Duquesne University School of Pharmacy Bayer Learning Center 600 Forbes Avenue Pittsburgh, PA 15282 412-396-6393 duq.edu/pharmacy
Our History
Founded in 1925, the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy has been led by eight
deans in its nearly 100 years of existence. Each dean's tenure closely paralleled
major changes in pharmacy education, pharmacy as a profession and pharmacy practice.
During the 30 years (1925-1955) of founding Dean Hugh C. Muldoon's leadership, the
dominance of independent community pharmacy, the emergence of hospital pharmacy, and
the implementation of the four-year bachelor's degree in pharmacy, which adhered to
the tradition of a comprehensive university education, were essential developments
in pharmacy at Duquesne and nationally.
Tensions within community and hospital pharmacy practice, the growth of the pharmaceutical
industry, and the somewhat controversial move to a five-year baccalaureate that incorporated
liberal education in a predominately pharmaceutical sciences curriculum, characterized
the short term (1955-1961) of John G. Adams, Ph.D., as the second Duquesne pharmacy
school dean.
Dean John S. Ruggiero, Ph.D., led the school during a period (1961-1970) in which
the integration of clinical pharmacy and elective options into the five-year B.S.
in Pharmacy curriculum and the relocation of the pharmacy school from Canevin Hall
to the fourth floor of the new campus science building Mellon Hall for improved classroom,
faculty and research facilities, were critical developments.
Dean John S. Ruggiero, Ph.D., led the school during a period (1961-1970) in which
the integration of clinical pharmacy and elective options into the five-year B.S.
in Pharmacy curriculum and the relocation of the pharmacy school from Canevin Hall
to the fourth floor of the new campus science building Mellon Hall for improved classroom,
faculty and research facilities, were critical developments.
As Dean (1970-1981), Bruce D. Martin, Ph.D., oversaw a substantial increase of pharmacy
school student enrollment and of faculty numbers and the creation of a competency-based,
outcomes-oriented curriculum that balanced the pharmaceutical sciences with the clinical,
social, behavioral and administrative sciences and integrated a controlled experiential
education component.
During the lengthy deanship (1981-1998) of Douglas H. Kay, Ph.D., the faculty addressed
the move toward the pharmaceutical care model in pharmacy education and practice and
the implementation of the six-year professional doctoral degree program that would
be a requirement for pharmacist licensure by the early 21st century.
As Dean (1998-2006) R. Pete Vanderveen, Ph.D., and the faculty continued to evaluate,
revise and update the competency-based, outcomes-oriented Doctor of Pharmacy curriculum,
to enhance physical and fiscal resources, and to develop new initiatives to address
the challenges and potentialities in the ever-changing pharmacy practice and health
care environment.
Under Dean (2007-2020) J. Douglas Bricker, Ph.D., the School of Pharmacy started the
Weekend Doctor of Pharmacy Program, the first of its kind in the nation, as well as
the first Pharm.D. online program at Duquesne. Dean Bricker has also put into place
a strategic five-year plan to prepare pharmacy students for the challenges of pharmacy
practice in the 21st century. Under his leadership, three Academic Research Centers
and an extensive Academic Partners Program were established.
Under the leadership of Dean James K. Drennen, III, Ph.D., (2020-present), the School
of Pharmacy earned re-accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education
(ACPE). Furthermore, Dean Drennen has put into place a plan to celebrate and honor
the rich history and legacy of educating student pharmacists for the past 100 years
for the upcoming academic year!
Our Mission
The mission of the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences is to educate and mentor students who advance the profession of pharmacy
and pharmaceutical research to improve the health outcomes of patients and their communities.
Our Vision
The vision of the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences is to develop professionals, through student-centered experiences, who are
recognized leaders, innovators and advocates in all areas of pharmacy practice and
research.
