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Chosen from a competitive pool of applicants, Cody Black (COP, ’18) has received a 2017 Gateway to Research Scholarship by the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE). This national award is given to students who demonstrate superior academic performance; submit a proposed, relevant research topic; and are selected by the AFPE’s scientific review panel.

Black has been awarded a $5,000 stipend supporting one year of student-directed research in the laboratory of faculty mentor Ron Hills, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Medicinal Chemistry in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.

Black’s research project, "Elucidating the mechanism of transport responsible for acquired cellular drug resistance," involves molecular modeling studies of the mammalian transport protein P-glycoprotein, which is implicated in drug absorption and cellular resistance. His previous computational analyses as a National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) fellow revealed a novel mechanism of lipopolysaccharide endotoxin recognition by the homologous MsbA transporter in gram‑negative bacteria.

After graduating, Black hopes to complete PGY1 and PGY2 residencies, as well as work toward his Ph.D. “Ultimately, I would like to make a positive impact in the community’s healthcare continuum, and be an advocate for patient-centered care,” he said. “I am interested in a future career in which I can take on an academic role and, potentially, return to a hospital setting.”

“Overall, I want to sharpen my abilities to effectively educate peers and patients, lead in patient-centered medication initiatives, research pertinent topics in pharmaceutical science, and become a more clinically skillful pharmacist.”

To learn more about the College of Pharmacy, visit www.une.edu/pharmacy

To apply, visit www.une.edu/admissions