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Researcher Stories

Get to know the PhRMA Foundation’s award recipients.

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Reshaping Immune Response with Chemistry

PhRMA Foundation awardee Ziyang Zhang, PhD, of the University of California, Berkeley, created his lab to focus on using chemistry to understand disease processes and hopefully find new therapeutic targets.

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A Needle-Free Alternative for Vaccine Delivery

PhRMA Foundation predoctoral awardee Madison Davis at the University of Texas at Austin is studying a needle-free alternative to deliver vaccines.

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Identifying New Therapeutic Targets for Visceral Pain

Annie Londregan, a PhD student at Thomas Jefferson University, aims to identify a new therapeutic target for visceral pain, the type of pain that originates from abdominal or pelvic organs.

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Tailoring Delivery of Gene Therapies to Lung Cells

Dr. Alexandra Piotrowski-Daspit of the University of Michigan is developing biodegradable nanoparticles that can carry gene therapies directly to lung cells to hopefully treat diseases like cystic fibrosis.

Awardee Spotlight

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Marcus A. Garcia, PharmD

  • University of New Mexico

“As a pharmacist and toxicologist, this honor resonates deeply with the significance of my research in addressing the urgent global issue of microplastic pollution and its effects on human health. This award propels my research forward, providing vital resources that will significantly impact the trajectory of microplastic research. With this award, I am empowered to expand my investigations, collaborate with experts across disciplines, and amplify awareness of the critical importance of microplastic research. It allows me to extend my reach, influence policy, and drive meaningful change towards a cleaner, healthier future. ”

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Assessing the Effectiveness of Blood Pressure Drugs for Preventing Heart Failure in Breast Cancer Patients

PhD student Udim Damachi at the University of Maryland, Baltimore, is using real-world data to investigate whether blood pressure medications are effective in preventing heart failure in breast cancer patients.