Administration and Faculty
James K. Drennen, III, Ph.D. Dean of the School of Pharmacy and the Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences Director of the Duquesne University Center for Pharmaceutical Technology
Monica L. Skomo, B.S. Pharm., PharmD Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Administration
Carl Anderson, Ph.D. Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Programs
Amy Woods, Pharm.D., M.S. Leadership Assistant Dean of Student Services
Pamela Hucko Koerner, B.S. Pharm., PharmD Associate Dean of Curriculum and Professional Engagement Director of the Pharmacy Alumni Association
Anthony J. Guarascio, PharmD Division Head of the Pharmacy Practice Division Director of Global Education Director of the Giant Eagle Center for Pharmacy Practice
Wilson Meng, B.S. Pharm., Ph.D. Division Head of the Pharmaceutical, Administrative and Social Sciences Division
Ira S. Buckner, Ph.D. Director of Assessment
Jennifer Padden Elliott, PharmD Director of the Center for Integrative Health Fritzky Family Endowed Chair
Tiffany K. Hatcher, PharmD Coordinator of Diversity and Inclusion
Marsha McFalls, PharmD Director of Educational Technology Director of Distance Learning Program and Online Program
Branden D. Nemecek, PharmD Director of Residency Programs
Elizabeth J. Barton, PharmD Director of the Center for Pharmacy Care
Kurt Wolfgang, PharmD Director of Post Graduation Preparation
Debra N. DiBiasi, M.S. Director of Business, Administration, and Marketing
Thomas Falcione, B.S. Pharm. Director of Experiential Education
Kara Findley, PharmD Assistant Director of Experiential Education
Jason Stack, MBA Assistant Dean of Enrollment Management and Retention
Christopher Hagan, M.Ed. Director of Student Progression and Advancement
Michael Kurilla, M.Ed. Director of Continuing Education and Certificate Programs
Jennifer Padden Elliott Fritzky Family Chair of Integrative Medicine and Wellbeing Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Duquesne University
Karen M. Fancher Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Duquesne University B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University
Gale E. Garmong Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine
Anthony J. Guarascio Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., West Virginia University
Tiffany K. Hatcher Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Hampton University
Christa Kirk Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., University of Kansas
Pamela Hucko Koerner Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Duquesne University B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University
Holly Lassila Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Dr.P.H., University of Pittsburgh M.P.H., University of Pittsburgh B.S. Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh
Robert V. Laux, Jr. Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Pharmacy, Duquesne University B.S. Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh B.S. Chemistry, University of Pittsburgh
Jamie L. McConaha Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Duquesne University
Marsha McFalls Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Duquesne University B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University
Courtney A. Montepara Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Branden D. Nemecek Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., University of Nebraska Medical Center B.S. Biochemistry, University of Nebraska - Lincoln
Christine K. O'Neil Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Duquesne University B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University
Michael W. Perry Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Ohio Northern University
Rebecca Schoen Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Purdue University
Monica L. Skomo Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Duquesne University B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University
Autumn L. Stewart-Lynch Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Duquesne University
Kurt Wolfgang Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Duquesne University
David E. Zimmerman Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice Pharm.D., Philadelphia College of Pharmacy
Pharmacy Administration
Jordan R. Covvey Associate Professor of Pharmacy Administration Ph.D., University of Strathclyde (Scotland) Pharm.D., University of Kentucky
Medicinal Chemistry
Patrick T. Flaherty Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry Ph.D., University of Iowa B.S., University of Pittsburgh
Aleem Gangjee Professor of Medicinal Chemistry School of Pharmacy Distinguished Professor, Adrian Van Kaam Chair in Scholarly Excellence Ph.D., University of Iowa M.S., Indian Institute of Technology B.S., Indian Institute of Technology
Marc W. Harrold Professor of Medicinal Chemistry Ph.D., The Ohio State University B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University
David Lapinsky Associate Professor of Medicinal Chemistry Ph.D., The Ohio State University B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University
Pharmaceutics
Carl A. Anderson Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics Ph.D., University of Texas at Austin B.S., California State University-Fullerton
Ira S. Buckner Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics Ph.D., University of Iowa B.S., Illinois State University
James K. Drennen, III Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics Ph.D., University of Kentucky B.S. Pharmacy, Duquesne University
Jelena M. Janjic Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh Dipl.Farm., Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Serbia
Wilson Meng Professor of Pharmaceutics Ph.D., University of Southern California B.S. Pharmacy, University of Maryland
Devika Soundara Manickam Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics Ph.D., Wayne State University M.S.C., Wayne State University B.S., University of Madras
Sam Sprowls Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D., West Virginia University
Peter L.D. Wildfong Associate Professor of Pharmaceutics Ph.D., Purdue University Dip. Pharm., R&D Toronto Institute of Pharmaceutical Technology (Canada) B.S., McMaster University (Canada)
Pharmacology
Jane E. Cavanaugh Associate Professor of Pharmacology Ph.D., Pennsylvania State College of Medicine B.A., Franklin & Marshall
Rehana K. Leak Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D., University of Pittsburgh M.Sc., University of Pittsburgh B.A., Barnard College
Lauren A. O'Donnell Associate Professor of Pharmacology Ph.D., University of Pennsylvania B.S., University of Delaware
Paula A. Witt-Enderby Professor of Pharmacology Ph.D., University of Arizona B.S., University of Illinois
Lawrence Block Ph.D., University of Maryland M.S., University of Maryland B.S. Pharmacy, University of Maryland
J. Douglas Bricker Ph.D., Duquesne University B.A., Franciscan University
Bruce D. Martin Ph.D., University of Illinois B.S. Pharmacy, Albany College of Pharmacy
Academic Research Centers
The vision of the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical
Sciences is to develop professionals, through student-centered experiences, who are
recognized leaders, innovators and advocates in all areas of pharmacy practice and
research.
