, Deng XM, Sandor Zs, Szabo S, Andrzej S Tarnawski AS. An imbalance between VEGF and endostatin underlies impaired angiogenesis in gastric mucosa of aging rats. Am. J. Physiol. Gastrointest. Liver Physiol. 2013; 305: G325-332.
Khomenko T, Deng X, Ahluwalia A, Tarnawski T, Khushin P, Sandor Zs, Szabo S. STAT3 and importins are novel mediators of early molecular and cellular responses in experimental duodenal ulceration in rats and egr-1 knockout mice. Dig. Dis. Sci. 2014; 59:297-306.
Tolstanova G, Deng X, Ahluwalia A, Paunovic B, Prysiazhniuk A, Ostapchenko L, Tarnawski A, Sandor Z, Szabo S. Role of dopamine and D2 dopamine receptor in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease. Dig. Dis. Sci. 2015; 60:2963-2975.
Satoh H, Szabo S. A mutein of human basic fibroblast growth factor TGP-580 accelerates colonic ulcer healing by stimulating angiogenesis in the ulcer bed in rats. J. Physiol. Pharmacol. 2015; 66:719-729.
Szabo S, Yoshida M, Filakovszky J, Juhasz Gy. “Stress” is 80 years old: From Hans Selye original paper in 1936 to recent advances in GI ulceration. Curr. Pharm. Des. 2017; 23:4029-4041.
Szabo S. New developments in cell & tissue injury: Focus on PD-1, C1orf106 gene, cell junctions & IBD. Dig. Dis. Sci. 2018 (in press)
Alamdar Hussain, PhD, PharmD
Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Admission / Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr. Hussain received his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in Amarillo, TX, and his B.S. in Pharmacy from Kakatiya University in India. Prior to joining AUHS, Dr. Hussain worked as Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the Universities of Louisiana and Oklahoma. He has taught both professional pharmacy and graduate students various courses including but not limited to Pharmaceutics, Compounding Pharmacy, Pharmacokinetics, Physical Pharmacy, Advanced Drug Delivery and Targeting, Pharmaceutical Technology, Medical Microbiology, and Biotechnology. He has also mentored several M.S. and Ph.D. students throughout his career.
Dr. Hussain’s research interest primarily focuses in the field of inhalation protein and peptide drug delivery. He is currently investigating ways to improve absorption of drugs by non-invasive routes in laboratory animals and understand mechanisms of macromolecular drug transport in vitro. Dr. Hussain is also passionate about student learning and implements novel methods of teaching and learning in classroom and laboratory. He is actively pursuing the arena of Scholarship of Teaching and Learning after joining AUHS in 2020.
With regard to his leadership experience, Dr. Hussain is a former Chair of the Department of General Education at AUHS. Currently, he serves as the Assistant Dean for Student Affairs and Admission for the School of Pharmacy.
Education
Ph.D., Pharmaceutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Amarillo, TX B.S. in Pharmacy, Kakatiya University, Warangal, India
Selected Publications (Since 2014)
E. Nguyen, S. Kim, M. Islam, Y. Chang, J. Aoyagi, A. Hussain (2022). An entrepreneurial activity implementation and assessment among pharmacy students amid the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Pharmacy Education, 22(1):16-22.
A. Hussain, H. Chau, H. Bang, L. Meyer, M. Islam (2021). Performance of pharmacy students in a communications course delivered online during the COVID-19 pandemic. American Journal of Pharmaceutical Education, 85(10): Article 8617.
A. Hussain (2021). Implementation of online assignment submission with instant feedback in a pharmacy course. Pharmacy Education, 21(1):45-50.
D. Raghuvanshi, G. Nkepang, A. Hussain, H. Yari, V. Awasthi (2017). Stability studies on an anticancer drug 4-(3.5-bis (2-chlorobenzylidene)-4-oxo-piperidine)-4-oxo-2-butenoic acid (Clefma) using a stability indicating HPLC method. Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis, 7(1):1-9.
