PharmD Advances Research Career with Ohio State Online Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology

Yizhen (Janet) Guo, PharmD, MS, began her research career as an undergraduate in China, assisting with cancer studies in pharmacology and pharmaceutical sciences labs. Today, she is a successful post-doctoral researcher at The Ohio State University, thanks in part to her decision to enroll in the Ohio State Online Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology.

After joining the prestigious Ohio State PharmD program, Janet sought opportunities to further enhance her research skills. She chose to pursue the Ohio State Online Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology to complement her clinical expertise with in-depth knowledge of pharmacokinetics, drug development, and translational science.
Now, as a postdoctoral researcher in Dr. Mitch Phelps’ lab, Janet plays a critical role in designing pharmacokinetic studies, analyzing data from Phase I/II clinical trials, and contributing to pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling of anticancer agents. In recognition of her outstanding research, she received the 2022 Presidential Trainee Award from the American Society of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT).
We spoke with Janet to learn more about how Ohio State’s Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology impacted her career and enhanced her skills in the growing field of clinical pharmacology.

Why Did You Choose the Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology Program?
“The program’s strong focus on translational clinical pharmacology was a key factor in my decision. It provided comprehensive training on the structure and design of clinical trials, statistics used in clinical research, and leadership in managing clinical trial teams. These skills are invaluable for anyone pursuing a career in clinical pharmacology or translational medicine.”
Janet also appreciated the flexibility of the online format, which allowed her to complete the pharmacology master’s program while balancing the demands of the PharmD curriculum.

Balancing Two Graduate Programs
By strategically planning her courses, Janet was able to complete both the Ohio State PharmD and the Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology programs within four years. “I realized that I could waive certain courses and manage both degrees simultaneously, dedicating just one day per week to complete assignments for the online pharmacology program.”
This flexibility makes the program particularly appealing for current PharmD students or healthcare professionals seeking to advance their expertise in pharmacology.

Recent Research Recognition
Janet’s research, in collaboration with Dr. Dwight Owen at the Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, investigated the relationship between albumin levels and survival outcomes in cancer patients receiving immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Her findings suggest that a 10% or greater decrease in albumin levels from baseline during treatment could be an early marker for reduced overall survival in patients with advanced cancers.
This study has important implications for improving cancer treatment outcomes, showcasing the real-world impact of Janet’s work and the skills gained through the Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology program.

How Did the Master’s Program Impact Your Research?
“The Design and Analysis of Studies in Health Sciences [now known as Applied Biostatistics I and II] course was incredibly valuable. It gave me hands-on experience with statistical analyses commonly used in both clinical and preclinical research. The program taught me how to validate and interpret data with confidence, which has been instrumental in my work with clinical trials and pharmacokinetic studies.”

By applying the knowledge from this course, Janet was able to streamline her research process and more effectively communicate her findings to the scientific community.
Advice for Future Students

Janet encourages students in the PharmD program who have an interest in clinical trials, translational science, or drug safety and toxicology to consider adding the Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology to their studies. “It’s a flexible, comprehensive program that can make you a stronger candidate for roles in pharmaceutical research, clinical trial management, or drug development.”

Ready to advance your career in clinical pharmacology? Learn more about the Ohio State Online Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology and explore how this flexible, online program can help you reach your goals in the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries.