A new chapter of tradition begins when you become an alumni of the University of South Carolina. Historically, doctoral hooding and commencement ceremonies are held to mark this momentous occasion. This year, due to the risk of COVID-19, the university hosted a virtual ceremony for the fall graduation candidates.
To recognize and celebrate the College of Pharmacy graduates, we’ve invited our newest alumni to share their exciting post-graduation plans:
Qi Zhang, Ph.D.
Pharmaceutical Sciences
While at the College of Pharmacy, Qi Zhang, 2020 Ph.D., worked with Professor Lorne Hofseth researching Inflammation and colon cancer. Zhang will begin a new position as a postdoctoral research fellow in the Division of Urology at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles in January 2021.
Matt Strauss, Ph.D.
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Matt Strauss, 2015 Pharm.D., 2020 Ph.D., is now a postdoctoral fellow at Children’s National Hospital, Washington, D.C.. While at the College of Pharmacy, he studied HIV associated neurocognitive disorder in Professor Jun Zhu's laboratory.
Chad Beneker, Ph.D.
Pharmaceutical Sciences
While at the College of Pharmacy, Chad Beneker, 2020 Ph.D., studied the design and synthesis of BRAF inhibitors to treat metastatic melanoma under Professor Campbell McInnes. Beneker will continue working in the College of Pharmacy as a Research Specialist this year and plans to move into industry in the future.
Xiaofei (Sofia) He, Ph.D.
Pharmaceutical Sciences
Xiaofei (Sofia) He, 2020 Ph.D., is now a postdoctoral scholar at University of California Davis, studying cancer treatment. While at the College of Pharmacy, she researched GPR68 and myelodysplastic syndromes under Assistant Professor Jing Fang.