2024 Year in Review: College of Pharmacy
From new educational programs to new leadership and new traditions, the University of Utah College of Pharmacy experienced a year defined by innovation and change. I’m delighted to share some 2024 highlights from the students, staff, and faculty that are helping us bring new medicines to life for our community.
New Master’s Program in Motion
A one-year Master’s of Science degree program was launched this year within the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. Through work in various laboratories, coursework with research scientists, and professional development activities, this degree provides exceptional preparation for careers in industry and serves as a springboard to PhD studies.
Major Milestones
Our First Year Free Scholarship Initiative continues to knock down barriers for pharmacy education and increase Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program enrollment. In 2024, we were thrilled to welcome a full cohort of 60 PharmD students to our college for the first time since 2018!
On the research front, we saw our American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) rankings jump significantly this year. We currently are #11 nationally in total research funding, coming in at just under $30 million dollars.
We are #7 nationally in National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. This represents a five-place jump in both categories from last year.
In 2024, our graduating PharmD students matched to residencies at a rate of greater than 90%—far above the national average. The exceptionally high match rate is a testament to the quality of our students and their outstanding preparation at the College of Pharmacy.
Faculty Awards
Faculty members from across the college received prestigious honors in 2024:
- Yue Lu, PhD, an assistant professor in the Department of Molecular Pharmaceutics, was honored as a New Innovator Award recipient by the NIH. One of only 40 awardees across the nation, Lu’s research utilizes state-of-the-art technologies to unravel disease mechanisms and assess the efficacy of treatments.
- Krystal Moorman-Bishir, PharmD, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacotherapy and assistant dean of experiential education, was named a fellow of the American Society of Health System Pharmacists. Moorman-Bishir’s service and dedication to the organization, along with outstanding pharmacy practice, led to this accolade.
- Amy Barrios, PhD, a professor in the Departments of Medicinal Chemistry and Biochemistry, was selected as an American Association for the Advancement of Science fellow. Barrios was recognized for her achievements in research and mentorship to young scientists.
- Amberly Johnson, PharmD, assistant clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacotherapy and director of the Utah Poison Control Center, was named a 2024-25 Presidential Societal Impact Scholar by University of Utah President Taylor Randall. The award recognizes faculty members whose impact through service extends far beyond the university’s campus.
Honoring a Legend
Renowned researcher, scientist, and professor William “Bill” Higuchi, PhD, passed away this year on May 10 at the age of 93. Higuchi worked at the U for two and a half decades and chaired the Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Chemistry—now Molecular Pharmaceutics—from 1982-1998.
He went on to receive honorary degrees from the University of Utah and the University of Michigan. He was also awarded Japan’s Order of the Rising Sun. Higuchi’s main research focused on drug transport optimizations within the body and pioneering bio-mineralization models for tooth and bone preservation.
A memorial event in his honor was held at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Salt Lake City on October 21, 2024. The Higuchi family was in attendance, as well as friends and guest speakers who were impacted by Bill’s life.
We will miss him dearly and thank him for his countless contributions to pharmacy.
New Leadership
The College of Pharmacy was thrilled to recruit Kerry McPhail, PhD, to lead the Department of Medicinal Chemistry as chair, taking over from Darrell Davis, PhD, who stepped down from the role after 15 years of service.
McPhail is an internationally renowned researcher in the field of naturally synthesized drugs. She previously worked at the Oregon State University College of Pharmacy, where she served as a professor of pharmaceutical sciences and director of graduate programs.
Pharmacy Prom
Students from across the College of Pharmacy found some time for fun and flocked to the first ever Pharmacy Prom hosted by Phi Delta Chi in April. A live band, balloon-arch backdrop, and twinkling decorations brought the COP’s atrium to life to fit the inaugural theme, “Under the Stars.”
Looking Ahead
Despite many uncertainties ahead, the missions of the College of Pharmacy will undoubtedly grow in importance and scale in the coming year. Our pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists are excited to contribute to U of U Health’s exceptional clinical care, educating the next generation of scientists and clinicians, and discovering new life-changing medications. Here’s to another year of Bringing New Medicines to Life in 2025!
