UB Pharmacy PhD Scholars Receive Top Level University Recognition and Support
By Rebecca Brierley
Published September 16, 2024
As one of the most highly recognized pharmaceutical sciences PhD programs in the country, the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UB SPPS) is proud to recognize incoming PhD students who have received high-level awards, fellowships and recognitions. These new incoming PhD students will help support and drive ground-breaking pharmaceutical sciences research in areas such as drug discovery, development, biotherapeutics and novel delivery systems.
“PhD students are the fuel that drives our research programs forward and represent a crucial component of our leadership in drug discovery and development," says Gary Pollack, PhD, dean, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. “UB’s support for graduate students, ranging from financial support to the provision of outstanding professional development opportunities, is key to the success of our students and, ultimately, our research agenda.”
Kyle Lu
Kyle Lu is the recipient of multiple elite UB awards including a Presidential Fellowship, Initiative for Maximizing Student Development Award and the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Fung Laboratory Graduate Fellowship. These awards are provided to only the highest caliber students, preparing them for doctoral level leadership across campus and across the academe.
Learn more about:
- UB Presidential Fellowship: this elite fellowship package, provided to the top 10% of enrolled doctoral students each academic year and awards a $46,000 annual stipend for up to four years along with a full tuition waiver per year and travel funds.
- UB Initiative for Maximizing Student Development Program: provides funding for the first two years of a PhD program, including $31,000 yearly salary, tuition assistance and travel funds.
“It is an honor to be a recipient of multiple prestigious awards. I am very excited to begin my program this fall at UB to explore research directions in drug discovery and development. I hope to use the awards I've received to establish myself as a well-rounded scientist and to create a positive environment for my peers around me.” — Kyle Lu
Kyle Lu
Elizabeth Brown
Elizabeth Brown is the recipient of an Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship which is designed to support high-achieving doctoral students who have overcome disadvantages or impediments to higher education.
Learn more about the UB Arthur A. Schomburg Fellowship Program.
"My prior research has focused on cellular senescence in cancer cells, but I am eager to transition to the field of pharmacogenetics. I am enthusiastic to start and confident that studying at this prestigious institution will enhance my academic and professional growth. The Schomburg Fellowship is a high honor, which will allow me to fully dedicate my time and energy to my coursework and future research." — Elizabeth Brown
Elizabeth Brown
Maxwell Ilnickis, Haoyang Zhang, Connor Hauff
Ilnickis, Zhang and Hauff are recipients of Graduate School Fellowships which provide up to $50,000 in funding for outstanding graduate students.
Learn more about the UB Graduate School Fellowship.
“I chose UB SPPS as it was the birth of pharmacokinetics. My primary interest will be focusing on pharmacokinetic parameters of monoclonal antibodies. I hope I can synthesize new immunomodulating drugs during my time in this program and use these funds to advance my research.” — Maxwell Ilnickis
Maxwell Ilnickis
“I hope to integrate myself in a lab supporting my interests of a more computational neuroscience background to help create new pharmaceutical treatments for neuro disorders. I am looking forward to the numerous opportunities this program offers in gaining both industry and research-based skills while allowing me to learn and grow.” — Haoyang Zhang
Haoyang Zhang
“I am very thankful to receive this fellowship and am excited about the opportunities and experiences available at UB. I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of pharmaceutical sciences, specifically in the area of drug delivery.” — Connor Hauff
Connor Hauff
It is a privilege to recognize our outstanding incoming SPPS PhD students with these high impact recognitions, says Jennifer Rosenberg, PhD, associate dean, student success and engagement. “We are excited to watch them flourish as they move through our stellar doctoral program.”
These exceptional funding and support opportunities are part of a larger university-wide initiative: The PhD Excellence Initiative, which is committed to recruiting the very best PhD students, through strategic support and programming to expand and elevate educational and research opportunities for diverse PhD programs. The PhD Excellence Initiative, along with essential university funding opportunities will continue to support and guide the next generation of UB SPPS graduate scholars.
For over 135 years, the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has continually been a leader in the education of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists, renowned for innovation in clinical practice and research. The school is accredited by the American Council of Pharmaceutical Education and is the No. 1 ranked school of pharmacy in New York State and No. 19 in the United States by U.S. News & World Report.