The School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has announced several leadership changes, effective July 1, 2025.
Dean | School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr. Tatiana Bronich will step down from her role as Dean after four years of service, during which she led a comprehensive revision of the PharmD curriculum and oversaw significant increases in program enrollment. Dr. Bronichwill continue as a Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, focusing on her research in polymer chemistry, drug delivery, and nanomedicine.
Dr. Michael Gonyeau, a Clinical Professor with 25 years of faculty experience, will serve as Interim Dean. Dr. Gonyeau has previously held leadership roles including Interim Department Chair and Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs and Assessment within the SOPPS, and numerous leadership roles within the University and the academy.
We are embarking on a national search for the next permanent SOPPS Dean in the upcoming academic year, and we would love to hear from our alumni and friends with your thoughts and suggestions. If you would like to be involved in our search, please reach out to us!
Chair | Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Dr. Ganesh Thakur will conclude his tenure as Chair of the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, following a transformative period of growth and innovation. Under his leadership, the department expanded to 27 faculty members through the strategic recruitment of 10 accomplished scientists and educators. He spearheaded several pioneering academic initiatives and secured over $9 million in extramural research funding, while establishing and revitalizing multiple programs. Dr. Thakur will continue his contributions as Professor, advancing high-impact research, mentorship, and translational science.
Dr. Tali Konry, Associate Professor and current Assistant Dean for Research,will serve as Interim Department Chair. Dr. Konry specializes in biomedical research using lab-on-a-chip technologies for precision cancer treatment. We are in the beginning stages of forming the search committee.
Chair | Department of Pharmacy Practice and Health Systems Sciences
Dr. Jason Lancaster, Clinical Professor and Interim Chair of the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Health Systems Sciences, has been named the permanent chair following a national search. He has served in a variety of leadership positions within the department, school, and College, including chairing multiple search, promotion, and academic committees, along with maintaining his experiential and didactic teaching and research endeavors.
Office of Student Affairs
The work of the Office of Student Affairs within the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences has been divided across three (3) SOPPS’s standing committees. These include the Academic and Professional Standing Committee, the Admissions Committee and the re-establishment of the Student Professional Development Committee. In addition to SOPPS level support, students will continue to receive outstanding support from the Bouvé’s Office of Student Services. Current Assistant Dean of Student Affairs Dr. Jenny Van Amburgh will serve as the lead faculty member for this re-established Student Professional Development Committee during this transition and will continue her role as a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pharmacy and Health Systems Sciencesand the Director of Post-Graduate Education for the Teaching & Learning Seminar series.
Office of Experiential and Continuing Professional Education
The Office of Experiential and Continuing Professional Education in the SOPPS has been renamed to the Office of Experiential Education. The Continuing Professional Education enterprise will operate under the Bouvé College Dean’s Office.
Assistant Dean Debra Copeland will be returning to a faculty role as a Clinical Professor in the Department of Pharmacy and Health Systems Sciences after many years of dedicated service building excellence in our experiential offerings to meet the needs of the students in the pharmacy programs.
Dr. Dawn Swain Assistant Clinical Professor, will assume the role of Assistant Dean of Experiential Education, starting July 1.
Dr. J. Andrew Orr-Skirvin, Clinical Professor, has been appointed Director of the Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experiences and will support the Assistant Dean and program in managing required early experiential education efforts.
Office of Academic Affairs and Assessment
Dr. Stephanie Sibicky, Assistant Dean of the Office of Academic Affairs and Assessment has been promoted to Clinical Professor. Stephanie joined Northeastern in 2015 and was named Assistant Dean in 2024.
Dr. Savanna DiCristina has been named Director of the Doctor of Pharmacy Program. Savanna joined Northeastern in 2023 and is co-funded with Harbor Health Elder Services Plane (PACE).
Enrollment Operations
Adrienne Gibbons has been promoted to Assistant Director, Enrollment Operations. Adrienne will now serve as admissions representative for all professional year Doctor of Pharmacy Pathways and the Pharmaceutical Sciences Master of Science degree programs.
Academic Operations
Jenn Zagarella has been promoted to Assistant Director, Academic Operations.
We offer our sincere thanks to all the leaders highlighted above for their valuable contributions and devoted service in their respective positions. Their innovative vision and pursuit of excellence have fortified our programs and created a strong platform for SOPPS’s continued advancement.
