Mastering Science: MS graduates give insight into SOPPS program and life after
Alumni say the focus on foundational and technical knowledge prepared them with workforce-ready skills
The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences continues to hear success stories since starting the Master of Science program in fall 2022. While all its students may come from the same program, they’ve each been able to go into different areas in the world of science.
Joe Baldessarre, MS ’24, is an associate scientist in the Formulation Development Group at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in Tarrytown, N.Y. He supports toxicological fill campaigns as well as process development studies for early and late-stage programs and research initiatives, and he contributes to Regeneron’s drug product pilot facility’s activities.
His group is one of the last that handles a drug product before turning it over for preclinical trials.
“I really enjoyed my time in the master’s program at SOPPS,” Baldessarre said. “I could tell right away that the professors really care about their students. As someone who didn’t talk too much with professors previously, I felt extremely comfortable talking to any of the professors about anything at any time.”
The Master of Science program focuses on foundational and technical knowledge to prepare students with workforce-ready skills. The program is also designed to be completed in three semesters, giving students a chance to jump into real-world science quickly.
Baldessarre felt that SOPPS professors really wanted to see their students succeed, and he valued that strongly throughout his time in the program.
“I also got along well with the other students in my cohort, which helped increase my engagement with the material and made group projects more enjoyable,” he said. “I was able to bounce thoughts and ideas off of professors and other students without feeling judged. The program was very intimate, and it made me feel welcomed from day one.”
Jillian Handel, MS ’23, is currently a cell model research associate at Neptune Bio. She recently left Hemogenyx Pharmaceuticals, where she was also a research associate. During her time at Hemogenyx, she says her responsibilities changed as the company’s focus changed.
“I would help design assays to test proof of concept, screen drug candidates and aid in IND-enabling studies,” Handel said. “My role has now switched to more of a quality control role for our Phase 1 clinical trial CAR-T therapy, which the company manufactures in-house. Throughout the manufacturing process, samples of the drug product are passed out, and I help run tests to make sure they meet the standards agreed upon with the FDA.”
Handel says she was able to learn about many different instruments used in pharmaceutical sciences, as well as get hands-on experience with different assays and techniques.
“While I couldn’t claim I am an expert at these techniques, it gave me the ability to say, ’I have learned about and done x, y and z’ during job interviews,” she said. “You get exposed to all the exciting research being done at SOPPS and learn from most of the research faculty in lectures.”
In addition to the science, Handel also gained public speaking and writing skills, which have proven just as useful in her career.
“I also cannot speak highly enough about the faculty at SOPPS. They are personable and want to see you improve; they really care, and it shows,” she said. “If you want to better prepare for a career in pharmaceutical sciences or learn more about the study and development of pharmaceutical drugs, this would be a great program for you.”
Caleb Manheim, MS ’23, a scientist for Insight Global contracted to Johnson & Johnson, said the training he received at the school has set him up for success in his current role.
“I use techniques and knowledge from the master’s program every single day during my job,” he said. “The lab skills taught are especially relevant to the field.”
Manheim liked the MS program’s emphasis on presenting scientific topics, lab work and research.
“The presentations that I completed in class helped me explain complex problems to my coworkers,” he said. “The lab techniques I practiced helped me in my training and learning in a faster-paced environment. The research section of the major is great for resumé-building and making a first impression with the companies you are applying to.”
Baldessarre added that he had zero regrets in joining the program at SOPPS and enjoyed every second of it.
“It was absolutely worth it,” he said. “This program has all of the resources you need to be successful. I learned so much about pharmaceuticals and the industry. With the help from the professors, I don’t think they could’ve prepared their students any better for the real world. I graduated from the program with the confidence and knowledge that I needed to help me succeed in the pharmaceutical industry.”