Jennifer L. Adams
PharmD, EdD, FAPhA, FNAP
Associate Dean for Academic Programs
Professor
PPRA
Office: 749G
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Pharmacy Law • Health Policy • Advocacy • Scholarship of Teaching & Learning
Jennifer Adams, PharmD, EdD, FAPhA, FNAP, serves as the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, overseeing the quality and alignment of the College’s educational standards and goals. A licensed pharmacist, Dr. Adams holds a Doctor of Education focusing on educational policy, higher education administration, curriculum design, and instructional methodologies. As a tenured Associate Professor, she has an extensive publication record in teaching and learning and legislative and regulatory initiatives. She teaches pharmacy law and health care systems to first-and-third-year student pharmacists, and pharmacy law to clinical psychopharmacology students. Widely respected for her leadership in national, regional, and state professional associations, Dr. Adams is also recognized for her substantial contributions to advocacy and pharmacy practice reform. She is a proud graduate of Boise State, Idaho State, and George Washington University.
Mary Cloud B. Ammons
PhD
Allied Faculty
Research Scientist
marycloud.ammonsanderson@va.gov
Dr. Ammons is currently a Research Scientist at the Boise VA Medical Center and specializes in molecular immunology. Dr. Ammons’ background includes research investigating metabolic drivers of innate immune regulation, host-pathogen interactions, and bacterial biofilm formation. Over the course of her career, she has worked with both private and public sector to better understand the complex biology of non-healing wounds with the long-term goal of developing better diagnostics and therapeutics to improve care of recalcitrant wounds such as diabetic foot ulcers and pressure ulcers. Dr. Ammons received her BA in biology from the University of Colorado – Boulder and her PhD from Montana State University – Bozeman.
Gary Austill
Video Instruction Manager
Office: 145A
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Mark Austin
PhD
Professor
MSCP
Dr. Austin’s research has focused on the molecular neurochemistry of the serotonin system in major depressive disorder. During his career it become evident that major depression is a very heterogeneous disorder that is associated with a high rate of other serious medical comorbidities such as cardiovascular disease, stroke, dementia, diabetes, obesity and repetitive concussion syndrome. Dr. Austin has begun to develop a broader research program that has expanded and evolved into investigating epigenetic, developmental, cytoskeletal and signal transduction mechanisms underlying depression, chronic stress, obesity and repetitive traumatic brain injury. His research projects involve a multi-disciplinary approach that encompasses neuroanatomy, neurochemistry, neuropharmacology, biochemistry, and molecular biology disciplines and utilize a variety biochemical and molecular biological techniques as well as in vitro cell culture and in vivo small rodent models.
Dr. Austin is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University. He earned a Ph.D. in Pharmacology from Washington State University. He completed a postdoctoral fellowship in molecular and behavioral neuroscience at the National Institute of Mental Health in Bethesda, MD.
Michelle Barcelon
PharmD, BCPS, BCCP
Internal Medicine Pharmacy Clinical Specialist
PGY1 Residency Program Director, Renown Regional Medical Center
PPRA
Patrick Bartos
PsyD, MSCP
Provisional Prescribing Psychologist
Clinical Associate Professor
MSCP
Office: 756
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Dr. Patrick Bartos is a Clinical Associate Professor of Clinical Psychopharmacology in the 蘑菇视频 College of Pharmacy. He earned his B.A. in Psychology from Kenyon College, his Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the American School of Professional Psychology – San Francisco Bay Area, and his M.S. in Clinical Psychopharmacology from 蘑菇视频.
With more than two decades of clinical experience, Dr. Bartos has worked across diverse settings, including college counseling centers, primary care, and private practice in Portland, Oregon. In addition to his clinical practice, he has provided clinical supervision to doctoral psychology trainees, future prescribing psychologists, and physician residents. Academically, he has taught at the graduate level at both Boise State University and 蘑菇视频.
As a member of 蘑菇视频’s Clinical Psychopharmacology faculty, Dr. Bartos is involved in teaching, clinical supervision, and providing integrated care at 蘑菇视频’s Integrated Mental Health Clinic in Meridian. His professional interests center on the integration of psychopharmacology and psychotherapy, as well as psychodynamic and person-centered approaches to prescribing. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Bartos enjoys trail running and spending time outdoors.
Erin Berry
PharmD
Clinical Assistant Professor
PPRA
Office: 151C
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Dr. Berry is a board certified pharmacotherapy specialist who maintains an active clinical practice site in adult internal medicine. Her clinical areas of interest include Alcohol Associated Liver Disease, inpatient blood glucose management, infectious disease, and quality improvement initiatives that improve patient care. Working alongside hospitalist teams, Dr. Berry sees and manages the pharmacotherapy for an average of 20 patients per day. Additionally, she is involved in medical resident education for the internal medicine, family medicine, and psychiatry residency programs at her practice site. She is also heavily involved in pharmacy residency education and training, functioning as both the internal medicine preceptor and residency program coordinator at Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center. Dr. Berry precepts several APPE students per year and is passionate about teaching pharmacy students how to integrate and apply the principles taught in didactic education. Her academic interests include curriculum development and optimization, generational learning styles, and preceptor development.
Glenda Carr
PharmD
Clinical Associate Professor
PPRA
Office: 733
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Family Practice • Diabetes • Anticoagulation • Hypertension • Hepatitis C
Dr. Carr joined the 蘑菇视频 College of Pharmacy faculty in the fall of 2002. She graduated from the University of Montana with a bachelor's degree in pharmacy in December 1999 and completed her Pharm.D. in May 2000. After graduation, she completed a general practice residency at the VA Connecticut Healthcare Systems. She continued her post graduate training at the William S. Middleton Veterans Memorial Hospital in Madison, Wis. Since joining the College of Pharmacy she has been practicing within a federally qualified community health center. Her current practice site is at Full Circle Health Center where she sees patients to make necessary adjustments to their medication regimens and is an active team member providing consultative services to medical residents, advanced care providers and physicians. Her current practice interests are hepatitis c, transgender medicine, contraception, diabetes and interprofessional education. Dr. Carr coordinates the Problem Based Learning series for the second year students. In 2017 she was awarded the APhA-ASP Advisor of the Year and in 2018 the 蘑菇视频 Distinguished Service Award.
