Trailblazers, Scientists, and Changemakers: UMSOP Celebrates the PhD, MS, and Graduate Certificates Class of 2025

Ceremonies honor six academic programs and the next generation of health care leaders, researchers, and advocates .

Nine PhD in PSC graduates in Health Sciences Facility II, in front of the UMSOP sign, directly before the hooding ceremony

By Pam Carder
May 29, 2025

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) celebrated hundreds of graduates across its PhD, MS, and Graduate Certificate programs May 19-24 with ceremonies spanning two campuses and culminating in a virtual gathering. The events honored the dedication, resilience, and innovation of the Class of 2025.

Sarah L.J. Michel, PhD, dean of the School of Pharmacy and professor of pharmaceutical sciences, said: “The Class of 2025 is now part of a lifelong UMSOP community. And with the education you’ve earned, the relationships you’ve built, and the values you carry, there is no limit to what you can accomplish.”

Honoring Pioneers Shaping the Future of Medical Cannabis

On May 20, celebrations kicked off at the Universities at Shady Grove with the MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics (MCST) Convocation. The ceremony honored 84 master’s graduates and 12 certificate recipients from an academic program that continues to shape a fast-evolving field.

At the ceremony, Michel praised the MCST graduates as “trailblazers, innovators, and advocates,” noting their impact in clinical practice, public policy, dispensary operations, and research. “You are defining and leading this evolving field,” she said.

Keynote speaker David Vaillencourt, MS, founder of the S3 Collective and a national leader in cannabis regulation, emphasized the responsibility that comes with building a new industry. “You are not graduating into a finished field—you’re graduating into a frontier,” he said. “Stay curious, build bridges, and lead with integrity. That’s your superpower.”

Chad Johnson, PhD, MCST program director and assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences, reflected on the diversity of the graduating class, which includes pharmacists, nurses, veterans, educators, public health professionals, and entrepreneurs. “You are united by a common goal—to advance knowledge and improve lives.”

Student leader Arnelle Etienne, MS ‘25, vice president of the Medical Cannabis Student Association, inspired peers with a quote from Albert Einstein: “‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ First, we imagine, and then knowledge finds us. We are a testament to that truth,” she said.

Pharmaceutical Sciences and Regulatory Science Graduates Called to Serve with Integrity and Impact

On May 21, graduates of the MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC) and the MS in Regulatory Science programs were honored. Thirty-nine PSC graduates and 38 regulatory sciences graduates, along with three certificate recipients, were celebrated for their academic excellence and professional growth.

“It’s been a real joy for all of us on the faculty to get to know each of our graduates and to cheer them on as they’ve grown and succeeded,” said Steven Fletcher, PhD, associate professor of PSC and director of the MS in PSC program.

Michel acknowledged the graduates’ readiness to tackle global health challenges: “Whether combating emerging diseases or shaping regulatory standards, the world needs your expertise now more than ever.”

Regulatory science graduate Kirstin Vargas, MS ’25, highlighted the team-oriented structure of the program and shared reflections from classmates. One peer credited the program with helping him transition into a regulatory QA role; another is now pursuing a PhD in experimental and clinical pharmacology. “Our diverse experiences enriched every assignment and taught us how vital collaboration is in this field,” Vargas said.

“You didn’t just choose science—you chose to serve humanity,” said keynote speaker Varsha Kumar, PhD, director and team leader, Department of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease/Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis at AstraZeneca. “Stay curious, take risks, and remember: every decision you make affects real people—a child waiting for relief, a parent hoping for a cure. Lead with that in your heart.”

Sarah Philip, MS ‘25, class speaker for the MS in PSC program, reminded graduates to own their resilience and to stay connected. “We vicariously cheer each other on through LinkedIn, and even when apart, we push forward together,” she said. “Be bold when you know things, and be bold when you do not. Every day, keep learning, and fight for your success.”

Pharmaceutical Health Services Research (PHSR) Celebrates Six

During its celebration on May 21, the PHSR Graduate Program gave each of its six PhD and MS graduates the opportunity to give a brief presentation of their research.

“Our students have continually shown enthusiasm, dedication, and high achievement in their efforts to drive progress in health care research, promote equity, and expand access,” said Julia Slejko, PhD, associate professor of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research, co-director of the Patient-Driven Values in Healthcare Evaluation (PAVE) Center, and director of the PHSR Graduate Program. “I’m excited to see how they’ll continue shaping the future of our field as they take the next steps in their careers.”

Michel described the PHSR graduates’ research—spanning opioid use, cancer care, and health policy—as “timely, impactful, and deeply human.”

Graduates of the PHSR program are equipped to serve as experts in both the public and private sectors, contributing their insights across health care, pharmacy, and pharmaceutical communities.

Collaborative Spirit and Cutting-Edge Research Define PhD in PSC Graduation

The PhD in PSC program celebration on May 21 honored 15 graduates advancing drug development and pharmaceutical innovation, prior to the University of Maryland School of Graduate Studies’ doctoral hooding ceremony.

“Our graduates have made incredible contributions in areas ranging from fundamental chemical biology research to drug development and regulatory sciences,” said Amanda Oglesby, PhD, professor of PSC and director of the PhD in PSC program. “I’m so proud of everything they’ve accomplished here at the School of Pharmacy,— and I can’t wait to see all they’ll achieve in the future.”

PSC graduate Aziza Frank, PhD ‘25, shared her joy in achieving a long-held dream: “I am so happy to make my family proud, and for them to be here to watch me cross the stage and achieve a goal that I’ve been wanting to get to for a very long time.”

Sam Krug, PhD ‘25, recipient of the program’s Dissertation of the Year Award, was recognized for his research on antibiotic-resistant lung infections. “This has been a deeply collaborative and rewarding experience,” he said. “Today is surreal. It’s a powerful moment to reconnect and celebrate together.”

Pharmacometrics Graduates Poised to Advance Drug Development Through Data-Driven Innovation

Graduation week concluded May 24 with a virtual celebration for the MS in Pharmacometrics program. Many graduates balanced full-time work while mastering advanced modeling and data analytics to drive drug development globally.

“The program provided hands-on training that deepened my expertise and strengthened my confidence to make meaningful contributions in drug development,” said Anne Yang, PhD, MS ’25, principal scientist at Novartis.

Christopher Bruno, MS ’25, analyst at Emerald Lake Safety, added, “Even with years of experience, the program helped me master familiar topics and develop new skills in clinical trial optimization and Exposure-Response analyses.”

Mathangi Gopalakrishnan, MPharm, PhD, associate professor of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research and director of the MS in Pharmacometrics program, praised the Class of 2025’s resilience and readiness: “Our graduates have gained application-ready expertise and are poised to make impactful contributions to drug development and therapeutic decisions,” she said.

View photo albums on Flickr:

MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics Convocation

MS in Pharmaceutical Sciences and the MS in Regulatory Science Graduation

Pharmaceutical Health Services Research Graduation

PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences