Alumni in Action
Amanda Hanks, '10
What is your current position and what do you find exciting about it?
I am an Oncology Investigational Drug Pharmacist at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) Medical Center. I work with patients on clinical trials who are receiving anti-cancer drugs being considered for FDA approval. Given that there is a rich pipeline of new cancer therapies, it is exciting to have the opportunity to learn about these novel drugs firsthand! There is limited information available about drugs at this stage of clinical development and I enjoy tackling new questions from healthcare providers regarding the safe use of these drugs for their patients. This role satisfies my scientific curiosity while helping bring much-needed new treatment options to cancer patients.
How did your GVSU Chemistry degree help you prepare for your position?
The GVSU Chemistry program built a strong foundation for my scientific thought process through didactic coursework and early exposure to original research projects through the mentorship of Dr. Rachel Powers and Dr. Dalila Kovacs. This program also introduced me to the field of biochemistry, which laid the groundwork for my appreciation of pharmaceutical chemistry. For example, a specific functional group within a drug structure can lead to unwanted side effects, and this drug structure can be modified to eliminate the problematic functional group while retaining therapeutic potential. Mechanisms of drug action are fascinating and deeply rooted in chemistry!
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