Kevin W. Cleveland
PharmD, ANP
Professor
PPRA
Office: 754
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Kevin W. Cleveland, PharmD, ANP, is a Professor in the Pharmacy Practice Department at 蘑菇视频 L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy. He received his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from 蘑菇视频 in 2003 and completed a residency in drug information at the Idaho Drug Information Center in 2004. He has been on faculty with 蘑菇视频 for since completing his residency and his specialty areas include pharmacy delivered immunizations, medication therapy management, drug information, travel medicine and nuclear pharmacy.
Cleveland is 蘑菇视频’s Chapter Advisor for the American Pharmacist Association – Academy of Student Pharmacists. He oversees the organization’s health screenings, immunization clinics, and educational sessions. He coordinates the mobile preventive health and vaccination clinic at 蘑菇视频 in Meridian and has been involved in numerous community vaccination efforts including coordinating drive-through influenza and COVID-19 vaccination clinics and increasing vaccination rates in underserved populations in rural Idaho. He also was the recipient of the 2023 APhA Immunization Champions National Award for Community Outreach.
Cleveland is a member of the United States Pharmacopeia, Rho Chi, Phi Lambda Sigma and served on the executive board for the Idaho Immunization Coalition. When he is not working, he is out spending time with family hiking, backpacking, or running Spartan races.
Coleman Cutchins
PharmD, BCPS
Lecturer
PPRA
Office: 108B
Professional Studies Building
Anchorage Campus
Dr. Coleman Cutchins is a clinical lecturer for Idaho State university College of Pharmacy on the Alaska campus and a board certified pharmacotherapy specialist: His areas of practice have included: Population health, academia, inpatient acute care, infectious disease/antimicrobial stewardship, clinical ambulatory care, substance abuse, healthcare utilization, chronic disease management, and quality improvement. During the COVID-19 pandemic he developed and implemented many projects and programs, clinical guidance, patient triage, traveler protection, outbreak response, healthcare policy, in order to support healthcare infrastructure, schools, industry, critical infrastructure, communities, government, and congregate settings. In his free time enjoys life in Alaska with his Wife Della and two kids.
Bhuvanesh Dave
PhD
Allied Faculty
BPSCI
Office: J212 (JLABS Houston)
Drug Discovery • Cancer Research
The goal of Spanios under the guidance of Dr. Dave is to address the unmet need of model systems in rare cancer research. Cancer is a collection of related diseases in which some of the body’s cells begin to divide uncontrollably and spread into surrounding tissues. There are 200 distinct types of cancers 186 of which are categorized as rare cancers. At any given time, of the total number of people suffering from cancer, half of them are battling some type of rare cancer. Twenty percent of all adult tumors, and all hematologic cancers are rare. All pediatric cancers are rare and second leading cause of death in children in the US. Rare cancers are a leading cause of death globally.
We utilize patient derived organoid model systems and test experimental as well as repositioned drugs using for cancer. We use molecular biology, microscopy, and pathway analysis to decipher our results.
Specific research areas are:
- Drug Discovery (Sarcoma Research)
- Immunocompetent Organoid Development in Rare Cancers.
- Development of 3D models with physiological blood supply.
Wren Dougherty
Program Assistant
Office: 111
Professional Studies Building
Anchorage Campus
Jordan Ferro
PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Associate Professor
PPRA
Office: Family Medicine B29
Jordan Ferro, PharmD, BCPS, is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Departments of Family Medicine and Pharmacy Practice. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy from the 蘑菇视频 College of Pharmacy in 2016. After completing his degree, he pursued a two-year Pharmacotherapy Residency with the 蘑菇视频 Department of Family Medicine and College of Pharmacy. Dr. Ferro joined the 蘑菇视频 faculty in 2018. He maintains his Board Certification in Pharmacotherapy and has clinical experience in both inpatient and outpatient settings. He currently practices Adult Inpatient Medicine at Portneuf Medical Center, affiliated with the 蘑菇视频 Department of Family Medicine. Previously, he spent five years providing Ambulatory Care pharmacy services and education with the 蘑菇视频 Department of Family Medicine at Health West 蘑菇视频. In addition to his clinical practice, Dr. Ferro serves as the Residency Program Director for the Combined PGY1/PGY2 Pharmacotherapy Residency Program, working closely with both the Family Medicine and Pharmacy Practice departments. His professional interests include interdisciplinary education and training, infectious diseases, endocrinology, cardiovascular disease, and quality improvement.
Rex W. Force
PharmD
Senior Vice Provost and Vice President for Health Sciences
Director for Pocatello Family Medicine Clinical Research Center
Professor
KDHS
Dr. Force is Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Family Medicine at 蘑菇视频 and Director of the Family Medicine Clinical Research Center. He earned his B.S. in Pharmacy from Oregon State University and his Pharm.D. degree from the University of Texas, after which he completed a research fellowship in infectious diseases at Ohio State University.
Dr. Force has been active in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy, serving on several committees as well as chairing the Board Certification Affairs Committee and the Public and Professional Affairs Committee. He was elected Chair of the Ambulatory Care Practice and Research Network of ACCP in 1999 and to the Board of Regents in 2001. His expertise in collaborative drug therapy and reimbursement for clinical pharmacy services was recognized by his appointment to the ACCP Task Force on Compensation in 1998. He serves on the editorial board of the Annals of Pharmacotherapy and has acted as a referee for the Handbook of Nonprescription Drugs. Dr. Force was the founding column editor of STEPped Care: An Evidence-based Approach to Drug Therapy in the Journal of the American Board of Family Practice. Currently, he co-authors and edits the Prescriber's Letter Journal Club a monthly publication designed to critically evaluate new information in the field of pharmacotherapy. He has authored over 60 professional and research publications, and speaks regularly at professional meetings. Dr. Force and his collaborators have received grants and contracts in excess of $3.5 million while at 蘑菇视频. Presently, he is the Site Principal Investigator of a multi-center diabetes trial (ACCORD) funded by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute of the National Institutes of Health. His research interests focus on primary care pharmacotherapy (hypertension, diabetes, congestive heart failure, adult immunizations, etc.), drug utilization review, pharmacoepidemiology, and evidence-based medicine. Dr. Force has been on the faculty at 蘑菇视频 since 1993.
