Representation and Research: Jenna Greene Applies Pharmacology Expertise to Cancer Treatment

Juliana Scheiderer | March 16, 2021

Cancer researcher and Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology alum, Jenna Greene, is on a mission to enhance the representation of the deaf and hard of hearing community as she prepares for medical school. Her journey from laboratory technologist to future medical professional demonstrates the impactful role that Ohio State’s online pharmacology degree has played in advancing her career and research.

From Laboratory Technologist to Cancer Researcher

Greene’s passion for pathology and her role as a laboratory technologist at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center – Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute drove her to explore advanced studies in pharmacology. The Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology, with its focus on clinical research and drug development, was the perfect complement to her work on oncology clinical trials.

“The program’s relevance to my daily work in clinical trials made it the right choice for me,” said Greene. “We process biological specimens for clinical trials in Phases I through III, and it was amazing to see drugs get FDA approval based on the trials we supported.”

Translational Pharmacology: Gaining Expertise in Drug Development

The Ohio State online pharmacology program not only enhanced Greene’s understanding of the drug development process but also provided her the opportunity to tailor her education to her personal research interests. For her capstone project, Greene focused on developing a protocol for a combination treatment targeting acute myeloid leukemia (AML)—an innovative approach not previously studied.

This hands-on experience deepened her knowledge of the pathology and available treatments for AML and highlighted the need for future research.

“I gained insight into the effort and collaboration required in protocol writing and the launch of clinical trials,” said Greene. “It was invaluable to understand how much goes into conducting successful trials.”

Leveraging an Online Pharmacology Degree to Improve Representation

The flexible online format of Ohio State’s Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology enabled Greene to balance her professional and educational responsibilities while pursuing her long-standing dream of attending medical school. As a member of the deaf and hard of hearing community, she sees the impact her education can have on improving representation in healthcare.

“My goal is to enhance the visibility of deaf and hard of hearing professionals in the medical field,” said Greene. “I believe my unique perspective will help bring awareness to improve healthcare outcomes for diverse patient populations.”

Career Growth and Future Goals

Greene’s graduation from the pharmacology program aligned with her promotion to clinical research coordinator at Ohio State’s Comprehensive Cancer Center. In her new role, she provides feasibility and logistical support for new clinical trials, ensuring alignment with specimen collection protocols. This transition marked a significant step forward in her career and highlighted the immediate impact of her pharmacology degree.

Looking ahead, Greene remains focused on her goal of attending medical school and continuing her work in pathology or oncology. The Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology program helped her solidify her expertise in clinical trials and drug development, positioning her for future success.

Learn More About Translational Pharmacology at Ohio State

Ohio State’s Master of Science in Translational Pharmacology program is designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in clinical research, drug development, or pharmacology. With a flexible online format and faculty expertise from the Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, the program equips students with the skills they need to excel in clinical trials and research.