Pharmaceutical Sciences (Ph.D.) Program Details

Amusa Adebayo, Ph.D.

• Biopharmaceutics and Pharmacokinetics

Dr. Amusa Adebayo, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Howard University. His research is centered around pharmaceutics and novel drug‐delivery systems, especially targeted nanoparticle formulations for cancer therapy. He has coauthored recent studies on Prostate-Specific Membrane Antigen (PSMA) targeted nanotherapeutics for prostate cancer and on advanced drug‐delivery strategies for pancreatic cancer. Dr. Adebayo teaches courses in pharmaceutical sciences (including biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics). He also contributes to departmental initiatives and scholarship: in 2024 he was named a scholar in Howard University’s Cancer Health Equity Research Center (an American Cancer Society–funded program) for his work in cancer therapeutics

Simeon Adesina, Ph.D., R.Ph.

• Pharmaceutics

Dr. Adesina currently serves as the Interim Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences.  He specializes in nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems with a focus on treatments for cancer and HIV. His research explores stimuli-sensitive polymers, dendrimer platforms, and ligand-conjugated therapies for targeted and sequential tumor delivery.. A licensed pharmacist in Maryland, Dr. Adesina holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Howard University and has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications and patents in the field.

Emmanuel Akala, Ph.D., DIM, R.Ph.

• Pharmaceutics

Dr. Emmanuel O. Akala is a Professor of Pharmaceutics at Howard University, where he directs the Laboratory for Nanomedicine, Drug Delivery, and Pharmaceutical & Biopharmaceutical Drug Products Design. His research focuses on nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems for cancer and HIV/AIDS, integrating Quality by Design (QbD) and process analytical technology. Dr. Akala has secured over $10 million in research funding and holds multiple patents, including US8772355B2 for stealth polymeric particles designed for targeted drug delivery. Among his notable publications is a study on nanotechnology approaches for delivering exogenous siRNA for HIV therapy, highlighting innovative strategies in HIV treatment. A licensed pharmacist in the U.S. and Nigeria, Dr. Akala earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutics from the University of Manchester. He further advanced his expertise as a DAAD Research Fellow at the University of Münster's Institute of Biopharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Germany. Dr. Akala is also deeply committed to mentorship, guiding Pharm.D., Ph.D., and international trainees in pharmaceutical sciences.

Edmund Essah Ameyaw, Ph.D.

• Applied Data Science

Dr. Edmund Essah Ameyaw is an Assistant Professor of Data Science in the College of Pharmacy at Howard University, specializing in statistical modeling, machine learning, and healthcare analytics. His research focuses on predictive modeling and data-driven insights in public health, with applications in healthcare access, dental care utilization, and biostatistics. Among his contributions is a study examining disparities in dental care access: Determinants of Dental Care Utilization, Unmet Dental Care Need, and Barriers among Women of Reproductive Age in the United States. Dr. Ameyaw has contributed to numerous peer-reviewed publications and grant-funded projects and serves as a peer reviewer for journals in data science and health. Proficient in tools such as R, Python, SAS, and Tableau, he brings advanced technical expertise to interdisciplinary research and education.

Mary K Awuonda, Ph.D. 

• Pharmacoepidemiology & Pharmaceutical Health Services

Dr. Mary Awuonda is the Director of the Howard University Telepharmacy & Population Health Center (HU-TEPH). Her research focuses on minority health, health disparities, health outcomes, and healthcare workforce diversification. Among her notable contributions is a study on the public health and economic impact of vaccine disparities: The Economic Impact of Herpes Zoster Vaccine Disparities in the Elderly U.S. Population, highlighting the cost and access challenges faced by underserved communities, and the impact of insurance denial and disease severity on treatment access. Black older adults and barriers to hepatitis C treatment for African American patients, reflecting her commitment to improving health outcomes in underserved communities.

Padmamalini Baskaran, M. Pharm., Ph.D. [JA1] 

• Pharmacology

Dr. Baskaran is a pharmacology research expert whose expertise lies in molecular pharmacology, with a particular focus on Transient Receptor Potential (TRP) ion channels and their roles in metabolic, neurodegenerative, and neuromuscular disorders, as well as pain. Her lab investigates how TRP channels, especially TRPV1, regulate intracellular signaling pathways that contribute to disease progression, aiming to identify novel therapeutic strategies. Her research contributions include demonstrating that TRPV1 activation by capsaicin counteracts high-fat diet-induced obesity by enhancing UCP-1 transcription via PRDM-16, even under thermoneutral conditions. This finding suggests potential therapeutic applications for TRPV1 activation in obesity management. Her work is supported by various grants and she holds multiple patents related to nanoparticle delivery systems and TRPV1-targeted therapies.