Andrew Gauss
BA
Director of Development
Office: 749B
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Ali Habashi
PharmD, PhD
Associate Professor
BMS
Office: 257
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Pharmaceutical Sciences • Pharmacokinetics
I am interested in exploring the concept of drug-disease interaction, and studying the effect of inflammation, in particular, on the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) at enzyme, peptide, and receptor levels in order to fully understand the underlying mechanisms. In different inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes, mental disorders, and Alzheimer disease, patient’s quality of life has been be affected by the deleterious impact of inflammation. Due to extensive involvement of the RAS in the systemic and local regulatory function of different organs and the significant impact of inflammation on the activation of the RAS, the association of the RAS in different pathological conditions has been reported. The RAS consists of two counteracting arms: tissue protective and tissue toxic. Manipulation of the RAS through augmentation of its tissue protective arm by delivering of its peptide homologs seems promising. Peptides have gained increased interest as biological therapeutics during recent years. However, the clinical application of these agents is still limited due to drug delivery challenges. As a pharmaceutical formulation scientist, I have set focuses of my lab on exploring innovative targeted drug delivery systems for effective, safe, and noninvasive delivery of these therapeutic agents for aiming at several serious inflammatory conditions that RAS involved in their pathology.
My interests include: Basic Pharmacokinetics and Pharmaceutical calculations, Pharmacotherapy, Current Topics in Pharmaceutics and Drug delivery, Principles of Biopharmaceutical Analysis, Responsible Conduct in Research, Physiochemical Basis of Drug Action, Critical Literature Evaluation
Shari Halcomb
Administrative Assistant I
MSCP
Office: 749
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Amanda Hart
BA
Director of Engagement and Events
Office: 111
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
(208) 282-4482
Sarah Hobdey
PhD
Research Assistant Professor
BMS
Dr. Hobdey earned her B.S. in Microbiology from 蘑菇视频, where she also competed on the Women’s Soccer team. She went on to obtain her Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from Colorado State University and completed postdoctoral training at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory before returning home to Idaho. Dr. Hobdey's research is focused on the development of novel therapies and diagnostics for life-threatening necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTIs). In progress towards that goal, she and her team have developed three patent-pending fully human monoclonal antibodies capable of neutralizing streptolysin O, a key toxin produced by Group A Streptococcus. In addition to her role at 蘑菇视频, Dr. Hobdey is an Associate Research Scientist at the Boise VA Medical Center, where she maintains an active research laboratory.
John T. Holmes
PharmD, MPH, BCPS
Associate Professor
PPRA
Office: 259
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Evidence-Based Medicine • Quality Improvement • Practice-Based Research • Family Medicine
Dr. Holmes is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Family Medicine at 蘑菇视频. Dr. Holmes graduated from 蘑菇视频 in 2007 with his Doctor of Pharmacy degree. He completed a one-year ambulatory care residency in 2008 at the Veterans Affairs Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Pocatello, Idaho. He then completed a one-year Pharmacotherapy Residency at Pocatello Family Medicine and a two-year Clinical Research Fellowship at the 蘑菇视频 Department of Family Medicine. He received his Master of Public Health degree from 蘑菇视频 in 2018.
Dr. Holmes has served as a sub-investigator on several industry and National Institutes of Health sponsored studies conducted at the 蘑菇视频 Family Medicine Clinical Research Center. His research interests include pharmacoepidemiology, quality improvement, and access to healthcare for rural residents. Dr. Holmes provides clinical pharmacy and quality improvement support to the Health West 蘑菇视频 clinic, a training site for medical and pharmacy residents at 蘑菇视频. He teaches and mentors family medicine and pharmacotherapy residents, physician assistant students and pharmacy students on a broad spectrum of pharmacotherapy and quality improvement topics.
Linda Jackson
MCoun, MS
Pre-Pharmacy Coordinator & Programs Recruiter
Office: 104
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Jeff Johnson
PharmD, PA-C
MSCP
Jeff graduated from the 蘑菇视频 PA Program in 2002. He is also a graduate of the 蘑菇视频 College of Pharmacy earning a PharmD degree. His experience is primarily in emergency and urgent care medicine. He has also worked as a community pharmacist. He joined the 蘑菇视频 PA Program in 2011.
Jesse Jones
PharmD, PhD
Assistant Professor
BMS
Office: 254
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Biological Chemistry • Biomedical Engineering • Pharmaceutical Sciences • Protein Biochemistry • Synthetic Biology
Dr. Jones earned a B.S. degree from Boise State University (Boise, ID), a Pharm.D. from 蘑菇视频 (Meridian, ID), and a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from University of Tennessee Health Science Center (Memphis, TN). He completed a postdoctoral research fellowship at University of Michigan School of Medicine (Ann Arbor, MI) in Biomedical Engineering and Biological Chemistry.
Dr. Jones’ research program focuses on the development of targeted therapeutics and includes an interdisciplinary approach spanning biological chemistry, drug discovery, molecular pharmaceutics, and synthetic biology. Dr. Jones employs a multi-faceted approach, using classical drug discovery methods to characterize and validate specific enzymes, such as bacterial topoisomerase I, as well as structural proteins, such as herpes virus capsid proteins, to develop targeted, narrow-spectrum antimicrobial therapeutics. Dr. Jones also employs advanced synthetic biology methods including the discovery, characterization, and advanced engineering of protein nanocompartments, such as bacterial encapsulins and viral capsids, to develop targeted drug, nanoreactor, and living therapeutic delivery platforms.
Karl Madaras-Kelly
PharmD, MPH
Professor
PPRA
Office: 732
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Infectious Disease • Epidemiology
Dr. Madaras-Kelly is a Professor in the College of Pharmacy located in Meridian.
Dr. Madaras-Kelly received his BS in Pharmacy in 1991 and a Doctor of Pharmacy in 1992 from the University of Minnesota. He then went on to complete an Infectious Diseases/Pharmacokinetics Fellowship at the University of Minnesota and St. Paul Ramsey Medical Center. He received his Masters of Public Health in 2006 from 蘑菇视频.
Dr. Madaras-Kelly has been in his current position located at the Boise Veterans Affairs Medical Center (BVAMC) since 1994 where he maintains active clinical infectious diseases and research programs, as well as mentors pharmacy residents and fourth year students on adult medicine and infectious diseases rotations. Dr. Madaras-Kelly has given many presentations, and authored numerous manuscripts on a variety of issues related to antibiotic resistance. He has received over a million dollars in grant support from the NIH, VHA, CDC, pharmacy professional societies, and the pharmaceutical industry. His primary research interests involve antibiotic stewardship, health systems research, epidemiology and clinical outcomes of infectious diseases treatments.
