For Dhruket Patel, the Dean Stuart Feldman Summer Science Institute (DSFSSI) at the UGA College of Pharmacy was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. The junior at Thomasville High School in Thomasville, GA is torn between pursuing engineering or a medical-related career, which motivated him to apply to participate in DSFSSI. The 2024 program provided him with invaluable insight to aid his decision-making process. Patel particularly highlighted three segments from the 2024 institute that were memorable. “Dr. (Diego) Huet’s microbiology lecture, Dr. (Brian) Seagraves friability lab, and Dr. (Cathy) White’s preparedness labs were all high-level, fast-paced, and a lot of fun,” said the superstar participant.

The DSFSSI offers junior and senior high school students a unique opportunity to experience college life while exploring the diverse career possibilities in pharmacy and pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences. This week-long immersive program is designed for students interested in pursuing a career in a health profession. Participants engage in hands-on activities, interactive workshops, and mentorship sessions that provide a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacy field.

Dr. Vivia Hill-Silcott, Director of the DSFSSI, also serves as the Director of Student Counseling and Inclusive Excellence at the UGA College of Pharmacy. In 2009, Dr. Hill-Silcott aimed to spark interest in rural, lower socioeconomic, and ethnic minority students to get them excited and interested in attending pharmacy school. She approached then-Dean Svein Øie about implementing the program, and he enthusiastically endorsed it.

DSFSSI launched in 2010 with a limited 10 spots for eager participants. Since then, the program has grown each year, experiencing an increase in applicants and availability. The 2024 program, held the first week of June, was unique for many reasons. The College of Pharmacy received 240 applications with only 32 available spots, more than double the usual number of applicants. This made the selection process very competitive.

Another reason that made 2024 special is because it was the first year the program had former students graduate from UGA’s PharmD program. These former students were participants in DSFSSI in 2017, which made an impact on Dr. Hill-Silcott. She remarked, “To see students come into the program and go on to earn PhDs, PharmDs, become registered nurses, and earn other health-related degrees brings me joy. It makes me notice that this work is not in vain; it speaks volumes and makes me proud of the investment we have made in the DSFSSI.”

Dr. Dayana Pimentel-Dominguez, a 2017 participant in the program stated, “I enjoyed DSFSSI, because I was recognized as a leader for the first time in my life. I was anxious and shy, and I still cannot believe how much I opened up that week and engaged with fellow participants who all loved science.” Dayana graduated with her PharmD degree from the College of Pharmacy in Spring 2024. She is now in a two-year residency in Hospital Administration and Leadership in Boston, Mass. In addition, she is working on her Master’s degree through the University of North Carolina.

The program was named to honor the contributions of former UGA College of Pharmacy Dean, Dr. Stuart Feldman, who worked tirelessly to recruit and support ethnic minority, rural, and other underserved groups of students.  In 2011, during the 50th anniversary of desegregation at UGA, a dedication ceremony was held that honored College of Pharmacy dignitaries and milestones, including naming of the summer science institute after Dr. Feldman.  In addition to his other accomplishments, Dr. Feldman founded the UGA chapter of SNPhA, the Student National Pharmaceutical Association, which targets students who are dedicated to the profession and serving underrepresented populations.

Said Dr. Feldman, “The Summer Science Institute fulfills the purpose of the University of Georgia Foundation account established in 2002 to support diversity in the profession. During the last several years, the program has introduced high school students across Georgia to pharmacy and pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences and become a model for other pharmacy colleges to follow suit. I am very proud of the achievements of Dr. Hill-Silcott and her colleagues and the students who have learned from the experience.”