G. Rao, A. Hedrick, V. Yadav, J. Xie, A. Hussain, V. Awasthi (2015). The brain metabolic activity after resuscitation with liposome-encapsulated hemoglobin in a rat model of hypovolemic shock. Journal of Cerebral Blood Flow Metabolism, 35(9):1528-36.
K. Amancha, A. Hussain (2015). Effect of protease inhibitors on pulmonary bioavailability of therapeutic proteins and peptides in the rat. European Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 20(68):1-10.
V. Yadav, A. Hussain, J Xie, S. Kosanke, V. Awasthi (2015). The salutary effects of diphenyldifluoroketone EF24 in liver of a rat hemorrhagic shock model. Scandinavian Journal of Trauma Resuscitation and Emergency Medicine, 23:8.
V. Yadav, A. Hussain, K. Sahoo, V. Awasthi (2014). Remediation of hemorrhagic shock-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction by treatment with diphenyldihaloketones, EF24 and Clefma. Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, 351(2):413-422.
K. Amancha, S. Balkundi, Y. Lvov, A. Hussain (2014). Pulmonary sustained release of insulin from microparticles composed of polyelectrolyte layer-by-layer assembly. International Journal of Pharmaceutics, 466(1-2)96-108.
Mohammed A. Islam, PhD, RPh
Senior Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Professor
PhD and MPhil (Toyama University, Japan) and BS and MS in Pharmacy (University of Dhaka, Bangladesh)
Education
Dr. Islam currently serves as the Senior Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the American University of Health Sciences (AUHS) School of Pharmacy. Dr. Islam has more than 20 years of academic research, teaching, pharmacy practice, and administrative experiences. Prior to joining AUHS in February 2019, he served as Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs and Professor of Pharmacology at West Coast University School of Pharmacy.
Dr. Islam went to Toyama University in Japan where he earned MPhil and PhD degrees in Pharmaceutical Sciences. He earned his master’s and bachelor’s degrees in pharmacy from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Dr. Islam has extensive research experience with more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles and 55 conference abstracts. His current research interests include pharmacy curriculum, global pharmacy education, and Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). Dr. Islam’s research has been published in leading pharmacy education journals and presented at national and international conferences.
Published Education
Islam MA, Taheri R, McBane S, Talukder R. Faculty assessment of scholarship of teaching and learning among United States pharmacy programs. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning (in press), 2020.
Rashid M, Rahman M, Nounou M, and Islam MA. Speed and accuracy of pharmacy students’ response to calculation problems with or without formula prompts. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching & Learning. (in press 2020).
Islam MA, Bagheri R, Lung L, Park SY, Talukder R. Status of Teaching Certificate Programs Offered by US Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy. Health Professions Education. 6 (1): 105-114, 2020. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hpe.2019.04.001
Islam MA, Talukder RM, Taheri R, Dutta A. Pharmacy Relative to Other Health Professions in Interprofessional Education: A Bibliometric Study. J Natl Black Nurses Assoc. 30(2):38-43, 2019.
Islam MA, Khan SA, Gunaseelan, S, Talukder R. Physician Perceptions of Integrating Pharmacists into Healthcare in Bangladesh. J Pharm Pract and Res (2018). https://doi.org/10.1002/jppr.1401
Islam MA, Sabnis G, Farris F. The trilayer approach of teaching physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology concepts in a first-year pharmacy course: the TLAT model. Adv Physiol Educ. 2017 Sep 1;41(3):395-404, 2017.
Islam MA, Talukder R, Taheri R, and Blanchard, N. Integration of basic and clinical science courses in US PharmD programs. Am J Pharm Educ. 80 (10) Article 166, 2016.
Islam MA, Khan SA, Talukder RM. Status of Physiology Education in US Doctor of Pharmacy programs. Adv Physiol Educ. 2016 Dec; 40(4):501-508,
Islam MA, Chen G, and Talukder RM. Specialty Tracks in PharmD Curricula of US Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning. 8(6):774-781, 2016.