Dr. Madaras-Kelly has been a recipient of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy (ACCP) Fellowship award in infectious diseases, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Young Investigator Award, and the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP) Young Investigator Award. Dr. Madaras-Kelly was previously selected as Teacher of the Year and Most Influential Professor by four-year Doctor of Pharmacy students.
Dr. Madaras-Kelly is an active member of the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists (SIDP), and a member of the Infectious Diseases Society of America and the Society for Health Care Epidemiology.
Wes Lewis
BS
Video Instruction Manager
Office: 763
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Ronda Mahl
Pre-Pharmacy Advisor
Administrative Assistant 2
Student Affairs
Office: 113
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Robert Mancini
PharmD, BCOP, FHOPA
Oncology Pharmacy Program Coordinator
PGY2 Residency Program Director, St. Luke's Mountain States Tumor Institute
PPRA
Oncology Pharmacy
Kasidy McKay
PharmD, BCPS
Department Chair
Clinical Associate Professor
PPRA
Office: 264
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Adult Internal Medicine
Dr. McKay is a Clinical Associate Professor based in Pocatello and currently serves as the Department Chair of Pharmacy Practice & Administrative Sciences. She earned her PharmD from Midwestern University in 2013, and subsequently completed a PGY1/PGY2 Pharmacotherapy Residency at 蘑菇视频 (2013-2015). From 2018 - 2023, she served as the Residency Program Director for the PGY1/PGY2 Pharmacotherapy Residency. Under her leadership the program attained a full 8 years of ASHP accreditation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. McKay played a crucial role as the Coordinator of the COVID-19 Health Committee at Idaho State, shaping the University's response strategy. Clinically, she operates within the inpatient general medicine domain at Portneuf Medical Center, with particular interest in cardiology and infectious disease. A notable area of her scholarly interest lies in exploring the cognitive bias in clinical decision making, a subject on which she has provided significant educational contributions, including national and regional CE presentations and an Honors Program Seminar course.
Joy Marie Menzel
MS
Academic Coach
Experiential Education Coordinator
Office: 105
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Jordin Millward
PharmD, MPH, BCPS, CDCES
Clinical Assistant Professor
PPRA
Office: 261
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Jordin Millward is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences at 蘑菇视频 College of Pharmacy. She also serves as the Primary Care Section Lead for the Director of the Center for Advancing Pharmacy Practice and Research Excellence. She is board-certified in pharmacotherapy and is also a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist. She also earned her Masters of Public Health and a Rural Health Certificate from 蘑菇视频 in 2025, and integrates a population and public health perspective into her teaching and patient care initiatives.
Dr. Millward graduated from 蘑菇视频 College of Pharmacy in 2019 and completed a PGY1/PGY2 combined Pharmacotherapy Residency at 蘑菇视频 in 2021, gaining diverse experience in inpatient, outpatient, managed care, and community-based settings. She also has extensive experience in the retail pharmacy sector. She currently works in several primary care clinics with the Patient Quality Alliance in Pocatello, where she takes students on rotation. Her clinical practice focuses on chronic disease management, particularly diabetes care and education.
Her research interests include pharmacist-led chronic disease management, practice advancement, population health, and technology-based healthcare solutions. Dr. Millward coordinates the Endocrine Module in the PharmD program, facilitates case studies, and mentors students in advanced pharmacy practice experiences. She also chairs the college's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Work Group, an ad hoc committee formed to explore and implement strategies to ethically and effectively integrate AI into pharmacy education and practice.
Daniel Morgan
PhD
Department Chair
Professor
BMS
Office: 256 | Leonard Hall | Pocatello Campus
Pharmacology • Neuroscience • Receptor Signaling
The primary focus of the Morgan laboratory is to understand the role of neuropeptide and endocannabinoid signaling in human health and disease including cannabinoid tolerance, drug addiction, and metabolic homeostasis. In 2012, Dr. Morgan started his own independent research laboratory in the Department of Anesthesiology at the Penn State College of Medicine where he was promoted to associate professor with tenure. In 2020, his research group moved to the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, Marshall University where he was an associate professor and vice chair in the Department of Biomedical Sciences. In 2025, Dr. Morgan moved into his current role at 蘑菇视频. Since 2013, the laboratory's research on cannabinoid signaling and tolerance has been funded by R21, K01, and R01 awards from the National Institutes of Health as well as grants from the Pennsylvania Department of Health, the West Virginia Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, and the West Virginia INBRE. The group's current work involves understanding the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways that drive tolerance and dependence for cannabinoid drugs including 鈭�9-THC, the psychoactive and pain-relieving component of cannabis. This work has important clinical relevance, since tolerance and dependence are two of the criteria used by clinicians for diagnosing patients with cannabis use disorder. Dr. Morgan also serves as an associate editor for the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, is on the program committee for Winter Conference on Brain Research, and is involved in various leadership teams for the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.
Rob Myers
RPh, PhD
Clinical Assistant Professor
BMS
Compounding • Dosage Forms • Pharmaceutics • Pharmaceutical Development
Dr. Myers has a BS degree in Pharmacy, a MS degree in Pharmaceutical Chemistry and a PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of Kansas. He is licensed as a Registered Pharmacist in the state of Idaho. With experience in academic teaching, retail pharmacy, pharmacy compounding, regulatory affairs, and pharmaceutical development/manufacturing, Dr. Myers holds a unique view of pharmaceutical products, their development, and regulatory approval. His experience includes developing and evaluating a variety of drug products including: various ophthalmic products, inhalation solutions, sterile injections, suspensions, delayed release capsules, dry powder inhalers, and nasal sprays.
Dr. Myers has more than 25 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry focused mainly on activities dealing with Chemistry, Manufacturing, and Controls (CMC) issues for IND, NDA, and ANDA submissions. His activities have been mainly focused on: pre-formulation, formulation, scale-up, process development, pharmaceutical product safety data sheets (SDS), health hazard assessments, regulatory submission authoring and project planning. He has interacted with the FDA on various CMC issues at various development stages in face-to-face meetings, telephone conferences, and written communications. Dr. Myers also has more than 12 years of experience working as a compounding pharmacist and is the co-owner of a 503B Outsourcing Facility.
