academic program review for the ph.d. in pharmaceutical
TRANSCRIPT
Academic Program Review
For
The Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
AY 2020-2021
I. Meaning of the Degree 2
II. Mission Statement 2
III. Executive Summary 2
IV. Program Organization 3
V. Program Components 4
Part A. Program Goals 4
Part B. Program Outcomes 5
Part C. Curriculum, Matrix, & Sequencing of Skills 6
Part D. Graduation Requirements 9
VI. Programmatic Data 9
Part A. STUDENTS 9
Part B. FACULTY 13
VII. Evidence of Program Quality 18
Part A: Quality and Rigor of the Degree 18
a) Direct Assessment Data 18
b) Indirect Assessment 23
c) Quality and Rigor of Faculty Research 24
VIII. Fiscal Matters, Facilities, and Research Resourcing (Including Library) 53
Part A. KFS Financials & Analysis; Grants and Overheads; Cost per SSH and Analysis 53
Part B. Facilities 56
Part C. Library 56
Part D. Graduate Assistantships 56
IX. Future Goals and Resourcing 57
X. External Reviewer’s Report 57
XI. Academic Action Plan 57
XII APPENDICES
Appendix A: Faculty Biosketches
Appendix B: Ph.D. Program-only courses
1
I. Meaning of the Degree
A Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawai‘i at
Hilo symbolizes the culmination of research intensive study in the health sciences related to drug
discovery and development, and healthcare in general. Our students exit having experienced first-hand
the unique setting of the Big Island, which allows them to make use of our local biodiversity while
undertaking innovative experiments that often have a direct impact on such areas as infectious disease,
parasite control, and cancer research. This training encourages the next generation of leadership in this
field for the State of Hawai‘i and in the Asia-Pacific Region.
II. Mission Statement
The mission of the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program is to train students to become skilled
researchers and critical thinkers who will play key leadership roles in furthering the development of the
pharmaceutical sciences and related fields now and into the future.
The program emphasizes the extraordinary intellectual, biological, physical, and cultural diversity on the
Island of Hawai‘i, and within both the State and Asia-Pacific Region. The Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences
program provides graduate training in the pharmaceutical sciences, including medicinal chemistry,
pharmacology, pharmaceutics, and pharmacognosy. Notably, the Program focuses on biodiversity and
natural products, and their importance to drug discovery and development, pharmacy, and healthcare in
general. The DKICP also has strong research programs in cancer biology and pharmaceutics.
III. Executive Summary
The PH.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program was established in 2011 as part of the need to “provide
opportunities for residents of the State of Hawaii that currently do not exist.”1 Indeed, the Ph.D. in the
Pharmaceutical Sciences is the only program of its type that offers the graduate degree in Pharmaceutical
Sciences in the State and Pacific region. The focus of the program has been to: (1) emphasize research on
natural products and their importance in pharmacy, and (2) “utilize the extraordinary intellectual,
biological, physical, and cultural diversity of the Island of Hawaii, and within both the State and Asia-
Pacific Region, as a focus of investigation and study.”2 Since its inception, the program has graduated
eight (8) doctorates, all of whom have gained employment in academia or pharmaceutical/medical-
related industries. These promising researchers and health professionals will serve as alumni ambassadors
for the Program and UH Hilo. It is also evident that this program has contributed to the economy of the
State of Hawaii by producing graduates with high level expertise in the health sciences who ultimately
found gainful employment in the health and academic sectors of the Big Island.
1 Proposal for Establishment of a Ph.D. Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fall 2011, 5. 2 Ibid., 6.
2
In recent years, graduate students have had to transition from being supported by graduate
assistantships to self-funding due to a decline in admissions to the Pharm.D. program. The College also
discontinued the contracts of two Assistant Professors in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences in
this current academic year. The Program is encouraging Faculty to submit grants and fellowship
applications to generate revenue. There have been a number of successful grant applications on this front.
IV. Program Organization
The function of the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, as well as the roles and responsibilities of
its officers are governed by a set of bylaws approved (with revisions) on July 29, 2016. Full membership in
the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program is limited to faculty associated with UH Hilo who are
qualified, based on disciplinary expertise, research area, and accomplishments to guide graduate students
in research involving the Pharmaceutical Sciences. The administration of the Ph.D. Program and its
activities are vested in the Ph.D. Program Director and the Ph.D. Program (executive) Committee with its
three subcommittees. Full and affiliate membership applications are reviewed and voted upon by the
Ph.D. Program Committee under the direction of the Ph.D. Program Director.
The Ph.D. Program Faculty is currently comprised of 11 Ph.D. faculty (nine tenured and two tenure-track),
who are supported by a Graduate Admissions Specialist. In addition to faculty members of the
Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, two faculty members from the Department of Pharmacy Practice
(Julie Adrian and Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit) are also full members of the Ph.D. Program Faculty. They
participate in the three- or four-membered Ph.D. dissertation committees of students. Dissertation
committee members serve to guide and train individual Ph.D. students throughout the progress of their
dissertation research. All Ph.D. faculty were hired to teach in the Pharm.D. program during various
stages of the growth and development of the DKICP since 2007, but they also play key roles as full
members of the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program.
There are currently three Affiliate members in the Ph.D. Program. Affiliate Faculty membership enables
UH Hilo faculty in other Departments and Colleges to participate as Co-Major Professors in the
dissertation committees of DKICP Ph.D. students.
The Ph.D. Program Faculty and Affiliate Members are listed below
Name and Title Area of Expertise Institution Year of
Graduation Email
FULL MEMBERS
Julie Adrian, DVM
Associate Professor Small Animal Medicine Oklahoma State 2004 [email protected]
Shugeng Cao, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Bio-Organic Chemistry
National University of
Singapore 1999 [email protected]
3
Leng Chee Chang, Ph.D.
Associate Professor Pharmacognosy
University of Illinois at
Chicago 1998 [email protected]
Abhijit Date, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor Pharmaceutics University of Mumbai, India 2010 [email protected]
Susan I. Jarvi, Ph.D.
Professor Biology Northern Illinois University 1989 [email protected]
Dana-Lynn Koomoa-Lange,
Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Molecular Pharmacology,
Physiology and
Biotechnology
Brown University 2005 [email protected]
Ingo Koomoa-Lange
Assistant Professor
Molecular
patho/physiology,
biophysics, immunology,
cancer pharmacology
University of Erlangen-
Nuremberg, Germany 2008 [email protected]
Dianqing Sun, Ph.D.
Professor Organic Chemistry University of Memphis 2004 [email protected]
Ghee Tan, Ph.D.
Professor
Biochemistry and
Molecular Pharmacology
University of Illinois at
Chicago 1992 [email protected]
Supakit
Wongwiwatthananukit,
Pharm.D., Ph.D.
Professor
Pharmacy Practice Purdue University 2001 [email protected]
AFFILIATE MEMBERS
Li Tao, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Biochemistry, Molecular
Biology, Cell Biology University of California, Davis
2007 [email protected]
Kerri Inglis, Ph.D.
Professor
History (Hawaiian, Pacific,
World, and U.S.)
University of Hawai'i at
Mānoa 2004 [email protected]
Aaron Jacobs, Ph.D. Pharmacology University of California at Los
Angeles 2003 [email protected]
Jon Awaya, Ph.D. Molecular Biology and
Microbiology
University of Hawai'i at
Manoa 2005 [email protected]
Matt Platz, Ph.D. Organic Chemistry Yale University 1977 [email protected]
Marisa Wall, Ph.D. Horticulture University of Maryland 1989 [email protected]
V. Program Components
Part A. Program Goals
Goals of the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program are as follows:
a. To provide a high-quality graduate program culminating in the award of a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical
Sciences, in the areas of Pharmaceutics, Pharmacognosy, Medicinal Chemistry, and Pharmacology.
4
b. To foster the development of students as
interdisciplinary scholars, and communicators.
critical thinkers, team players, self-directed
c. To prepare students for senior leadership positions in the pharmaceutical sciences in academia,
research, education, government, industry, and related fields. These leaders will be able to identify,
research, and solve problems related to the pharmaceutical sciences.
d. To train students in research methodologies pertaining to healthcare by utilizing the extraordinary
intellectual, biological, physical, and cultural assets available on the Island of Hawaii, the State, and
the Asia-Pacific region.
e. To promote the transfer of cutting-edge technology through the development of a community
research partnership, process, and protocol for understanding the diversity of natural products
originating in Hawaii, the Pacific, and around the world and their applications to healing in a
culturally respectful way.
Part B. Program Outcomes
The learning expectations for the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences are articulated in the Graduate
Program Outcomes (GPOs) listed below:
a. GPO 1: Graduate students will have and be able to demonstrate/apply advanced knowledge in
specialized areas defined by the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program.
b. GPO 2: Graduate students will have and be able to demonstrate/apply skills to collect and
integrate information in ways consistent with the highest standards of their discipline.
c. GPO 3: Graduate students will have and be able to demonstrate/apply skills in appropriate
methods of experimental analysis, whether quantitative or qualitative.
d. GPO 4: Graduate students will conduct research that results in an original contribution to
knowledge, according to the standards of their discipline, including as appropriate, both
independent and collaborative research.
e. GPO 5: Graduate students will be knowledgeable in- and be able to demonstrate- research
techniques and procedures in compliance with all standards for responsible conduct of research
(RCR).
f. GPO 6: Graduate students will have and be able to demonstrate skills in scholarly communication,
applied in oral, text, and digital formats consistent with the highest standards of their discipline.
g. GPO 7: Graduate students will conduct their research, and engage with their peers and supervisors
with professionalism taking into account all legal and ethical dimensions of their endeavors.
h. GPO 8: Graduate students may participate in teaching (pedagogy) and apply their skills in the
classroom consistent with disciplinary norms.
These Ph.D.-level GPOs together with the overarching UH Hilo expectations for graduate students are
measured using the approaches listed in Column 1 of the Table presented on page 8. Each Program
requirement (Column 1) and the GPO which it measures at the I (Skill Introduced), P (Practiced) or D
5
(Demonstrated Mastery) levels are indicated (please refer to the Table legend in red). The decision on the
quality of the research product, and overall student performance, are determined by the three or four-
membered dissertation committee with the oversight of the Outside Member and External Examiner both
of whom must be approved by the Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Part C. Curriculum, Matrix, & Sequencing of Skills
To successfully complete the Ph.D. degree, candidates must complete year 1 in the Program with a
minimum grade of B in each graded course (Minimum GPA = 3.0). After the first year, courses must be
completed with a cumulative GPA of no less than 3.0. Graduation requirements will include a minimum of
24 graduate level didactic credits and a minimum 56 credits of research courses (PHPS 799V and PHPS
800) for an overall minimum of 96 credit hours (Minimum cumulative GPA = 3.0).
Even though most projects in the pharmaceutical sciences are multidisciplinary in nature, students may
select courses based on the needs of their dissertation projects following the 5 general emphasis areas
(tracks) shown below:
1. Cancer Biology Emphasis
2. Medicinal Chemistry Emphasis
3. Pharmacognosy Emphasis
4. Pharmaceutics Emphasis
5. Pharmacology Emphasis
COURSE ALPHA COURSE TITLE (Credit Hours)
Core Courses (mandatory for all students)
PHPS 749 Overview of the Pharmaceutical Sciences I (2)
PHPS 750 Overview of the Pharmaceutical Sciences II (2)
PHPS 718 Lab Visits and Supervisor Selection (1)
PHPS 780 Research Seminar (1)
Electives (Selected in Consultation with Major Advisor)
PHPS 701 Apoptosis and Angiogenesis in Disease Processes and Drug Development (1)
PHPS 702 Bioassay Development: Principles & Practices in Drug Discovery (1)
PHPS 703 Cancer Biology (2)
PHPS 704 Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Technologies in Drug
Discovery (2)
PHPS 705 Designing Clinical Research (3)
PHPS 706 Environmental Toxicology (2)
PHPS 707 Genetics in Medicine (2)
PHPS 708 Isolation Methods for Natural Product Discovery (2)
6
PHPS 709 Instrumental Methods and Structure Elucidation of Mainly Natural Products (2)
PHPS 710-711 Laboratory Animal Care, Management and Medicine I, II (2 each)
PHPS 712 Medical Cell Biology (2)
PHPS 713-716 Organic Medicinal Chemistry I, II, III, IV (2 each)
PHPS 717 Medicinal Chemistry of CNS Drugs and Development of in vivo CNS Tracers (2)
PHPS 719 Molecular Biology Techniques and Applications for Healthcare Professionals (2)
PHPS 720 Natural Products and Cancer Chemoprevention (2)
PHPS 721 Neuropsychopharmacology (2)
PHPS 722 Pharmaceutical Marketing (2)
PHPS 723 Pharmacognosy (2)
PHPS 724–727 Pharmacology I, II, III, IV (3 each)
PHPS 728 Phytochemistry of Terrestrial Plants (2)
PHPS 729 Receptor Theory and Signal Transduction (2)
PHPS 730 Sample Collection, Documentation and Preservation (1)
PHPS 731 Toxicants and Toxicity (3)
PHPS 732 Toxic Plant Natural Products and Their Therapeutic Potential (2)
PHPS 733 Aerosol Physics in Medicine: Inhaled Drug Therapy (1)
PHPS 734 Biotechnology Laboratory (2)
PHPS 735 Cell Cycle Progression and Apoptosis, Methodological Approaches (2)
PHPS 736 Pharmaceutical Immunology (3)
PHPS 737 Cell Physiology in Drug Discovery (2)
PHPS 738 Microbial & Marine Natural Products (2)
PHPS 751 Biochemistry I– Biomolecules (3)
PHPS 752 Biochemistry II– Metabolism (3)
PHPS 755 Advanced Pharmaceutics I, including Dosage Form Design and
Processing (3)
PHPS 756 Advanced Pharmaceutics II, including Dosage Form Design and Processing (3)
Dissertation (1-12 credits hours per semester, minimum 56 total)
PHPS 799V Directed Studies
PHPS 800 Dissertation Research and Graduate Seminar
7
The following curriculum matrix was devised to demonstrate where and how skills are
introduced, practiced (developed), and then mastered by students.
Requirements for
the
Ph.D. in
Pharmaceutical
Sciences Program
*emphasized/
encouraged
#LEGEND
I = Skill Introduced;
P = Practiced;
D = Demonstrated
Mastery
GPO 1
Advanced
Knowledge
GPO 2
Methods – Collect and
integrate
information
GPO 3
Methods- Data
analysis
(GRADUATE— QUANTITATIVE
REASONING)
GPO 4
Research – independent
and
collaborative
GPO
5
#RCR
GPO 6
Scholarly
Communication
(GRADUATE— WRITTEN
COMM)
GPO 7
Professionali-
sm
GPO 8*
Pedagogy
Pedagogy for
Graduate Assistants
(encouraged*)
I/P I/P I/P
Lab rotation I/P I/P I/P I/P I/P I/P I/P
Comprehensive
Exam D P P P
Research
Seminar/Research
Symposium
D D D D D D
Ph.D. proposal
Defense D D D D D D
Dissertation
Research D D D D D D D
Responsible
Conduct of
Research (RCR)
Training
I/P P P
Academic grant
writing
(emphasized*)
P P P P D P P
Professional
conference
participation
(emphasized*)
P P P P P P
Academic
publishing D D D D D D D
Dissertation D D D D D D D
# RCR = Responsible Conduct of Research
8
Part D. Graduation Requirements
The GPOs presented above harmonizes with the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduation
Requirements as listed below:
1. Successful achievement of the requirements for year one of the student’s program. 2. Regardless of any previous graduate experience, a minimum of 24 graduate didactic credit hours
must be taken at UH Hilo before the Ph.D. degree can be granted.
3. Completion of all first year graduate courses each with a grade no less than a “B” (3.0) and,
thereafter, maintenance of a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or better.
4. Completion of one seminar each year; a minimum grade of “B” (3.0) should be achieved for this
presentation. The Proposal Defense and Dissertation Defense seminars will satisfy the seminar
presentation requirement for that particular academic year.
5. No later than the fourth semester of the program, successful completion of a written and/or oral
Comprehensive Examination to demonstrate competence in the chosen area(s) of Pharmaceutical
Sciences.
6. No later than the fifth semester of the program, completion of an original dissertation research
proposal, presentation of a public seminar on the student’s research proposal, and successful
defense in a comprehensive oral examination (Proposal Defense) on the proposal and any other
topics that the Graduate Committee deems necessary. In this examination the student’s Graduate
Committee will determine if the student is sufficiently prepared in the selected field of study to
continue with their dissertation. Once the student passes the Comprehensive Examination and the
Proposal Defense, he/she will be eligible to be admitted to Candidacy for the Ph.D. degree.
7. Successful completion of a dissertation, with enrollment in a minimum of 56 credits of dissertation
research (PHPS 799V and PHPS 800). Upon completion of the dissertation, a final public seminar
and oral dissertation defense (Dissertation Defense) will follow.
8. Completion of at least 96 combined credits of graduate courses and dissertation; including PHPS
700-level and PHPS 800-level courses.
9. The publication of one or more first author research manuscripts in peer-reviewed journals.
10. Compliance with UH Hilo rules and regulations for graduation.
VI. Programmatic Data
Part A. STUDENTS
The following two tables provide information on: 1) the employment status of past graduates, and 2) the
status of students currently enrolled in the program.
9
PAST GRADUATES OF THE PROGRAM – EMPLOYMENT STATUS
Student Name
Start
Date at
UH Hilo
Title of Thesis and Year Current Employment
Youngren, Susanne F 2011
Development and Evaluation of
siRNA-loaded Gelatin Nanocarriers
for the Treatment of Asthma
(4/6/2016)
Formulation Scientist I; Akorn
Pharmaceuticals (Akorn, Inc.), Vernon
Hills, IL.
Sang-ngern,
Mayuramas F 2011
Evaluation of Natural Products
Derived from
Physalis peruviana (Poha) as
Anticancer Agents (4/7/2016)
Director; BS in Cosmetic Science
Program, School of Cosmetic Science,
Mae Fah Luang University, Chiang Rai,
Thailand.
Hagiwara, Kehau A. F 2011
Marine Organisms and Terrestrial
Lichens of Hawaiʻi as Sources of Bioactive Compounds (9/8/2016)
NIST/IMET Postdoctoral Research Fellow;
National Institute of Standards and
Technology (NIST), Charleston, SC & the
Institute of Marine Environmental Science
(IMET), School of Medicine-University of
Maryland, Baltimore, MD.
Glasgow, Micah D. F 2011
Difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) &
Etoposide -Loaded Nanocarriers for
the Treatment of Neuroblastoma
(8/5/2016)
Administrator, Hilo Medical Center, Hilo,
Hawaii
Gandhi, Nishant S. F 2012
Design, Development and Evaluation
of Targeted Delivery System for the
Treatment of Lung Cancer
(1/20/2017)
Research Associate; Oncology
Therapeutics, L.E.A.F. Pharmaceuticals,
Woburn, MA.
Tsutsumi, Lissa S. F 2012
The Design, Synthesis, and Biological
Evaluation of Carbazole Derivatives
and Wollamide Analogs (5/26/2017)
Assistant Professor; CAFNRM, UH Hilo.