Earl B. Ettienne, BSc Pharm, MBA, LP.D., RPh

• Pharmacogenomics & Health Policy; Regulatory Affairs; Leadership & Pharmacy Administration

Dr. Earl B. Ettienne is a licensed pharmacist, healthcare executive, educator, and researcher whose work bridges pharmacogenomics, health policy, and regulatory affairs. He serves as Assistant Dean of Graduate Programs and Industrial Partnerships and is the Director of the Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program at Howard University College of Pharmacy—which currently houses the US Food & Drug Administration, 15 industry and 3 clinical partners. Dr. Ettienne leads the ongoing development of the Howard University Genomics-Enhanced Medication-Assisted Treatment (HUGE-MAT) Registry, a pioneering initiative that applies pharmacogenomic data to improve outcomes for patients with opioid use disorder (OUD). His publications, including Pharmacogenomics and Opioid Use Disorder: Clinical Decision Support in an African American Cohort, published in the Journal of the National Medical Association, has informed policy discussions/prescriptions and modified clinical practices. He is also combining his current work in regulatory Affairs and policy to actively impact the landscape for pediatric drug development. 

Muhammad J. Habib, Ph.D.

• Pharmaceutics

Dr. Habib is a tenured professor and Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at Howard University College of Pharmacy, with nearly 30 years of expertise in pharmaceutical formulation, drug delivery, and dosage design. His research spans quality by design (QbD), process analytical technology (PAT), and pharmaceutical education, resulting in over 140 publications and numerous international presentations.Such as Formulation of Anastrozole Microparticles as Biodegradable Anticancer Drug Carriers.  He has secured NIH and industry funding, authored books, and trained FDA scientists. An ACPE-trained evaluator, Dr. Habib is a leader in pharmacy curriculum development and serves on editorial boards and accreditation committees globally.

Pradeep Karla, Ph.D., LEAD

• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Dr. Pradeep K. Karla is an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Vice-Chair of the Howard University Faculty Senate, renowned for his research on drug efflux transporters, novel HIV drug targets, and sustained antiviral drug delivery formulations. He has identified new efflux transporter mechanisms that reduce drug bioavailability in diseases like HIV and has leveraged these insights to pioneer novel HIV therapies by targeting these transport pathways. His work includes the design of patented sustained-release antiviral formulations that improve therapeutic efficacy and long-term prophylaxis. In addition to his research, Dr. Karla is a champion of pedagogical innovation, integrating cutting-edge technology into his teaching to enhance active learning and student engagement

Krishna Kumar, Ph.D., MPS

• Biopharmaceutics & Pharmacokinetics

Dr. Krishna Kumar is a Pharmaceutical Sciences Professor, specializing in biopharmaceutics and pharmacokinetics. His research focuses on nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems, bioavailability, and pharmacokinetic modeling, with applications in cancer, HIV, and chronic disease treatment. He also investigates biomarkers and epigenetic factors in underserved populations. A former Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Dr. Kumar teaches advanced pharmaceutical sciences and mentors graduate students, contributing to both research and academic leadership.

Adaku Ofoegbu, Ph.D., PharmD

• Pharmacogenomics, Opioid Use Disorder and Policy

Dr. Adaku Ofoegbu is a pharmaceutical sciences researcher whose work centers on pharmacogenomics, opioid use disorder, and health policy. She holds both a PharmD and Ph.D. from Howard University College of Pharmacy, where her research has included projects on asthma, diabetes, and international health studies in Ghana. She co-authored the study titled Pharmacogenomics and Opioid Use Disorder: Clinical Decision Support in an African American Cohort, published in the Journal of the National Medical Association. This research explores how pharmacogenomic testing can inform personalized treatment strategies for OUD in African American populations.

Emmanuel Olawode, Ph.D.

• Medicinal Chemistry

Dr. Emmanuel Olawode is an Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences. His research expertise is in medicinal chemistry and drug discovery, focusing on novel small-molecule therapeutics and peptide-based agents for Alzheimer’s disease. For example, his lab designs targeted delivery systems – including peptide–drug conjugates – to enhance drug delivery to the brain; he co‐authored a recent study on immune‐stimulating antibody–drug conjugates as one such targeted strategy. In addition to his research, Dr. Olawode teaches advanced pharmaceutical sciences courses and serves on department committees and student mentoring programs.

