Delaram Moshkelani received the 2009 AFPE Pre-doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science
Pharm.D. Student Receives Pre-Doctoral Fellowship
May 7, 2009
ATLANTA — Delaram Moshkelani of Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences received the 2009 AFPE Pre-doctoral Fellowship in Pharmaceutical Science.
Moshkelani was one of only 48 fellowship recipients. The funds provided for AFPE Fellowships are gifts from the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education. AFPE has various types of fellowship awards including the "Pre-doctoral fellowship". For this particular one, annually they present up to 48 awards at $6000 which can be renewed for three years.
The primary goal of the AFPE Fellowship program is to identify and support those students who have the potential to become leaders in the pharmaceutical profession. The selection process encompasses not only an examination of academic achievement, but also accomplishments that reflect the stature of the “total individual.” While the nature of the research project or dissertation and the research skills of the student are very important, many other factors are also considered.
Delaram is currently a second-year student at Mercer University, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, pursuing a dual degree in Pharm.D./Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She received her B.A. in chemistry with Magna cum Laude from Mercer University in 2006. Delaram’s undergraduate senior research project was in structure/function pharmacology of cancer and enzyme kinetics with Dr. Thomas, assistant professor at Mercer University School of Medicine. Her abstract was among the top 10% abstracts selected for an oral presentation in the 2006 annual meeting of the Endocrine Society, in Boston. In addition, they published this research in 2008, titled “Structure/function of the inhibition of human 3 β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 and type 2 by trilostane” in The Journal of Steroid Biochemeistry and Molecular Biology.
Her current Ph.D. research in Dr. Zhang’s lab involves the synthesis and targeted delivery of a drug-inhibitor nanoparticle conjugate for reversal of multidrug resistance in cancer therapy. MDR is the most challenging obstacle in achieving an effective chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer. By using a novel conjugate nanoparticle vehicle delivery system, targeting as well as increased permeability and retention can be achieved to overcome MDR and improve the effectiveness of cancer therapy. Her research interests include controlled release, nanoparticle delivery, pharmacokinetics, and pharmaceutical chemistry. Delaram anticipates pursuing a career in pharmaceutical research in conjunction with pharmacy clinical practice, in the future.