Karli Anders prepares samples for analysis in a laboratory at the School of Pharmacy. Anders has been named a recipient of the Gateway to Research Fellowship by the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education. Photo by Logan Kirkland/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
OXFORD, Miss. – Karli Anders, a third-year professional student at the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, has been named a recipient of the Gateway to Research Fellowship by the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education.
The award provides students an opportunity to work on faculty-mentored research projects while improving their knowledge of clinical skills.
“I feel incredibly grateful and thankful to be given this opportunity,” Anders said. “What I enjoy most about research is learning about the unknown and discovering new things. Research encourages me to actively use my curiosity and determination.
UM student pharmacist Karli Anders (left) works on assays with Jessica Marshall, a research and development biologist in the Department of BioMolecular Sciences, in the laboratory of pharmacy professor Nicole Ashpole. Photo by Logan Kirkland/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services
“It forces me to think critically and not simply memorize, recalling the facts that I do know and applying them for the betterment of others and the environment.”
Anders is training in the lab of Nicole Ashpole, assistant professor of pharmacology in the Department of BioMolecular Sciences. A native of Gloster, Anders works closely with Jessica Marshall, a research and development biologist in the department, to screen natural products in assays designed to identify drugs that protect neurons from degenerating diseases such as dementia.
“Karli has a passion for scientific research that she has fostered in multiple laboratories across the biology department and School of Pharmacy,” Ashpole said. “This award will allow her to follow that passion and see firsthand the early stages of the drug discovery process.”
After completing her pharmacy education, Anders said she plans to pursue a Ph.D. and knows this opportunity will help with career options.
“This award will help me prepare for and transition into graduate school by providing a mentored, independent research project to further my research skills,” Anders said. “Getting to interact with researchers and share my findings will also help with connections in the scientific community.”