July 24, 2023
Students from around the world are exploring cutting-edge research and innovative technologies at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy. It’s part of the School’s Office of Global Engagement Innovation and Transformations in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ITPS) program.
During the last three weeks in July, students from Singapore, China, Taiwan, India and Ethiopia come to UNC to learn more about pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences from the School’s world-class faculty, post doctorate and graduate students.
“ITPS is an amazing opportunity for students interested in the fields of pharmacy and pharmaceutical sciences to come to our top-ranked school here in Chapel Hill and expose themselves to cutting-edge research and innovative technologies. I’ve had the privilege to work with these students personally, and seeing their enthusiasm makes me incredibly proud to be studying in this field alongside them, and optimistic for the future of pharmacy,” said Andrew Nguyen, Pharm.D. candidate class of 2025 and Office of Global Engagement student intern.
During their time at Carolina, students explore diverse topics like drug discovery, data visualizations, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics and vaccinations. “The program really does a great job introducing topics in all levels of drug development while also giving students an opportunity to get a glimpse into what graduate student life is like. ITPS is a unique and insightful experience for undergraduates who are considering pursuing a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical science,” said Merrill Froney, Ph.D. candidate in the Division of Chemical Biology and Medicinal Chemistry and ITPS presenter on drug discovery.
The students had the opportunity to visit some local pharmaceutical companies and labs including the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, UCB Biosciences Inc., Lindy Biosciences and the Core Lab at the UNC Medical Center. Additionally, they were able to have cultural experiences such as going to a Durham Bulls baseball game, touring the Dean E. Smith Center and visiting the Carolina Basketball Museum.
“I always enjoy the opportunity to engage with those who attend. They are from all over the world and have different educational systems for training to be pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists. Getting to know each of the students and their culture, while they learn about Chapel Hill, the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy, and our culture, is a special experience for all,” said Stephen Eckel, Pharm.D., MHA, Associate Dean of Global Engagement and associate professor in the Division of Practice Advancement and Clinical Education.
This year, the program also offered a virtual option to allow more international students to attend. Over 30 students took advantage of that opportunity and 12 students attended in person.
The ITPS program ends with students presenting a poster on a drug of their choosing along with a scientific abstract during the closing ceremony on July 28.
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