UMSOP Welcomes New PHSR and PSC Graduate Students

New cohorts in PSC and PHSR arrive as the School launches curriculum updates and deepens its commitment to research and student success.

By Pam Carder
September 2, 2025

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) proudly welcomed its newest graduate students in August, officially kicking off the academic year on Aug. 25. The incoming classes include PhD students in the Pharmaceutical Health Services Research (PHSR)program, and a cohort of MS and PhD students in Pharmaceutical Sciences (PSC), along with students in several other MS and graduate certificate programs.

Orientation activities held the week prior helped introduce the students to the School’s dynamic and collaborative academic environment, while also offering opportunities to connect with faculty, staff, and peers.

Steven Fletcher, PhD, professor of PSC and director of the MS in PSC program, said: “We’re excited to welcome such a talented and driven group of students into our program, which is the most multi-national since the program’s inception in 2019, whilst at the same time also representing our highest intake of domestic students! Our curriculum is not only academically rigorous but also designed for real-world applications and research opportunities. This cohort is stepping into a program that is evolving to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical sciences field, and I’m confident they will rise to the challenge and thrive.”

“Every cohort of students brings unique qualities and experiences that leave a lasting mark on the program,” said Scott Riley II, PhD, instructor and internship coordinator in the MS in PSC program. “This is the fifth cohort I have had the pleasure of teaching, and I can already see that this group will make a meaningful impact. The launch of our new curriculum—designed around faculty presence and deepening student engagement— alongside their journey creates a special opportunity for growth, innovation, and success. It truly is an exciting time for the MS in PSC program.”

Building Community in PHSR

The PhD in PHSR program welcomed four new students this fall, who will engage in interdisciplinary research focused on the evaluation of health policies, health care delivery systems, and patient outcomes.

“We’re thrilled to welcome this year’s incoming PhD students to the PHSR graduate program,” said Julia Slejko, PhD, associate professor of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research (P-SHOR) and graduate program director for PHSR. “We are excited to offer a truly personalized and collaborative experience from day one. Orientation this year was a great opportunity to connect, share expectations, and begin building relationships that are so important to our academic community. We look forward to seeing how each of these students will grow as researchers and contribute to the advancement of health services and outcomes research.”

Incoming student Justice Sheehama, MPH, expressed excitement about the opportunity to engage in impactful, patient-focused research.

“Starting my PhD in PHSR marks a significant milestone in my academic career,” Sheehama said. “It offers me opportunities to contribute to the advancement of health outcomes through innovative, patient-centric research.”

Incoming student Sanaya Shenoy, MSPH, added, “The PHSR PhD program provides an ideal environment for me to advance toward conducting independent research in a field I’m deeply passionate about. I look forward to an intellectually stimulating PhD journey that also fosters meaningful connections I will carry with me throughout my career.”

Interdisciplinary Discovery in PSC

The incoming PhD in PSC students also bring diverse scientific training and a shared passion for research. Program director Amanda Oglesby, PhD, emphasized the collaborative nature of the program and its strong ties across the broader University of Maryland, Baltimore research community.

“We are very excited to welcome our new PhD students. Our students come from diverse scientific backgrounds—often related to chemistry or biology—and bring unique perspectives to the program,” said Oglesby, who is a professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “From the very beginning, they become part of a vibrant, collaborative community that spans UMSOP and includes partnerships with our colleagues in the School of Medicine and beyond. We are thrilled to support their development as scientists, innovators, and leaders who will advance human health through impactful, interdisciplinary research.”

Naomei Lidman, an incoming PhD in PSC student, spoke about her academic journey and how she plans to bridge her scientific interests – chemistry and biology.

“My goal is to combine both fields and to use my chemistry background to help answer important biological questions,” said Lidman, who majored in chemistry as an undergraduate and later expanded her background in biology.

She also shared her appreciation for the supportive environment at UMSOP. “It’s taken a lot to get here, and I’m really excited for what’s ahead,” Lidman said. “Being part of a graduate program that genuinely supports its students and encourages meaningful, collaborative research—this is something I’m incredibly grateful for.”

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