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Doctoral student Siddharth Kesharwani, left, and Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Hemachand Tummala examine images of the colons of mice

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences

The Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences focuses on a student-centered curriculum that provides a strong foundation in the biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. In addition, the department has a strong undergraduate and graduate research program. These opportunities prepare graduates for academic, industry and research careers in the U.S. and other countries.

The department has eleven faculty and is based on the main South Dakota State University campus in Brookings. The highly talented and dedicated faculty members provide quality education and research training in the pharmaceutical sciences.

The department maintains a dynamic and impactful drug discovery research program, strongly focusing on cancer biology, neuropharmacology, immunology and eye diseases. Its multidisciplinary research expertise includes medicinal chemistry, pharmacology, molecular biology and pharmaceutics, fostering innovative approaches to address critical health challenges and advance novel therapeutic discoveries as four offerings:

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Photo of Hemachand Tummala
Hemachand Tummala, Department Head

As the Department Head, I am pleased to welcome you to the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at South Dakota State University. Pharmaceutical science is a translational extension of the basic fields such as chemistry, biochemistry, physiology and microbiology. It primarily involves three critical aspects of drug discovery: understanding the etiology of the disease (Disease), designing/synthesizing new drugs (Drug), and delivering the drugs to the physiological site of interest (Delivery) - the 3Ds.

Our department is deeply committed to excellence in teaching, training and research in pharmaceutical sciences. The department is primarily involved in teaching and training PharmD students to build a strong foundation in pharmaceutical sciences before they develop their clinical skills. Additionally, we offer graduate programs (M.S. and Ph.D.) that train the next generation of pharmaceutical scientists and advance the evolving field of drug discovery. Our comprehensive curriculum, along with new research collaborations with clinical sites (Sanford Research and Avera Research), other research institutes, and the pharmaceutical industry, enhance career opportunities for our graduates. With expertise in world-class translational research, patenting and start-ups, our faculty are committed to creating an educational environment that fosters innovation and entrepreneurship, helping students realize their aspirations.

Research led by our faculty provides new knowledge in all three mentioned aspects of translational drug discovery (3Ds). The department’s research initiatives are supported by grants from federal (NIH and USDA), state, industry, and foundation sources. While cancer drug discovery is our primary research focus, we also pursue exciting projects in neuropharmacology, ophthalmology and infectious diseases. Further, the department strongly encourages undergraduate students to experience research in new drug discovery and development. We invite you to visit the Department of Pharmaceutical Science to learn more about our faculty research and the outstanding research facilities we offer.

If you are looking for a rewarding educational and research experience, we encourage you to join our Jackrabbit family, where you can pursue your dreams and achieve your goals.

Hemachand Tummala, Ph.D.
Professor and Department Head of Pharmaceutical Sciences

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Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences News

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Keith Knutson

Lecture to address using vaccines to combat cancer

A renowned researcher from Mayo Clinic will share how vaccines can be used to combat cancer at a free lecture Monday, April 8. The 11th annual Francis Miller Public Lecture in Cancer Research will be delivered by Keith Knutson at 7 p.m. in Herold Crest Room (253C) in the University Student Union on the South Dakota State University campus. It is sponsored by the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions. The talk is geared toward the general public, the college reports.

Pharmaceutical sciences faculty receives Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Award

College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions faculty member Joshua Reineke is the latest recipient of the South Dakota State University Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring Award. Reineke was named recipient of the award at the 2024 Celebration of Faculty Excellence in February.

3D Center named in honor of Haarberg family

South Dakota State University’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions’ 3D Center now has a new namesake—the Haarberg Center for Drug, Disease and Delivery Research, thanks to a transformational $1.1 million gift from Kevin and Lorie Haarberg.