Yadav, Nalini V.S. F 2011
The Role of Inflammatory Signaling
in Cancer: The
Adipocyte‐Macrophage Interaction
and Breast Cancer Metastasis
(5/6/2016)
Scientific Solutions Consultant, Benchling,
Atlanta, Georgia
Siraj, Afjalus F 2015
Altersolanol B inhibits the
proliferation of hormone receptor
expressing breast cancer cells by
dual modulation of AKT/FOXO1 and
p38-ERK MAPK signaling along with
post-translational downregulation of
ERα expression (5/8/2021)
Post-doctoral Research Associate
Yale University, School of Medicine
New Haven, CT
10
STUDENTS CURRENTLY ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM
Student name
Semester
started at
UHH
Major Dissertation
Professor(s) Stage of Program
Calibuso, Marites J. Fall 2011 - Leave of Absence as of 2018
Nathan Sunada
(previously funded by
SHARP)
Fall 2013 Dana Koomoa-Lange Proposal Defense completed,
currently writing dissertation.
Md Afjalus Siraj Fall 2015 Ghee Tan Successfully defended dissertation
on April 6, 2021
Kh Ahammad Uz Zaman Fall 2016 Shugeng Cao Proposal Defense completed,
currently writing dissertation
Sasha Kovacs Fall 2016 Leng Chee Chang Proposal Defense completed,
currently writing dissertation
John Jacob Fall 2016 Sue Jarvi Proposal Defense completed,
currently writing dissertation
Md Samiul Atanu Fall 2016 Ghee Tan Passed Comprehensive Exam,
undertaking Proposal Defense
Dustin Tacdol Fall 2019 Ingo Koomoa-Lange 20 credits of coursework
completed
Emilio Quarta Fall 2020 Ghee Tan Completed first semester (12
credits) of coursework
Currently, the program has nine (9) students, with an average of 1-2 admitted per year. Nationwide and
international interest in the Program remains robust, with 60 inquiries of interest received throughout the
year, and eight completed applications processed each admissions cycle. Students in the Ph.D. in
Pharmaceutical Sciences Program are graduating on time. The average time to degree (6-7 years) lies
within the average for the life sciences, which is 6.9 years according to the latest data from the Survey of
Earned Doctorates (SED) 2019 conducted by the National Science Foundation and the National Institutes
of Health. There remains great Interest among enrolled students in the chemistry and pharmacology of
natural products. A maximum of two students admitted per academic year is a sustainable number given
that the total number of students in the Program is cumulative over a 7-year period, and that student
research requires continuous grant funding (an arena which is increasingly competitive over the years,
and especially during periods of economic downturn).
Since its inception in Fall of 2011, the program has successfully graduated eight (8) doctorates.
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Diversity is a core value of the Program. This is exemplified in the heritages of our past and
present students (16) of the Program; they have included:
1) Six National Institutes of Health (NIH)-defined underrepresented (UR) minority students, five of
whom are residents of Hawaii. The UR students comprised 3 native Hawaiians and 1 student each
with Hispanic and Native American heritage.
2) Four non-UR students, two each from Hawaii and mainland USA.
3) Six international students.
The numerical summary of current Ph.D. students (9) is as follows:
I. Residents of Big Island
A. Native Hawaiians (2)
B. Underrepresented (Hispanic) (2)
II. Non-residents from mainland USA (1)
III. International (4)
An NIH Research Training Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) (R25) grant was secured by
the Director of the Program, Dr. Ghee Tan, in collaboration with Dr. Lynn Morrison of the Department of
Anthropology, UH Hilo, in July 2016, to support the training of both graduate and undergraduate
underrepresented (UR) students in biomedical, behavioral and clinical research. The full integration of the
graduate and undergraduate arms of the NIH RISE-funded “SHARP” (Students of Hawaii Advanced
Research Program) program of UH Hilo has facilitated the recruitment of qualified UR students into the
Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program, in addition to providing a yearly stipend for admitted students
over a defined period.
Effort was also invested to raise public awareness of research being conducted at the DKICP. The launch
of the inaugural DKICP Research Day is in alignment with the traditions and practices of Colleges of
Pharmacy across the nation. The Director of the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program planned and
organized the event on March, 17, 2018, at Prince Kuhio Plaza, with participation of Faculty from both
Departments of DKICP, graduate students in the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences and students of the
undergraduate SHARP program. The event was promoted via a press release, mass e-mail, and a public
service announcement over the radio.
The purpose of the event was to:
Promote interest in learning and careers in the life sciences among the youth of the Big Island.
Increase community/public awareness of research being conducted by graduate students and
faculty.
Enhance community understanding of research topics in the health sciences.
12
Disseminate specific research information to Big Island communities that may have a vested interest
in the results (e.g., for rat lungworm disease and the efficacy of Hawaiian herbal medicines). John
Jacob, a graduate student in the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program, is directly involved in rat
lungworm research. He has made advances in this field of research that is of direct relevance to the
community.
The DKICP gained favorable public exposure as a result of Research Day. The public response has been
highly enthusiastic and supportive. Further public outreach activities included public lectures and
fundraising by the Director of the Program. To that end, an expendable account has been created at the
UH Foundation in 2017 to support research and graduate students at the College. This account is
continuously being funded by public donations. As of March, 2021, this account has a workable balance.
Program enrichment activities included the following:
1. participation of Ph.D. students in the annual DKICP white coat ceremonies, campus commencement
ceremonies, and other recognition activities for new and graduating Ph.D. students.
2. participation of Ph.D. students in departmental seminars presented by DKICP faculty members and
invited guest speakers from UH Manoa or mainland USA. Dr. Ghee Tan also applied successfully to
the Fulbright Outreach Lecture Fund (OLF) to host a Fulbright Scholar from Turkey, Dr. Selis Onel at
DKICP on Sept. 15, 2017. The Ph.D. students attended her scientific seminar and also participated in
an informal session during which topics on career development and opportunities were discussed.
Only four (4) students have ever withdrawn from the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program — two
for personal reasons and two for poor academic performance. This includes two UR SHARP students who
withdrew from the Ph.D. program 1-2 semesters after they were admitted. This is sufficient time for
students to realize that research involving fundamental and molecular sciences does not align with their
career aspirations which may be more clinically oriented.
It is evident that this program has contributed to the economy of the State of Hawaii by producing
graduates with high level expertise in the health sciences who ultimately found gainful employment in the
health and academic sectors of the Big Island. Graduates of the Program also hold respectable positions
in academia, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies, nationally and internationally. These
promising researchers and health professionals will serve as alumni ambassadors for the Program and UH
Hilo.
Part B. FACULTY
Lecture materials for the core courses within the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences curriculum are derived
from lectures for the Pharm.D. program. In cases where the Pharm.D. and Ph.D. programs share the same
lectures, the Ph.D. students attend lectures with the Pharm.D. students. For example, PHPS 502
(Biochemistry-Metabolism for Pharm.D. students) also serves as 2 out of the 3 credits of PHPS 752
(Biochemistry II for Ph.D. students). The remaining one-credit is taught by a Pharmaceutical Science
faculty only to Ph.D. students who have enrolled.
13
Relevant pharmacology and medicinal chemistry lectures from the Pharm.D. curriculum are also carefully
selected and compiled, and used to create unique Ph.D.-level courses with their own schedules and syllabi.
The content of PHPS 5xx (Pharm.D.) courses is elevated to Ph.D.-level PHPS 7xx by the addition of
advanced content, in-depth journal-club style analyses of topics covered in class, student seminars,
and/or roundtable sessions that discuss lecture topics to a deeper and more analytical level.
Ph.D. Program Faculty members
Pharm.D. only (credits) Ph.D. on Pharm.D. (credits) PhD only (credits)
Ghee Tan PHPS 718
Lab. Visits & Supervisor Select (1)
Shugeng Cao Leng Chee Chang Ghee Tan Dianqing Sun Abhijit Date
PHPS540 Drug Action I (2)
PHPS749 Overview of Pharmaceutical
Sciences I (2)
Coordinator: Ghee Tan
Shugeng Cao Dianqing Sun Leng Chee Chang
PHPS541 Drug Action II (2)
Coordinator: Shugeng Cao
PHPS 750 Overview of Pharmaceutical
Sciences II (2)
Coordinator: Ghee Tan
Leng Chee Chang PHPS 501
Biochemistry-Biomolecules (2) PHPS751
Biochemistry I (2) -
Leng Chee Chang PHPS751
Biochemistry I (1)
Ghee Tan PHPS 502
Biochemistry-Metabolism (2) PHPS752
Biochemistry II (2) -
Dana Koomoa-Lange PHPS752
Biochemistry II (1)
Sue Jarvi PHPS 504
Pharmaceutical Immunology (3) PHPS 736
Pharmaceutical Immunology (3)
Shugeng Cao Leng Chee Chang Ingo Koomoa-Lange
PHPP515 Integrated Therapeutics I
(IT I) – 7 credits
Select lectures from IT I and IT III are compiled into PHPS 724 -Pharmacology I (3 credits) for
14
Dianqing Sun Ghee Tan Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit & other faculty in the Dept. of Pharmacy Practice
Co-Coordinator: Dianqing Sun Ph.D. students
Coordinator: Ghee Tan
Julie Adrian Shugeng Cao Leng Chee Chang Dianqing Sun & other faculty in the Dept. of Pharmacy Practice
PHPP517 Integrated Therapeutics III
(IT III) – 7 credits
Co-Coordinator: Shugeng Cao
Shugeng Cao Sue Jarvi Dianqing Sun Ghee Tan & other faculty in the Dept. of Pharmacy Practice
PHPP516 Integrated Therapeutics II
(IT II) – 7 credits Select lectures from IT II and IT IV are compiled into PHPS 725 -Pharmacology II (3 credits) for
Ph.D. students
Coordinator: Ghee Tan
Shugeng Cao Dana Koomoa-Lange Dianqing Sun & other faculty in the Dept. of Pharmacy Practice
PHPP518 Integrated Therapeutics IV
(IT IV) – 7 credits
Ingo Koomoa-Lange PHPS 737
Cell Physiol. in Drug Discovery (2)
Dana Koomoa-Lange
Shugeng Cao
PHPS 703 Cancer Biology (2)
PHPS 797 Microbial & Marine Natural
Products (1)
Leng Chee Chang PHPS 709
Instrumental Methods & Structure Elucidation (2)
Dianqing Sun PHPS704 Combinatorial
Chemistry & High Throughput Technology (2)
Leng Chee Chang
Shugeng Cao Dianqing Sun
PHPS 723 Pharmacognosy (1)
PHPS 713 Organic Medicinal
Chemistry I (2)
Ghee Tan
PHPS 702 Bioassay Development:
Principles & Practice in Drug Discovery (1)
Pharm.D.-only courses taught by Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences Faculty
15
Julie Adrian Leng Chee Chang Ingo Koomoa-Lange Shugeng Cao Dana Koomoa-Lange Ghee Tan
PHPP 525 Complementary Medicine (3)
Coordinator: Julie Adrian
Ingo Koomoa-Lange PHPS 503
Pharmaceutical Calculations (2) PHPS 509
Applied Pathophysiology (3)
Dana Koomoa-Lange Past Coordinator and co-instructor
PHPP 525 Complementary Medicine (3)
Team-taught
Abhijit Date PHPS 505
Pharmaceutics I (3) PHPS 506
Pharmaceutics II (3)
Leng Chee Chang PHPS 554
Herb Med & Hawaiian Med Plants (1)
Shugeng Cao PHPS 570
Drugs from the Ocean (1)
Dianqing Sun PHPS 562
Disc. & Dev. Blockbuster Drugs (1)
Julie Adrian
Sole instructor and coordinator: PHPP 528 Pharmacy Communication & Culture (3); PHPP 533 Pharmacogenomics (2); PHPP 554 Zoonotic Diseases (1); PHPP 555 Overview of Veterinary Medicine (1); PHPP 544 & 545 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (6) – Academic Rotation Team-taught: PHPP 507 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience VII (1); PHPP 509 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience VIII (1); PHPS 591 Basic & Applied Toxicology (2) - Julie Adrian, Leng Chee Chang, Abhijit Date, Dianqing Sun
Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit
Sole instructor and coordinator: PHPP 508 Biostatistics (2); PHPP 514 Evidence-Based Medicine and Literature evaluation (3); PHPP 523 Wellness and Disease Prevention(2); PHPP 599V Research/Special Project (1); PHPP 544&545 Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (6) – Academic Rotation, Drug Information/Evidence-Based Medicine, International Pharmaceutical Technology and Industrial Pharmacy (Rangsit University, Thailand), International Internal Medicine and Public Health (Chulalongkorn University, Thailand); PHPS 705 Designing Clinical Research. Team-taught: PHPP 515 Integrated Therapeutics I (7); PHPP 504 Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience IV (1); PHPP 521 Applied Pharmaceutical Care (3); PHPP 524 Pharmacoeconomics (2).
All faculty members of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences teach in the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical
Sciences Program. Faculty members participate in: 1) the advanced 1-credit add-on to an existing
Pharm.D. course, or 2) unique and advanced 1- or 2-credit elective courses offered by faculty members
based on their individual expertise. No part-time or full time lecturers or instructors have ever been
hired to teach solely in the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program since its inception.
The following table lists the Ph.D. program-only involvement of Faculty members in the Department of
Pharmaceutical Sciences over the past 5 years. Drs. Tamara Kondratyuk, Linda Connelly, and Aaron Jacobs
have since left the DKICP.
16
Current Instructor Course Course Course Census Instructor
Semester CRN Credits Section SSH Total First Name No. Description
Enrollment Enrollment
Name Last Name
F20
Lab Visits & Fall 2020 PHPS 718 14895 1 1 1 1 1 Ghee Tan
Supervisor Select
Fall 2020 PHPS 751 Biochemistry I -Biomolecules
14897 1 1 2 2 2 Leng Chee Chang
F19-S20
Fall 2019 PHPS 703 Cancer Biology 11811 2 1 4 2 2 Dana Koomoa-Lange
Lab Visits & Fall 2019 PHPS 718 11879 1 1 1 1 1 Ghee Tan
Supervisor Select Cell Cycle
Fall 2019 PHPS 735 11812 2 1 4 2 2 Tamara Kondratyuk Progression Cell Physiol in
Spring 2020 PHPS 737 12841 2 1 4 2 2 Ingo Koomoa-Lange Drug Discovery Biochemistry II -
Spring 2020 PHPS 752 12886 1 1 3 3 3 Dana Koomoa-Lange Metabolism
F18-S19
Lab Visits & Fall 2018 PHPS 718 13934 1 1 1 1 2 Ghee Tan
Supervisor Select Biochemistry I -
Fall 2018 PHPS 751 13936 1 1 1 1 2 Leng Chee Chang Biomolecules Cell Physiol in
Spring 2019 PHPS 737 14899 2 1 2 1 1 Ingo Koomoa-Lange Drug Discovery Biochemistry II -
Spring 2019 PHPS 752 14901 1 1 1 1 1 Dana Koomoa-Lange Metabolism
F17-S18
Fall 2017 PHPS 703 Cancer Biology 10954 2 1 2 1 2 Linda Connelly
Cell Cycle Fall 2017 PHPS 735 10953 2 1 8 4 4 Tamara Kondratyuk
Progression Microbial &
Fall 2017 PHPS 797 Marine Nat 10956 1 1 2 2 2 Shugeng Cao Product Inst Meth & Struct
Spring 2018 PHPS 709 11907 2 1 6 3 3 Leng Chee Chang Elucidation
F16-S17
Com Chem & High Fall 2016 PHPS 704 12994 2 1 2 1 1 Dianqing Sun
Throughput Tec
Shugeng Cao Organic Medicinal
Fall 2016 PHPS 713 12995 2 1 2 1 1 Daniela Guendisch Chemistry I
Dianqing Sun
Med Chem CNS Fall 2016 PHPS 717 12996 2 1 2 1 1 Daniela Guendisch
Drugs & Develop Lab Visits &
Fall 2016 PHPS 718 12988 1 1 4 4 4 Ghee Tan Supervisor Select
Fall 2016 PHPS 723 Pharmacognosy 12990 1 1 5 5 5 Leng Chee Chang
Biochemistry I -Fall 2016 PHPS 751 12989 1 1 4 4 4 Leng Chee Chang
Biomolecules Bio Dev:Prin&Prac
Spring 2017 PHPS 702 13969 1 1 5 5 5 Ghee Tan in Drug Disc Receptor Theory
Spring 2017 PHPS 729 13968 2 1 10 5 5 Aaron Jacobs & Signal Trans Biochemistry II -
Spring 2017 PHPS 752 13967 1 1 3 3 3 Dana Koomoa-Lange Metabolism
17
VII. Evidence of Program Quality
Part A: Quality and Rigor of the Degree
Apart from the skills noted in the curriculum matrix of the Graduate Program Outcomes (GPOs) in Section
V, page 8, the following are also key skills that students will be able to perform upon graduation (Student
Learning Outcomes, SLOs).
1. Perform scientific research that will advance knowledge in the inter- and multi-disciplinary field of
Pharmaceutical Sciences.
2. Use advanced scientific instruments and equipment in order to perform qualitative and
quantitative analyses, and be able to interpret complex data.
3. Analyze, apply, and present research findings.
4. Prepare, interpret, and critique scientific publications and proposals.
5. Identify which aspects of their individual program may be usefully transferred to an applied
setting.
6. Complete the seven stages for a successful Ph.D. in any technical discipline, thereby becoming an
independent researcher:
a. Identify a scientific problem/question
b. Form a hypothesis
c. Develop an experimental model
d. Design an experimental strategy to test the hypothesis
e. Execute an experimental plan
f. Interpret the data obtained against the hypothesis
g. Report the results in a dissertation and peer reviewed publications
a) Direct Assessment Data
Students aspiring to receive a Ph.D. must demonstrate originality and independence, in addition to
resourcefulness in their ability to seek information above and beyond what they receive in scheduled
classes. Mental fluidity and out-of-the box thinking are central to the training of biomedical scientists. Self
learning and problem solving apply to both their didactic coursework and their dissertation project.
Courses are intentionally less structured.
The faculty in the Ph.D. program have been participating in the Graduate Council’s annual assessments of
key skills, that are based on graduate core competencies and required skills. The Graduate Council has
developed rubrics for these assessments. Rubrics assess if Ph.D. students have developed the intellectual
and laboratory skills required to be an independent thinker in the biomedical and health sciences. These
intellectual skills include, but are not limited to analytical, critical, interpretive, and integrative abilities.
Dissertations and poster presentations were evaluated by Ph.D. Program faculty in the appropriate areas
of expertise who are not involved in the work being evaluated. In addition, the acceptance of a student
18
poster by a panel of judges (accomplished leaders in the field) for presentation at a national or
international conference attest to the quality and high-caliber nature of the poster, both in its content
and presentation. Poster presentations at national or international conferences, in addition to research
manuscripts published in high impact factor journals, fulfill two of the most important requirements for
the conferment of the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences degree.
I. In Spring of 2018 and Fall of 2019, two dissertations were evaluated for Written Communication and
Quantitative Reasoning. Scores (scaled 1 through 4, with 4 being the most advanced) are explained
at the end of this section.
1. “Design, Developments and Evaluation of Targeted Delivery System for the Treatment of Lung
Cancer,” Nishant Shailesh Gandhi, May 2017
Written Communication
Evaluator Line of Reasoning Organization and
Structure
Content Language/Prose/Syntax
A 4 4 4 4
B 4 4 4 4
Quantitative Reasoning
Evaluator Analytic Inquiry Quantitative Fluency Visual Representation of Data &
Information
A 4 4 4
B 4 4 4
* Evaluators were faculty members in the DKICP in the same discipline as the subject matter of
the poster, but who were not authors on the posters themselves.