He is an assistant professor in the Biomedical & Pharmaceutical Sciences Department. His teaching responsibilities include dosage form design, compounding, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacokinetics, and portions of modules and Capstone. Dr. Myers also oversees the extemporaneous compounding lab.
Elaine Nguyen
PharmD, MPH, MBA, BCACP
Associate Professor
PPRA
Office: 751
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Health Outcomes Research • Healthcare Delivery • Pharmacy Practice • Diabetes Services
Dr. Nguyen joined 蘑菇视频 (SU) L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy in 2017. She works to optimize healthcare delivery, especially for rural and underserved populations. She is particularly interested in pharmacy practice, evidence-based diabetes services, and immunizations.
Dr. Nguyen graduated from the University of Iowa with her Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Public Health degrees. She has completed a two-year ambulatory care residency at the Boise VA Medical Center and a two-year health economics and outcomes research fellowship at the University of Connecticut/Hartford Hospital. She is board certified in ambulatory care, and continues to practice at the Boise VA Medical Center.
At 蘑菇视频, she co-coordinates PHAR942 Fundamentals of Pharmacy Practice and Literature Evaluation in the spring of P1 year. She also offers elective independent study opportunities and introductory and advanced rotations in academia and research.
Christopher Nicolet
PharmD
Lecturer
PPRA
Office: 750
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Dr. Christopher Nicolet is a lecturer in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences at the L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy in Meridian.
He earned his BS in Chemistry in 2017 and taught introductory chemistry laboratory courses at the University of Alaska Anchorage before pursuing a career in pharmacy. In 2019, he was accepted into the UAA/蘑菇视频 Doctor of Pharmacy program and enrolled in the dual PharmD/PhD program in pharmaceutical sciences under the supervision of Dr. Danny Xu. After graduating from the PharmD program in 2023, he moved to Meridian to continue his PhD research, focusing on identifying lead compounds that could be used to prevent drug-induced hearing loss. Through this work, he has gained experience in AI-driven protein modeling, machine learning, molecular dynamic simulation, drug repurposing, and biomedical informatics.
In addition to his research, he helps coordinate the Intro to Pharmacotherapy and Problem-Based Learning courses and delivers various lectures to student pharmacists throughout the didactic portion of the PharmD curriculum. His professional interests include drug discovery, the pharmaceutical industry, academia, and interdisciplinary education in pharmacy practice and pharmaceutical sciences.
Catherine ("Cathy") M. Oliphant
PharmD
Professor
PPRA
Office: 726
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Infectious Disease • Opioid Abuse • Internal Medicine
Dr. Oliphant is a Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences and Professor at 蘑菇视频 College of Pharmacy. She earned her PharmD degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She completed a residency and infectious diseases/microbiology fellowship at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago, Illinois. Prior to joining the faculty at 蘑菇视频 College of Pharmacy in 2003, Dr. Oliphant taught for seven years at the University of Wyoming School of Pharmacy.
Dr. Oliphant maintains a practice site at St. Luke's Regional Medical Center in Boise and Meridian. She works with the St. Luke's Internal Medicine physicians and hospitalists in addition to the infectious disease physicians. Dr. Oliphant precepts students on medicine, infectious diseases, and academic APPEs. She teaches in all four years of the program. Dr. Oliphant co-coordinates the Infectious Disease Module in the P3 year and the Residency Readiness course. She also facilitates P2 and P3 case studies. Dr. Oliphant is the Rho Chi and Generation Rx advisor. Her research interests include infectious diseases and prescription drug abuse issues.
Dr. Oliphant has been selected as Teacher of the Year and Most Influential Professor by 4th year Doctor of Pharmacy students.
Tanya Ostrogorsky
MS, EdD
Associate Dean for Assessment and Strategic Outcomes
Tanya Ostrogorsky, MS, EdD, is the Associate Dean for Assessment and Strategic Outcomes. Dr. Ostrogorsky oversees accreditation compliance, assesses curriculum and learning outcomes, ensures continuous program improvement, and communicates with stakeholders regarding academic quality and standards. She holds a Doctor of Education degree with a focus on educational policy, administration, and program evaluation in higher education, as well as curriculum design and various aspects of learning and instruction. Dr. Ostrogorsky also serves as the Policy Manager for the College, providing leadership in process enhancement, accreditation activities, and evaluation initiatives. They also serve as the College’s liaison to the University Assessment and Review Committee and contribute to the College’s mission through teaching, scholarship, and service. Dr. Ostrogorsky has worked in academic health science programs since 2006 and serves on local consortia related to the assessment of didactic (WCAPG) and experiential education outcomes (NWPEC). Additionally, she has served on several ACPE Task Forces.
Christopher T. Owens
PharmD, MPH
Associate Vice President for Health Sciences
Professor
PPRA
Office: 136
Gravely Hall
Pocatello Campus
Interprofessional Education • Medical Ethics
Dr. Christopher T. Owens, PharmD, MPH, serves as Associate Vice President for Health Sciences at 蘑菇视频 and is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences at the L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy. He works on the Pocatello campus. He earned his PharmD from 蘑菇视频 in 2002 and his MPH in 2013. He also earned a Certificate in Biomedical Ethics in 2017. He completed a residency in Ambulatory Care at the Southeast Idaho VA Community-Based Outpatient Clinic in 2003 and worked as a prn community pharmacist for over 15 years and a clinical pharmacist at Health West in Pocatello.
For over 20 years, he has taught and published on professionalism, ethics, evidence-based integrative health, and population health topics. He has lectured on clinical topics as well as health care ethics at 蘑菇视频 since 2003 and has been part of the interprofessional curriculum task force with the Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine since 2020. Dr. Owens has served as president of the Healthcare Ethics Special Interest Group (SIG) for the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) and is passionate about advancing interprofessional education, working collaboratively to promote evidence-based patient care and population health, and preparing an appropriately-trained healthcare workforce for rural settings and underserved populations.
