Alumni Spotlight: Chenyu Zou, Master’s in Drug Development Graduate

UC MSDD Alumni Working on Ph.D. in Department of Health Outcomes Research

Chenyu Zou is a student and graduate teaching assistant with the Department of Health Outcomes Research and Policy program at the Auburn University Harrison School of Pharmacy. She is interested in health technology and medical device research.

UC Online recently talked with Chenyu about her education path and experience at the University of Cincinnati and the Drug Development program. She provided her perspective on what it was like to be part of the UC and Xiamen University in China collaboration and how the Drug Development program helped her academic studies.

Q: What motivated you to seek your MS?

I have a bachelor’s degree in pharmacy, which focused on fundamental knowledge. During my undergrad, I realized I needed further learning and research experience to continue my pharmacy career.

Q: Why did you select the Drug Development program?

My undergraduate college, the school of pharmaceutical science of Xiamen University (in China), has a collaborative 1+1 MS program with UC. This collaboration allowed me to complete my first year of the MSDD program at Xiamen University. I came to UC for my second year of study.

Q: Why did you select UC? Are you happy with your choice?

The MSDD collaboration with UC and Xiamen is a great opportunity not only because it saves money and time, but I also gained academic and mental support from both universities. I never regret participating in the MSDD program. The two years of experience laid a good foundation for my future career.

Q: How has your degree helped you in your career?

I obtained a lot of research experience, which strengthened my Ph.D. application.

Q: What is a favorite memory or a proud moment you had during the MSDD program?

During my Ph.D. interviews, professors from other universities showed interest when they learned I studied at the UC School of Pharmacy and had worked with Dr. Jeff Guo. Dr. Guo is a professor of Pharmacoeconomics and has significant experience in the drug development industry.

Q: Who is the MSDD program a good fit for?

The MSDD program is a good fit for students and researchers who want to explore the entire multidisciplinary discovery and approval process for new drugs and medical devices.

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

Take advantage of every class, seminar, and workshop. Professors and guest speakers share things from their research and experience from industry and pharmaceutical companies – not just from a textbook.

Q: For someone who may have never taken an online course before, how would you describe the experience?

Online courses help international students like me because you can watch the recorded video several times. There are still opportunities for interaction with colleagues and teachers, which is still very important.

Learn More About the Drug Development Programs with UC Online

The Pharmaceutics and Drug Development program from the University of Cincinnati James L. Winkle College of Pharmacy is truly flexible and fully 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 a program built for busy working professionals in the field.

Learn More about the Drug Development program with UC Online.