Alumni Spotlight: Andrew Kordahi, Clinical Trials Design & Research Graduate Certificate

Clinical Trials Design Graduate Certificate Alumni at Top Biopharma Company

Andrew Kordahi is a Clinical Scientist at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc, a leading biotechnology company delivering life-transforming medicines for serious diseases, where he works to develop novel therapies.

UC Online recently talked with Andrew about his career and experience at the University of Cincinnati and the Clinical Trials and Design Graduate Certificate. He provided his perspective on completing the certificate and how it helped his career in the biopharmaceutical industry.

Q: What are your responsibilities at Regeneron?

My responsibilities widely vary. I perform deep dives into the scientific literature to identify and understand potential targets in the cardiovascular and metabolism therapeutic areas. I work closely with clinicians and basic scientists within my organization, and with subject matter experts currently working in their specialties, to determine opportunities to create new, novel therapies for health conditions with unmet medical needs. I also work closely with medical and study directors to design, operationalize, and monitor early phase clinical trials, including first in human and proof-of-concept studies.

Q: What motivated you to seek your graduate certificate in clinical trials?

After completing a B.S. in biomedical engineering, I had a much better understanding of potential career opportunities within the medical device and pharmaceutical industries. With intentions of entering the industry as a career path, I simultaneously completed my PharmD and Clinical Trials Design & Research graduate certificate. The certificate strengthened my understanding of clinical trials and potential career opportunities in clinical research and drug development.

Q: Why did you select the Graduate Certificate?

I felt that completing a graduate-level certificate in Clinical Trials Design and Research would complement my B.S. in biomedical engineering and PharmD degrees, strengthening my educational foundation. I also thought the combination would make me a competitive candidate to obtain and pursue a position and career within the biopharmaceutical industry.

Q: Why did you select UC, and are you happy with your choice?

I completed both my undergraduate and graduate education at the University of Cincinnati. The University of Cincinnati is an excellent university with many opportunities to continue to learn, develop, and explore one’s passion.

Q: How did you handle the school, work, life balance while in the program?

Being enrolled in the PharmD program, simultaneously completing the Clinical Trials Design course sequence, and working approximately 20 hours a week at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital quickly filled up my schedule in addition to being involved in extracurricular activities at the college!

While it was a hectic four years, I found that managing all my responsibilities were achievable by making weekly schedules of all my responsibilities, prioritizing by deadlines, and, of course, by making sure to take personal time to re-energize and recharge.

Q: How has the graduate certificate helped you in your career?

Completing the Clinical Trials Design and Research Graduate Certificate made me a more competitive candidate when applying and interviewing for post-graduate training programs/fellowships in the biopharmaceutical industry. The certificate also provided an educational foundation for understanding the overview of clinical development.

Q: Who is the drug development programs a good fit for?

The drug development programs are a perfect fit for those exploring potential career opportunities within the pharmaceutical and related industries. This program covers a variety of topics, and the coursework and projects apply to real-life settings. In addition, the courses for this program are often in the evenings, making it a good fit for those who are currently working full-time.

Q: Do you have any advice for future students looking into the drug development program?

If you are unsure if the program is for you, please reach out to UCO, college, and program coordinators! You will find everyone is accessible and eager to discuss their passions within the realm of drug development.

Learn More About the Clinical Trials Design & Research Graduate Certificate with UC Online

The Clinical Trials Design & Research Graduate Certificate program from the University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy are flexible and entirely online. Accelerate your career while gaining a clearer vision of drug development for all phases of research from regulatory, pre-clinical to clinical, and beyond with programs built for busy working professionals in the field.

Request Information about the Drug Development, Clinical Trials Design & Research, and Global Regulatory Affairs programs with UC Online.