Jeff Parkinson
BS
Information Technology Systems Manager
Office: 107
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Srinath Pashikanti
PhD
Associate Professor
BMS
Office: 250 A
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Synthetic Medicinal Chemistry • Protein Biochemistry • Bioanalytical Chemistry
Dr. Pashikanti has an MS degree in Chemistry & Biochemistry from South Dakota State University, an MS and Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry from The University of Kansas. Pashikanti Lab utilizes organic chemistry towards synthesis of cell permeable medicinally active analogs. Our current efforts are aimed to develop, synthesize and screen small molecules in targeting ceramide metabolizing enzymes. Ceramide is a bioactive sphingolipid that exhibits anticancer properties in cancer cells. Strategies aimed at increasing the cellular ceramide induce apoptosis in cancer cells. To complement our synthetic efforts, we utilize tools for protein biochemistry to perform in vitro experiments and cell-based assays in determining the biological activity of these analogs in a structure-activity relationship model.
He is an assistant professor in the Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department. He is actively involved in mentoring graduate and professional pharmacy students. His didactics include Principles of Drug Design and Drug Action, Physicochemical Basis of Drug Action, Principles of Biopharmaceutical Analysis, Advanced Organic Synthesis, Dissertation Research, Thesis Research, Independent Problems in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmaceutical Science Research.
Stephanie Perez
PhD
Term Assistant Professor of Medical Education
WWAMI School of Medical Education
Human Physiology
Office: 111
Professional Studies Building
Anchorage Campus
MaryAnn Reed
BS
Continuing Education Coordinator
Office: 108
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Janet Renk
Experiential Education Program Manager
Office: 757
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Youssef Roman
PharmD, PhD
Associate Professor
PPRA
Office: 731
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Dr. Roman is an Associate Professor of Pharmacy Practice and Administrative Sciences at 蘑菇视频, College of Pharmacy. Before joining 蘑菇视频, Dr. Roman was a clinical pharmacology and genomics reviewer at the Division of Translational and Precision Medicine at the Food and Drug Administration. Dr. Roman’s academic research has focused on conducting community-based genetic and pharmacogenetic research in underrepresented population subgroups. Specifically, Dr. Roman’s work included the pharmacogenetics of allopurinol in the Hmong and the pharmacogenetics of major cardiovascular drugs in different Asian, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander subgroups. Dr. Roman was the Principal Investigator on the genetics and pharmacogenetics of cardiometabolic disorders study in Filipino Americans. Dr. Roman’s scientific research interests include genomics and health disparities, the association between uric acid levels and cardiometabolic and neurodegenerative diseases, minority population genetics, and the genetic epidemiology of cardiometabolic disorders.
Dr. Roman is a recipient of multiple NIH training awards and internal and NIH funding. Dr. Roman received his PharmD from Oregon State University College of Pharmacy and his Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy.
A list of recent publications can be found
Ballard Saul
PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Assistant Professor
PPRA
Office: 108A
Professional Studies Building
Anchorage Campus
Adult Internal Medicine
Dr. Ballard Saul is a Clinical Assistant Professor with a strong foundation in clinical pharmacy and a passion for advancing patient care through evidence-based pharmacotherapy. He earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree from Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center Jerry H. Hodge School of Pharmacy. Following his doctorate, he completed a PGY-1 pharmacy residency at BSA Health System and a PGY-2 residency in Pharmacotherapy at The University of Texas at El Paso School of Pharmacy.
Dr. Saul is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist (BCPS), with clinical interests that include cardiology and infectious disease. His work focuses on optimizing therapeutic outcomes through interdisciplinary collaboration, including medical resident education and training, pharmacy student and resident mentorship, and the integration of clinical best practices into patient care. He is committed to fostering a learning environment that bridges academic knowledge with real-world clinical application.
Brandy Seignemartin
PharmD
Executive Director of the Alaska Pharmacists Association
Clinical Assistant Professor
PPRA
Office: 111D
Professional Studies Building
Anchorage Campus
Brandy Seignemartin, PharmD, Executive Director of the Alaska Pharmacists Association and Clinical Assistant Professor at the UAA 蘑菇视频 Doctor of Pharmacy Program, has a longstanding commitment to advancing the pharmacy profession. A graduate of the Washington State University College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Dr. Seignemartin's passion for advocacy took root during her time as a student pharmacist, where she successfully led the passage of legislation in the Washington State legislature allowing interprofessional precepting between nursing, pharmacy, and medicine.
Since then, Dr. Seignemartin has continued to be a trailblazer in the field, playing a pivotal role in passing HB 226, addressing PBM regulations, and HB 145, which grants provider status to pharmacists in Alaska. She has also led regulatory reforms to expand pharmacist DEA registrations and support collaborative practice agreements.
In her academic role, Dr. Seignemartin is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of pharmacists, receiving the Most Influential Faculty Award in 2024 for her impactful teaching and mentorship. Her innovative approach to pharmacy education and dedication to student success is consistently recognized in her evaluations.
Dr. Seignemartin is also a leader in public health initiatives, working to enhance vaccination capacity and address healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Collaborating with the University of Alaska Anchorage and 蘑菇视频, she spearheads efforts to expand immunization access through mobile vaccine clinics and partnerships with brick-and-mortar pharmacies in rural areas.
Through her leadership, advocacy, and educational contributions, Dr. Seignemartin continues to shape the future of pharmacy and healthcare, championing the critical role pharmacists play in patient care.
Mara Seignemartin
BS
Alaska Programs Coordinator
Office: 111A
Professional Studies Building
Anchorage Campus
Sister Michaela Serpa
FSE, PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Assistant Professor
PPRA
Office: 265
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Kumari Kavita Sharma
PhD
Assistant Professor
BMS
Office: 253
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Bioanalytical Chemistry • Natural Products • Pharmaceutical Sciences • Fundamentals of
Pharmacology and Biological Assays
Kavita Sharma is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the College of Pharmacy, 蘑菇视频. She earned her PhD in Molecular Biotechnology from Konkuk University in South Korea.
An experienced researcher specializing in mass spectrometry, Dr. Sharma is deeply involved in metabolomics and proteomics studies. She has pioneered methodologies and workflows for analyzing complex metabolites and peptides from diverse matrices, including tissues, blood, serum, plasma, drugs, medicinal plant extracts, and intracellular and extracellular microbial cultures. She teaches PharmD and graduate students about Physicochemical Basis of Drug Action, Musculoskeletal Module, Endocrine Module, Critical Literature Review, and Principle of Biopharmaceutical Analysis. Dr. Sharma is an active advisor to the molecular research and core facility at 蘑菇视频. Her specific research interests include identifying, isolating, and characterizing bioactive compounds from natural products. Additionally, Dr. Sharma is interested in conducting molecular-level studies to identify the impact of GABA-producing microbiota on healthy aging and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. Specifically, her research focuses on identifying biomarker metabolites and proteins to gain mechanistic insights into the underexplored role of probiotics in aging-associated risk factors.