Islam MA, Khan SA, Gunaseelan S, and Talukder RM. Specialty education for student pharmacists and PharmD graduates in US Colleges and Schools of Pharmacy. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning. 8:184-190,
Islam MA and Schweiger TA. Students’ Perception of an Integrated Approach of Teaching Entire Sequence of Medicinal Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Pharmacotherapeutics Courses in PharmD Curriculum. Journal of Pharmacy Practice. 28(2):220-6, 2015.
Islam MA, Gunaseelan S, Talukder RM, Khan S. Current Challenges in Pharmacy Education in Bangladesh: A Roadmap for the Future. Currents in Pharmacy Teaching and Learning. 6:730–735, 2014.
Islam MA, Gunaseelan S, Khan SA. A Research Elective Course on Dietary Supplements to Engage PharmD Students in Primary Literature Evaluation and Scholarly Activity. Journal of Pharmacy Practice 1-8 DOI: 10.1177/0897190013516510; 2014.
Islam MA, Schmidt RW, Gunaseelan S, Sanchez A. An Update on the Cardiovascular Effects of Quercetin, a Plant Flavonoid. Current Nutrition & Food Science 10:36-48, 2014.
Islam MA, Schmidt RW, Gunaseelan S, Sanchez A. An Update on the Cardiovascular Effects of Quercetin, a Plant Flavonoid. Current Nutrition & Food Science 10:36-48, 2014.
Islam MA. An Elective Course on the Basic and Clinical Sciences Aspects of Vitamins and Minerals. Am J Pharm Educ77: Article 17. 2013.
Downing L and Islam MA (corresponding author). The Use of Calcium Supplements and Cardiovascular Adverse Effects: An Update. Am J Health-Syst Pharm. 70:1132-1139, 2013.
Islam MA. Cardiovascular effects of green tea catechins: progress and promise. Recent Patents on Cardiovascular Drug Discovery 7: 88-99, 2012.
Islam MA. Soy Isoflavones and Cardiovascular Health: An Update. Current Nutrition and Food Science 7:108-121, 2011.
Islam MA. Pharmacological Modulations of Cardiac Ultra-rapid and Slowly Activating Delayed Rectifier Currents: Potential Antiarrhythmic Approaches. Recent Patents on Cardiovascular Drug Discovery, 5: 33-46, 2010.
DeSantiago J, Islam MA, Ziolo MT, Bers DM, and Pogwizd SM: Arrhythmogenic effects of beta2-adrenergic stimulation in the failing heart are due to enhanced SR Ca load. Circulation Research,
Despa S, Islam MA, Pogwizd SM, Bers DM: Intracellular [Na+] and Na+pump rate in rat and rabbit ventricular myocytes. J Physiol539: 133-143, 2002.
Despa S, Islam MA, Pogwizd SM, Bers DM: Intracellular Na+concentration is elevated in heart failure, but Na/K-pump function is unchanged. Circulation;105:2543-2548, 2002.
Kimura I, Islam MA, Ritsu H, Nojima H, Tezuka Y, and Zhao W: Blood pressure lowering, positive chronotropy and inotropy by the veratrum alkaloids germidine and germerine but negative chronotropy by veratridine in mice. J Asian Natural Product Research, 2: 133-144, 2000.
Islam MA, Nojima H, and Kimura I: Acetylcholne-induced biphasic effect on the maximum upstroke velocity of action potential in mouse isolated right atria: Interaction with b-adrenergic signaling cascade. Jpn J Pharmacol. 78: 181-190, 1998.
Islam MA, Nojima H, and Kimura I: Muscarinic M1receptor activation reducesmaximum upstroke velocity of action potential in mouse right atria. Eur J Pharmacol. 346: 227-236, 1998.
