WSU Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

08/21/2026

This week's Friday Faces of Applebaum spotlight shines on Jennifer Gavia, a 2022 Wayne State University occupational therapy graduate who is already making a difference in the lives of children and their families as a pediatric occupational therapist at Emagine Health Services.

Jennifer chose Wayne State for its diverse community and strong connection to Detroit, where she found the support and opportunities to thrive. Just nine months into her career, she was nominated for OT of the Year within her company - a true testament to her passion and dedication to her patients!

https://applebaum.wayne.edu/about/view/jennifer-gavia-114955

08/20/2026

Why are prescription drug prices falling for some consumers?

Fabrice Smieliauskas, assistant professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice at Wayne State University, joins 760 WJR’s All Talk with Kevin Dietz to discuss what’s driving changes in prescription drug costs and what they could mean for patients.

go.wayne.edu/0d10c45

Podcast Episode · All Talk with Kevin Dietz · August 18 · 10m

08/19/2026

Not every graduate student can quit their job to pursue a professional degree, and at Wayne State, they don't have to.

For Shuriah Lee, the flexibility of the part-time Pathologists' Assistant program has made all the difference. While earning her degree, she's also working as a Teaching Assistant Prosector, where she prepares anatomy labs, hones her dissection skills, and helps fellow students learn.

Inspired by a personal loss, Shuriah chose to pursue a career as a Pathologists' Assistant to help provide patients and their families with answers and closure during some of life's most difficult moments.

Wayne State's program has provided the foundation for Shuriah to succeed. The small class sizes, one-on-one faculty support, access to advanced technology, hands-on training, and learning from professors who are active professionals in surgical and forensic pathology made Shuriah's decision to attend Wayne State's pathologists' assistant program an easy one.

The part-time option has allowed Shuriah to maintain a healthy balance while pursuing the career she's passionate about. We're proud to celebrate students like Shuriah, who prove that there are many paths to achieving your goals.

08/14/2026

This week’s Friday Faces of Applebaum spotlight recognizes Kristie Kava, a 1974 graduate of Wayne State University’s physical therapy program, whose career has been defined by leadership, innovation, and dedication to patient care.

After garnering valuable experience in hospital settings, Kristie and her husband Frank, also a 1974 Wayne State physical therapy graduate, founded an independent private practice focused on exceptional care, mentorship, and education.

A lifelong learner, Kristie was always in pursuit of excellence. She earned a certification in Orthopedic Manual Physical Therapy (OMPT), completed her DScPT, and expanded her expertise through research focused on performing artists’ injuries and movement-based rehabilitation.

Over more than 40 years, Kristie has helped shape the profession through clinical excellence, mentorship, and a commitment to professional growth while improving the lives of countless patients and future clinicians.

Congratulations to this week’s Applebaum Warrior, Kristie Kava! 💚💛
https://applebaum.wayne.edu/about/view/kristie-sherman-kava-115424

08/13/2026

Congratulations to Brian Cummings on his reappointment as dean of Wayne State University’s Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences!

Dean Cummings has led WSU Applebaum since 2021. As he continues in this role, the college remains focused on preparing highly skilled health care professionals, advancing research and strengthening the health and well-being of our communities.

Join us in congratulating Dean Cummings and looking forward to the next chapter for WSU Applebaum!

Read more: go.wayne.edu/1083796

08/07/2026

This week’s Friday Faces of Applebaum spotlight recognizes Juniper Fedor, a 2022 Wayne State pathologists’ assistant alum who is already making a meaningful impact in the profession.

Currently working with Forensic Medicine Associates at the DeKalb County Medical Examiner’s Office, Juniper is helping shape the future of forensic pathology through advocacy, education, research, and inclusive practice.

Today, Juniper serves as a board-certified pathologists’ assistant, founder and chair of the American Association of Pathologists' Assistants DEI Subcommittee, educator, researcher, and advocate for diversity and inclusion within pathology and forensic medicine. Juniper's work has already earned national recognition, including the Susan P. Baker Public Health Impact Award for advancing conversations around inclusive forensic practices.

From expanding representation in medicine to advancing the role of pathologists’ assistants in forensics, Juniper continues to make an impact both within and beyond the profession. We’re proud to celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to what comes next.

Juniper is this week's Applebaum Warrior!💛 💚

https://applebaum.wayne.edu/about/view/juniper-fedor-114953

08/04/2026

Congratulations to Jennifer Wikarski, recipient of the Wayne State University Pathologists' Assistant Program's 2026 Clinical Preceptor of the Year Award!

Selected by the Class of 2026, Jennifer has dedicated more than 12 years to mentoring Pathologists' Assistant students during their clinical education at Henry Ford Rochester Hospital. Through her expertise, encouragement and commitment to excellence, she has helped countless students build the confidence, critical thinking skills and professionalism needed to succeed in the field.

08/03/2026

💬 What inspires someone to dedicate their life to improving health?

🎙️ The answers might surprise you.

Where Health Happens takes you beyond the classroom and clinic for conversations with the people shaping the future of health care. Hear the stories behind groundbreaking research, inspiring careers and the work making a difference in Detroit and beyond.

Whether you're passionate about health, considering a career in the field or just love hearing inspiring stories, this podcast is for you.

🎧 Start listening today: https://applebaum.wayne.edu/where-health-happens

What topic would you like us to explore in a future episode?

07/31/2026

This week’s Friday Faces of Applebaum spotlight recognizes Katelyn Burns, a proud 2019 graduate of Wayne State University’s Radiologic Technology program.

Inspired to make a difference through both diagnostic imaging and patient care, Katelyn has built a successful career in CT imaging. While at Wayne State, she earned dual board certifications and received the 2019 Clinical Excellence Award. Since graduation, she has gained extensive experience at Henry Ford Hospital and through travel CT positions at leading healthcare institutions in Michigan, Massachusetts and Ohio.

Katelyn credits Wayne State’s exceptional academic and clinical training for preparing her to excel in a variety of healthcare settings. We are proud to celebrate Katelyn's accomplishments and the impact she continues to make in the lives of her patients.

Katelyn is this week's Applebaum Warrior!
https://applebaum.wayne.edu/about/view/katelyn-burns-114887

07/29/2026

Pharmacists don't just care for patients. They advocate for the policies that help patients thrive.

In Episode 06 of Where Health Happens, Gretchen Eikelberg, a fourth-year Doctor of Pharmacy student at WSU Applebaum, shares her experience at RxIMPACT Day in Washington, D.C.

Through RxIMPACT-U and meetings with lawmakers on Capitol Hill, Gretchen gained firsthand experience advocating for policies that strengthen patient care, improve access to health care and demonstrate how pharmacists can help shape the future of health care.

🎧 Listen to Episode 06

In Episode 06 of Where Health Happens, host Mike Morland speaks with Gretchen Eikelberg, a fourth-year Doctor of Pharmacy student at the WSU EACPHS.