NACDS Foundation Announces 2024-2025 Faculty Scholars

The National Association of Chain Drug Stores Foundation (NACDS Foundation) has selected the participants for the 2024-2025 Faculty Scholars Program. Five faculty members from U.S. schools and colleges of pharmacy nationwide will engage in an 18-month research mentorship program with seasoned research experts, transforming research ideas into published manuscripts through NACDS Foundation starter grants.

• Dr. Creaque Charles, Texas Southern University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, will evaluate the effectiveness of pharmacists' interventions in addressing medication-related problems within a transition-of-care program.

• Dr. Mathew Letizia, Medical College of Wisconsin Pharmacy School, will study the implementation of a tobacco cessation campaign by community pharmacies. The project also aims to educate pharmacy technicians on how to conduct tobacco cessation interventions.

• Dr. Lena McDowell, Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy, will assess the feasibility of utilizing a community pharmacy medication synchronization program that identifies people at a high risk for developing type 2 diabetes and offers preventive care.

• Dr. Lindsey Miller, University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, will analyze the impact of a social-needs screening - initially administered by a pharmacy delivery driver with follow-up from pharmacy technicians cross-trained as community health workers.

• Dr. Thomas Pile, Marshall University School of Pharmacy, will investigate the relationship between - and impact of - continuous glucose monitors and oral diabetes medication adherence among people living with diabetes.

NACDS Foundation President Dr. Sara Roszak said, "Fostering the next generation of leaders is key to ensuring future innovations in public health. We are elated to welcome another talented cohort of Faculty Scholars from across the country. To date, 50 scholars have participated in this program, and each one has made meaningful contributions to health outcomes and population health."

The 2024-2025 Faculty Scholars will participate in frequent mentor meetings, small cohort working groups, and an online lecture series. Experienced community-based researchers from the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Iowa will serve as this year's program facilitators.

The Faculty Scholars will have the opportunity to present their research projects during the 2025 American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual Meeting, July 19-22, 2025, in Chicago, Illinois.

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Editor's Note: Photos of the 2024-2025 cohort are available via Flickr.