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Soon-to-be-graduating PharmD students filled the atrium of the ���غ��� School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences on Tuesday, May 13, to show off their capstone research projects.

A capstone research project allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem or research topic. It’s often the final project that serves as a demonstration of mastery and a showcase of their abilities.

Dean and SUNY Distinguished Professor Kanneboyina Nagaraju was filled with pride looking at all of the P4s in the school’s atrium. Each one of them, and their work, represents what the School of Pharmacy has instilled in them these last four years.

“I love seeing everyone here today, presenting the results of their hard work,” Nagaraju said. “It’s a joyful occasion, and I’m constantly amazed at how brilliant and mature these students have become.

“The growth from when they first arrived to now — after four years — is tremendous, both personally and professionally. Some have even published peer-reviewed research, which is a testament to their excellence.”

Most of the students spend a year or longer working on their capstone projects. As Nagaraju mentioned, some even have their work published, like P4 student Bridgette Falco and her group.

“I’ve been a pharmacy technician for eight years, so it’s kind of wild to be making this transition from pharm tech to pharmacist,” Falco said. “Right before I left home, my mentor told me, ‘Bridget, everyone is so proud of you — especially me. You’re never going to have this experience again, so soak it all up because you deserve it.’ I burst into tears. It still doesn’t feel completely real.”

Her classmates and capstone project partner Kara Fleck touched on how far she’s come as well.

“I was applying to pharmacy school while working at McDonald’s!” Fleck said. “That’s how I was paying for everything. It feels surreal to look back and think about where I started. I’m just so happy to be here now. It’s been a long road.”

P4 student Joseph Lalla worked alone on his project while being mentored by Assistant Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences Tony Davis. Lalla said he is thrilled to see how far he and his classmates have come on their projects.

“It’s an amazing feeling to be here today,” he said. “Knowing that close to a year and a half of work has led to this moment is incredible to think about. It’s also great to see everyone around me, all of my classmates, sharing this moment together.”