March 2022
Donna Strum Selected as School of Pharmacy Dean
Donna Strum, whose nationally respected career has spanned professional practice, academics and administration, has been named the new dean of the School of Pharmacy and executive director of the Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Mississippi.
A three-time graduate of the pharmacy school, Strum served as interim dean and executive director since July 1, 2021. The Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning trustees approved the official role move on Feb. 17.
“I am honored to lead one of the best pharmacy schools and research enterprises in the nation,” Strum said. “We have a strong foundation of excellence on both our Oxford and Jackson campuses and throughout our vast network of alumni, preceptors and professional community.”
Researchers Study Cannabis Pain Relief with $1.37 Million Grant
Three researchers from the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy have been awarded a $1.37 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, as their research focuses on reducing HIV-related pain through cannabis.
Nicole Ashpole, Mahmoud ElSohly and Jason Paris are screening and identifying the compounds found in cannabis that may hold anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects without the addiction potential.
“Cannabis has hundreds of compounds in it other than THC and CBD, and we don’t know much about how these compounds might affect the human body,” said Ashpole, assistant professor of pharmacology. “By exploring the effects of these compounds against HIV pain, we can gain insight into their potential benefits or risks in numerous other inflammatory disease states.”
Graduate Student-Led Event Highlights Pharmacy School Diversity
One of the greatest strengths of the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy is a diversity of backgrounds. Students and faculty members hail from all over the globe, bringing unique perspectives and life experiences.
For Tonia Aminone, a Ph.D. student in the Department of BioMolecular Sciences, that diverse environment was something she wanted to share. Aminone planned and hosted the school’s first Cultural Night in November.
Stellar Student: Izzabella Christian
Second-year pharmacy student Izzabella Christian is an active member of many pharmacy student organizations and looking toward a career in pediatric pharmacy. She’s also a recipient of the Tery L. Baskin Scholarship from the American Pharmacists Association Foundation. Learn more about Christian in this Stellar Student Q&A!
Congratulations 
Take a closer look at the research of pharmacy administration Ph.D. student Hyllore Imeri, which seeks to improve medication adherence in patients.
Congrats to Vijayasankar Raman on winning the JEOL USA January image contest!
Our P1 students took part in immunization training! A big “thank you” to our P4 students who helped out.
Announcements
Lucinda L. Maine, executive vice president and chief executive officer of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy, spoke during a PharmacyForward podcast about how to manage major career changes and why a degree in pharmacy is so valuable.. PharmacyForward is produced by the Division of Pharmacy Professional Development at the School of Pharmacy.
Help make Ole Miss Giving Day a success! By registering to be a Giving Day Influencer, you can help drive support from your personal networks to the School of Pharmacy.
Want to help aspiring pharmacists learn more about the profession? Join us on PharmChats, our new video series on YouTube! Watch our recent episodes, or contact lindsey@olemiss.edu to let her know how you want to help.
Be a Champion for Ole Miss Pharmacy and mentor future pharmacists! More information here: pharmacy.olemiss.edu/admissions/champion.