Chowdhury AKA, Islam MA, Rashid A, and Ferdous AJ: Therapeutic potential of the volatile oil of Nigellasativaseeds in monkey model with experimental shigellosis. Phytotherapy Res. 12: 361-363, 1998.
Kimura I, Islam MA, Nojima H, Mizumoto J, Tezuka Y, Weijie Z: Blood pressure-lowering, positive chronotropic and inotropic effects of the veratrum alkaloids, germidine and germerine in mouse. J of Traditional Medicines, 15: 254-255, 1998.
Kimura I, Islam MA, and Kimura M: Potentiation by higenamine of the aconitine induced positive chronotropic effect in isolated right atria of mice: The effects of cholera toxin, forskolin and pertussis toxin. Biol Pharm Bull. 19: 1032-1037, 1996.
Kimura I, Islam MA, and Kimura M.: Cholera toxin accentuates the antagonism by acetylcholine of higenamine-induced positive chronotropy in isolated right atria of mice. Biol Pharm Bull. 18: 1509-11512, 1995.
Kimura I, Makino M, Takamura Y, Islam MA, and Kimura M: Positive chronotropic and inotropic effects of higenamine and its enhancing action on the aconitine-induced tachyarrhythmia in isolated murine atria. Jpn J Pharmacol. 66: 75-80, 1994.
Kimura I, Hata Y, Islam MA, and Kimura M: Diabetes mellitus-induced enhancement of prostaglandin F2a-response is inhibited by lipoxygenase-but not cyclooxygenase-inhibitors in mesenteric veins and arteries of mouse and rat. Jpn J Pharmacol. 64: 65-70, 1994.
Reza S, Khan OF, Islam MA, Rashid A, and Chowdhury AKA: In vitro antibacterial activity of Ipomoea fistulusa. Fitoterapia LXV: 465-466, 1994.
John V. Schloss, PhD
Chair of Pharmaceutical Science / Associate Dean of Research, Professor
BS (University of Tulsa, 1973), PhD (University of Tennessee-Knoxville/Oak Ridge National Laboratory, 1978), NIH Postdoctoral Fellow-University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1978-81
Bio:
Dr. Schloss brings a perspective on pharmacy education to AUHS based on 10 years as a professional scientist in DuPont’s Central Research Department; 9 years as Professor at the University of Kansas, School of Pharmacy; 6 years in pharmacy-related biotech; and 10 years helping to build the basic science and research components of two domestic and one foreign pharmacy programs. He has remained active in both research and the education of graduate and undergraduate students, while securing research funding from international, federal, state, and private sources. Dr. Schloss was an NIH-postdoctoral fellow at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and holds a Ph.D. in Biomedical Sciences from the University of Tennessee for work conducted at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory.
Gregorio L. De Grano, DNP(c), MSN, APRN, FNP-C is the Dean of Nursing Graduate Program for the School of Nursing. Dr. De Grano graduated with a Medical Degree from the Philippines and completed his MSN Family Nurse Practitioner track from Charles R. Drew University of Health and Science in Los Angeles California. He is a board-certified nurse practitioner with vast clinical experience in Family and Primary Health Care, Hospice, and Palliative Care, and has over 20-year experience in various clinical settings including ICU, PCU, Emergency Room, Medical Surgical, Acute, and Intra-operative Hemodialysis. With over 8 years of experience in academia, he has made significant contributions to developing and advancing nursing education and practice. As the Dean of the Nursing Graduate Program, Dr. De Grano is dedicated to shaping the next generation of advanced practice nurses and nursing leaders in advancing the profession through evidence-based practice and interprofessional collaboration. His commitment to fostering excellence in nursing education is evident in his collaborative approach to curriculum development with an emphasis on incorporating the latest advancements in healthcare and ensuring the integration of cultural competence, ethics, and leadership skills. Beyond his role as a Dean, Dr. De Grano is a compassionate nurse leader who believes in the power of mentorship and empowerment as he actively mentors students and faculty, supporting their professional growth and personal development.