The Duquesne University Center for Integrative Health (DUCIH) is committed to improving
the health and wellness of our campus and neighboring communities through interdisciplinary
practice, teaching and research. We provide chronic disease prevention and management
programs from pediatrics through adulthood, and our students are trained in an interdisciplinary
teaching, research and service model. The DUCIH encompasses the activities of both the Center for Pharmacy Care (CPC) and
a variety of community health initiatives. The CPC is a provider of disease prevention
and management services for the Duquesne University campus community. The University's
Community Health Initiatives include community-based health programs in collaboration
with a diverse group of community partners to meet residents where they are, decrease
disease disparity, and promote health equity in Pittsburgh and surrounding communities. The DUCIH supports meaningful engagement with patients, communities and stakeholders
to facilitate research that not only will improve health outcomes but the overall
health care system.
The Center for Pharmacy Care is mission-driven and offers state-of-the-art, comprehensive
clinical pharmacy services. The goal of the Center for Pharmacy Care is to improve
access to medications and patient adherence, while enhancing medication safety and
reducing overall health care expenditures.
The Duquesne University Center for Pharmaceutical Technology (DCPT) focuses on improving
the safety, quality and efficiency of pharmaceutical manufacturing through the application
of relevant technology. The Center functions as a point of convergence for the research
interests of faculty and those of collaborators who develop technology related to
pharmaceutical manufacturing.
The goal of the Giant Eagle Center for Pharmacy Practice is to provide an environment
for student pharmacists to integrate, reinforce, enhance, and apply classroom learning.
The Center demonstrates how classroom knowledge is related to actual pharmacy practice through the use of state-of-the-art technology, simulation and formalized patient evaluation/assessment.
Professional Student Organizations
The American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP) is a professional association
representing nearly 3000+ psychiatric pharmacists, residents, and pharmacy students.
AAPP’s membership consists of pharmacists who specialize in treating patients living
with psychiatric disorders, including substance use disorders. Psychiatric pharmacists
have extensive training and expertise in medication treatment and the psychosocial
factors inherent within these illnesses. They are responsible for evidence-based patient-centered
assessment, medication management of complex regimens, and comprehensive care plan
development. Psychiatric pharmacists work collaboratively with medical and mental
health interprofessional teams to improve patients' short- and long-term outcomes.
They extend their reach by partnering with and educating patients, families, and providers
and advocating for the appropriate use of medications.
The mission of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) is to improve human
health by extending the frontiers of clinical pharmacy through leadership, professional
development, and advocacy. ACCP is dedicated to excellence in patient care, research
and education. The student ACCP chapter aims to provide information about careers
and opportunities within the field of clinical pharmacy to students. As members of
ACCP, students will advocate for the role of clinical pharmacists in providing patient
care, including evaluation of the patient and his or her pharmacotherapeutic needs.
ACCP membership provides students with professional development, enhancement of research
skills, and service and leadership opportunities.
The Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) is a professional association that leads
the way to help patients get medications they need at a cost they can afford. AMCP
advocates for developing and applying evidence-based medicine use strategies that
improve access to medication, enhance individual patient and population health outcomes,
and promote the wise use of healthcare spending. AMCP provides students the opportunity
to learn more about the field of managed care pharmacy and its associated career pathways
such as working for a health plan, PBM, pharmaceutical manufacturer, specialty pharmacy,
and many more! AMCP student chapter’s largest annual event is the Pharmacy and Therapeutics
(P&T) Competition providing students the opportunity to work in teams to create a
drug monograph for a new medication.
The Academy of Student Pharmacists (ASP) is an academy within the American Pharmacists
Association (APhA). ASP has been an integral part of APhA for over 40 years and boasts thousands of members across pharmacy schools nationwide.
