On Friday, August 30th, the College of Pharmacy warmly welcomed the 2024 cohort of Master of Science in Drug Discovery and Development (MDD) students with a comprehensive orientation session at the GMU Campus. This event was organized to provide the incoming students with essential information, guidance, and resources to embark on their academic journey in pharmaceutical sciences.
The orientation began with a motivational address from Prof. Muhammad Al-Shorbagy, the Dean of the College of Pharmacy. Prof. Shorbagy’s speech set an inspiring tone for the session, as he emphasized the transformative role of pharmaceutical sciences in improving global health. He encouraged the new cohort to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, highlighting the critical importance of innovation, dedication, and a strong ethical foundation in the field of drug discovery and development. Dr. Ahmed Thabet, the MDD program director, provided an overview of the curriculum, key milestones, and academic expectations, ensuring that students were well-prepared for the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The session also featured an introduction to student support services by Dr. Muhamed Abdullatif, Director of The Students Happiness Center, who discussed various resources available to promote student well-being and academic success. Dr. Samiullah then guided the new cohort through the Learning Management System (Moodle) and the E-library Portal, highlighting the digital tools available for enhancing their learning experience.
Senior MDD students, Ayesha Rifath and Fatima Sheikh, shared their personal experiences, offering valuable advice on navigating the program’s demands and making the most of the learning opportunities. The orientation concluded with a networking coffee break, allowing students to connect with faculty and peers, followed by a campus tour showcasing the facilities available for academic and research pursuits.
This orientation session effectively laid the foundation for the new MDD students, fostering a strong sense of community and support within the College of Pharmacy. The session set a positive tone for the cohort’s academic journey, emphasizing collaboration, discovery, and growth in the field of drug development.