Michelle Paysan-Modina, DNP, APRN, NP-C, PHN is the Assistant Chief Nurse Administrator, Executive Dean and Professor for the School of Nursing. She is an experienced nurse executive and educator who ensures student success while working collaboratively with faculty, staff, and administration. Dr. Paysan-Modina is a student advocate in that her approach to the provision of quality education is student/learner-centric while being compassionate to students’ challenges throughout their journey as students. Working in higher education and clinical combined for the past three decades, she is skilled in program assessment, curricula development, evaluation, state authorizations, accreditations, operations management, teaching, coaching, advising, and team building. Dr. Michelle Paysan-Modina is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner with a demonstrated history as a clinician with varied clinical experiences in ICU, ER, telemetry, primary care, women’s health, oncology, hospice, and palliative care. She is passionate about team building, providing exceptional student experiences, and creating a culture where people come together to make a difference in helping students achieve their dreams and goals.
OBJECTIVE
A rewarding academic position where my high professional standards, clinical expertise, business acumen, leadership, energy, and commitment to providing the finest education would be utilized
EDUCATION
Doctor of Nursing Practice, Brandman University, Irvine, CA, Graduated 8/2013
Master of Science in Nursing, Adult and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, California State University, Long Beach, CA, Graduated 5/2001
Master of Business Administration, Health Care Management, William Howard Taft University, Denver, CO, expected to graduate 12/2023
Bachelor of Science in Nursing, California State University, Los Angeles, CA, Graduated 12/1998
Associate of Science in Registered Nursing, Long Beach City College, CA, Graduated 5/1995
Licensed Vocational Nurse, Long Beach City College, CA, Graduated 5/1994
Special Certifications and/or Designations
Certified Adult and Geriatric Nurse Practitioner, State of California
Registered Nurse, State of California
Active Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) license
National Board Certification as Adult Nurse Practitioner by AANP
Public Health Nurse, State of California
Certified Higher Education Professional (CHEP)
Certified in Basic Cardiac Arrhythmias
Certified in 12 Lead Electrocardiogram (ECG) Certified in BCLS
HONORS/AWARDS
2019: Faculty and Associate Award, West Coast University Alumni
2013: Recognition of Commitment and Excellence in University Assessment Award, West Coast University
2012: Fletcher Jones Scholarship Award, Brandman University
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE Executive Dean, Professor, and Assistant Chief Nurse Administrator, School of Nursing, Undergraduate and Graduate Programs, American University of Health Sciences, Signal Hill, California (5/2023 – present)
Set the academic climate and promote a culture of outstanding interdisciplinary education, research, and innovation.
Support the mission of the SON to prepare the next generation of health nurses and to improve the quality of life locally, nationally, and globally.
Work with faculty to ensure adherence to accreditation standards, enhanced community engagement, and excellence in clinical practice and research.
Build collaborative relationships between departments and programs across the University, and into the community.
Oversee the evaluation of faculty and staff.
Cultivate and develop relationships with alumni and industry partners.
Provide financial and administrative management responsibility for the SON.
Facilitate the accomplishment of scholarships for teaching, research, creative, and scholarly activities.
Be the academic and administrative leader of the School of Nursing.
Report to the Senior VP/COO/Provost/Chief Nurse Administrator.
Administer the SON according to the University and SON Bylaws and policies.
Keep the University’s administrative offices and the faculty fully informed concerning the educational status of the School of Nursing.
Maintain effective relationships with alumni and relevant internal and external constituents.
Work with internal and external constituents to assure support for the School of Nursing.
Advance the SON to achieve the strategic plan.
Implement an Evaluation Plan for the School of Nursing.
Director and Associate Professor, ABSN and MSN Programs, Mount Saint Mary’sUniversity, Los Angeles, California (4/2022 – 6/2022)
Responsible for the supervision and overseeing of program staff.
Develop and coordinate activities of the programs to enhance the student advisement experience.