2. “The Design, Synthesis. And Biological Evaluation of Carbazole Derivatives and Wollamide
Analogs,” Lissa S. Tsutsumi, May 2017
Written Communication
Evaluator Line of Reasoning Organization and
Structure
Content Language/Prose/Syntax
A 4 4 4 4
B 4 4 4 4
Quantitative Reasoning
Evaluator Analytic Inquiry Quantitative Fluency Visual Representation of Data &
Information
A 4 4 4
B 4 4 4
Explanation of scores for Written Communication
Line of Reasoning Organization and Structure Content Language/Prose/Syntax
19
4
(Advanced)
• Thesis is highly refined and
well developed.
• Argument is complex and
coherent and demonstrates
a strong line of logical
reasoning supported by
evidence.
• Organization of
ideas/information is highly
advanced and well
organized.
• Synthesizes original
insight into the
content.
• Highly developed
argument provides
innovative solution to
a well-defined
problem.
• Demonstrates
application of the
solution.
• Ideas expressed in
professional and technical
language appropriate to
the discipline; complex
ideas are expressed clearly.
Explanation of scores for Quantitative Reasoning
Analytic Inquiry Quantitative Fluency Visual Representations of Data and
Information (e.g., tables and graphs)
• Innovative and creative visual • Develops and implements
representations (e.g., tables, graphs, new ideas, techniques or • Development of new, or
schematics) of data or concepts are methods. revision of, existing logical,
4 complete and accurate. Or mathematical or statistical
(Advanced) • In-depth application of methods.
• Visual representations are effectively
utilized to make conclusions that are existing analytical methods
correct, detailed, and consistent with the that generate new insights.
visual representations.
II. In the summer of 2020, three posters presented at international conferences were evaluated for
Information Literacy. These were students in their 3rd and 4th years in the Program. Scores (scaled 1
through 4, with 4 being the most advanced) are explained at the end of this section.
1. “Anticancer Potential of Withanolides and its Derivatives from Physalis peruviana (Poha)”
Mayuramas Sang-ngern, 56th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy,
Copper Mountain, Colorado, July 25-29, 2015.
Information Literacy
Evaluator Document
Conventions
Appropriateness of
Sources
Evaluating
Sources*
Integrating Sources*
A 4 4 3 3
B 4 4 3 3
2. “Hybrid Carbazole-Piperidinol Analogs Inhibit Proliferation of Human Cancer Cell Lines”
Lissa S. Tsutsumi, 98th Annual Meeting of the AAAS-Pacific Division, Waimea, Big Island, Hawai`i.
June 19 - 23, 2017.
Information Literacy
Evaluator Document
Conventions
Appropriateness of
Sources
Evaluating
Sources*
Integrating Sources*
20
A 4 4 3 3
B 4 4 3 3
3 “Cytotoxic Constituents of Xylaria sp., a Fungal Endophyte of Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Noni) Leaf”
Md. Afjalus Siraj, 98th Annual Meeting of the AAAS-Pacific Division, Waimea, Big Island, Hawai`i.
June 19 - 23, 2017.
Information Literacy
Evaluator Document
Conventions
Appropriateness of
Sources
Evaluating
Sources*
Integrating Sources*
A 4 4 3 3
B 4 4 3 3
Scale Documentation of
Sources
(Information
Literacy)
Explanation of scores for Information Literacy
Document Conventions Appropriateness of Evaluating Sources* Integrating Sources*
Sources
4 Documents citations and All sources are relevant, Demonstrates a nuanced Exceptional synthesis
(Advanced) sources in text and credible and appropriate understanding of the of previous research
bibliography with no with an emphasis on primary contemporary literature integrated with
errors sources including credible critique original ideas and
research
3 Documents citations and All sources are relevant, Demonstrates a clear Synthesizes
(Competent) sources in text and credible and appropriate but understanding of the information with a
bibliography with minimal may not all be primary materials’ criteria for clear sense of purpose
errors sources inclusion: authority,
timeliness, and accuracy
* These columns simultaneously assess critical thinking.
These scores were based on graduate assessment rubrics posted in the Core Competency &
Programmatic Assessment Page of UH Hilo.
III. In Fall of 2020, the Program started assessing past Ph.D. student poster presentations per a rubric
recently developed by Matt Platz and chemistry student Emmalani Reynolds.
Oral
Presentation
Visual Presentation
Narration Visually appealing; Citation of sources is Prose is academic Prominently positions
Mastery and/or elements are well spaced complete and and without any title/author of paper
answering of and not cluttered; colors accurate errors in syntax or Thoroughly but
questions is and characters enhance spelling concisely presents main
engaging, readability points of introduction,
thorough, and Uses font size & variation hypotheses/propositio
add greatly to which facilitate the ns, results, &
the organization, readability, conclusions in a well-
presentation and presentation of the organized manner
Written presentation of
research
Prose, Spelling,
Grammar (Written
Communication)
21
3
research
Graphics (graphs, charts)
are engaging and
enhance the text
Content is arranged in an
engaging and organized
manner; reader can easily
follow the flow of text
2
Competen
t
Narration
and/or
answering of
questions is
adequate and
adds to
presentation
Prose is mainly
academic but may
contains a few
errors, awkward
phrases, or strange
word choice
1
Beginning
Narration
and/or
answering of
questions is
somewhat
lacking or
reflects poor
preparation
Title/authors of paper
not fully articulated
Main points of
introduction,
hypotheses/propositio
ns, results, &/or
conclusions are either
not well organized or
are missing
The overall poster is not
appealing, cluttered, and
may show a
sloppy/rushed finish
Presentation is hard to
read and may be hard to
follow due to poor
organization of
materials/text
Graphics may be missing,
inaccurate, and/or
irrelevant
Sources are missing
and/or citation
format is completely
erroneous
Excessive spelling
and grammatical
errors
Contains title/authors
of paper
Adequately presents
main points of
introduction,
hypotheses/propositio
ns, results, &
conclusions in a
relatively organized
manner
Visual presentation is
adequate; colors and
patterns not fully utilized
to add to presentation
Uses font size & variation
but may not be well
placed or planned for
optimal effect
Graphics (graphs, charts)
are minimally used
Content is arranged in a
somewhat organized
manner
Cites sources but
may include a few
minor errors
The Ph.D. Program offers this critique of poster presentations by a single expert within the field (from the
Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program) who is not an author on the poster presentation that he/she
evaluated:
1. “Anticancer Potential of Withanolides and its Derivatives from Physalis peruviana (Poha),” Mayuramas
Sang-ngern, 56th Annual Meeting of the American Society of Pharmacognosy, Colorado, July 2015
Oral
Presentation
Written presentation of
research
Visual Presentation Documentation of
Sources
(Information
Literacy)
Prose, Spelling,
Grammar (Written
Communication)
3 3 3 3
2. “Hybrid Carbazole-Piperidinol Analogs Inhibit Proliferation of Human Cancer Cell Lines,” Lissa S.
Tsutsumi, 98th Annual Meeting of the AAAS-Pacific Division, Waimea, June 2017
Oral
Presentation
Written presentation of
research
Visual Presentation Documentation of
Sources
(Information
Prose, Spelling,
Grammar (Written
Communication)
22
Literacy)
3 3 3 3
3. “Cytotoxic Constituents of Xylaria sp., a Fungal Endophyte of Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Noni) Leaf,”
Afjalus Siraj, 98th Annual Meeting of the AAAS-Pacific Division, Waimea, June 2017
Oral
Presentation
Written presentation of
research
Visual Presentation Documentation of
Sources
(Information
Literacy)
Prose, Spelling,
Grammar (Written
Communication)
3 3 3 3
b) Indirect Assessment
The Ph.D. program aims to provide an intellectually enriching experience, as well as to prepare students
for diverse career paths in the Pharmaceutical Sciences. An exit survey was conducted during the Summer
semester of 2018 following the graduation of the inaugural cohort of students (admitted Fall 2011).
Survey questions were prepared based on Program-specific requirements - the Graduate Program
Outcomes (GPOs) and Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs) as detailed in Section V (page 8) and Section
VII Part. A (page 18), respectively. The survey also explored the level of satisfaction that the graduates
held in regards to: 1) the quality of their training, 2) resources and research infrastructure that supported
their dissertation projects, and 3) the support they received from Faculty members serving on their
dissertation committees.
The results of the survey revealed the perceived strengths and weaknesses of the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical
Sciences Program that will form a basis for future improvements and refinements.
Five out of six graduates responded. They either agreed or strongly agreed with the educational and
operational aspects of the Ph.D. program examined in the survey. Effort will be made to sustain these
important functions of the program into the future.
EXIT SURVEY OF PAST GRADUATES – Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences Program
QUESTIONS Strongly
Agree Agree Neutral Disagree
Strongly
Disagree
1. The Program fosters knowledge of current trends
and issues in pharmaceutical sciences. 2 3
2. The Program fosters advanced knowledge of basic
research. 3 2
3. The Program fosters advanced knowledge of
applied research. 1 4
23
4. The Program provides experience in performing
scientific research in pharmaceutical sciences. 3 2
5. The Program provides skills in the area/discipline
of pharmaceutical sciences that is pertinent to you. 3 2
6. The Program provides experience in using
advanced technological equipment, performing
quantitative analysis and interpreting complex
data.
3 2
7. The Program provides opportunities for- and
experience in- the presentation of scientific
results in verbal (seminars/conferences) and
written formats (posters/publications).
3 2
8. The Program provides experience in interpreting
and critiquing scientific literature. 1 3 1
9. The Program promotes professionalism. 1 4
10. The Program provides appropriate training for
employment in the field. 0 5
11. The Program promotes research and activities that
will enable participants to enter the scientific
research community.
0 5
12. I am satisfied with the graduate student support
facilities in the DKICP and on campus. 1 3
13. I am satisfied with the support I received from my
dissertation committee. 3 2
c) Quality and Rigor of Faculty Research
Faculty research areas are summarized below.
Faculty Research Areas and Expertise
Julie Adrian, DVM
Associate Professor
Complicated grief, post-traumatic stress disorder and pharmacological therapy in humans’
response to the death of pets and animals; euthanasia in animals; pet therapy.
Shugeng Cao, Ph.D. Antibacterial, antifungal, and anticancer agents from various natural sources, including
plants, marine organisms, fungi and bacteria; cancer prevention through Nrf2 activation
24
Associate Professor and NF-kB inhibition; biologically active compounds of herbal medicines and their
mechanisms of action; small molecules with various biological functions in bacteria and
human.
Leng Chee Chang, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Evaluation of natural products (Hawaiian plants, microbial origin, and marine algae) as
anticancer and anti-inflammatory agents (inhibitors of NF-kappa B and nitric oxide);
antibacterial agents derived from natural products (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus
aureus) and non-tuberculosis mycobacteria; ethnomedicine and ethnopharmacy
approaches of Hawaiian medicinal plants (‘Uhaloa, fermented noni), Natural products-
induced nanoparticles and their potential with antimicrobial activity.
Abhijit Date, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Drug repurposing and reformulation for the treatment of Herpes Simplex Virus Infections;
Drug repurposing and reformulation for the treatment of Cryptococcal meningitis;
Synthesis and characterization of pharmaceutical ionic liquids; Strategies to improve
delivery of natural phytochemicals; Development of novel platinum based drugs and self-
assembled platinum nanostructures for cancer therapy; Development of novel self-
assembled lipid nanostructures.
Susan I. Jarvi, Ph.D.
Professor
Parasitic investigations of Angiostrongylus cantonensis, the nematode causing rat
lungworm disease, including diagnostic development, modes of transmission, hosts, and
risk reduction through educational outreach. Host-parasite and parasite-parasite
influences on virulence in an avian malaria/Avipoxvirus system.
Dana-Lynn Koomoa-
Lange, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Mechanisms that alter calcium signaling in diabetes, cancer and other disorders; screening
extracts and compounds for anti-cancer effects.
Ingo Koomoa-Lange, Calcium signaling in innate immune cell and Neuroblastoma patho/physiology, biophysical
Ph.D. properties of TRP and CRAC channels.
Assistant Professor
Dianqing Sun, Ph.D.
Professor
Design and synthesis of novel antitubercular and antibacterial agents; synthesis and
evaluation of anticancer and cancer chemopreventive agents.
Ghee Tan, Ph.D.
Professor
Role of gut microbiome in normal physiology and gastrointestinal (GI) diseases, including
inflammatory GI diseases and cancer; Metabolomics of gut microbiota, microbe-host, and
microbe-host-dietary supplement/drug interactions by LC-MS analyses.
Drug discovery for cancer: Microbial endophytes of plants for new drug leads, compound
isolation, mechanism of action, and molecular target definition. Ethnopharmacology of
Hawaiian medicinal plants, including the mechanisms underlying the anticancer activity of
noni (Morinda citrifolia Linn.). The effects of noni on various cellular signaling pathways are
being examined.
Supakit
Wongwiwatthananukit,
Development and validation of an instrument to assess humanistic outcomes; Clinical trials
and evaluation of the value of patient-oriented pharmacy interventions/services in the
25
Pharm.D., Ph.D.
Professor
areas of tobacco cessation, metabolic syndromes, cancer, self-medication/herbals and
dietary supplements; Applying participatory action research and social marketing approach
via interdisciplinary teams to campaign and promote healthy behaviors and rational use of
pharmaceutical products in community and specific populations; Characterization of
metabolomic profiles of bioactivity of natural products using multivariate statistics;
Pharmaceutical education research that involves curriculum and course development and
assessment.
One metric of program quality is measured by the career accomplishments of faculty and their
international standing. The following Table serves as evidence of the continuing research productivity of
the accomplished Ph.D. Program Faculty with diverse expertise, who often engage in multi- and inter-
disciplinary research with other prominent researchers in the field at the UH Manoa Campus, on the
mainland, and/or at international locations. The publications and research support of Faculty are
summarized in the Table below. All publications listed are peer-reviewed, and appear in high impact
factor journals in various fields within the Pharmaceutical Sciences. Senior graduate students and
postdoctoral scholars in the biomedical sciences who work in the Faculty labs appear as first authors. Faculty
participating in the research and other educational activities are listed as senior authors in the sequence of
authors, depending on their level of contribution to the inter- or multi-disciplinary endeavor. Senior Faculty
members who are also corresponding authors appear as the last author in the sequence.
Graduate students were directly supported by some of the grants listed below. The work of graduate
students ensured the successful execution of project objectives. In a few cases, graduate student research
accomplishments form the foundation for successful grant applications. It takes 3-4 years for new
graduate students to gain the required laboratory skills, and to accumulate sufficient research data, to
publish their first main paper as the first author.
Faculty Publications and Research Support (with dollar amounts) since 2015 For more information, please refer to Appendix A: Faculty Biosketches
Julie Adrian, DVM
Associate Professor
Publications (since 2015)
1. Morrison L, Hill J, Kelley M, Ko’omoa-Lange D, Tman Z, Adrian JAL, Wheat J.
Companion and guard dogs: health implications of quantitative and qualitative
differences in attitude toward dogs, in progress.
2. Adrian JAL, Stitt A. There for you: the impact of attending pet euthanasia and
whether the impact relates to complicated grief and post-traumatic stress disorder,
AnthrozoÖs, 32(5):701-713, 2019.
3. Cleveland E, Adrian J, Haines M. A case report on using raw honey to treat
dermatitis in goats. Pacific Agriculture and Natural Resources, 9:10-13, 2019.
4. Adrian JAL, Stitt A. Pet loss, complicated grief, and post-traumatic stress disorder in
Hawaii. AnthrozoÖs, 30(1):123-133, 2017.
5. Kondratyuk TP, Adrian JAL, Wright B, Park EJ, van Breemen RB, Morris KR, Pezzuto
JM. Evidence supporting the conceptual framework of cancer chemoprevention in
canines, Scientific Reports, an online publication of Nature,
6:26500, 2016.
6. Adrian JAL, Zeszotarski P, Ma C. Developing pharmacy student communication
26
Shugeng Cao, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
skills through role-playing and active learning. American Journal of Pharmaceutical
Education, 79(3):1-8, 2015.
7. Adrian JAL, Arancon N, Mathews B, Carpenter J. Mineral composition and soil-plant
relationships for common guava (Psidium guajava L.) and yellow, strawberry guava
(Psidium cattleianum var. lucidum) tree parts and fruits. Communications in Soil
Science and Plant Analysis, 46(15):1960-1979, 2015.
Research Support:
Ongoing
Morrison L, Connelly L, Koomoa-Lange I, Wongwiwatthananukit S, Chang LC, Koomoa-
Lange DL, Jacobs A, Wiegner T, Nakanishi S, Tan G, Inglis K, Cao S, Sun D, Brown D,
Heuer E, Jarvi S, Adrian JAL. Grant Proposal Title: Research Initiative for Scientific
Enhancement (RISE) Program (R25); local program name is Students of Hawaii
Advanced Research Program (SHARP), National Institutes of Health (NIH)
R25GM113747, March 2016-March 2021, awarded $4,000.00 per PI/year (total
$20,000 supplies + salary of one student).
Completed (since 2015)
Adrian JAL. Opioid crisis continuing education for veterinarians, 92nd Annual Western
Veterinary Conference, 2020, Las Vegas, NV. Adrian – presenter, Western Veterinary
Conference Sponsored Travel, awarded $2,423.71.
Adrian JAL. Opioid crisis continuing education for veterinarians, 66th Annual Hawaii
Veterinary Medical Association (HVMA) Conference, 2019, Honolulu, HI. Adrian – presenter, Hawaii Veterinary Medical Association Conference Sponsored Travel,
awarded $1188.99.
Adrian JAL. Veterinary pharmaceutics and compounding: an opportunity for
interprofessional education. American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy Annual
Meeting, 2019, Chicago, IL. Adrian – presenter, DKICP Sponsored Travel, awarded
$4,043.94.
Adrian JAL. Opioid crisis continuing education for veterinarians, 91st Annual Western
Veterinary Conference, 2019, Las Vegas, NV. Adrian – presenter, Western Veterinary
Conference Sponsored Travel, awarded $2,266.79.
Publications (since 2015)
1. Uz Zaman KA, Wu X, Hu Z, Yoshida W, Hou S, Saito J, Avad KA, Hevener KE,
Alumasa JN, Cao S. "Antibacterial kaneoheoic acids A-F from a Hawaiian fungus
Fusarium sp. FM701." Phytochemistry 2020, Nov 17;181:112545.
2. Qader M, Xu J, Yang Y, Liu Y, Cao S. “Natural Nrf2 activators from juices, wines,
coffee and cocoa” Beverages 2020, 6(4), 68.
https://doi.org/10.3390/beverages6040068
3. Manavalan A, Qader M, Wu X, Cao S. “Nrf2 activation by Morinda citrifolia L.
(Noni) fruit juices” World. J. Tradit. Chin. Med. 2020, accepted
4. Freckelton ML, Nedved BT, Cai Y, Cao S, Turano H, Alegado RA, Hadfield MG
“Bacterial lipopolysaccharide induces settlement and metamorphosis in a marine
larva.” The preprint for biology bioRxiv 2020, 851519.
5. Jiang G, Zhang P, Ratnayake R, Yang G, Zhang Y, Zuo R, Powell M, Huguet-Tapia
JC, Abboud KA, Dang LH, Teplitski M, Paul V, Xiao R, Ahammad KH, Zaman U, Hu
-
polysulfide bridges from Penecillium steckii YE, and their chemical
27
interconversion” ChemBioChem. 2020, Aug 20. doi: 10.1002/cbic.202000403.