Its mission is to be the collective voice of student pharmacists, to provide opportunities
for professional growth, to improve patient care, and to envision and advance the
future of pharmacy. APhA-ASP provides unique and professional opportunities for student pharmacists ranging
from leadership programs, policy and advocacy, fundraising events, and a focus on
patient care screening events. Seven patient care committees including Operation Diabetes,
Operation Immunization, Operation Heart, Operation Reproductive Health, Operation
Substance Use Disorders, OTC Medicine Safety, and Women's Health Campaign allow student pharmacists to provide medication and disease state
education to patients in the surrounding Duquesne community.
The American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) empowers pharmacists and other
healthcare professionals to enhance quality of care for all older persons through
the appropriate use of medication and the promotion of healthy aging. The local chapter
was formed in 2012 to educate student pharmacists regarding their future role in managing
geriatric patient care. The organization provides various opportunities to explore
the Consultant Pharmacist career path while serving the elderly population.
Founded in 1990, Helping to Educate and Rehabilitate Together (H.E.A.R.T.) was established
as a student organization at Duquesne University. Its membership is comprised of concerned
pharmacy students who have an interest in or whose lives have been affected by the
problems associated with substance use disorders. H.E.A.R.T hopes to diminish the
prevalence of substance use disorders among pharmacy students, pharmacists, and the community through education and enhanced
awareness of this illness. H.E.A.R.T. features guest speakers who are in recovery
and other health care professionals who specialize in addiction and substance use
disorders. The organization further assists in the planning and organizing of the
Interprofessional Substance Use Disorder Awareness Program for all first professional
year pharmacy students and students enrolled in the School of Health Sciences.
The student chapter of Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) is the most recent addition to the family of professional student pharmacy organizations
at Duquesne. IPhO is dedicated to advancing the careers of pharmacists in industry. Its mission is
to provide timely and relevant information to its membership, raise awareness among employers about the role that pharmacists can play in drug development and appropriate
medication counseling, provide targeted resources and coaching to enhance continuing
education and professional development of its members, create opportunities for members
to network and exchange ideas, and provide access to employment opportunities available
in the pharmaceutical industry.
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) is an organization dedicated
to promoting independent pharmacy practice. It is committed to developing a business-minded
perspective towards pharmacy in order to provide optimal healthcare to the public. The NCPA student chapter participates in
the annual business plan competition, which helps to foster the development of the
student pharmacist as both a practitioner and entrepreneur.
The mission of the Pediatric Pharmacy Association (PPA) is to improve the lives of
children by advocating for safe and effective medication use in children through collaboration,
advocacy, research, and education. The PPA advances its mission by promoting awareness
of optimal medication therapy in conjunction with other health care professionals
through the coordination of an effective communication network. The Duquesne University
chapter was formed in 2012.
As the leading voice of pharmacy in the state, the Pennsylvania Pharmacists Association
- Allegheny County Pharmacists Association (PPA-ACPA) Academy of Student Pharmacists
promotes the profession through advocacy, education, and communication to enhance
patient care and public health. PPA-ACPA is a professional organization comprised
of licensed pharmacists, student pharmacists, pharmacy technicians, and others who
reside, work, attend college, or are interested in pharmacy in Pennsylvania. Chartered
as a professional student pharmacy organization on the Duquesne University campus
during the 2007-2008 academic year, the student chapter strives to raise awareness
about the important role pharmacists and student pharmacists play in health care.
It does so by providing educational outreach to the general public and by meeting with state legislators to advocate for the profession of pharmacy
and the patients that we serve.
The Pennsylvania Society of Health System Pharmacists (PSHP), otherwise referred to
as the Student Society of Health System Pharmacists (SSHP), exposes student pharmacists
to the multitude of practice settings within health system pharmacy such as hospital
practice, infusion services, and long-term care. PSHP/SSHP promotes safe, proper and
cost-effective medication use, serves as an advocate for patient access to appropriate
drug therapy, enhances public awareness of the value of care provided by pharmacists,
and promotes pharmacy as an essential component of the health care team. It further
encourages student pharmacists to seek postgraduate residencies aimed at higher education
and advanced patient care. PSHP/SSHP is responsible for service events, advocacy activities,
and residency informational sessions throughout the academic year. PSHP/SSHP hopes
to better prepare student pharmacists as they enter the health system setting, as
well as encourage student pharmacists to achieve leadership positions both within
the pharmacy profession as well as within their future prospective practice setting.