Counsel and advise students in cooperation with faculty.
Function as a liaison to other University departments regarding advisement and admissions.
Serve as a resource to other academic advisors across the University on relevant academic policies and procedures providing accurate and timely information.
Develop and maintain relationships with academic departments to facilitate the inter–program transfer process for students.
Program Dean/Director and Associate Professor, Post–licensure Nursing Programs (RN–BSN, MSN, APRN, DNP, and Post–Master’s Certificate Programs), West Coast University, Irvine, California (8/2015 – 2/2022)
Led the development and implementation of the program’s strategic plan and operational direction, in alignment with the University’s strategic plan.
Grew Post–Licensure nursing student population from 36 to 1500+ in seven (7) years.
Provided program–specific expertise and assured compliance with programmatic accreditation, licensure, certification, and graduate outcomes.
Worked closely with Admissions, Student Affairs, Alumni, Marketing, and Business Development in the achievement of outcomes.
Provided professional leadership and support, and served as an educator, role model, mentor, and facilitator for faculty and students.
Created an educational environment that fostered accountability and responsiveness.
Taught graduate–level nursing courses using innovative and student– centric approaches.
Oversaw student clinical placements and experiences and evaluated student outcomes and progression.
Directed, managed, and led the Post–licensure Nursing Program in the absence of an Associate Dean for Post–licensure Nursing for four (4) years.
Major Accomplishments
Led the growth and expansion of the Post–licensure Nursing Program by proactively assisting in strategic growth initiatives (17 tracks, 1500+ students).
Improved and maintained Persistence and Retention rates through targeted and personalized student outreach and mentoring.
Successfully led a CA BRN focused–site visit and initial approval of the FNP track.
Led the implementation of the DNP program.
Developed and implemented the Adult and Geriatric Primary Care, Psych– Mental Health, and Adult and Geriatric Acute Care Nurse Practitioner tracks.
Assisted with the development of an MSN–MBA dual degree program offering.
Improved national boards pass rates by integrating question banks, predictor exams, and board reviews into the program.
Effectively supported market demand by redeveloping MSN and FNP programs to align for market competition.
Developed student and faculty mentors to assist in the assimilation and adaptation to the university culture and chosen professional role.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE AT THE UNIVERSITY/COLLEGE LEVEL Course Lead Faculty and Associate Professor, Pre–licensure Nursing Program, West Coast University, Los Angeles, California (9/2010 – 8/2015)
Assisted with all aspects of the Pre–licensure Nursing Program.
Co–chaired Med–Surg and Nutrition Learning Communities.
Performed duties integral to curriculum development & oversight, assessment, and academic advising.
Initiated gamification in the classroom setting.
Served as a mentor and coach for the students and new faculty.
Online Visiting Professor, Chamberlain University, Chicago, IL (3/2014– 12/2017)
Taught online in the graduate APRN program.
Established positive classroom relationships with students by being actively engaged and displaying enthusiasm about the students, the subject matter, and the learning process.
Modeled exceptional verbal and written communication and incorporated higher–level learning.
Adjunct Faculty, Department of Nursing, Los Angeles City College, Los Angeles, California (1/2007 – 12/2009)
Prepared students for licensure and competent practice as Registered Nurses inthe adult and geriatric clinical setting.
Assisted students in applying their knowledge and skills in hospital settings.
Provided explicit learning objectives, clear explanations and demonstrations, practical learning experiences, and equitable evaluation.
Adjunct Professor, Department of Nursing, California State University, Long Beach, California (8/2005 – 12/2005)
Prepared students for licensure and competent practice as Registered Nurses in the adult and geriatric clinical setting.
Assisted students in applying their knowledge and skills in hospital settings.
Provided explicit learning objectives, clear explanations and demonstrations, practical learning experiences, and equitable evaluation.
Clinical Instructor, Department of Nursing, Long Beach City College, Long Beach, California (9/2004 – 12/2007)
Prepared students for licensure and competent practice as Vocational Nurses in the geriatric–psychiatric clinical setting.