6. Wang C, Tang S, Cao S. “Antimicrobial compounds from marine fungi” Phytochem.
Rev. 2020, Accepted. DOI: 10.1007/s11101-020-09705-5
7. Ohashi M, Jamieson CS, Cai Y, Tan D, Kanayama D, Tang M, Anthony SM, Chari JV,
Barber JS, Picazo E, Kakule TB, Cao S, Garg NK, Zhou J, Houk KN, Tang Y
“Discovery of enzymatic Alder-ene reaction and origins of catalytic selectivity”
Nature 2020, Oct;586(7827):64-69.
8. Yu JS, Li C, Kwon M, Oh T, Lee TH, Kim DH, Ahn JS, Ko SK, Kim CS, Cao S, Kim KH.
"Herqueilenone A, a unique rearranged benzoquinone-chromanone from the
Hawaiian volcanic soil-associated fungal strain Penicillium herquei FT729." Bioorg.
Chem. 2020, Oct 21;105:104397.
9. Lee D, Yu JS, Huang P, Qader M, Manavalan A, Wu X, Kim JC, Pang C, Cao S, Kang
KS, Kim KH. "Identification of Anti-Inflammatory Compounds from Hawaiian Noni (
Morinda citrifolia L.) Fruit Juice" Molecules 2020, Oct 27;25(21):4968.
10. Wang C, Lu Y, Cao S. “Antimicrobial compounds from marine Actinomycetes” Arch. Pharm. Res. 2020, Jul;43(7):677-704.
11. Park YJ, Kim KS, Park JH, Lee SH, Kim HR, Lee SH, Choi HB, Cao S, Kumar V, Kwak
JH, HS. “Protective effects of dendropanoxide isolated from Dendropanax
morbifera against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury via the AMPK/mTOR
signaling pathway” Food Chem. Toxicol. 2020, Aug 1;145:111605.
12. Wang C, Wu X, Bai H, Zaman KAU, Hou S, Saito J, Wongwiwatthananukit S, Kim K-
S, Cao S. “Lumazine Peptides, Aspochalasin, γ-Butyrolactone Derivatives and Cyclic
Peptides with Antibacterial and NF-κB Inhibitory Activities from a Hawaiian
Aspergillus flavipes” J. Nat. Prod. 2020, Jul 24;83(7):2233-2240.
13. Wang F, Sarotti AM, Jiang G, Huguet-Tapia JC, Zheng SL, Wu X, Li C, Ding Y, Cao S.
“Waikikiamides A-C: Complex Diketopiperazine Dimer and Diketopiperazine-
Polyketide Hybrids from a Hawaiian Marine Fungal Strain Aspergillus sp. FM242”.
Org Lett. 2020, 22, 4408-4412.
14. Zaman KAU, Hu Z, Wu X, Hou S, Saito J, Kondratyuk TP, Pezzuto JM, Cao S. “NF-
B Inhibitory and Antibacterial Helvolic and Fumagillin Derivatives from
Aspergillus terreus.” J. Nat. Prod. 2020, 83(3), 730-737.
15. Zaman KHAU, Hu Z, Wu X, Cao S. “Tryptoquivalines W and X, two new compounds
from a Hawaiian fungal strain and their biological activities” Tetrahedron Lett.
2020, 61(14), Article 151730
16. Sachan R, Kundu A, Dey P, Son JY, Kim KS, Lee DE, Kim HR, Park JH, Lee SH, Kim J-
H, Cao S, Lee BM, Kwak JH, Kim HS.“Dendropanax morbifera Protects against
Renal Fibrosis in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats” Antioxidants, 2020, 9(1),
pii: E84.
17. Cai Y, Xu J, Chen M, Wang D, Yang Y, Manavalan A, Wu X, Liu Y, Cao* S.
“Compound Analysis of Jing Liqueur and nrf2 Activation by Jing Liqueur—One of
the Most Popular Beverages in China.” Beverages 2020, 6(1), 1.
18. Li C, Wang F, Wu X, Cao* S. “A new 24-homo-30-nor-cycloartane triterpenoid
from a Hawaiian endophytic fungal strain” Tetrahedron Lett. 2020, 61(7), Article
151508.
19. Cai Y, Wu Z, Zheng X-Q, Wang C, Wang J-R, Zhang X-X, Qiu G, Zhu K, Cao S, Yu J
“Spiroalanpyrroids A and B, sesquiterpene alkaloids with a unique spiro-
eudesmanolide–pyrrolizidine skeleton from Inula helenium” Org. Chem. Front.
2020, 7, 303-309.
28
20. Wang F, Hu Z, Li C, Wu X, Cao* S. “Circumdatin M, a new benzodiazepine alkaloid
with a unique pyrimidone-4-pyrone moiety from a Hawaiian marine fungus
Aspergillus sp. FM242.” Tetrahedron Lett. 2019, 60, 1724-1726.
21. Wang Q, Hu Z, Luo X, Liu J, Li* G, Cao* S, Liu* Q. “Clavukoellians A-G, Highly
Rearranged Nardosinane Sesquiterpenoids with Anti-angiogenic Activity from
Clavularia koellikeri” J. Nat. Prod. 2019, 82(5), 1331-1337.
22. Li C, Sarotti AM, Wu X, Yang B, Turkson J, Chen Y, Liu Q, Cao* S. “An Unusual
Benzoisoquinoline-9-one Derivative and Other Related Compounds with
Antiproliferative Activity from Hawaiian Endophytic Fungus Peyronellaea sp.
FT431.” Molecules. 2019 Jan 7;24(1). pii: E196.
23. Qi Wang, Zhenquan Hu, Xixiang Li, Aoli Wang, Hong Wu, Jing Liu, Shugeng Cao*,
Qingsong Liu* “Salviachinensines A-F, New Anti-leukemic Phenolic Acids from
Chinese Herbal Medicine Salvia chinensis Benth” J. Nat. Prod. 2018, 81(11), 2531-
2538.
24. Zhou SY, Zhou TL, Qiu G, Huan X, Miao ZH, Yang SP, Cao S*, Fan F*, Cai YS*.
“Three New Cytotoxic Monoterpenoid Bisindole Alkaloids from Tabernaemontana
bufalina.” Planta Med. 2018, 84(15),1127-1133.
25. Chunshun Li, Zhenquan Hu, Qingsong Liu, Xiaohua Wu, Shugeng Cao* “Two new tricycloalternarenes from Hawaiian endophytic fungus Didymella sp. FT433” Tetrahedron Lett. 2018, 59(36), 3381-3383.
26. You-Sheng Cai*, Ariel M. Sarotti, Ting-Lan Zhou, Rong Huang, Guofu Qiu, Congkui
Tian, Ze-Hong Miao, Attila Mándi, Tibor Kurtán, Shugeng Cao*, Sheng-Ping Yang*.
“Flabellipparicine, a Flabelliformide-Apparicine-Type Bisindole Alkaloids from
Tabernaemontana divaricata.” J. Nat. Prod. 2018, 81(9), 1976-1983.
27. Naris Nilubol, ZiQiang Yuan, Giulio F. Paciott, Lawrence Tamarkin, Carmen
Sanchez, Kelli Gaskins, Esther M. Freedman, Shugeng Cao, Jielu Zhao, David G.I.
Kingston, Steven K. Libutti, Electron Kebebew, “A Novel Dual-Action Targeted
Nanomedicine Effective in Mouse Models of Endocrine Cancers” J Natl Cancer Inst.
2018, 110(9),1019-1029. doi: 10.1093/jnci/djy003
28. Li, Chun-Shun; Sarotti, Ariel M.; Yoshida, Wesley; Cao*, Shugeng “Two new polyketides from Hawaiian endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. FT172”
Tetrahedron Lett. 2018, 58, 42-45.
29. Yousheng Cai, Ariel M. Sarotti, Daniela Gündisch, Tamara P. Kondratyuk, John M.
Pezzuto, James Turkson, and Shugeng Cao* “Heliotropiumides A and B, new
phenolamides with N-carbamoyl putrescine moiety from Heliotropium
foertherianum collected in Hawaii and their biological activities” Bioorg. Med.
Chem. Lett. 2017, 27, 4630-4634.
30. Chun-Shun Li, Ariel M. Sarotti, Peng Huang, Uyen T. Dang, Julian Hurdle, Tamara P.
Kondratyuk, John M. Pezzuto, James Turkson, and Shugeng Cao* “NF-κB inhibitors, unique γ-pyranol-γ-lactams with sulfide and sulfoxide moieties from
Hawaiian plant Lycopodiella cernua derived fungus Paraphaeosphaeria neglecta
FT462” Sci. Rep. 2017, 7(1):10424.
31. Li, Chunshun; Sarotti, Ariel M.; Yang, Baojun; Turkson, James; Cao*, Shugeng “A
New N-methoxypyridone from the Co-Cultivation of Hawaiian Endophytic Fungi
Camporesia sambuci FT1061 and Epicoccum sorghinum FT1062” Molecules 2017,
22(7), 1166.
32. Li, Chunshun; Sarotti, Ariel M.; Turkson, James; Cao*, Shugeng “Verbenanone, an
octahydro-5H-chromen-5-one from a Hawaiian-Plant Associated Fungus FT431”
29
Tetrahedron Lett., 2017, 58, 2290–2293.
33. Chun-Shun Li, Bao-Jun Yang, James Turkson, Shugeng Cao* Anti-proliferative
ambuic acid derivatives from Hawaiian endophytic fungus Pestalotiopsis sp. FT172
Phytochemistry 2017, 140, 77–82.
34. Thomas P. Wyche, Antonio C. Ruzzini, Christine Beemelmanns, Ki Hyun Kim,
Jonathan L. Klassen, Shugeng Cao, Michael Poulsen, Tim S. Bugni, Cameron R.
Currie, and Jon Clardy “Linear peptides are the major products of a biosynthetic pathway that encodes for cyclic depsipeptides” Org. Lett. 2017, 19(7), 1772–1775.
35. Huang, Peng; Li, Chunshun; Sarotti, Ariel M.; Turkson, James; Cao, Shugeng
“Sphaerialactonam, a γ-lactam-isochromanone from the Hawaiian endophytic
fungus Paraphaeosphaeria sp. FT462” Tetrahedron Lett., 2017, 58, 1330–1333.
36. Beemelmanns C, Ramadhar TR, Kim KH, Klassen JL, Cao S, Wyche TP, Hou Y,
Poulsen M, Bugni TS, Currie CR, Clardy J. “Macrotermycins A-D, Glycosylated
Macrolactams from a Termite-Associated Amycolatopsis sp. M39.” Org. Lett. 2017,
19(5), 1000–1003.
37. GiuLi, F. Paciotti, Jielu Zhao, Shugeng Cao, Peggy J. Brodie, Lawrence Tamarkin,
Marja Huhta, Lonnie D. Myer, Jay Friedman, and David G. I. Kingston* “Synthesis
and Evaluation of Paclitaxel-Loaded Gold Nanoparticles for Tumor-Targeted Drug
Delivery” Bioconj. Chem. 2016, 27 (11), 2646–2657
38. Donald R. Senger, Shugeng Cao* “Diabetic Wound Healing and Activation of Nrf2
by Herbal Medicine” J. Nat. Sci. 2016, 2(11):e247
39. Kimberly J. Briggs, Peppi Koivunen, Shugeng Cao, Keriann M. Backus, Benjamin A.
Olenchock, Hetalben Patel, Qing Zhang, Sabina Signoretti, Gary J. Gerfen, Andrea
L. Richardson, Agnes K. Witkiewicz, Benjamin F. Cravatt, Jon Clardy, William G.
Kaelin*, Jr “Paracrine Induction of HIF by Glutamate in Breast Cancer: EglN1 Senses
Cysteine” Cell 2016, 166(1), 126-139.
40. Donald R. Senger, Mien V. Hoang, Ki Hyun Kim, Chunshun Li, Shugeng Cao,*
“Anti-inflammatory activity of Barleria lupulina: Identification of active compounds
that activate the Nrf2 cell defense pathway, organize cortical actin, reduce stress
fibers, and improve cell junctions in microvascular endothelial cells” J.
Ethnopharmacology 2016, 193, 397-407.
41. David J. Fei-Zhang, Chunshun Li and Shugeng Cao* “Hawaii Natural Compounds are Promising to Reduce Ovarian Cancer Deaths” Cancer Biology and Therapy
2016, May 4:1-4.
42. Chun-Shun Li, Gang Ren, Bao-Jun Yang, Gabriella Miklossy, James Turkson, Peiwen
Fei, Yuanqing Ding, Larry A Walker, Shugeng Cao* “Meroterpenoids with anti-
proliferative activi-ty from a Hawaiian-Plant Associated Fungus Peyronellaea
coffeae-arabicae FT238” Org. Lett. 2016, 18(10), 2335-2338.
43. Seoung Rak Lee, Jon Clardy, Donald Senger, Shugeng Cao*, Ki Hyun Kim*
“Phytochemical constituents from the aerial part of Barleria lupulina” Revista Brasileira de Farmacognosia 2016, 26, 281-284.
44. Seoung Rak Lee, Christine Beemelmanns, Leah M. M Tsuma, Jon Clardy, Shugeng
Cao,* and Ki Hyun Kim* “A New Diketopiperazine, Cyclo(D-trans-Hyp-L-Leu) from
a Kenyan Bacteria Bacillus licheniformis LB 8CT” Nat. Prod. Comm. 2016, 11(4),
461-463.
45. Seulah Lee, Jon Clardy, Shugeng Cao,* and Ki Hyun Kim* “Diketopiperazines from
a Costa Rican funus Colpoma sp. CR1465A” Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2016, 26,
2438-2441.
30
46. Chun-Shun Li, Yuanqing Ding, Bao-Jun Yang, Hong-Quan Yin, James Turkson, and
Shugeng Cao* “Antiproliferative sesquiterpenes from Hawaiian endophytic
fungus Chaetoconis sp. FT087” Phytochemistry 2016, 126, 41-46.
47. Donald R. Senger, Dan Li, Shou-Ching Jaminet, and Shugeng Cao “Activation of
the Nrf2 cell defense pathway by ancient foods: Disease prevention by important
molecules and microbes lost from the modern Western diet” PLoS ONE 2016,
e0148042; DOI:10.1371.
48. Yuezhou Wang, Shuang Qi, Ying Zhan, Nanwen Zhang, An-an Wu, Fu Gui, Kai Guo,
Yanru Yang, Shugeng Cao, Zhiyu Hu, Zhonghui Zheng, Siyang Song, Qingyan Xu,
Yuemao Shen, and Xianming Deng “Aspertetranones A-D, Meroterpenoids from
the Marine Algal-associated Fungus Aspergillus sp.” J. Nat. Prod. 2015, 78(10),
2405-2410. + + +49. Cheng, K. C-C.; Cao, S.; Raveh, A.; MacArthur, R.; Dranchak, P.; Chipala, G.;
Okoneski, M.; Guha, R.; Eastman, R.; Yuan, J.; Schultz, P.; Su, X-z.; Tamayo-Castillo,
G.; Matainaho, T.; Clardy, J.; Sherman,* D.; Inglese,* J. "Actinoramide A
stereoisomer identified as potent anti-malarial from titration-based screening of +
marine natural product extracts" J. Nat. Prod. 2015, 78(10), 2411-2422. ( Co-first
author/Equal contribution) + + +50. Hiraki, M.; Hwang, S-Y.; Cao, S.; Ramadhar, T. R.; Byun, S.; Yoon, K. W.; Chu, K.;
Gurkar, A. U.; Vihren Kolev, V.; Zhang, J.; Namba, T.; Murphy, M. E.; Aaronson, S. A.;
Newman, D. J.; Mandinova, A.; Clardy,* J.; Lee,* S. W. “Small molecule reactivation
of mutant p53 to wt-like p53 through the p53-Hsp40 regulatory axis” Chemistry +
& Biology 2015, 22(9), 1206-1216. ( Co-first author/Equal contribution)
51. Li, C-S.; Ding, Y.; Yang, B-J.; Miklossy, G.; Yin, H-Q.; Walker, L. A.; Turkson,T.; Cao, S*.
“A Novel Metabolite with a Unique 4-pyranone–γ-lactam–1,4-thiazine moiety from
a Hawaiian-Plant Associated Fungus (FT462)” Org. Lett. 2015, 17(14), 3556-3559.
52. Kim, K. H.; Beemelmanns, C.; Clardy, J.; Cao*, S. “A new antimicrobial octaketide and cytotoxic phenylethanoid glycosides from Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth” Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 2015, 25, 2834-2836.
53. Kim, K. H.; Clardy, J.; Senger, D.; Cao*, S. “Chakyunglupulins A and B, two novel 4,8,8-trimethylcyclooct-2-enone derivatives from Barleria lupulina” Tetrahedron
Lett. 2015, 56, 2732-2734.
54. Wei, S.; Kozono, S.; Kats, L.; Nechama, M.; Li, W.; Guarnerio, J.; Luo, M.; You, M-H.;
Yao, Y.; Kondo, A.; Hu, H.; Bozkurt, G.; Moerke, N. J.; Cao, S.; Reschke,M.; Chen,C-H.;
Rego,E. M.; LoCoco, F.; Cantley, L.; Lee, T. H.; Wu, H.; Zhang,Y.; Pandolfi,P. P.; Zhou,
Z. Z.; Kun Ping Lu, K-P*. “Active Pin1 is a key target of all-trans retinoic acid in
acute promyelocytic leukemia and breast cancer” Nature Medicine 2015, 21(5),
457-466.
55. Li, C-S.; Yang, B.; Fenstemacher, R.; Turkson, J.; Cao, S.* “Lycopodiellactone, an
unusual δ-lactone-isochromanone from a Hawaiian plant-associated fungus
Paraphaeosphaeria neglecta FT462” Tetrahedron Lett. 2015, 56, 1724-1727.
56. Kim, K. H.; Park, Y. J.; Chung, K. H.; Yip, M.L. R.; Clardy,J.; Senger, D.; Cao*, S. “Iridoid
Glycosides from Barleria lupulina” J. Nat. Prod. 2015, 78, 320-324.
Research Support:
Ongoing
NIH INBRE Admin Supplement*Nichols (PI) $100,000 2019 – 2020
Title: “Natural Product Drug Discovery for An Emerging Parasitic Nematode Disease”
31
The goal of this project is to screen Hawaiian secondary fungal metabolites for their
activity against parasitic nematode A. cantonensis, which causes the rat lungworm
disease.
Role: co-investigator ($40,000.00 to Cao Lab)
*Administrative Supplements to Existing NIH Grants and Cooperative Agreements.
The research was under NCE due to COVID-19
VSBLG-HCF* Cao (PI) $50,000.00 06/03/20 –12/02/21
Title: Discovery of new antibiotics from Hawaiian marine and endophytic microbes
The goal of this project is to screen our natural product library against S. aureus and P.
aeruginosa.
*Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
JBRI* Cao (PI) $320,000 01/28/19 – 01/27/21
Title: “Cyto-protective effects of minor compounds from Jing Brand products” The goal of the proposed research is to investigate the effects of minor compounds
from Jing Brand products on Nrf2 pathways.
JBRI*: Jing Brand Research Institute (JBRI) is an institute in Jing Brand Co Ltd.
Both Jing Brand Co Ltd and UH ORS (Office of Research Services) have signed an
agreement. JBRI sent the money to UH ORS and we do research at DKICP, UH Hilo.
