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The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences launched master’s and doctoral programs in pharmaceutical sciences in fall 2022, and those programs are continuing to grow.

Professor Yetrib Hathout, graduate director for the school, says the success of the programs has been wonderful to see, and he is excited to see where it goes from here.

“We’ve already graduated more than a dozen master’s students since we started the program — several of them have secured jobs in the pharmaceutical industry and have sent me emails saying how happy they are,” Hathout said. “They were more competitive thanks to the courses and the curriculum we offer. It’s a unique program compared to other schools; we have more hands-on classes where students learn new techniques and develop the skills for pharmaceutical industry research.”

Hathout added that student success is something the school takes seriously: “We inspire enthusiasm in our MS and PhD students regarding their academic pursuits, research endeavors and training experiences. Their success depends on us.”

Associate Professor Nathan Tumey, assistant graduate director for the school, believes to make sure the students are successful, they need to stay current on a rapidly changing landscape.

“The way that drug discovery is approached in the United States is rapidly changing,” Tumey said. “We’re working hard to develop both MS and PhD programs that stay aligned with the latest shifts in technology and the regulatory environment. That’s both a challenge and an exciting part of the program — keeping coursework and student experiences relevant in a fast-moving field. I rely heavily on my connections within the pharmaceutical industry to stay current with where the field is headed and what people are excited about.”

Tumey pointed out that the programs have their differences: “The MS program is designed to give students hands-on exposure to the technologies and techniques used in pharmaceutical development. In contrast, the PhD program is more of a deep dive — students generate new knowledge, whether it’s about a therapeutic agent, a disease state or a new analytical method. The MS builds on existing knowledge; the PhD creates it. That’s the key difference between the two.”

Each program creates different opportunities and outcomes for the students, depending on what career path they’re looking for.

“The career outcomes for MS and PhD graduates differ quite a bit,” Tumey said. “An MS degree tends to lead to roles in bench-top laboratory work or regulatory affairs, where students are more involved in applying existing processes and documentation. On the other hand, PhD graduates are usually the drivers behind new programs, taking on leadership roles and pushing the boundaries of pharmaceutical science. So the distinction isn’t just academic — it really impacts the type of role someone will play in the industry.”

Aiman Yaseen, a PhD student, came to Binghamton after being overseas for a few years.

“I did my bachelor’s in pharmacy in Yemen and worked in community pharmacy, then as a lecturer and later with Doctors Without Borders,” Yaseen said. “After that, I earned a master’s in clinical pharmacy in Jordan. When COVID delayed my studies, I used the extra time to apply to PhD programs — and getting accepted at Binghamton was a huge moment for me. It’s been an amazing experience, even better than I imagined.”

Tumey believes that working with international students, like Yaseen, has helped the programs grow, sending them in the right direction.

“They bring such a unique perspective and an incredible drive,” he said. “They’re passionate about science and deeply committed to success. One big difference between undergraduate and graduate programs is the level of self-motivation required. In grad school, you can’t just check the boxes and move on; you have to truly care about what you’re studying to thrive.”

Yaseen had almost no background in the specific research area they discussed before he was admitted to SOPPS, but he had the characteristics and drive that Tumey and others look for.

“They told me, ‘As long as you’re willing to learn, we’ll teach you.’ That encouragement meant everything,” Yaseen said. “I showed initiative early on, and I found a great fit with my current advisor. The research I’m doing now — on anti-inflammatory conjugates — is fascinating, and I’m learning from some truly amazing people.”

On the other side of the graduate program, Troy Rought had one word to describe his experience in the MS program so far — fun.

“It’s probably not what you would expect someone to say about a graduate program,” Rought said with a laugh. “But being in a small cohort of MS/PhD students, you really get to know your classmates and professors, and these are the people that help make what can be a stressful experience a lot more enjoyable.

“My peers have all become friends who, while maybe a little distracting, make coming to class a genuinely good time. While the content is rigorous, the professors make learning it lighthearted and are always there to support you if you get overwhelmed.”

The program is teaching Rought about areas in the industry he never imagined he would cover and learn about, yet will be invaluable knowledge in the future.

“The master’s program has given me a much more intuitive understanding of both how pharmaceuticals are developed/function, as well as the overall workings of the industry, which can be quite mysterious from the outside,” he said. “Whether it’s the fundamental biochemical processes drugs target, how they are tested and manufactured, or the regulations put in place by the FDA, I have gained a much deeper understanding of the science as a whole.”

For both Rought and Yaseen, the experiences they’ve had and knowledge gained in such a short time have forged their futures in pharmacy.

“I think if you are interested in drug discovery or development, I would recommend this program,” Rought said. “One of the best aspects is the exposure that you get to scientists who are pioneering new ideas in the field and who have firsthand industry experience. The professors and researchers here are excited to share their knowledge with you, and are also some of the most kind and welcoming scientists I have ever met. Everyone wants you to succeed, and the environment is set up for you to have a fulfilling and memorable experience.”

Yaseen added: “To anyone considering this program, I’d say: ’Do it.’ It’s the best opportunity I’ve ever had. The research here is advanced, the labs are cutting-edge and the faculty is incredibly supportive. Back in Yemen and Jordan, I never had access to science at this level — here, we do real, hard science, and it’s just amazing.”