Indiran Pather, D. Pharm.

• Pharmaceutical Sciences

Dr. Indiran Pather is a Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Howard University, specializing in buccal and sublingual drug delivery systems and the development of novel sunscreen formulations. His research focuses on enhancing mucosal drug absorption and improving skin protection through innovative dosage forms. He holds multiple U.S. patents and has contributed to FDA-approved therapies in transmucosal delivery. In addition to his research, Dr. Pather teaches courses in pharmaceutics and formulation science and mentors professional and graduate students, supporting academic excellence and innovation in pharmaceutical education.

Xiang Wang, Ph.D.

• Medicinal Chemistry

Dr. Xiang Simon Wang is a tenured Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at Howard University College of Pharmacy. He specializes in computer-aided drug design (CADD), artificial intelligence/machine learning (AI/ML), and structure-based drug discovery. Dr. Wang directs the Artificial Intelligence and Drug Discovery Core Laboratory for the DC Center for AIDS Research and has secured over 20 research grants. His work has resulted in approximately 50 peer-reviewed publications and numerous conference presentations. He is also dedicated to educational innovation, integrating virtual and augmented reality technologies into pharmacy education.

La’Marcus Wingate, Ph.D., PharmD

• Pharmacoeconomics and Policy

Dr. La’Marcus T. Wingate is an Associate Professor in the Department of Clinical and Administrative Pharmacy Sciences at Howard University College of Pharmacy. He holds a PharmD and a Ph.D. in Health Outcomes and Policy Research from the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Dr. Wingate’s research focuses on Pharmacoeconomics, patient-reported outcomes, and economic evaluations of public health programs, particularly those addressing infectious diseases and health disparities. Additionally, Dr. Wingate has contributed to systematic reviews on ethnic disparities in adult immunization rates, such as pneumococcal and herpes zoster vaccines, highlighting the intersection of economic evaluation and health equity. In addition to his research, Dr. Wingate teaches courses in Pharmacoeconomics, Advanced Pharmacoeconomics, and Pharmacoepidemiology, and serves as the Chair of the Assessment Committee within the College of Pharmacy.

 [JA1]Reach out so she can give specific information. She does research in obesity and other fields.

PHSC  511  Biostatistics 

PHSC  631  Research Design and Methods 

PHSC  434  Pharm Care Organizational Management 

PHSC  537  Pharmacoepidemiology

PHSC  535  Pharmacoeconomics I

PHSC  430  Advanced Pharmacy Administration I

PHSC  703  Proposal Writing 

PHSC  601  Seminar 

PHSC  602  Seminar 

PHSC  611  Advanced Pharmacy Administration II 

PHSC  612 Pharmacoeconomics II 

PUBH  6247 Advanced Epidemiological Methods 

PHSC  701 Research

A sampling of elective courses

CHFP  202  Introduction to Statistical Reasoning

PUHE  500  Public Health Policy and Management

PUHE  502 Health Disparities, Inequities & Inequalities

PUHE  504  Applied Biostatistics

PUHE  506  Principles of Public Health Practice

PUHE  512 Global Health

PUHE  513  Public Health Planning and Evaluation

RAFF 6203  Regulatory Strategy in the Development of Devices & Diagnostics

RAFF 6204  Clinical Research for Regulatory Affairs

RAFF 6205  Regulatory Compliance

PHSC  319   Making Medicines

Courses with Subject Codes PUBH and RAFF offered in partnership with the George Washington University

PHSC  801 Dissertation (9 CR)

PHSC  604 Dissertation Writing (3 CR)

PHSC  511  Biostatistics 

PHSC  631  Research Design and Methods 

PHSC  434  Pharm Care Organizational Management 

PHSC  537  Pharmacoepidemiology

PHSC  535  Pharmacoeconomics I

PHSC  430  Advanced Pharmacy Administration I

PHSC  703  Proposal Writing 

PHSC  601  Seminar 

PHSC  602  Seminar 

PHSC  401  Research Rotation

PUBH 6390 Prescription Drugs: Policy and Public Health

RAFF 6201  Introduction to Global Regulatory Affairs 

RAFF 6275  Leadership & Change in Regulatory Affairs 

RAFF 6202  Regulatory Drug Biologics

PHSC  701 Research

A sampling of elective courses

CHFP  202  Introduction to Statistical Reasoning

PUHE  500  Public Health Policy and Management

PUHE  502 Health Disparities, Inequities & Inequalities

PUHE  504  Applied Biostatistics

PUHE  506  Principles of Public Health Practice

PUHE  512 Global Health

PUHE  513  Public Health Planning and Evaluation

RAFF 6202  Regulatory Strategy in the Development of Drugs & Biologics

RAFF 6203  Regulatory Strategy in the Development of Devices & Diagnostics

RAFF 6204  Clinical Research for Regulatory Affairs

RAFF 6205  Regulatory Compliance

PUBH 6390 Pharmaceutical Policy

PHSC  319   Making Medicines 

PHSC 632    Advanced Statistics

Courses with Subject Codes PUBH and RAFF offered in partnership with the George Washington University