Completed (since 2015)
*INBRE4 (2P20GM103466-17) Nichols (PI) $15,000 2019 – 2020
Title: “Screening of Hawaiian fungal metabolites against pathogenic bacteria” The goal of the proposed research is to identify hits that inhibit bacterial trans-
translation
Role: JI
*INBRE: IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence
IDeA: Institutional Development Award
Drug Discovery Seed Award* Cao (PI) $8,000 09/01/16 – 08/31/18
Title: “Molecularly targeted anti-cancer agents from microorganisms in Hawaii” The goal of this study is to screen our unique natural product library with semi-pure
fractions derived from Hawaiian fungi against a cell based mt-p53R273
assay and
determine the structures of the active compounds for the treatment of High Grade
Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSOC) and other cancers with the same p53 mutation at
R273.
*: Intramural funding from University of Hawaii Cancer Center
JBRI* Cao (PI) $253,000 08/19/16 – 08/18/18
Title: “Analysis of minor compounds of herbal medicines in Jing Brand products” The goal of the proposed research is to identify minor compounds in Jing products
with focus on biologically active components.
JBRI*: Jing Brand Research Institute (JBRI) is an institute in Jing Brand Co Ltd.
Both Jing Brand Co Ltd and UH ORS (Office of Research Services) have signed an
agreement. JBRI sent the money to UH ORS and we do research at DKICP, UH Hilo.
*INBRE3 Nichols (PI) $100,000 2017 – 2018
32
Title: Hawaiian fungal metabolites as a source for the treatment of high-grade serous
ovarian cancer
The goal of this project is to investigate Hawaiian natural products that can reactivate
p53 for he treatment of high-grade serous ovarian cancer.
Role: JI
*INBRE: IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence
IDeA: Institutional Development Award
National Park Service Cao (PI) $3,000 2018
Title: Analysis of rotenone and its analogues in ponds
The goal of this project is to determine the concentration of rotenone in Tephrosia
purpurea that public parks in the Big Island use to kill the problematic invasive species,
tilapia.
GBMF* Hadfield (PI) $188,693 11/01/15 – 10/31/17
Title: “The bacterial basis of larval recruitment for benthic marine communities” The goal of the proposed research is to investigate the bacterial mechanisms that
induce larval settlement of Hydroides elegans, and how bacteriocins, OMVs or other
bacterial factors induce metamorphosis in H. elegans and other invertebrates.
Role: Co-PI
*GBMF: Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation
VSBLG-HCF* Cao (PI) $50,000 05/10/17 – 11/09/18
Title: “Nat. Prod. from Hawaiian Endophytic Fungi Targeting mtp53 for TNBC & Other
Cancers” The goal of this project is to identify hits through a p53 assay of our unique natural
product library with semi-pure fractions derived from Hawaiian fungi.
*Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
VSBLG-HCF* Cao (PI) $50,000 05/11/15 – 11/10/16
Title: “Novel STAT3 inhibitors as anti-cancer agents from Hawaiian fungi” The goal of this project is to identify hits through a STAT3 assay of our unique natural
product library with semi-pure fractions derived from Hawaiian fungi.
*Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
UH Hilo Seed-money Grant Cao (PI) $13,000 2016 – 2017
Title: “Molecularly targeted anti-cancer agents from microorganisms in Hawaii” The goal of this study is to screen our unique natural product library with semi-pure
fractions derived from Hawaiian fungi against a cell based mt-p53R248
assay and
determine the structures of the active compounds for the treatment of High Grade
Serous Ovarian Cancer (HGSOC) and other cancers with the same p53 mutation at
R248.
UH Hilo Seed-money Grant Cao (PI) $12,000 2017 – 2018
Title: “Biocontrolling agents & antibiotic drug discovery from Hawaiian endophytic fungi & bacteria” The goal of this study is to screen our unique natural product library with semi-pure
fractions derived from Hawaiian fungi and identify fungal metabolites against fungi
33
Fusarium graminearum that causes “corn ear rots” (corn: Zea mays L.), Ceratocystis
fimbriata and other Ceratocystis species that cause “Rapid ohia death” that is currently
attacking and killing ohia tree (Metrosideros polymorpha), the most abundant native
tree in the state of Hawaii.
NIH 1R01AT007022-01 Senger (PI) $409,296* 03/01/12-02/28/16
Title: “Remedying dysfunctional angiogenesis and tissue ischemia with BL” The goal of this study is to identify the bioactive compounds that account for the
activity in Barleria lupulina, and test the bioactive compounds in vivo for remedying
dysfunctional angiogenesis and tissue ischemia
Role: Co-Investigator *: $95,311 was “awarded” to DKICP at UH Hilo in Fall 2015.
Leng Chee Chang, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Publications (since 2015)
1. Zhang M, Yang X, Wei Y, Wall M, Songsak T, Wongwiwatthananukit S, Chang LC.*
(2019) Bioactive Sesquiterpene Lactones isolated from the Whole Plants of
Vernonia cinerea. J. Nat. Prod. 82, 2124-31.
2. Park E-J, Sang-Ngern M, Chang LC, Pezzuto JP. (2019) Physalactone and 4β-
hydroxywithanolide E isolated from Physalis peruviana L. inhibit LPS-induced
expression of COX-2 and iNOS accompanied by abatement of Akt and STAT1. J.
Nat. Prod. 82 (3), 492-9.
3. Jongrungruangchok S, Pradubyat N, Songsak T, Jarintanun F, Wall M, Chang LC,*
Wongwiwatthananukit S. (2019). Cytotoxicity and induction of the apoptotic
activity of hirsutinolide series/sesquiterpene lactones from Vernonia cinerea on
human colorectal cancer cells (COLO 205). Journal of Current Science and
Technology, 9(1), 41-47.
4. Rashid J, Abbas A, Chang LC, Iqbal A, Ul-Haq Ihsan, Rehman A, Awan SU, Arshad M,
Rafique M, Barakat MA. (2019) Butterfly cluster like lamellar BiOBr/TiO2
nanocomposite for enhanced sunlight photocatalytic mineralization of aqueous
ciprofloxacin. Science of the Total Environment. 665(15), 668-677.
5. Ahmed T, Jafri L, Ul-Haq I, Chang LC, Mirza B. (2019) Inhibition of mouse
embryonic stem cell proliferation and induction of differentiation by natural
products isolated from Rhazya stricta Decne. Pak. J. Pharm. Sci. 32, 4
(Supplementary): 1885-91.
6. Khemawoot P, Hengjumrut P, Chang LC, Wongwiwatthananukit S, Tantisira MH.
(2018). Comparison between the Pharmacokinetic Profiles of a Standaridized
Extract of Centella asiatica ECa 233 and a Mixture of Madecassoside and
Asiaticocoside. Planta Medica Int. Open, 5:e39-e47.
7. Phosri S, Jangpromma N, Chang LC, Tan GT, Wongwiwatthananukit S, Maijaroen S,
Anwised P, Payoungkiattikun W, Klaynongsruang S. (2018) Siamese crocodile white
blood cell extract inhibits cell proliferation and promotes autophagy in multiple
cancer cell lines. J. Microbiol. Biotechnol, 28(6). 1007-21.
8. Fatima N, Sripisut T, Youn UJ, Ahmed S, Ul-Haq I, Munoz-Acuna U, Simmons CJ,
Qazi Ma, Jadoon M, Tan GT, de Blanco EJC, Chang LC.* (2017) Bioactive
constituents from an endophytic fungus, Penicillim polonicum NFW9, associated
with Taxus fauna. Med. Chem., 13(7), 689-97.
9. Youn UJ, Chang LC* (2017). Chemical consitituents of fermented noni (Morinda
citrifolia) juice exudates and their biological activity. Natural Product Sciences.
34
23(1), 16-20.
10. Youn UJ, Chang LC. * (2017) Chemical constituents from the apical bud of Gardenia
sootepensis and their bioactivity. Korean Journal of Pharamcognosy, 48(2), 113-8.
11. Acuna UM, Curley JR. RW, Fatima N, Ahmed S, Chang LC, Carcache de Blanco EJ.
(2017) Differential effect of Wortmannolone Derivatives on MDA-MB-231 Breast
Cancer Cells. Anticancer Res. 37(4), 1617-23.
12. Youn UJ, Sripisut T, Miklossy G, Turkson J, Laphookhieo S, Chang LC.* (2017)
Bioactive Polyprenylated Benzophenone derivatives from the fruits extracts of
Garcinia xanthochymus. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett 27 (16), 3766-65.
13. Thomas K, Zhang M, Reinicke J, Parker J, Ohora D, Wall MW, Songsak T,
Wongwiwatthananukit S, Chang LC.* (2017) Protein kinase inhibitory properties of
extracts derived from Bocconia frutescens and Gomphocarpus physocarpus. Bulletin
of Health Science and Tech. 15(1), 47-58.
14. Fukuchi A, Sang-ngern M, Zhang M, Sunada N, Phosri S, Siraj A, Tan GT,
Wongwiwatthananukit S, Chang LC.* (2017) Evaluation of cytotoxic and antioxidant
activity of fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharide from Hawaiian marine algae.
Bulletin of Health Science and Tech. 15(2), 15-31.
15. Park EJ, Sang-ngern M, Chang LC, Pezzuto JM (2016) Induction of cell cycle arrest
and apoptosis with downregulation of Hsp90 client proteins and histone
modification by 4-hydroxywithanolide E isolated from Physalis peruviana. Mol.
Nutr. Food Res. 60(6): 1482-500.
16. Youn UJ, Kondratyuk TP, Park EJ, Sripisut T, Laphookhieo S, Pezzuto JM, Chang LC. *
(2016) Anti-inflammatory triterpenes from the apical bud of Gardenia sootepensis.
Fitoterapia. 114, 92-97.
17. Chang LC,* Sang-ngern M, Pezzuto JP. (2016) Poha Berry (Physalis peruviana) with
Potential Anti-inflammatory and Cancer Prevention Activities. Hawaii Journal of
Medicine and Public Health. 75: 11, 353-9.
18. Jadoon M, Fatima N, Murtaza S, Chang LC, Ali N, Ahmed S. (2016) Production of
antimicrobial peptides by Epicoccum sp. NFW1: an endophyte of Taxus fauna. Acta
Pol Pharm. 73(6): 1555-63.
19. Youn UJ, Park EJ, Kondratyuk TP, Wall M, Wei Y, Pezzuto JM, Chang LC.* (2016)
Anti-inflammatory and Quinone Reductase Inducing Compounds from Fermented
Noni (Morinda citrifloria) Juice Exudates. J. Nat. Prod. 79(6): 1508-13.
20. Fatima N, Kondratyuk TP, Park EJ, Marler LE, Jadoon M, Qazi MA, Mirza HM, Khan I,
Atiq N, Chang LC, Ahmed S, Pezzuto JM. (2016) Endophytic fungi associated with
Taxus fauna (West Himalayan Yew) of Pakistan: potential bioresources for cancer
chemopreventive agents. Pharmaceutical Biology. 54(11): 2547-54.
21. Sang-ngern M, Youn UJ, Park EJ, Kondratyuk TP, Simmons CJ, Wall M, Ruf M, Lorch
SE, Leong E, Pezzuto JM, Chang LC.* (2016) Withanolides derived from Physalis
peruviana with Potential Anti-inflammatory Activity. Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 26,
2755-59.
22. Youn UJ, Sripisut T, Park EJ, Kondratyuk TP, Fatima N, Simmons CJ, Wall MM, Sun
Dq, Pezzuto JM, Chang LC* (2015). Determination of the Absolute Configuration of
Chaetoviridins and Other Bioactive Azaphilones from the Endophytic Fungus
Chaetomium globosum, Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 25 (21), 4719-23.
23. Miklossy G, Youn UJ, Yue P, Zhang M, Chen CH, Hilliard T, Paladino D, Li Y, Choi J,
Sarkaria J, Kawakami J, Wongwiwatthananukit S, Chen Y, Sun Dq, Chang LC,
Turkson J. (2015) Hirsutinolides series inhibit STAT3 activity alter GCN1, MAP1B,
35
Hsp105, G6PD, vimentin, TrxR1, and importin alpha-2 expression, and induce
antitumor effects against human glioma. J. Med. Chem. 58(19):7734-48.
24. Wall MM, Nishijima KA, Sarnoski P, Keith L, Chang LC, Wei Yanzhang. (2015)
Postharvest ripening of noni fruit (Morinda citrifolia) and the microbial and
chemical properties of its fermented juice. J. Herbs, Spices and Medicinal Plants. 21:
294-307.
Research Support:
Ongoing
USDA-ARS * Marisa W (PI) 08/20-09//22
Title: “Investigating Natural Compounds from Tropical plants with Medicinal Activity” The goal of this study is to investigate tropical plants in Hawaii and the U.S. Pacific
Basin with antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activity.
Role: Co-I ($30,947 to Chang Lab); Wongwiwatthananukit S (Co-I)
*USDA Agricultural Research service (ARS)
VSBLG-HCF* Chang (PI) $49,980 06/19 – 05/18/21
Title: “Antimicrobial activity of Hawaiian Medicinal Plants against Nontuberculous
Mycobacteria” The goal of this project is to test the anti-NTM activity of ‘uhaloa, fermented noni
extracts against Mycobacterium chimaera; and to isolate and identify antimicrobial
compounds from any promising crude extracts that might be discovered in aim 1.
Role: PI ($35,200 to Chang Lab.); Co-PIs: Honda J, Wongwiwatthananukit S
*Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
AFPE-Gateway Research Award* Chang (mentor) $7,500 06/01/20 09/30/21
Title: “Evaluation of natural products derived from medicinal plants as potential
antimicrobial agents against non-tuberculosis mycobacteria (NTM),”
The goal of this project is to isolate natural products in Waltheria indica and test
compounds against NTM.
Award to PharmD student: Ashley Fukuchi
*American Foundation Pharmaceutical Education Gateway Research Award
*INBRE4 Nichols (PI) 03/20 – 04/30/2021
Title: Natural product-based anti-biofilm agents against Staphylococcus aureus in
Hawaii,” Bridge fund INBRE IV pre-pilot project program.
The goal of this project is to test compounds isolated from natural products and test
against S. aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus.
Role: PI ($5,000 to Chang Lab.)
*INBRE: IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence
IDeA: Institutional Development Award
Completed (since 2015)
USDA-ARS * Wall M. (PI) 08/2015- 08/2020
Title: “Phytochemical Evaluation of Tropical Plants for Bioactive Compounds,” The goal of this study is to identify the bioactive compounds that account for the
activity in Physalis peruviana (Poha), fermented noni (Morinda citrifolia), Vernonia
cinerea and among others.
36
Role: Co-I ($156,600 to Chang Lab.), Wongwiwatthananukit S (Co-I).
*USDA Agricultural Research service (ARS)
*INBRE4 Nichols (PI) 06/01/18 –06/2019
Title: Natural product-based anti-biofilm agents against methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus infectious in Hawaii,”. INBRE IV pre-pilot project program.
The goal of this project is to test the antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity of Waltheria
indica, Asparagopsis taxiformis and other medicinal plant extracts against S. aureus and
MRSA. 2) To isolate and identify major compounds from one promising extract.
Role: INBRE IV pre-pilot project program (PI) ($25,000 to Chang Lab.); Co-Is:
Wongwiwatthananukit S, Hurdle J.
*INBRE: IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence
IDeA: Institutional Development Award
UH Hilo Seed Grant Chang (PI) $8,000 06/2018-07/2019
Title: “Evaluation of Hawaiian Medicinal Plants for Antibacterial Activity,”
VSBLG-HCF* Chang (PI) $49,875 06/01/16 – 10/2018
Title: “Evaluation of Natural Products from Waltheria indica in the treatment of
Clostridium difficile,” The goal of this project is to test extracts against Clostridium difficile and identify the
main compounds. Co-PIs: Hurdle J, Wongwiwatthananukit S
*Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
NIH Research Project Grant (Parent R01) NCI Turkson (PI) 03/2017-02/2/2022
Title: “STAT3, G6PD and TrxR as underlying mechanisms for antitumor responses to
hirsutinolides,” Role: Chang (Co-I) $269,564 (5 years). Indirect and direct ($380,083).
Support for both UH Hilo Co-Inverstigators was stopped by the PI in July 2017.
UH Cancer Center Pilot Study Award Chang (PI) $35,000 06/16 –05/17
Title: “Evaluation of Hirsutinolides from Vernonia cinerea in the Treatment of Cancer,” The goal of this project is to re-isolate inactive hirsutinolides for semi-synthesis
bioactive hirsutinolide analog. The antitumor efficacy of this hirsutinolide will be tested
as a STAT3 inhibitor.
Role: PI ($19,900 to Chang Lab.); Co-PIs: Wongwiwatthananukit S, Turkson J, Sun DQ
*Victoria S. and Bradley L. Geist Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
IFM-HCF* Chang (PI) $50,000 06/01/15 –11/2016
Title: “Evaluation of Natural Products and Withanolides Derived from Physalis peruviana
in the treatment of Cancer,” The study aims to re-isolate bioactive compounds from Physalis peruviana and to
evaluate the biological effects and anti-tumor efficacy of the compounds which inhibit
STAT3 activity.
Role: PI ($26,119 to Chang Lab.); Co-I: Turkson J
*Ingeborg v. F. McKee Fund and Robert C. Perry Fund of the Hawaii Community
Foundation
37
Abhijit Date, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Publications (since 2015)
1. Yadavalli T., Mallick S., Patel P., Koganti R., Shukla D., Date A.A.,* Pharmaceutically
acceptable carboxylic acid-terminated polymers show activity and selectivity
against HSV-1 and HSV-2 and synergy with antiviral drugs. ACS Infectious Diseases,
2020, 6:2926-2937. (*Corresponding author)
2. Date A.A., Shibata A., McMullen E., La Bruzzo K., Bruck P., Belshan M., Zhou Y.,
Destache C.J., Thermosensitive gel containing cellulose acetate phthalate-efavirenz
combination nanoparticles for prevention of HIV-1 infection. J. Biomed.
Nanotechnol. 2015, 11: 416-427 PMID: 26307825
3. Hoang T, Date A.A.§, Ortiz JO, Young TW, Bensouda S, Xiao P, Marzinke M, Rohan L,
Fuchs EJ, Hendrix C, Gumber S, Villinger F, Cone RA, Hanes J, Ensign LM.
Development of rectal enema as microbicide (DREAM): Preclinical progressive
selection of a tenofovir prodrug enema. Eur J Pharm Biopharm. 2019, 138: 23-29
PMID: 29802984 (§co-first author)
4. Kates M., Date A.A.§, Yoshida T., Kanvinde P., Afzal U., Babu T., Sopko N.A., Matsui
H., Hahn N.M., McConkey D., Baras A., Hanes J., Ensign L.M., Bivalacqua T.,
Preclinical evaluation of intravesical cisplatin nanoformulations for non–muscle-
invasive bladder cancer. Clin. Cancer Res. 2017, 23: 6592-6601 (§ co-first author)
PMID: 28808039
5. Timbie K.F., Afzal U., Date A.A., Zhang C., Miller W., Suk J.S., Hanes J., Price R.J., MR
Image- guided delivery of cisplatin-loaded brain-penetrating nanoparticles to
invasive glioma with focused ultrasound. J. Control. Rel., 2017, 263: 120-131. PMID:
28288892
Research Support:
Ongoing
P20GM103466-18 INBRE IV (PI: Nichols) 09/10/2018-04/30/2023
NIGMS/NIH INBRE IV Program Award
Role: INBRE IV Junior Investigator
Development and evaluation of novel nanomedicines for the local prophylaxis of
genital herpes. The goal of this study is to repurpose and reformulate FDA-approved
reverse transcriptase inhibitors for the improved prevention and treatment of genital
herpes.