Dr. Sharma's research involves using advanced mass spectrometry techniques to identify and quantify metabolites and proteins that are associated with the beneficial effects of GABA-producing probiotics. She is also investigating the molecular mechanisms by which these probiotics exert their effects, such as by modulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and neurotransmitter levels. By understanding these mechanisms, Dr. Sharma hopes to develop novel probiotic therapies for the prevention and treatment of age-related diseases.
Emily Sherman
MEd
Academic Programs Coordinator
Facilities Coordinator
Office: 749C
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Eric Silk
PhD, MSCP
Department Chair
Clinical Associate Professor
MSCP
Office: 749D
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Dr. Silk is the Chair of the Clinical Psychopharmacology Program and a Clinical Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy at 蘑菇视频. Dr. Silk has an extensive history of experience in psychopharmacology and assessment of psychological, neuropsychological, and substance use disorders.
Dr. Silk earned a B.S. in psychology from Michigan State University. He completed a M.A. in forensic psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City. He then worked as a Research Coordinator at the Substance Use Research Center at the New York State Psychiatric Institute affiliated with the Columbia University Department of Psychiatry. His Ph.D. is in Clinical Psychology with a Specialization in Neuropsychology from Nova Southeastern University. He also completed a post-doc M.S. in psychopharmacology at Nova Southeastern.
Dr. Silk’s career path led him to Wyoming, where he continued to teach, developed a psychological practice, and pursued leadership in the Wyoming Psychological Association. He was an associate professor of psychology at Northwest College and is currently an Assistant Lecturer at University of Wyoming and University of Idaho. He was the president of the Wyoming Psychological Association from 2017-2018. Dr. Silk is a licensed clinical psychologist in Wyoming and Idaho. Dr. Silk currently serves on the Idaho Board of Psychologist Examiners.
Nathan Spann
PharmD, BCPS
Clinical Associate Professor
PPRA
Office: 753
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Nate Spann is a Clinical Associate Professor in the College of Pharmacy in Meridian. He joined the department in September of 2019, a short time after completing a dual community / academic PGY1 residency. He is a Board Certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist.
Nate was born and raised in Idaho and took a circuitous path to pharmacy, first studying humanities and social sciences at Boise State University. Before becoming a pharmacist, he experienced the joys of being a busser/host, cashier, thrift store furniture pricer, fire & security dispatcher, telemarketer, tutor, in-home health provider and social worker, to name a few. While many of these callings were fulfilling, none have topped being a pharmacist.
He practices in am care at St Luke's West Family Health in Boise and his favorite topics to teach (and manage in clinic) include COPD, smoking cessation, diabetes, hypertension and hyperlipidemia. Nate has years of experience in non-dispensing clinical settings and has worked extensively to develop and implement prescribing services in a community/retail setting. His scholarly interests include traditional community pharmacy topics, population health (vaccination efforts) and pharmacy education.
Ryan Stafford
BA
Technology Support Manager
Extron Control Professional
Office: 111
Professional Studies Building
Anchorage Campus
Karina Stark
PharmD, MEd
Clinical Assistant Professor
PPRA
Office: 111C
Professional Studies Building
Anchorage Campus
Dr. Stark is a Clinical Assistant Professor at 蘑菇视频 L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy, teaching on the UAA campus. Her clinical practice site is with Providence Family Medicine Group in Anchorage, Alaska, where she is expanding primary care pharmacy services and establishing a teaching site for Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) students. Her clinical expertise and dedication to patient care continues to be impactful to students, colleagues, and her patients.
Before moving to Alaska, Dr. Stark earned her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from the University of Minnesota - Duluth, followed by her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) and Master of Education (MEd) degrees from Concordia University Wisconsin. She completed an impressive 24-month Postgraduate Year 1 (PGY1) residency with a focus on academic leadership at the Concordia University Wisconsin School of Pharmacy. Through this program, she effectively established a behavioral health clinical pharmacy service at a Federally Qualified Health Center and created a patient care lab for students to work with interpreters in a simulated learning environment.
Throughout pharmacy school and residency, Dr. Stark has maintained regular involvement and leadership roles in several pharmacy organizations, including AACP, ACCP, ASHP, and Kappa Psi. Her research interests include expanding and enhancing pharmacist impact in primary care clinics, advocating for mental health resources, and innovations in teaching and learning. Dr. Stark coordinates the Endocrine Module in the PharmD program, facilitates case studies, and mentors students in advanced pharmacy practice experiences.
Cassandra Tack
MBA, MHA
Director of Experiential Education
Director for Alaska and Idaho Campuses
Office: 106
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Oliver Tao
BPharm, PhD
Allied Faculty
Applications Scientist
SilcsBio LLC Baltimore, MD
Dr. Tao is currently an Applications Scientist in Computer-Aided Drug Design (CADD) at SilcsBio LLC. He has contributed to the development of Grand-Canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulation in the Site Identification by Ligand Competitive Saturation (SILCS) methodology. Dr. Tao has broad interests in computer programming for scientific computation, User Interface (UI) design and development for professional CADD software, and improvement of User Experience (UX) for scientific researchers. He has also collaborated with pharmaceutical and biotech companies on the rational design of small molecule drugs and antibodies.
Dr. Tao received a BS degree in Pharmacy from Xiangtan University, China and completed his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Science at 蘑菇视频 College of Pharmacy in 2020.
Cynthia Tillotson
MPA, DA
Associate Dean for Student Affairs
Office: 112
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
(208) 282-4482
Dr. Tillotson is the Associate Dean for Student Affairs for 蘑菇视频 L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy. She is responsible for providing strategic vision and decision-making for student affairs within the College’s programs. She is an administrator, a leader and mentor, an academic and student organizations advisor (IPSF and Student Senate), educator, an advocate for students and the College of Pharmacy as well as the profession of Pharmacy. Dr. Tillotson is also an active member of the University community with membership and service on committees and advisory boards.
