UMSOP Grad Gathering 2025 Celebrates Innovation, Research, and Alumni Impact

The biennial event brought together leaders in science, education, and industry to explore emerging trends and connect students, alumni, and faculty.

By Pam Carder
October 24, 2025

Image: Joshua Jayaprakash and Abigail Reitz at the poster session. View the full photo albums, Grad Gathering and Happy Hour, on Flickr.

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On Oct. 17, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) welcomed more than 180 students, faculty, alumni, and industry professionals to its highly anticipated Grad Gathering, held in Pharmacy Hall. The event brought together leaders from the School’s 10 graduate programs to explore groundbreaking research, discuss hot-button industry topics, and celebrate the accomplishments of UMSOP alumni.

A Platform for Insight and Inspiration

“What started nearly 10 years ago as a small gathering for PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC) students and alumni has grown into a celebration of all our graduate programs,” said Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean and professor of PSC. “It’s a true reflection of the strength and diversity of our community.”

To kick things off, Alex Likowski, assistant vice president of communications at the University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB), presented “Breakthroughs Can’t Wait,” spotlighting game changing research initiatives across UMB.

Chris Frew, founder and CEO of BioBuzz Networks, delivered the morning keynote titled “Maryland’s Life Sciences Labor Market – An Optimist’s Perspective.” Drawing on two decades of experience in workforce development and recruiting for the life sciences industry, Frew highlighted regional trends and opportunities shaping the future of biotech and pharma employment.

Panels Spotlight Emerging Trends and Alumni Excellence

Two rounds of concurrent sessions gave attendees the opportunity to delve into timely topics shaping the future of health sciences research.

A panel on CAR T-cell therapy, moderated by UMSOP faculty and featuring experts including Kim Hankey, PhD, and David Miller, PhD ’93, explored manufacturing, accessibility, and economic considerations of this groundbreaking cancer treatment.

A parallel alumni panel on innovative careers in biomedical and life sciences highlighted the diverse professional journeys of alumni working at organizations such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Eli Lilly, BD, and the Maryland Cannabis Administration.

“As a student in the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program, getting involved with the student association was a great honor,” said panelist Melanie Julion, MS ‘24. “It gave me the courage to continue advocating for cannabis, and having the School’s support empowered me to take my advocacy to a new level. I have become more confident speaking with physicians and others about the benefits of cannabis.”

Julion’s experience reflects how the School empowers students to become advocates and leaders in emerging fields. That same spirit of growth and transformation inspired Payal Agarwal, MS ’23, to return to the classroom after more than a decade in academia.

“After more than 10 years as a faculty member, I realized it was time to step outside my comfort zone and grow in new ways,” said panelist Agarwal. “Pursuing the MS in Pharmacometrics challenged me, but it also opened doors I never imagined — and reminded me that it’s never too late to learn something completely new.”

In the afternoon, Alexander Gaffney, MS ’20, vice president at POLITICO’s AgencyIQ, provided regulatory insights in a session titled “Update on the FDA,” while a second Ask Me Anything alumni panel offered practical career guidance from professionals at Takeda, Regeneron, AstraZeneca, and more.

Celebrating Student Research

Attendees explored more than a dozen UMSOP student research projects spanning drug safety, therapeutic innovation, machine learning applications in pharmacovigilance, and medical cannabis science. Highlights included:

• Lena Grogan’s investigation into ERK1/2 signaling in melanoma cells.
• Taraneh Mousavi’s dual studies on semaglutide-related neuropsychiatric events and opioid policy.
• Emma Salazar’s research on how cannabis edible formulations affect pharmacokinetics.

Looking to the Future: Entrepreneurial Mindset in Science

Pravin Jadhav, PhD, CEO and co-founder of Vivpro Corp., delivered the afternoon keynote address, “The Entrepreneurial Edge: Three Habits That Will Ignite Success.” A former FDA scientist and adjunct faculty at UMSOP, Jadhav shared insights from a career spanning regulatory science, drug development, and entrepreneurship, emphasizing how habits cultivated in academia can drive impact in industry.

“At the heart of innovation is doing what you love, and letting that passion spark new ideas,” said Jadhav. “Remember that dreams are free. When you stay curious, and build meaningful relationships, you unlock the resourcefulness to turn vision into impactful reality.”

A Community Rooted in Innovation and Impact

“The Grad Gathering is more than a showcase of academic excellence – it’s a celebration of the collaborative, interdisciplinary spirit that defines the School of Pharmacy,” said Michel. “Our research is thriving, our programs are growing, and our impact is expanding across Maryland and beyond – all because of the connections and commitments of the people who have gathered here.”

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