19ADVC-95449 (PI: Date) 05/07/2019-11/6/2020
Ingeborg v.F. McKee Fund of the Hawaii Community Foundation
Repurposing of “Antidiabetic Biguanides” for cancer treatment Role: Principal Investigator
The major goal of this project is to repurpose and reformulate antidiabetic biguanides
(metformin and phenformin) for improved cancer therapy.
UH Hilo Seed Grant (PIs: Date and Koomoa-Lange) 07/19/2019-05/31/2020
University of Hawaii at Hilo
Repurposing of difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) for improved cancer treatment
Role: Principal Investigator
The major goal of this project is to repurpose and reformulate DFMO for improved
cancer therapy.
38
Completed (since 2015)
Diabetes COBRE Pilot Projects Program (PI: Date) 8/1/2018-7/31/2019
John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii Manoa
Development of nanoparticles to improve delivery of metformin
Role: Principal Investigator
In this proposal, we developed nanoparticles for metformin, a very hydrophilic
antidiabetic drug with poor biopharmaceutical properties.
Ola HAWAII Pilot Project Program (PI: Date) 1/1/2018-6/30/2018
John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii Manoa
Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate nanoparticles for local prevention of HIV infection
Role: Principal Investigator
In this proposal, we developed cellulose acetate phthalate nanoparticles to improve
local (vaginal or rectal) delivery of tenofovir disproxil fumarate to achieve improved
local prevention from HIV infection.
George F. Haddix President’s Faculty Research Grant (PI: Date) 2/1/2014-1/31/2015
Creighton University
Elvitegravir nanoparticles for prevention of HIV infection
Role: Principal Investigator
In this proposal, we developed PLGA nanoparticles of elvitegravir to improve its
efficacy in the local and systemic pre-exposure prophylaxis of HIV infections.
Sue Jarvi, Ph.D.
Professor
Publications (since 2015)
1) Jarvi SI, Prociv P 2021. Editorial: Angiostrongylus cantonensis and
Neuroangiostrongyliasis (Rat Lungworm Disease): 2020. Parasitology 148:2 129-
132. https://doi.org/10.1017/S003118202000236X
2) Jarvi S, Atkinson E, Kaluna L, Snook K, Steel A. 2021. Development of a
recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA-EXO) and lateral flow assay (RPA-LFA)
based on the ITS1 gene for the detection of Angiostrongylus cantonensis in
gastropod intermediate hosts. Parasitology 148:2 251.
3) Howe K, Bernal LM, Brewer FK, Millikan D, Jarvi S 2021. A Hawaii public education
programme for rat lungworm disease prevention. Parasitology 148:2. 206-211.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182020001523
4) Steel A, Jacob J, Klasner I, Howe K, Jacquier SH, Pitt WC, Hollingsworth R, Jarvi SI
2021. In vitro comparison of treatments and commercially available solutions on
mortality of Angiostrongylus cantonensis third-stage larvae. Parasitology 148:2 212-
220. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182020001730
5) Jacob J, Tan G, Lange I, Saeed H, Date A, Jarvi S 2021. In vitro efficacy of
anthelmintics on Angiostrongylus cantonensis L3 larvae. Parasitology 148:2 240-250.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182020001146
6) Niebuhr CN, Siers SR, Leinbach IL, Kaluna LM, Jarvi SI 2021. Variation in
Angiostrongylus cantonensis infection in definitive and intermediate hosts in
Hawaii, a global hotspot of rat lungworm disease. Parasitology 148:2 133-142.
39
https://doi.org/ 10.1017/S003118202000164X
7) Hamilton, L., Tagami, Y., Kaluna, L., Jacob, J., Jarvi, S., & Follett, P. 2021.
Demographics of the semi-slug Parmarion martensi, an intermediate host for
Angiostrongylus cantonensis in Hawai‘i, during laboratory rearing. Parasitology
148:2 153-158. doi:10.1017/S0031182020001353
8) Marahatta SP, Jacob J, Jarvi S 2021. Morphometrics of third-stage larvae of the
ratlungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) in Hawaii. Pacific Agriculture and
Natural Resources. Vol 10:5-10.
9) Sears WJ, Qvarnstrom Y, Dahlstrom E, Snook K, Kaluna L, Balaz V, Feckova B,
Slapeta J, Modry D, Jarvi S, Nutman TB 2021. AcanR3990 qPCR: a novel, highly
sensitive, bioinformatically-informed assay to detect Angiostrongylus cantonensis
infections. Clinical Infectious Diseases. In press.
10) Niebuhr C, Jarvi S, Kaluna L, Torres Fischer B, Deane A, Leinbach I, and Siers S.
2020. Occurrence of rat lungworm Angiostrongylus cantonensis in invasive coqui
frogs (Eleutherodactylus coqui) and other hosts from Hawai'i. Journal of Wildlife
Diseases, 56(1), DOI: 10.7589/2018-12-294.
11) Jarvi S, Eamsobhana P, Quarta S, Howe K, Jacquier S. Hanlon A, Snook K, McHugh
R, Tman Z, Miyamura J, Kramer K, Meyers M. 2020. Estimating Human Exposure to
Rat Lungworm (Angiostrongylus cantonensis) on Hawaii Isalnd: A pilot Study. Am. J.
Trop. Med. Hyg., 00(0), pp. 1–9 doi:10.4269/ajtmh.18-0242
12) Niebuhr C, Jarvi S, Siers S. 2019 A review of rat lungworm infection and recent data
on its definitive hosts in Hawaii. Human-Wildlife Interactions 13(2): 238-249
13) Jarvi SI, Jacob J, Sugihara RT, Leinbach IL, Klasner I, Kaluna LM, Snook KA, Howe
MK, Jacquier SH, Lange I, Atkinson AL, Deane AR, Niebuhr CN and Siers SR. 2019.
Validation of a death assay for Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae (L3) using
propidium iodide in a rat model (Rattus norvegicus). Parasitology 1–8.
https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182019000908
14) Howe K, McHugh R, Severino M, Jarvi S. 2019. Water as a potential source of
transmission of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. PLoS ONE: 14(4) e0209813.
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal. pone.0209813.
15) Jarvi SI, Bianchi KR, Farias MEM, Txakeeyang A, McFarland T, Belcaid M, & Asano A.
2016. Characterization of class II β chain major histocompatibility complex genes in
a family of Hawaiian honeycreepers: ‘amakihi (Hemignathus virens).
Immunogenetics DOI 10.1007/s00251-016-0908
Research Support: Total ~$3,702,517
Ongoing
Hawaii state legislature line item in budget, $300,000/year 2018-present (2020-2021
$270,000 due to 10% across the board budget reduction). Total to date $870,000.
Recurring funds.
Revolving funds due to laboratory diagnostic charges: $25/sample for testing slugs,
other invertebrates, and biological material, and $50/sample for Veterinary Research
Samples. (Running balance ~$12,000) Total since 2013 ~$50,000.
40
Completed (since 2015) th
Jarvi (PI) The 6 International Workshop on Angiostrongylus and Angiostrongyliasis.
Hilo Hawaii Hotel, Jan 5-8 2020. Hosted by the Jarvi Lab with funding provided by
INBRE, Hawaii Department of Health, Hilo Medical Center, Hawaii County and
individual Council members, Malama O Puna, and State of Hawaii. $55,862.
Jarvi (PI) Hawaii Department of Health. 2018-2019 Angiostrongylus cantonensis
education MOA. Develop and implement a STEM curriculum and integrate into
public and private schools. $49,959
Jarvi (PI)USDA-APHIS 2018-2019 Phytosanitary irradiation effected on the semi-slug
Parmarion martensi., Goal is to evaluate the effects of irradiation on reproduction
and survival of A. cantonensis and intermediate host slugs.. $30,000
Jarvi (PI) Hawaii Community Foundation. 2016-2018 Isolation of the 31 kDa protein
from Angiostrongylus cantonensis from Hawaii and comparative diagnostic efficacy
with the Thailand 31 kDa A. cantonensis protein $50,000
Jarvi (PI) Hawaii Invasive Species Council. 2017 Reducing rat lungworm disease
through an education and research partnership with K-12 schools in Hawai'i. The
goal of this study is to introduce integrated pest management strategies to Hawaii
School Garden Projects to advance rat lungworm disease education and control
invasive mollusks, carriers of rat lungworm parasites. $65,635
Jarvi (PI) 2017-2018 Dr. and Mrs Richard Robbins representing the Max and Yetta
Karasik Family Foundation. The goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of
commercially available water filters in blocking RLW larvae from entering household
and agricultural water supplies from rainwater catchment systems. 9/2016-3/2018
Donation $35,000.
Jarvi (PI) 2015-2016 Hawaii Community Foundation-Medical Research. This human
study was designed to determine the prevalence of human rat lungworm infection
in East Hawaii Island. Antibody-based diagnostic development. $50,000.
Dana-Koomoa Lange, Ph.D. Publications (since 2015)
Associate Professor 1. Saeed HK, Sutar Y, Patel P, Bhat R, Mallick S Hatada AE, Koomoa DT, Lange I, Date
AA, Synthesis and Characterization of Lipophilic Salts of Metformin to Improve Its
Repurposing for Cancer Therapy, ACS Omega, 6 (4): 2626-2837, 2021.
2. Qiao Y, SunadaNK, Hatada AE, Lange I, Khutsishvili M, Alizade V, Atha D, Koomoa-
Lange DT, Borris RP, Potential anti-neuroblastoma agents from Juniperus oblonga,
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications, 516 (3): 733-738, 2019.
3. Sievert LL, Huicochea-Gomez L, Cahuich-Campos D, Ko’omoa-Lange D, Brown DE,
Stress and the menopausal transition in Campeche, Mexico, Womens Midlife Health,
Jun 18; 4: 9, 2018.
4. Gandhi NS, Godeshala S, Koomoa-Lange D, Miryala B, Rege K, Chougule MB,
Bioreducible Poly(Amino Ethers) Based mTOR siRNA Delivery for Lung Cancer,
Pharm Res, 35 (10): 2018.
5. Lange I, Espinoza Fuenzalida I, Ali MW, Espana Serrano L, Koomoa DT. FTY-720
induces apoptosis in Neuroblastoma via multiple signaling pathways, Oncotarget, 8
(66): 109985-109999, 2017.
6. Beceiro S, Radin JN, Chatuvedi R, Piazuelo MB, Horvarth DJ, Cortado H, Gu Y, Dixon
41
B, Gu C, Lange I, Koomoa DL, Wilson KT, Algood HM, Partida-Sánchez S. TRPM2 ion
channels regulate macrophage polarization and gastric inflammation during
Helicobacter pylori infection, Mucosal Immunol., 10 (2): 493-507, 2017.
7. Lange I, Moschny J, Tamanyan K, Khutsishvili M, Atha D, Borris RP, Koomoa DL.
Scrophularia orientalis extract induces calcium signaling and apoptosis in
Neuroblastoma cells, Int J Oncol., 48 (4): 1608-16, 2016.
8. Lange I, Moschny J, Kerimov VN, Khutsishvili M, Atha DE, Borris RP, Koomoa DL.
Juniper extracts induce calcium signaling and apoptosis in neuroblastoma cells,
Journal of Pharma and Pharmaceutical Sciences, (1): 1-7, 2015.
9. Shimoda LMN, Showman A, Baker JD, Lange I, Koomoa DL, Borris B, Turner H,
Differential regulation of calcium signaling pathways by components of Piper
methysticum (‘Awa), Phytotherapy Res, 29 (4): 582-90, 2015.
Research Support:
Ongoing
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation 12/15/18-05/31/21
Investigating novel therapies for Advanced stage Neuroblastoma
Role: PI $50,000
Health Careers Opportunity Program 09/01/18-08/31/23
Increase diversity within the regional health professions workforce by successfully
recruiting and retaining 1,000 students from economically and educationally
disadvantaged backgrounds to careers in health professions.
Role: Curriculum Coordinator Funding: $1,924,506
National Science Foundation Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation (LSAMP)
program 09/01/18-08/31/23
Prepare and Diversify the STEM workforce in Oceania by providing culturally relevant
education and research experiences, rooted in indigenous languages and culture.
Role: IOA Campus Coordinator Funding: $600,000
Grants Pending
National Science Foundation Discovery Research PreK-12 09/01/2021-08/31/2023
Frameworks for NGSS Success!!
Develop and implement curriculum and research programs that meet the Next
Generation Science Standards (NGSS) with a focus on STEM learning experiences for
K-12th grade students and teachers (in-service/pre-service). The program will also
develop collaborations between K-12 teachers, STEM graduate students and university
faculty.
Role: PI Funding requested: $449, 985
Completed (since 2015)
National Science Foundation Improving Undergraduate STEM Education 08/01/15-
10/31/18
Engaged Student Learning at the Design and Development Level I
This Design and Development Level I project will address the I-USE aims of improving
STEM-learning environments, broadening participation and building a professional
STEM workforce for tomorrow.
42
Role: co-PI (PI: Helen Turner, Chaminade University) Funding: $300,000
National Institute of General Medical Sciences, National Institutes of Health (P20)
Award Number P20GM 103466 05/01/13-04/30/18
MYCN promotes neuroblastoma cell migration: regulation of TRPM7 expression,
channel activity and kinase cleavage.
The objective of this project is to elucidate the mechanisms regulating TRPM7 channel
activity, TRPM7 kinase activity and cleavage of the TRPM7 kinase.
Role: Junior Investigator Funding: $100,000/year
Geist Foundation Medical Research Grant (Hawaii Community Foundation) 07/01/15-
12/15/17
Investigating the anti-cancer effects of Hawaiian plant extracts
The objective of this grant is to examine the anti-cancer effects of Hawaiian medicinal
plant extracts, and to elucidate the mechanism by which these extracts exert their anti-
cancer effects in Neuroblastoma. Role: PI Funding: $49,901
NCI Mentored Research Scientist Development Award to Promote Diversity (K01)
CA154758-02 09/12/12-08/31/17
MYCN-induced calcium and magnesium signaling regulates Neuroblastoma
The objectives of this grant are to examine the mechanisms by which calcium and
magnesium regulates Neuroblastoma migration and invasion, and to determine the
molecular identity of the proteins involved in these processes.
Role: PI Funding: $675,000
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Pediatric Oncology Student Training Award 05/29/17-08/11/17
Elucidating the mechanism whereby Native Hawaiian plant extracts induce calcium-
dependent cell death in drug resistant Neuroblastoma
Role: Supervisor and Mentor Student stipend: $5,000
UH Hilo Seed Money Grant 07/01/15-04/30/16
Creating a novel high throughput live cell confocal imaging assay and analyses to
identify compounds and extracts that target calcium signaling at ER associated
mitochondria membranes
The objective of this grant is to establish a novel high throughput assay that allows
confocal imaging and analyses of plant extracts and compounds that reduce
Neuroblastoma cell viability by targeting ER associated mitochondria membrane
signaling. Role: PI Funding: $13,000
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Pediatric Oncology Student Training Award
05/18/15-07/31/15
Investigating the anti-cancer properties of traditional preparations of native Hawaiian
medicinal plant extracts Role: Supervisor and Mentor
Student stipend: $5,000
Ingo Lange, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Publications (since 2015)
1. Hiwa K Saeed, Yogesh Sutar, Pratikkumar Patel, Roopal Bhat, Sudipta Mallick, Alyssa
43
E. Hatada, Dana-Lynn T. Koomoa, Ingo Lange and Abhijit A. Date; Synthesis and
characterization of lipophilic salts of metformin to improve its repurposing for
cancer therapy, ACS Omega, accepted
2. John Jacob, Ghee Tan, Ingo Lange, Hiwa Saeed, Abhijit Date and Susan Jarvi, In vitro
efficacy of anthelmintics on Angiostrongylus cantonensis L3 larvae, Parasitology
2021 148:2 240-250. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0031182020001146
3. Jansen C, Shimoda LMN, Starkus J, Lange Ingo, Rysavy N, Maaetoft-Udsen K, Tobita
C, Stokes AJ, Turner H. In vitro exposure to Hymenoptera venom and constituents
activates discrete ionotropic pathways in mast cells. Channels (Austin). 2019
Dec;13(1):264-286.
4. Lange I*, Koster J, Koomoa DT* Calcium signaling regulates fundamental processes
involved in Neuroblastoma progression. Cell Calcium. 2019 Sept; 82:102052.
doi:10.1016/ j.ceca. 2019.06.006. Review. PubMed PMID: 31306997. *corresponding
authors
5. Jarvi SI, Jacob J, Sugihara RT, Leinbach IL, Klasner IH, Kaluna LM, Snook KA, Howe
MK, Jacquier SH, Lange Ingo, Atkinson AL, Deane AR, Niebuhr CN, Siers SR.
Validation of a death assay for Angiostrongylus cantonensis larvae (L3) using
propidium iodide in a rat model (Rattus norvegicus). Parasitology. 2019 Jul 3;1-31.
6. Qiao Y, Sunada NK, Hatada AE, Lange I, Khutsishvili M, Alizade V, Atha D, Ko'omoa-
Lange DL, Borris RP. Potential anti-neuroblastoma agents from Juniperus oblonga.
Biochem Biophys Res Commun. 2019 Jun 26;. doi: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.06.123. [Epub
ahead of print] PubMed PMID: 31255282.
7. Shella Saint Fleur-Lominy, Mate Maus, Martin Vaeth, Ingo Lange, Isabelle Zee, David
Suh, Cynthia Liu, Xiaojun Wu, Anastasia Tikhonova, Iannis Aifantis, Stefan Feske,
Store-operated Ca2+ entry mediates cancer-induced inflammation in T cell acute
lymphoblastic leukemia, Cell Reports, 2018 Sep 11;24(11):3045-3060.
8. Ingo Lange*, Italo Espinoza-Fuenzalida, Mourad Ali, Laura Espana-Serrano, Dana-
Lynn T Koomoa*, FTY-720 induced apoptosis in Neuroblastoma via multiple
signaling pathways, Oncotarget, 2017; Nov 6; 8:109985-109999, *corresponding
9. Susana Beceiro, Jana N. Radin, Rupesh Chatuvedi, M. Blanca Piazuelo, Dennis J.
Horvarth, Hanna Cortado, Beverly Dixon, Gu Cheng, Ingo Lange, Dana-Lynn T.