PHSC  801 Dissertation (9 CR)

PHSC  604 Dissertation Writing (3 CR)

PHSC  511  Biostatistics 

PHSC  631  Research Design and Methods 

CHEM 243  Advanced Organic Chemistry

PHSC  703  Proposal Writing 

PHSC  601  Seminar 

PHSC  602  Seminar 

PHSC  421  Drug Design in Pharmaceutical Sciences

PHSC  425  Organometallic Chemistry in Drug Synthesis

PHSC  523  Molecular Modeling

PHSC  747  Nano Therapeutics

PHSC  701 Research

A sampling of elective courses

BIOC  208  Protein Structure and Function

BIOC  532  Molecular Biology of the Cell

BIOG  420   Cancer Biology

CHEM  244  Physical Organic Chemistry

CHEM  246 Organic Spectroscopy

CHEM  275  Quantum Chemistry

CHEM  284  Computational Methods

CHFP  202   Introduction to Statistical Reasoning

PHSC 315   Pharmaceutical Chemistry I 

PHSC 309   Pharmaceutical Chemistry II

PHSC  398  Advanced Biopharmaceutics

PHSC  609  Statistical Experimental Design and Optimization

PHSC  647  Advanced Physical Pharmacy

PHSC 702  Foundations of Cancer Targeting

PHSC 707  Cancer Targeting Approaches for Drug Delivery Applications

PHSC  801 Dissertation (9 CR)

PHSC  604 Dissertation Writing (3 CR)

PHSC  511  Biostatistics 

PHSC  631  Research Design and Methods 

PHSC  509  Principles of Drug Formulation

PHSC  703  Proposal Writing 

PHSC  601  Seminar 

PHSC  602  Seminar 

PHSC  410  Applied Pharmacokinetics 

PHSC  423  Novel Drug Delivery Systems 

PHSC  714  Drug Stability & Packaging 

PHSC  747  Nano Therapeutics 

PHSC  647  Advanced Physical Pharmacy

PHSC  701 Research

A sampling of elective courses

BIOC  208  Protein Structure and Function

BIOC  532  Molecular Biology of the Cell

BIOG  420   Cancer Biology

CHEM  244  Physical Organic Chemistry

CHEM  246 Organic Spectroscopy

CHEM  275  Quantum Chemistry

CHEM  284  Computational Methods

PHSC  398  Advanced Biopharmaceutics

PHSC  609  Statistical Experimental Design and Optimization

PHSC  647  Advanced Physical Pharmacy

PHSC 702  Foundations of Cancer Targeting

PHSC 707  Cancer Targeting Approaches for Drug Delivery Applications

PHSC  801 Dissertation (9 CR)

PHSC  604 Dissertation Writing (3 CR)

PHSC  511  Biostatistics 

PHSC  631  Research Design and Methods 

PHSC  509  Principles of Drug Formulation

PHSC  703  Proposal Writing 

PHSC  601  Seminar 

PHSC  602  Seminar 

PHSC  410  Applied Pharmacokinetics 

PHSC  423  Novel Drug Delivery Systems 

PHSC  714  Drug Stability & Packaging 

PHSC  747  Nano Therapeutics 

PHSC  647  Advanced Physical Pharmacy

PHSC  701 Research

A sampling of elective courses

BIOC  208  Protein Structure and Function

BIOC  532  Molecular Biology of the Cell

BIOG  420   Cancer Biology

CHEM  244  Physical Organic Chemistry

CHEM  246 Organic Spectroscopy

CHEM  275  Quantum Chemistry

CHEM  284  Computational Methods

PHSC  398  Advanced Biopharmaceutics

PHSC  609  Statistical Experimental Design and Optimization

PHSC  702  Foundations of Cancer Targeting

PHSC  707  Cancer Targeting Approaches for Drug Delivery Applications

PHSC  801 Dissertation (9 CR)

PHSC  604 Dissertation Writing (3 CR)