Assisted students in applying their knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in various clinical settings such as hospitals, skilled nursing, or ambulatory care.
Provided explicit learning objectives, clear explanations and demonstrations, practical learning experiences, and equitable evaluation.
COURSES TAUGHT
Post–licensure Nursing (2004– present): Culminating Experience; Advanced Nursing Roles; Care Management and Coordination; Advanced Health Care Residency; Primary Care Adult and Geriatric Patient: Theory and Practicum; Advanced Clinical Practice Theory and Practicum; Advanced Health and Physical Assessment; Advanced Physiology and Pathophysiology
Pre–licensure Nursing (2004– present): Transitions to Professional Practice; Leadership and Policy Practicum; Advanced Medical–Surgical Nursing Theory, and Practicum; Nutrition in Health and Disease; Intermediate Medical–Surgical Nursing Theory and Practicum; Physical Assessment; Fundamentals of Nursing Skills Lab
CLINICAL EXPERIENCE
Nurse Practitioner (per diem), Advantmed, Santa Ana, CA, 10/2017 – present
Perform annual wellness visits, health, and risk assessments on adult and geriatric populations with chronic conditions.
Provide patients with health education and teaching.
Assist in closing quality care gaps (screenings, labs, referrals)
Nurse Practitioner (per diem), Hospice Care, Glendale, CA, 4/2016 — 12/2018
Primary care provider for palliative and end–of–life care for the adult and geriatric population
Addressed patient/family needs and diagnose health challenges.
Promoted maximum level of wellness and independence for patients with a terminal illness.
Nurse Practitioner (per diem), CA Health Medical Group, Los Angeles, CA, 5/2016 — 4/2018
Provided health care services under the State’s Cancer Detection Program.
Performed clinical breast exams, pelvic exams, and Pap tests on California’s underserved women.
Lead Nurse Practitioner (per diem), White Memorial Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 5/2013 — 5/2016
Provided health care services under the State’s Cancer Detection Program.
Performed clinical breast exams, pelvic exams, and Pap tests for California’s underserved women via mobile coach van.
Managed and served as the main resource for field Nurse Practitioners.
Nurse Practitioner (per diem), Moon Ju Kim, NP, Los Angeles, California, 1/2011 – 8/2013
Provided health care services under the State’s Cancer Detection Program
Performed clinical breast exams, pelvic exams, and Pap tests for California’s underserved women through community and church health fairs and events.
Lead Nurse Practitioner, Elizabeth Center for Cancer Detection, Los Angeles, CA, 3/2008 — 12/2010
Served as lead clinical NP for mobile health screenings.
Performed clinical breast exams, pelvic exams, and Pap tests for California’s underserved women, prostate, and rectal exams for underserved men via mobile coach van.
Collaborated with various clinics and community settings in the provision of care and education on health promotion and disease prevention.
Lead Nurse Practitioner, Hollywood Presbyterian Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 1/2003 — 3/2009
Provided health care services under the State’s Cancer Detection Program.
Served as Assistant Director/Lead NP and facilitated breast cancer tumor boards.
Managed the hospital’s employee and occupational health services.
Nurse Practitioner, Clinical De La Luz, Bellflower, California, 5/2001 — 12/2003
Managed acute and chronic conditions for the adult and geriatric population.
Worked with clients on Family PACT and women’s healthcare.
Registered Nurse, Anaheim Memorial Medical Center, Emergency Room, Outpatient, and Endoscopy Services, Anaheim, California, 3/1999 — 4/2001
Provided direct patient care in the Emergency Room.
Worked in the outpatient and endoscopy departments.
Registered Nurse, USC (Keck) University Hospital, Los Angeles, California, 4/1999 — 4/2001
Provided direct patient care in the cardiothoracic transplant unit, step–down, and telemetry units.
Floated to kidney transplant unit, ortho, and medical–surgical floors as needed.
