It's the Pharmacy Research Matchmaking Game!
Wondering if pharmaceutical sciences graduate research could fit you like a glove? Curious about research happening in the School of Pharmacy?
We have just the event for you – it’s the Pharmacy Research Matchmaking Game!
You’ll get to chat with six of our faculty members and snatch up a quick summary of some of the research they’re working on.
Maybe you’ve never considered pharmaceutical sciences graduate research as an area you’d like to explore. We want to spark your interest and tell you what we have to offer you. Hey, you may even walk away with a summer research placement!
Here’s how things will play out:
1) Six stations will be arranged, with a faculty member situated at each one.
2) Once RSVPs are collected, students will be organized into six groups, and assigned to a station. This is the station you’ll start off at.
3) Once the starting horn blares, your researcher will start their spiel – they’ll talk for eight minutes about their research, and they your group will have two minutes to ask questions, until the buzzer whisks you off to the next station, where you’ll do the whole thing all over again!
4) The showcase showdown wraps up within 60 minutes, and then you get to eat pizza while networking with your researchers of interest.
The Pharmacy Research Matchmaking Game takes place on Feb. 4 from 5:00 – 7:00 pm in the Bruneau Centre Atrium. Please RSVP to Sharon Tucker at sharont@mun.ca by Feb. 2.
For further information on the event, please contact Heidi Wicks (communications co-ordinator) at wicksh@mun.ca or 777-7302.
Researcher Profiles
- Dr. Lisa Bishop: A focus on youth mental health and wellness
I will discuss the value of engaging with a community to develop a strategy that strengthens the overall health and wellbeing of youth. An interdisciplinary group of health care practitioners have partnered with a small urban community to support youth mental health and wellness. Several initiatives have resulted from this work, including a drama production at the local school and a youth arts program for the youth in the community.
- Dr. J.M. Gamble: Pharmacoepidemiology of Diabetes Therapies
My primary research area of interest is pharmacoepidemiology, with current research focusing on the comparative safety and effectiveness of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes and the various complications associated with both high and low blood sugar. The Gamble Lab research platform aims to conduct rigorous knowledge syntheses, observational drug effect studies, and risk-benefit assessments using innovative methods. My other research interests include knowledge translation of drug information, evidence-based monitoring of medications, and pharmaceutical policy evaluation.
- Dr. Debbie Kelly: Expanding the Pharmacist Scope of Practice
The common theme of my diverse 16-year research program has been promoting, expanding and assessing the pharmacist scope in innovative practice models. My two major projects currently include: Developing, implementing and assessing a community pharmacist point-of-care testing model for HIV infection; and, Implementing and evaluating the impact of a novel referral-based pharmacist consultation practice through the new Medication Therapy Services Clinic, here at the School of Pharmacy.
- Dr. Tiffany Lee: Understanding the potential impact of tongue-tie on infant nutrition.
Tongue-tie or ankyloglossia has been linked to infant feeding difficulties and early cessation of breastfeeding. Newfoundland and Labrador reports some of the lowest rates of breastfeeding in Canada. I will discuss ongoing qualitative research on the potential impact of tongue-tie on breastfeeding.
- Dr. Carlo Marra: Health care: How do we deliver efficient care that matches society’s preferences?
I conduct research on the efficient use of health care dollars and patients’ preferences for health care delivery and products. Tools used to do this research include simulation modeling resulting in cost-effectiveness estimates and surveys, which utilize choice experiments to determine preferences. I am also very interested in research examining expanded roles for health care practitioners (especially pharmacists) and the most efficient use of health care dollars in this regard.
- Dr. John Weber: The Potential Neuroprotective Effects of Local Berries
The major focus of my current research program is aimed at discovering the ability of locally grown berries, such as blueberries and partridgeberries, to protect the brain from aging and neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. We conduct detailed chemical analysis of compounds in the fruits and leaves of berries, and then test extracts from berries for biological activity in animal models and using cell culture techniques.