Koomoa, Keith T. Wilson, Holly M. Scott Algood and Santiago Partida-Sánchez;
TRPM2 ion channels regulate NADPH oxidase activity and macrophage polarization
upon Helicobacter pylori infection, Mucosal Immunology, 2016 Jul 20. doi:
10.1038/mi.2016.60
10.Ingo Lange, Julia Moschny, Vugar N. Kerimov, Manana Khutsishvili, Daniel E. Atha,
Robert P. Borris, Dana-Lynn Koomoa, Scrophularia orientalis Extract Induces Calcium
signaling and Apoptosis in Neuroblastoma cells, 2016 Feb 3. doi:
10.3892/ijo.2016.3373 International Journal of Oncology
11.Ingo Lange, Julia Moschny, Vugar N. Kerimov, Manana Khutsishvili, Daniel E. Atha,
Robert P. Borris, Dana-Lynn T Koomoa, Juniper Extracts Induce Calcium signalling
and Apoptosis in Neuroblastoma cells, Journal of Pharma and Pharmaceutical
Sciences, Vol: 1, Issue: 1, 2015
12.Shimoda, Lori .M.N, Showman, A., Baker, J.D., Lange, Ingo., Koomoa, Dana-Lynn T,
Borris, Robert., and Turner, Helen., Differential regulation of calcium signaling
pathways by components of Piper methysticum (‘Awa), 2015 Apr;29(4):582-90,
Phytotherapy Research
44
Research Support:
Ongoing
Dec. 2020- June 2022
Geist Foundation Medical Research Grant (Hawaii Community Foundation), The role
of NFAT4 in high-risk Neuroblastoma, (12/02/2020- 06/01/2022) $50,000, Role: PI
Jan. 2020- August 2021
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy New Investigator award,
Components of store operated calcium entry promote Neuroblastoma malignancy
(03012020- 2282021), no-cost extension requested due to COVID19 $10,000 +
$1,000 travel, Role: PI
INBRE IV – Pilot grant, Consequences of NFAT4 constitutive activation on
Neuroblastoma patient outcome (05/01/2021, to 04/30/2022) $50,000, Role: PI
Completed (since 2015)
Dec. 2019 – Dec. 2020
UH Hilo Faculty Extramural Proposal Development Fund
Role: PI $10,000
Jul. 2019 – Dec. 2020
UH Hilo Seed Grant, Repurposing of difluoromethylornithine (DFMO) for
improvement of cancer
Role: PI (both Date and Koomoa-Lange) $13,750
Jul. 2014- Jun 2017
Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation Young Investigator award, Molecular
Mechanism and Development of Therapeutic Strategies Targeting MYCN-induced
Calcium Signaling in Advanced Neuroblastoma
Role:PI $100,000
2019 CCDL RNA-Seq Training Workshop Travel Grant, Chicago, Illinois, ALSF
2017 Northwestern Mutual Travel Grant, International Pediatric Neuro-Oncology
Conference, Houston, Texas
2016 Rockland, antibodies and reagents support $2,500
2016 Northwestern Mutual equipment/supply support $1,000
2015 Northwestern Mutual equipment/supply support $1,000
2015 ALSF Fund-A-Project, equipment grant $1,500
2015 UHH travel grant, $2,200, support for travel to GRC, Calcium Signaling
Dianqing Sun, Ph.D.
Professor
Publications (since 2015)
1) Gabriella Miklossy, Ui Joung Youn, Peibin Yue, Mingming Zhang, Chih-Hong Chen,
Tyvette S. Hilliard, David Paladino, Yifei Li, Justin Choi, Jann N. Sarkaria, Joel K.
Kawakami, Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit, Yuan Chen, Dianqing Sun, Leng Chee
Chang, and James Turkson, Hirsutinolide series inhibit Stat3 activity, alter GCN1,
MAP1B, Hsp105, G6PD, vimentin, TrxR1, and importin α-2 expression, and induce
antitumor effects against human glioma, Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2015,
58(19), 7734-7748.
2) Ui Joung Youn, Tawanun Sripisut, Eun-Jung Park, Tamara P. Kondratyuk, Nighat
Fatima, Charles J. Simmons, Marisa M. Wall, Dianqing Sun, John M. Pezzuto, and
Leng Chee Chang, Determination of the Absolute Configuration of Chaetoviridins
and Other Bioactive Azaphilones from the Endophytic Fungus Chaetomium
globosum, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2015, 25(21), 4719-4723.
45
3) Mingming Zhang, Dianqing Sun*, Recent Advances of Natural and Synthetic β-
Carbolines as Anticancer Agents, Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry, invited
review, 2015, 15(5), 537-547.
4) Dianqing Sun and Daniela Gündisch, Privileged scaffolds in natural products and
drug discovery, Current Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 2016, 16(11), 1199.
5) Lissa S. Tsutsumi, Daniela Gündisch, Dianqing Sun*, Carbazole Scaffold in
Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products: A Review from 2010-2015, Current
Topics in Medicinal Chemistry, 2016, 16(11), 1290-1313.
6) Hao Lin, David F Bruhn, Marcus M Maddox, Aman P Singh, Richard E Lee, Dianqing
Sun*, Synthesis and antibacterial evaluation of macrocyclic diarylheptanoid
derivatives, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2016, 26(16), 4070-4076.
7) Allan M. Prior, Xufen Yu, Eun-Jung Park, Tamara P. Kondratyuk, Yan Lin, John M.
Pezzuto, Dianqing Sun*, Structure-activity relationships and docking studies of
synthetic 2-arylindole derivatives determined with aromatase and quinone
reductase 1, Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry Letters, 2017, 27(24), 5393-5399.
8) Lissa S. Tsutsumi, Ghee T. Tan, and Dianqing Sun*, Solid-phase synthesis of cyclic
hexapeptides wollamides A, B and desotamide B, Tetrahedron Letters, 2017, 58(27),
2675-2680.
9) Xufen Yu, Mingming Zhang, Thirunavukkarasu Annamalai, Priyanka Bansod,
Gagandeep Narula, Yuk-Ching Tse-Dinh, Dianqing Sun*, Synthesis, evaluation, and
CoMFA study of fluoroquinophenoxazine derivatives as bacterial topoisomerase IA
inhibitors, European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 2017, 125, 515-527.
10) Dianqing Sun, Advances in Antibacterial Drug Discovery and Therapy, Journal of
Clinical Medicine, 2018,
http://www.mdpi.com/journal/jcm/special_issues/Antibacterial_Agents.
11) Mingming Zhang, Allan M. Prior, Marcus M. Maddox, Wan-Jou Shen, Kirk E.
Hevener, David F. Bruhn, Robin B. Lee, Aman P. Singh, Justin Reinicke, Charles J.
Simmons, Julian G. Hurdle, Richard E. Lee, Dianqing Sun*, Pharmacophore
Modeling, Synthesis, and Antibacterial Evaluation of Chalcones and Derivatives, ACS
Omega, 2018, 3(12), 18343-18360.
12) Mingming Zhang, Eun-Jung Park, Tamara P. Kondratyuk, John M. Pezzuto,
Dianqing Sun*, Synthesis and structure-activity relationships of tetrahydro-β-
carboline derivatives as anticancer and cancer-chemopreventive agents, Anticancer
Research, 2018, 38(8), 4425-4433.
13) Allan M. Prior, Taylor Hori, Ashriel Fishman, Dianqing Sun*, Recent Reports of
Solid-Phase Cyclohexapeptide Synthesis and Applications, Molecules, 2018, 23(6),
1475.
14) Lissa S. Tsutsumi, John M. Elmore, Uyen T. Dang, Miranda J. Wallace,
Ravikanthreddy Marreddy, Robin B. Lee, Ghee T. Tan, Julian G. Hurdle, Richard E.
Lee, Dianqing Sun*, Solid-Phase Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity of
Cyclohexapeptide Wollamide B Analogs, ACS Combinatorial Science, 2018, 20(3),
172-185.
15) Allan M. Prior, Dianqing Sun*, Scope and optimization of the double Knorr
cyclization: Synthesis of novel symmetrical and unsymmetrical tricyclic 1,8-
diazaanthraquinones, Synthesis, 2018, 50(4), 859-871.
16) Jesse A. Jones,† Allan M. Prior,† Ravi K.R. Marreddy, Rebecca D. Wahrmund, Julian G.
Hurdle, Dianqing Sun*, Kirk E. Hevener*, Small-molecule inhibition of the C. difficile
FAS-II enzyme, FabK, results in selective activity, ACS Chemical Biology, 2019, 14(7),
46
1528-1535.
17) Pamela K. Garcia, Thirunavukkarasu Annamalai, Wenjie Wang, Raven S. Bell, Duc Le,
Paula Martin Pancorbo, Sabah Sikandar, Ahmed Seddek, Xufen Yu, Dianqing Sun,
Anne-Catrin Uhlemann, Purushottam B. Tiwari, Fenfei Leng, Yuk-Ching Tse-Dinh,
Mechanism and resistance for antimycobacterial activity of a
fluoroquinophenoxazine compound, PLoS ONE, 2019, 14(2), e0207733.
18) Allan M. Prior, Dianqing Sun*, Total Synthesis of Diazaquinomycins H and J Using
Double Knorr Cyclization in the Presence of Triisopropylsilane, RSC Advances, 2019,
9(4), 1759-1771.
19) Ravi K.R. Marreddy, Xiaoqian Wu, Madhab Sapkota, Allan M. Prior, Jesse A. Jones,
Dianqing Sun, Kirk E. Hevener, Julian G. Hurdle, The fatty acid synthesis protein
enoyl-ACP reductase II (FabK) is a target for narrow-spectrum antibacterials for
Clostridium difficile infection, ACS Infectious Diseases, 2019, 5(2), 208-217.
20) Allan M. Prior, Dianqing Sun*, Solid-Phase Synthesis of Wollamide
Cyclohexapeptide Analogs, Methods Mol. Biol. 2020, 2103, 175-187.
Research Support:
Ongoing
PR191438 2019 DoD Peer Reviewed Medical Research (PI: Hevener)
07/01/2020-06/30/2023 1 cal month
Development and Evaluation of Inhibitors of the C. difficile Enzyme, FabK, as
Microbiome-Sparing Antibacterials
The major goals of this study are to design and synthesize novel FabK inhibitors for the
treatment of C. difficile infection.
Total direct for this subaward: $267,715, total amount: $385,939.
Role: Co-Investigator/subaward PI
INBRE 2019-2021 New Initiative Grant award (GM103466 INBRE IV, PI: Nichols)
05/01/2019-04/30/2021
NIGMS/NIH
Synthesis and evaluation of diazaquinomycin derivatives as new antituberculosis agents
The major goal of this study is to discover new diazaquinomycin derivatives for the
treatment of tuberculosis.
Total award: $100,000 (no indirect cost)
Role: project PI
19ADVC-95335 (PI: Sun) 06/19/2019-12/18/2020, NCE to 12/18/2021
Hawai'i Community Foundation (HCF), LE'AHI FUND for pulmonary Research-Scientific
Research
Discovery of Cyclohexapeptide Wollamide Analogs as Novel TB Therapeutics
The major goal of this study is to design and synthesize cyclohexapeptide wollamide
analogs as new antituberculosis agents.
Total direct: $27,273, total amount: $30,000
Completed (since 2015)
16ADVC-78728 (PI: Sun) 04/27/2016-10/26/2017 (NCE to 4/26/2019)
Hawai'i Community Foundation (HCF), LE'AHI FUND for pulmonary Research-Scientific
Research
47
Design and synthesis of diaza-anthracenes and derivatives as new antituberculosis
agents
The major goal of this study is to design and synthesize diaza-anthracenes and
derivatives as new antituberculosis agents.
Total direct: $45,455, total amount: $50,000
Role: PI
1R21AI126755-01 (MPI: Hevener and Hurdle) 06/25/2016-05/31/2018
NIAID/NIH
Investigation of the FAS-II enzyme, FabK, as a druggable target for C. difficile
The major goal of this study is to validate FabK as a druggable target for C. difficile and
to further develop CdFabK inhibitors as a new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of
C. difficile infections.
Total direct for this subaward: $10,000, total amount: $14,150.
Role: Co-I/Subcontract PI
INBRE Pilot Grant 2017 award (GM103466 INBRE III, PI: Nichols)
06/15/2017-04/30/2018
NIGMS/NIH
Development of macrocyclic hexapeptide wollamide B analogs as new antituberculosis
agents
Total award: $30,000 (no indirect cost)
Role: project PI
15ADVC-74422 (PI: Sun) 05/11/2015-11/10/2016 (NCE to 11/10/2017)
George F. Straub Trust of Hawai'i Community Foundation (HCF)
Discovery of novel small molecule anti-difficile agents
The major goals of this study are to develop novel small molecule antibacterial agents
for the treatment of Clostridium difficile infections.
Total direct: $47,619, total amount: $50,000
Role: PI
R15AI092315-01 (PI: Sun) 09/01/2011-08/31/2014 (NCE:
03/31/2016)
NIAID/NIH
Development of Piperidinols and Engelhardiones as Novel Antituberculosis Agents
The major goals of this study are to develop novel small molecule piperidinol and
natural product engelhardione based derivatives as novel antituberculosis agents.
Total direct: $297,189, total amount: $406,257
Role: PI
Ghee Tan, Ph.D.
Professor
Publications (since 2015)
1. M.A. Siraj, A.T. Jacobs and G.T. Tan (2021) Altersolanol B inhibits human HR+
breast adenocarcinoma cells proliferation by dual modulation of AKT-FOXO1 and
p38-ERK MAPK signaling pathways. Molecules, submitted.
2. M.A. Siraj, M.S. Rahman, G.T. Tan, and V. Seidel. (2021) Molecular Docking and
Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of Triterpenes from Vernonia patula with
48
the Cannabinoid Type 1 Receptor. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 22, 3595.
https:// doi.org/10.3390/ijms22073595
3. J. Jacob, G.T. Tan, I. Lange, H. Saeed, A. Date and S. Jarvi. (2020) In vitro efficacy of
anthelmintics on Angiostrongylus cantonensis L3 larvae, Parasitology (Cambridge
University Press), 2020 Aug 17;1-11. doi: 10.1017/S0031182020001146.
4. S. Phosri, N. Jangpromma, L.C. Chang, G.T. Tan, S Wongwiwatthananukit, S.
Maijaroen, P. Anwised, W. Payoungkiattikun, S. Klaynongsruang. (2018) Siamese
Crocodile White Blood Cell Extract Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Promotes
Autophagy in Multiple Cancer Cell Lines. J Microbiol Biotechnol. 2018 Jun
28;28(6):1007-1021. doi: 10.4014/jmb.1712.12002. PMID:29847866
5. L.S. Tsutsumi, J.M. Elmore, U.T. Dang, M.J. Wallace, R. Marreddy, R.B. Lee, G.T. Tan,
J.G. Hurdle, R.E. Lee, D. Sun. (2018) Solid-Phase Synthesis and Antibacterial Activity
of Cyclohexapeptide Wollamide B Analogs. ACS Comb Sci. 2018 Mar 12;20(3):172-
185. DOI: 10.1021/acscombsci.7b00189. PMID: 29431987.
6. L.S. Tsutsumi, G.T. Tan and D.-Q. Sun (2017) Solid-phase synthesis of cyclic
hexapeptides wollamides A, B and desotamide B. Tetrahedron Lett. 58 (27): 2675-
2680. DOI10.1016/j.tetlet.2017.05.084. PMID: 29129945; PMCID: PMC5678967.
7. N. Fatima, T. Sripisut, U.J. Youn, S. Ahmed, I. Ul-Haq, U. Muñoz-Acuña, C.J.
Simmons, M.A. Qazi, M. Jadoon, G.T. Tan, E.J. de Blanco, and L.C. Chang. (2017)
Bioactive constituents from an endophytic fungus, Penicillium polonicum NFW9,
associated with Taxus fauna. Med. Chem. Feb 16. DOI:
10.2174/1573406413666170216145121; PMID: 28215169.
8. Y. Guan, D. Wang, G.T. Tan, N.V. Hung, N.M. Cuong, J.M. Pezzuto, H.H.S. Fong, D.D.
Soejarto and H. Zhang (2016) Litsea species as potential antiviral plant sources.
Am. J. Chinese Med. 44(2):1–16. DOI: 10.1142/S0192415X16500166; PMID:
27080941.
9. Y. Wu, S. Girmay, V.M. da Silva, B. Perry, X.-W. Hu, and G.T. Tan (2015) The role of
endophytic fungi in the anticancer activity of Morinda citrifolia Linn. (Noni).
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine (eCAM), vol. 2015, 8
pages, DOI:10.1155/2015/393960; PMID: 26783408; PMCID: PMC4689921.
10. W.H. Pan, K.L. Liu, Y.F. Guan, G.T. Tan, N.V. Hung, N.M. Cuong, D.D. Soejarto, J.M.
Pezzuto, H.H.S. Fong, and H.J. Zhang (2015) Bioactive compounds from Vitex
leptobotrys. J. Nat. Prod., 77(3): 663–667. DOI:10.1021/np400779v; PMID:24404757;
PMCID: PMC4068261.
Research Support:
Ongoing
1 R25 GM113747-01A1 Morrison (Director) 07/01/16 - 06/30/22
$813,675 allotted to Ghee Tan (Co-Director)/DKICP (out of $2,465,200 total to UH Hilo).
“Students of Hawaii Advanced Research Program” (SHARP) This Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement (RISE) Program (R25) supports the
research training of both undergraduate and graduate under-represented students,
including Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, in biomedical and behavioral sciences
49
(BBS) utilizing scientific approaches that are culturally-relevant. The University of Hawaii
at Hilo is committed to prepare its diverse student population for competitive BBS
careers that involve disease prevention and health promotion toward the ultimate aim
of reducing health disparities in the state.
Role: Co-Investigator (and Director of the Ph.D. arm of SHARP)
Completed (since 2015)
University of Hawaii at Hilo Seed Grant (AY19-20) 8/1/19 – 12/31/20
“Characterization of Host-Microbiome Interactions Using an Aerobic/anaerobic Co-
culture Model of the Human Intestine Coupled with Metabolomics.” This project supports the development of an in vitro co-culture model of the human intestine for
use in the interrogation of human-gut microbiome interactions and the modulatory
effect of natural products. $14,000
Role: PI
P20GM103466-17 Nichols (PI) 10/12/18 - 4/30/19
IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) IV - Hawaii Statewide
Research and Education Partnership (HiSREP) “Dual aerobic/anaerobic co-culture
model for the study of host-microbiome interactions.” This project supports an investigation into the effect of curcumin and resveratrol on
human-microbiome interactions using an accurately simulated in vitro co-culture
model of the human intestine coupled with metabolomics analyses to detect
pharmacologically-relevant (co)metabolites and biotransformed products of the
tripartite interaction.
Role: PI (Subaward) $25,000
Supakit
Wongwiwatthananukit,
Pharm.D., Ph.D.
Professor
Publications (since 2015)
1. Ma,C., Wongwiwatthananukit, S., Juarez, D., Tokumaru, S., & Khampanphan, C.
(2015). Impact of advanced pharmacy practice experiential student-led seminars
on competences of retailed pharmacy students enrolled in introductory pharmacy
practice experience, J Pharma Care Health Sys, S2: S2-005, 1-7,
doi:10.4172/jpchs.1000-S2-005.
2. Miklossy, G., Youn, U.J., Yue, P., Hilliard, T.S., Paladino, D., Zhang, M., Li, Y., Chen,
C.H., Kawakami, J.K., Chen. Y., Wongwiwatthananukit, S., Sun, D., Chang. L.C., &
Turkson. J. (2015). Hirsutinolide series inhibit Stat3 activity, alter GCN1, MAP1B,
Hsp105, G6PD, vimentin, TrxR1, and importin α-2 expression, and induce
antitumor effects against human glioma. J Med Chem, 58, 7734-7748.
3. Jusczak, P., Ma, C., & Wongwiwatthananukit, S. (2015). Evaluation of simulation
intravenous admixture training for students enrolled in the introductory pharmacy
practice experience. Bulletin of Health, Sci &Tech,13(2), 31-38.
4. Klanbut, S., Phattanarudee, S., Wongwiwatthananukit, S., Suthisisang, C., &
Bhidayasiri, R. (2016). Prevalence and characteristics of symptomatic orthostatic
hypotension in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Thai J Pharm Prac, 8, 156-168.