Dr. Tillotson earned a BA in History, Masters in Public Administration and Doctor of Arts in Political Science from 蘑菇视频. She has taught a variety of courses from American Government, First Year Seminars and Ambassador Leadership and Communications. Her experience in Student Affairs spans more than 25 years.
Dr. Tillotson’s professional and educational experiences have led to strength and expertise in administrative oversight and strategic guidance of student affairs services, personnel and budgets. Oversight and guidance of student affairs services include holistic admissions processes, admission and enrollment data tracking and analysis, provision of academic guidance and the coordination resources to meet the diverse needs of students, academic as well as non-academic (for example: ADA accommodations, well-being and mental health resources, Title IX compliance, Medical and Hardship withdrawal processes, curriculum completion requirement, financial aid guidelines, scholarship awarding).
Tom Wadsworth
PharmD, MSOL, BCPS
Dean
Associate Professor
PPRA
Office: 117
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Internal Medicine • Obesity • Diabetes • Community Pharmacy Practice
With over 23 years of experience in community, clinical, and academic pharmacy, Dr. Wadsworth brings a deep understanding of both practice and education to his role as Dean of the L.S. Skaggs College of Pharmacy at 蘑菇视频. An Idaho native, he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from 蘑菇视频 and completed a Primary Care Pharmacy Residency at the Boise VA Medical Center. Board-certified in pharmacotherapy and licensed in both Idaho and Alaska, his expertise spans primary care, internal medicine, community pharmacy, and home infusion services. A passionate advocate for expanding patient access to high-quality, personalized medication therapies and pharmacist-provided care, Dr. Wadsworth is dedicated to advancing pharmacy’s role in improving health outcomes and strengthening the profession’s influence on patient care.
Dr. Wadsworth has held key leadership positions within the College, including Executive Associate Dean and Assistant Dean for Alaska Programs, where he played a central role in establishing the UAA/蘑菇视频 Doctor of Pharmacy Program in Anchorage, expanding educational access and advancing pharmacy practice in the region. Furthering his leadership development, he recently completed a Master’s in Organizational Leadership from Eastern Washington University, strengthening his expertise in organizational dynamics, change management, and strategic leadership.
Dr. Wadsworth sees leadership as an act of influence that transforms isolation into connection and self-interest into shared purpose and possibility. He believes authenticity and meaningful relationships are not merely guiding principles but the foundation of progress and innovation. Guided by this vision, he holds that the future of pharmacy and pharmacy research should not be passively observed, but actively shaped—together. Accordingly, Dr. Wadsworth is positioning the College as a unifying force within the pharmacy profession and research community, strengthening its connections and positive influence.
G. Lucy Wilkening
PharmD
Clinical Associate Professor
MSCP
Office: 755
Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center
Meridian Campus
Dr. Wilkening is a Clinical Associate Professor of Clinical Psychopharmacology in the College of Pharmacy at 蘑菇视频. She also provides mental health management services in the 蘑菇视频 Integrated Mental Health clinic. She received her Doctor of Pharmacy from Southwestern Oklahoma State University College of Pharmacy. Dr. Wilkening completed an ASHP-accredited pharmacy practice residency, and graduated as Resident of Distinction from the psychiatric pharmacy specialty residency at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic of the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.
Dr. Wilkening is an active member of the American Association of Psychiatric Pharmacists (AAPP), and serves as an editor for AAPP’s peer-reviewed publication, the Mental Health Clinician. She is also active in AAPP's Government Affairs committee. Her other professional affiliations include the Phi Lambda Sigma Pharmacy Leadership Society, Phi Delta Chi, and the Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society.
Dr. Wilkening’s research interests include: innovative, integrated approaches to treating mental illness, impacts of teaching strategies on student interactions with patients with mental illness, and integration of prescribing psychologists into primary care services.
Renae Williams
Management Assistant
Office: 116
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
"Danny" Dong Xu
PhD, MS
Associate Professor
Director of Graduate Programs
Director of Computational Core Facility
Director of Zebrafish Core Facility
BMS
Office: 752 | Sam and Aline Skaggs Health Science Center | Meridian Campus
Drug Discovery • Drug Toxicity • Pharmacology • Biomedical Informatics
Xu Research Lab Website:
The overarching goal of Xu Drug Discovery Lab is to address unmet medical and health science needs using state-of-the-art computational and experimental technologies.
Specific research areas are:
- Drug Discovery (Computer-Accelerated Drug Repurposing and Screening);
- Drug-Induced Toxicity Prediction and Prevention;
- Web-Based and Cloud BioComputing Software Development.
Solomon Tadesse Zeleke
BPharm, MSc, PhD
Assistant Professor
BMS
Office: 255
Leonard Hall
Pocatello Campus
Drug Discovery & Development • Medicinal Chemistry • Chemical Biology • Pharmacognosy • Ethnopharmacology • Computational and AI-Driven Drug Discovery
Dr. Solomon Tadesse Zeleke earned his Ph.D. in Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Development from the University of South Australia. He holds a Bachelor of Pharmacy (B.Pharm) and an M.Sc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Product–Based Drug Discovery. Dr. Zeleke completed postdoctoral training at both the University of South Australia and the Moffitt Cancer Center in Florida, USA. He has led multidisciplinary research and mentorship initiatives across the United States, Australia, Africa, and Europe, focusing on the discovery and development of small-molecule kinase inhibitors for cancer therapy. Dr. Zeleke is also a recipient of the prestigious Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship, awarded by the German government, in recognition of his international contributions to medicinal chemistry and cancer drug discovery.
Dr. Zeleke’s research focuses on drug discovery and development. His work involves the design, synthesis, and evaluation of small-molecule therapeutics targeting cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) and related pathways that drive cancer. He has identified novel CDK4-, CDK4/6-, and CDK12-selective inhibitors, including compounds that have advanced to clinical trials. His laboratory uses computational and AI-driven drug discovery methods, drug design, natural product–inspired chemistry, and structure-guided synthesis to elucidate molecular mechanisms governing kinase selectivity and resistance. Current efforts focus on developing next-generation CDK-selective inhibitors and molecular-glue degraders to overcome therapeutic resistance in cancer, while exploring bioactive compounds from medicinal plants as promising lead structures.
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