Registered Nurse, Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, Long Beach, California, 5/1996 — 4/1999
Provided direct patient care in telemetry and intermediate critical care units.
Licensed Vocational Nurse, Newport Bay Hospital, Newport Beach, CA 5/1994 – 4/1996
Provided direct patient care for the adult–geriatric psychiatric population.
INTELLECTUAL CONTRIBUTIONS
2023, June. Poster Presentation. Creating a Diversity Task Force for a Professional Ethnic Minority Nursing Association Using Roy Adaptation Model as a Guide. Presented with Philippine Nurses Association of America at the 2023 Roy Adaptation Association International Conference at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, California.
2022, May. Guest Speaker Panelist. How do Nurse Leaders in Practice and Nurse Education Manage Diversity and Inclusivity for LGBQI + Members? Presented at Philippine Nurses Association of America, Southern California Spring Educational Conference at Monterey Park, California.
2016, February. Classroom Management Strategies. Presented at West Coast University School of Pharmacy, 2016 Spring Faculty Development Seminar, Los Angeles, California.
2015, November. Increasing Breast Cancer Screening Recommendation in Filipino American Women. Poster Presentation at Philippine Nurses Association – Orange County Conference, Anaheim, California.
2015, October. Breast Cancer Awareness. Presented at Karl–Storz Company Health Awareness Month, El Segundo, California.
2015, January. Cultural competence education for healthcare providers to increase their knowledge of breast cancer screening recommendations in Filipino American women. Presented at Wilson Shepard Education Associates Conference on Transforming Healthcare: Best Practices. Maui, Hawaii.
2013, August. Cultural competence education for healthcare providers and their knowledge of breast cancer screening recommendations. Brandman University, Irvine, California (doctoral dissertation).
SERVICE ACTIVITIES
University Assignments and Appointments
2022– present: Evaluation Committee, Chair
2022– present: Faculty Search Committee, Member
2022–present: Professional Development/RAAI Committee, Member
2022–present: Graduate Council, Member
2020– 2022: West Coast University WASC Committee; Member
2016– 2022: Faculty Scholarship Committee; Member
2015- 2022: ACE (Assessment, Curriculum, and Evaluation); Co-Chair
2011- 2013: Fundamentals of Nursing Learning Committee; Member
2011- 2014: Best Practices Committee; Membe
Professional Service and Memberships
2022– Present: President, Philippine Nurses Association CA Orange County
2022– Present: Member, Mount Saint Mary’s University Phi Lambda STTI Chapter
2020– 2022: President–elect, Philippine Nurses Association CA Orange County
2018– 2020: Vice President, Philippine Nurses Association CA Orange County
2016– 2018: Vice President, Philippine Nurses Association of Southern California (PNASC) – Orange County Subchapter
2014– Present: California Association of Nurse Practitioners; Member
2014– Present: Philippine Nurses Association of America; Member
2013– Present: Secretary, West Coast University Sigma Theta Tau Chi Beta Chapter
2013– 2018: Nurse Leader, California State University, Los Angeles Sigma Theta Tau Nu Mu Chapter
2013– 2021: Founder, “Fight Breast Cancer Ngayon Na!” www.fightbc.org. A website designed to promote awareness of breast cancer in the Filipino American community and increase access to screening mammograms for underserved women and immigrants through the California Detection Program
2013– Present: Doctor of Nursing Practice Organization; Member
2013– Present: California Organization of Doctor of Nursing Practice; Member
2013– Present: National League for Nursing (NLN); Member
2001– Present: American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP); Member
Other Community Service Activities
2022 – Present: Someone Cares Soup Kitchen, Costa Mesa, Volunteer
2015 – 2019: Girl Scouts of Los Angeles Troop #2223, Troop Leader
2014 – Present: LA County Disaster Healthcare Volunteer SURGE UNIT, Member
2013 – Present: Urban Community Outreach, Long Beach, Volunteer
