Graduate Student Spotlight: Brianna Doan, Master of Science in Pharmacology
UC Irvine’s Master of Science in Pharmacology (MSP) program is a two-year online degree program geared toward teaching students the fundamental principles of pharmacology, mechanisms of drug action, current topics in drug discovery, and strategies for drug research.
Designed for working professionals, this program is for pharmaceutical scientists and pharmacologists interested in advancing their careers or enhancing their competitiveness for admission to other professional degree programs.
Second-year MSP student Brianna Doan ’21, who also received her undergraduate degree in pharmaceutical sciences from UCI, shares insight on how the MSP program has impacted her professional career and growth.
Q: How has your experience in the MSP program contributed to your professional growth?
I view the MSP program as a major stepping stone in my career toward earning a PhD. I have achieved mastery of various principles and aspects of pharmacology. From systemic pharmacology to drug discovery, the MSP program provides comprehensive, in-depth knowledge for pharmacology research. The MSP curriculum also offers practical skills in data analysis, experimental design, and research ethics.
The professional and academic growth I have experienced significantly contributes to my confidence in my abilities to take initiative, think critically, and communicate effectively. I can readily apply these skills in the lab with my research in developing novel therapeutics for chronic neuropathic pain.
Q: What do you like most about the MSP curriculum?
When I began my research career, I slowly realized that the core of scientific research was reading. I can spend several hours reading up on just a single subject. Therefore, a vital skill is the ability to read critically.
Professors of the MSP program challenge us to review the literature with a discerning eye. We continuously practice identifying potential flaws or biases, determining the reliability of research findings, and assessing the validity of the conclusions. It is easy to fall into the mindset of accepting everything you read; however, I have learned to be more mindful in critically evaluating the literature myself.
Q: Can you describe how you have connected with faculty and fellow students while in the program?
It is rewarding to learn and interact with fellow students and faculty from diverse backgrounds and experiences. They propose unique strategies that I would have never thought of and inspire me to explore more multidisciplinary approaches to pharmacology research.
Q: What area of pharmacology is most intriguing to you and why?
Gastrointestinal (GI) pharmacology is the most intriguing area of pharmacology we have explored. As an undergraduate, I was amazed to learn of our co-existence with gut microbiota. I want to learn more about gut microbiome modulation of GI disease pathogenesis and develop novel pharmacological therapies for diseases such as Crohn’s disease.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I chose the MSP program over other similar programs for two main reasons. First, the MSP program is a 100% online part-time degree program with asynchronous classes, allowing the freedom to work concurrently.
In my case, I am researching neuropathic pain with Dr. David Luo’s lab at UCI. Second, as a former undergraduate student, I knew that the MSP faculty are dedicated to training rising young scientists. I was sure that I would properly learn pharmacology from them. Any prospective students should reach out to any faculty or program coordinators to learn more about the MSP program.