Message from the Director

Fakhrul Ahsan, Ph.D. [BIO]
Doctoral Program Director

Welcome to the Ph.D. Program in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences (PBS) at California Northstate University (CNU). Over the past decade, CNU has solidified its reputation by offering a diverse array of professional degrees in fields such as pharmacy, medicine, dentistry, and psychology, as well as master’s programs in pharmaceutical sciences and healthcare administration. The inception of our Ph.D. Program in PBS further underscores CNU’s dedication to advancing both the science and art of healthcare, aligning seamlessly with our institutional mission.

The fields of pharmaceutical and biomedical sciences are dynamic and full of opportunities to enhance human health and well-being. Through our program, students are empowered to contribute meaningfully to various facets of drug discovery, development, and approval processes, thereby supporting and informing pertinent policies and procedures. Our multidisciplinary doctoral program is designed to provide comprehensive training across all stages of drug development and discovery. This includes areas such as pharmaceutics, pharmacokinetics, pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, disease biology, biostatistics, clinical trial medicines, drug regulation, and manufacturing.

A pivotal aspect of our program is the development of critical thinking skills, enabling students to formulate testable hypotheses, design robust experiments, and ultimately position themselves as influential leaders within the pharmaceutical sciences. Our aim is to propel the field forward and contribute to the advancement of patient care. The unique structure of our program fosters a collaborative environment, integrating six CNU’s colleges: pharmacy, medicine, dental, health sciences and graduate studies. This facilitates a rich exchange of ideas, promoting creativity, independent thought, effective communication, and teamwork. As a result, our students are poised to push the boundaries of innovation in drug development and discovery.

Situated in California, a global hub of innovation, CNU is uniquely positioned to nurture scientists with an entrepreneurial spirit, equipping them to translate laboratory breakthroughs into clinical practice. I am confident that our graduates will emerge as trailblazers in academia, government, and the pharmaceutical industry.

As the Program Director, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I wish our incoming students every success in their academic endeavors.

Warmenst Regards,

Fakhrul Ahsan, Ph.D.

University Distinguished Professor and Doctoral Program Director