5. Pradubyat, N., Jongrungruangchok, S., Songsak, T., & Wongwiwatthananukit, S.
(2016). Cytotoxic antiproliferative and apoptotic activity of secondary metabolites
from Aspergillus Unquis CRI282-03 on human colon cancer cell line (COLO 205).
Bulletin of Health, Sci &Tech,14, 77-92.
6. Jongrungruangchok, S., Pradubyat, N., Songsak, T., & Wongwiwatthananukit, S.
(2016). Cytotoxic activity of racemosal and demethylracemosal from Bauhinia
50
malabarica against human colon cancer COLO 205 cells. Bulletin of Health, Sci
&Tech,14(1), 93-102.
7. Blakesley, B., Songsak, T., Wattanavijitkul, T., Lteif, L., Shih, A., &
Wongwiwatthananukit, S. (2016). What a pharmacist/practitioner should know
about evaluating systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Bulletin of Health, Sci
&Tech,14, 1-12.
8. Pradubyat, N., Jongrungruangchok, S., Songsak, T., & Wongwiwatthananukit, S.
(2016). Cytotoxic activity of 4H-Chromenes on COLO 205 human colon
adenocarcinoma cell line. Bulletin of Health, Sci &Tech,14, 27-32.
9. Thomas, K., Zhang, M., Reinicke, J., Parker, J., Ohora, D., Wall, M., Songsak, T.,
Wongwiwatthananukit, S., & Chang, LC. (2017). Protein kinase inhibitory properties
of extracts derived from Bocconia frutescens and Gomphocarpus physocarpus.
Bulletin of Health, Sci &Tech,15, 47-58.
10. Fukuchi, A., Sang-ngern, M., Zhang, M., Sunada, N., Phosri, S., Tan, G.,
Wongwiwatthananukit, S., & Chang, L.C. (2017). Evaluation of cytotoxic and
antioxidant activity of fucose-containing sulfated polysaccharide from Hawaiian
marine algae. Bulletin of Health, Sci &Tech,15, 15-31.
11. Klanbut, S., Phattanarudee, S., Wongwiwatthananukit, S., Suthisisang, C., &
Bhidayasiri, R. (2018). Symptomatic orthostatic hypotension in Parkinson's disease
patients: Prevalence, associated factors and its impact on balance confidence. J
Neuro Sci, 385, 168-174.
12. Sangthong, S., Phattanarudee, S., Wongwiwatthananukit, S., Suthisisang, C., &
Bhidayasiri, R. (2018). Prevalence and characteristic of excessive daytime sleepiness
in Thai patients with Parkinson’s disease. Thai J Pharm Prac, 10, 195-206.
13. Youn, U.J., Wongwiwatthananukit, S., Songsak, T., & Chang, L.C..(2018).
Sesquiterpene lactones from Vernonia cinerea. Chem Nat Compd, 54(2), 235-237.
14. Khemawoot, P., Hengjumrut, P., Anukunwithaya, T., Chang, L.C,
Wongwiwatthananukit, S., & Tantisira, M. (2018). Comparison of the
pharmacokinetic profiles of a standardized extract of Centella asiatica and a
mixture of madecassoside and asiaticoside. Planta Med Int Open, 5, e39-e47.
15. Phosri, S., Jangpromma,N., Chang, L.C., Tan, G.T., Wongwiwatthananukit, S.,
Maijaroen,S., Anwised, P., Payoungkiattikun,W., & Klaynongsruang, S. (2018).
Siamese crocodile white blood cell extract inhibits cell proliferation and promotes
autophagy in multiple cancer cell lines. J Microbiol Biotechnol, 28(6), 1007-1021.
16. Jongrungruangchok, S., Pradubyat, N., Songsak, T., Jarintanun, F., Wall, M., Chang,
L.C., & Wongwiwatthananukit, S. (2019). Cytotoxicity and induction of the
apoptotic activity of hirsutinolide series/sesquiterpene lactones from Vernonia
cinerea on human colorectal cancer cells (COLO 205). J Curr Sci &Tech (JCST), 9(1),
41-47.
17. Prodencio, J., Ohora, D., Zeszotarski, P., & Wongwiwatthananukit, S. (2019).
Development of an online NAPLEX preparation course for pharmacy students.
Interprof J Health Sci (IJHS), 17(1), 28-33.
18. Suriyapakorn, B., Chairat, P., Boonyoprakarn, S., Rojanarattanangkul, P., Pisetcheep,
W., Hunsakunachai, N., Wongwiwatthananukit, S., Khemawoot, P. (2019).
Comparison of potential drug-drug interactions with metabolic syndrome
medications detected by two databases. PLOS ONE, 14(11), 1-10.
19. Zhang, M., Yang, X., Wei, Y., Wall, M., Songsak, T., Wongwiwatthananukit, S.,&
Chang, L.C. (2019). Bioactive sesquiterpine lactones isolated from the whole plants
51
of Vernonia cinerea. J Nat Prod, 82(8), 2124-2131.
20. Truong, Q., Wongwiwatthananukit, S., & Ferreira, E. (2019). What a
pharmacist/practitioner should know about evaluating noninferiority trials.
Interprof J Health Sci (IJHS), 17(2), 114-136.
21. Wongwiwatthananukit, S., Dumrongpiwat, S., Wongwiwatthananukit, N., Khlaisang,
M., Suwanmajo, S., Krittiyanunt, S., Songsak, T., & Aoki, T. (2020). Effects of
compulsory versus voluntary methods for youth offenders in a pharmacist-based
smoking cessation program. Interprof J Health Sci (IJHS), 18(1), 15-28.
22. Wang, C., Wu, X., Bai, H., Zaman, A., Hou, S., Saito, J; Wongwiwatthananukit, S.,
Kim, HS., & Cao, S. (2020). Antibacterial and NF-κB inhibitory lumazine peptides,
aspochalasin, γ-butyrolactone derivatives and cyclic peptides from a Hawaiian
Aspergillus flavipes. J Nat Prod, 83(7), 2233-2240.
23. Prodencio, J., Wongwiwatthananukit, S., Losano, A., & Xu, Y. (2020). Instagram as a
tool to enhance pharmacy student learning of ambulatory care pharmacy. Curr
Pharm Teach Learn, doi:10.1016/j.cptl.2020.09.007
24. Na-Nan K., & Wongwiwatthananukit, S. (2020). Development and validation of a
life satisfaction instrument in human resource practitioners of Thailand. J. Open
Innov. Technol. Mark. Complex, 6(3), 75, 1-16.
Research Support:
Ongoing
1. Leng Chee Chang, Jennifer Honda, & Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit. “Antimicrobial Activity of Hawaiian medicinal plants against nontuberculous mycobacteria,” Grants from Hawai`i Community Foundation; May 2018, June 2019 – March 2021.
$49,980.00
2. Marisa Wall, Leng Chee Chang, & Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit. “Investigating
Natural Compounds from Tropical Plants with Medicinal Activity,” Grants from USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS); August 2020 – September 2022,
$30,947.00
Completed (since 2015)
1. Marisa Wall, Leng Chee Chang, & Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit. “Phytochemical Evaluation of Tropical Plants for Bioactive Compounds,” Grants from USDA Agricultural Research Service (ARS); September 2015 – August 2020, $31,320.00 per
year, Total $156,600.00
2. Leng Chee Chang & Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit. “Evaluation of natural products from Waltheria indica (‘Uhaloa) in the treatment of Clostridium difficile,” Grants from Hawai`i Community Foundation; May 2016 - October 2018. $49,875.00
3. Leng Chee Chang, Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit, & James Turkson. “Evaluation of
hirsutinolides from Vernonia cinerea in the treatment of cancer,” Grants from the UH Cancer Center Pilot Study Award, UH Cancer Center- UH Foundation; June
2016-May 2017, $35,000.00
4. Siranan Klanbut, Siripan Phattanarudee, & Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit,
Jutamanee Sutthsrisang, & Sunchai Payungporn.“Prevalence of and factor associated with orthostatic hypotension in patients with parkinson’s disease,”
Grants from Chulalongkorn University Graduate Program Foundation; March 2015-
December 2016, $3,500.00
5. Siripan Phattanarudee, Supakit Wongwiwatthananukit, Jutamanee Sutthsrisang, &
52
Sunchai Payungporn. “Prevalence and risk factors associated with impulsive and
compulsive behaviors in patients with parkinson’s disease,” 2015-2017. Grants from
Chulalongkorn University Pharmacy Promotion Research Foundation; June 2015,
$8,250.00
VIII. Fiscal Matters, Facilities, and Research Resourcing (Including Library)
Part A. KFS Financials & Analysis; Grants and Overheads; Cost per SSH and Analysis
The Ph.D. degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences was established in 2011 as a key strategic initiative to
strengthen the viability of the Pharm.D. program with *no additional costs* to DKICP. In addition, it has
contributed new graduate tuition revenue to UH and the generation of extramural funding for which UH
Hilo would not be eligible or as competitive without the Ph.D. program. This program has contributed to
the economy of the state by producing graduates with high level expertise in the health sciences who
ultimately found gainful employment in the health and academic sectors of the Big Island. It is the only
opportunity for Hawaii Island residents to earn a science-based Ph.D. degree without leaving home.
The UH Board of Regents approved the Ph.D. program in 2011 with resources already in place for the
benefit of the Pharm.D. program3, including:
Faculty with expertise in pharmaceutical sciences (a foundational science required for ACPE
accreditation of the Pharm.D. degree), all of whom teach in the Pharm.D. program;
Laboratories to conduct pharmaceutical sciences research. Although most of these laboratories
have been located off campus which is not optimal, renovation of facilities on campus is currently
underway to consolidate all laboratories on the property adjacent to the new permanent building
designed for pharmacy student education; this will significantly enhance the efficiency of
operations and facilitate collaborations across campus.
Equipment to support high quality biology- and chemistry-based pharmaceutical sciences
research.
As documented in the Ph.D. program proposal that was submitted to the UH Board of Regents, the
unique program costs (e.g., equipment maintenance, supplies, etc.) were projected to remain under
$100,000 per year based on the table of expenses approved by the BOR.4 These unique program costs
are now fully funded through extramural awards including direct and indirect funding from the
awards. The INBRE grant has returned over $100,000 per year in indirect funds to support the unique
programs costs. In addition, direct costs from individual faculty member grants contribute to the unique
costs.
3 Minutes of the Board of Regents, February 24, 2011, 8-9. 4 Proposal for Establishment of a Ph.D. Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Fall 2011, 37.
53
One of the many unanswered questions is the implied criticism of the program as being fiscally inefficient.
Per the UH Hilo Data Table that was developed by the Long Page Budgeting Committee, the following
are metrics for the entire college:
$ per SSH per Change Instructional Declared RTRF Semester % SSH of non- SSH per
degree FTE since Salary majors Hours tenure track tenure-
Instruction 2015- Expense Per & Taught 2019-2020 track
2016 Degree
2019-2020
Change
2015-
2015-
2020
&
% Change
&
% Change
& 2020 &
% change % Change
2015-2020
PharmD, $43,832 $585 -7.1% $46,550 297 $50,000 2135 81% 1146
PSci, 13% 113% 15% -3% -23%
CLinical
The major problem with these new metrics is that it does not offer a differentiation between the Ph.D.
and Pharm.D programs. Due to the fact that the Pharm.D. program represents the bulk of enrollment and
services, and the Ph.D. program “piggy-backs” on the course offerings of the Pharm.D. program to a
substantial extent, it is not clear how the Ph.D. program significantly adds to the overall cost of the
college. Additionally, no part-time or full time lecturers or instructors have ever been hired to teach solely
in the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences program since its inception.
Yearly enrollment 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 Change 2015-
2020
Pharmaceutical Sciences Ph.D. 11 13 9 9 8 7 -36%
Pharm.D. 327 317 318 319 285 246 -25%
While the percentile downturn in enrollments for the Ph.D. program seems significant, the ratio of
students to faculty is much smaller, meaning that a single student carries a large percentage of the
enrollment. The Ph.D. Program is of the correct size that is sustainable, given that the total number of
students in the Program is cumulative with each admissions cycle over a 7-year period (nationwide
average for time-to-graduation), and that student research requires continuous grant funding which is
increasingly competitive over the years, especially during periods of economic downturn.
Since the metrics do not address the actual cost of each degree, it is incorrect to say that the Ph.D.
program is fiscally inefficient given that the faculty have brought in millions of dollars in external grants.
Perhaps the place to begin is to determine how to better parse duties vis-à-vis actual salary costs. A
possible first step may be to review the credit hours assigned to just the Ph.D. program on a semester-by-
semester basis (see Appendix B: Ph.D. Program Only Courses; also embedded above in Section VI, Part
B, page 17). It should be noted, however, that the vast majority of the Ph.D. elective courses are offered
only once every few years.
At the time of writing of this self study, the KFS financials have also not been released. The overall costs of
the college including instructional costs versus non-instructional costs have not been shared and are not
54
available for analysis. Thus, this self-study questions the basis for the recent termination of two Assistant
Professors in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, whose presence is of significant value to the
Ph.D. Program.
This document asks that whatever the accounting data, we ought to be reminded that the Ph.D. in
Pharmaceutical Sciences is the only science-based doctorate degree offered at UH Hilo (and the only
graduate degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences offered in the State and Pacific region). This Ph.D. program
supports UH Hilo eligibility-, and enhances its competitiveness-, for several important funding
opportunities, such as federal and private grants, awards for DKICP Pharm.D. students to conduct
research, awards that fund DKICP Ph.D. students, and invitations to host internationally-sponsored Ph.D.
students. This includes existing awards that directly support UH Hilo’s undergraduate education mission,
and that support enrollment and retention through summer research experiences for high school,
undergraduate, and graduate students.
For example, the $1.3M National Institutes of Health (NIH) Research Initiative for Scientific Enhancement
(RISE) grant was awarded to UH Hilo “to increase the number of individuals from under-represented
groups that will ultimately obtain their bachelors and Ph.D. degrees from UH Hilo in biomedical and
behavioral sciences.”5 In addition, the NIH IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE)
award to UH Manoa includes UH Hilo as one of several primarily undergraduate institutions (PUIs) in its
statewide network that provides research experiences to undergraduate students to inspire them to
pursue careers in the biomedical sciences.6 At UH Hilo, the Ph.D. students are very active in working with
the undergraduate students participating in the INBRE research experiences, serving as aspirational role
models. In another example, a current DKICP Pharm.D. student recently won a “Gateway to Research”
award from the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education to encourage the student to continue
in a Ph.D. program and to conduct faculty-mentored research in Pharmaceutical Sciences. Finally,
without the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences, UH Hilo is not eligible to compete for an NIH Centers
of Biomedical Research Excellent (COBRE) award, given that one of the eligibility requirements is
that university applicants “award doctoral degrees in the health-related sciences.” The purpose of
the COBRE program is to achieve critical mass needed to support a sustainable research enterprise over a
15-year period (awarded in three phases). After years of cross-campus collaborative efforts, our UH Hilo
2020 Phase I COBRE application score has been confirmed by the NIH program office to be in the
fundable range. If awarded, this would provide more than $11M in direct and indirect funding over
five years. Because each campus can only have three active COBRE awards at a time (per COBRE
eligibility requirements), and because UH Manoa maintains three active COBRE awards, the Ph.D. degree
program in Pharmaceutical Sciences at UH Hilo allows the expansion of COBRE funding that would
not otherwise be available across the UH System.
5 Students of Hawaiʻ i Advanced Research Program (SHARP), Goal, accessed February 2, 2021. 6John A. Burns School of Medicine, Hawaii IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research (INBRE), accessed February 2, 2021.
55
Part B. Facilities
The research facilities are located on the main UH Hilo campus and at the Waiakea research facility a few
miles from the main UH Hilo campus. These facilities house all the scientific equipment and instruments
needed for molecular isolation and structural analyses, including 400 MHz multinuclear NMR
spectrometers, LC-MC systems with ESI and APCI interfaces, LC-qTOF high mass accuracy mass
spectrometer, GC-triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, X-ray diffractometer, polarimeter, FT-IR, several
UV-VIS spectrophotometers, and HPLC systems (analytical and preparative). Pharmaceutics equipment
includes a NiComp 380 particle analyzer and a Nano DeBEE homogenizer while a microwave reactor is
available for chemical synthesis. Equipment for cellular analysis and molecular biology includes a Perkin
Elmer Operetta high content imaging system, Leica confocal microscopes, flow cytometers, multiple
research grade upright, inverted and stereo microscopes, centrifuges (high speed, ultra- and
microcentrifuges), a GenePix microarray scanner, real-time qPCR cyclers, and a variety of microplate
readers with state-of-the-art detection technologies based on photometry, fluorometry, luminometry,
time-resolved fluorescence and fluorescence polarization. All of the University’s BSL-2 labs are equipped
for the growth of microbes and mammalian cells in culture.
Service contracts and the routine maintenance and repair or research equipment are supported by faculty
grants, and the portion of the Facilities and Administrative (F&A) costs that are returned to the Faculty for
direct use in support of their research activities.
Part C. Library
The DKICP Pharmacy Library supports the information and research needs of students and faculty in the
College. Students in the Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences are granted access to this specialized library at
the DKICP. Students utilize information systems (e.g., SciFinder) and databases as a valuable resource in
their quest to gain advanced knowledge and research skills. Literature in support of research activities
may also be retrieved from databases available through Mookini Library on the main campus.
Part D. Graduate Assistantships
The DKICP employed five Graduate Assistants (GAs) in the past five years before the COVID pandemic.
Graduate assistants (GAs) assisted with exam proctoring, lecture reviews, and grading of assignments in
many courses within the Pharm.D. program including Pharmaceutics, Biochemistry-Biomolecules,
Biochemistry-Metabolism, Biostatistics, Evidence-Based Medicine, Pharmaceutical Calculations and
Communications.
GAs were previously funded by the DKICP, but are now fully-funded by faculty grants, or partially-
supported by funds obtained through the CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act.
Current GA duties include assisting in: 1) Pharmaceutics laboratory sessions for the Pharm.D. program,
and 2) laboratory research for the advancement of faculty research projects.
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Most recent funding status of Ph.D. students
Student Semester
admitted Major Professor Funding source GA Support
Nathan Sunada Fall 2013 Dana Koomoa-Lange Self-funded No
Md Afjalus Siraj Fall 2015 Ghee Tan CARES funding Partial GA
Kh Ahammad Uz
Zaman Fall 2016 Shugeng Cao Faculty Grant Yes
Sasha Kovacs Fall 2016 Leng Chee Chang Self-funded No
John Jacob Fall 2016 Sue Jarvi
Rat Lungworm
grant from
legislature
Yes
Md Samiul Atanu Fall 2016 Ghee Tan CARES funding Partial GA
Dustin Tacdol Fall 2019 Ingo Koomoa-Lange Faculty Grant No
Emilio Quarta Fall 2020 Ghee Tan Self-funded No
IX. Future Goals and Resourcing
As stated previously on page 55, the Faculty are now aggressively seeking larger grants, such as the $11
million dollar funding from the National Institute of Health that has the potential to generate $3 million in
RTRF. The loss of expertise represented by the termination of two Assistant Professorships could
potentially have an adverse effect on the ability of faculty to generate grants in the future.
X. External Reviewer’s Report:
Attach or insert here and include a response to recommendations.
XI. Academic Action Plan:
TBA
XII. Appendices
Appendix A: Faculty Biosketches
Appendix B: Ph.D. Program-only courses
57