The Eta Chapter of Phi Lambda Sigma (PLS), a national honorary pharmacy leadership
society, was chartered at Duquesne University in 1980. The society recognizes and
encourages leadership in the profession of pharmacy. The society selects students
for membership who have completed at least one semester of the professional curriculum
and have demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities. PLS hosts the annual Student Leadership Retreat
and the Spring Induction and Awards Ceremony, actively engages in community service, and promotes other projects and initiatives
focused on leadership development among both its members and non-members.
Rho Chi is a national honor society recognizing the scholastic achievement of the
top 20 percent of each year's pharmacy class, based upon a cumulative grade point
average. The society was granted a charter at Duquesne University in 1941 as the Alpha
Beta Chapter. Members are inducted into this prestigious organization during the spring
semester of the PY2 year. Rho Chi takes pride as leaders in the profession by encouraging
and recognizing intellectual excellence. It honors pharmacy students for achieving
and exemplifying the highest standards of academic integrity, knowledge, and skill.
As part of its chapter mission and initiatives, members of the Rho Chi Society offer individual tutoring services and exam review sessions to pharmacy
students enrolled at Duquesne University.
The Student National Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) was founded in 1972 as the student affiliate of the National Pharmaceutical Association
(NPhA). The student chapter of SNPhA at Duquesne University was established in 2002. SNPhA is an education and service association of student pharmacists who are concerned
about pharmacy and health care issues and the need for greater minority representation
in pharmacy and other health professions. It is dedicated to serving the underserved.
Professional Pharmacy Fraternities
Kappa Epsilon (KE) is a professional fraternity for student pharmacists. The mission
of Kappa Epsilon is to unite pharmacy students, faculty, and alumni in empowering
its members to achieve personal and professional competence, to develop leaders within
the profession and community, and to provide professional and philanthropic services.
It was granted a charter at Duquesne University as the Alpha Phi chapter in October
1999. Kappa Epsilon hosts multiple events in which its members can participate. An
Annual Women’s Health Luncheon is held each October with proceeds donated to various
organizations that promote women’s health. Other events include special dinners, lunches,
ice cream socials, gatherings before meetings, Masses at the Duquesne University Chapel,
and formals. Service projects include food and clothing drives, collections to send
supplies to underdeveloped countries, service at the local food back, and volunteer
efforts at the Children’s Institute in Pittsburgh.
Kappa Psi is the oldest and largest pharmaceutical fraternity in the world. It was
founded in 1879 at the Russell Military Academy in New Haven, Connecticut. It currently
includes collegiate and graduate chapters across the United States, Canada, and the
Bahamas. The Delta Epsilon Chapter of Kappa Psi at Duquesne University was founded
in 1967. Responding to an increased number of women entering the pharmacy profession,
Delta Epsilon amended its constitution in 1986 and began accepting women. Its mission
is to advance the profession of pharmacy-educationally, fraternally and socially;
to instill industry, sobriety, fellowship and high ideals in its members; and to foster
scholarship and pharmaceutical research.
Lambda Kappa Sigma (LKS) is an international professional pharmacy fraternity that
was founded at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy in 1913. Tau Chapter was launched
at Duquesne in 1932. Open to all students regardless of gender, LKS promotes and
supports the engagement of women in the pharmacy profession. It continues to grow
with the addition of the local alumni chapter. Recognized as the LKS Collegiate Chapter
of the Year 2019-2020, the chapter philanthropy is Project HOPE, an organization that
provides medical relief to countries in need. LKS participates in numerous service,
professional, social, and fundraising events. Annual events include the Project HOPE
Brunch, Ronald McDonald House volunteer days, charity events, women's health presentations,
spring formal, Tree Teas, and dinner with alumni members. Involvement within the organization,
university, and community is a key focus.
Founded in 1960, the Duquesne University Beta Gamma Chapter of Phi Delta Chi (PDC)
national pharmacy fraternity endeavors to integrate academic, spiritual, and social
activities while fostering the highest professional and personal ideals. The Beta
Gamma chapter at Duquesne is nationally heralded as one of the outstanding Phi Delta
Chi chapters. Throughout its long and storied history, the chapter has won 13 Emory
W. Thurston awards, which is Phi Delta Chi's highest honor. The chapter merited the
Phi Delta Chi National Professional and Service Projects Award for its extensive work
both on campus and in the surrounding community. It was further recognized by the
Professional Fraternity Association, a national organization that encompasses professional
fraternities and sororities from a variety of majors, by receiving its Outstanding
Community Service Award. A fraternity of both men and women, PDC participates in annual
"Movember" events and fundraising activities to support the fight against prostate cancer. Other
philanthropies include St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and Gilda's Club of Pittsburgh.
