Two School of Pharmacy Professors Inducted into Research Hall of Fame

Dr. Jennifer Elliott, associate professor of pharmacy practice, and Dr. Rehana Leak, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences, were honored for their outstanding research and accomplishments at the May 2 induction ceremony for the University’s Research Hall of Fame.

Elliott is a clinical pharmacist whose research focuses on improving health outcomes for vulnerable pediatric populations. She and her colleagues have developed models to assess the prevalence, severity, control and risk factors for asthma in children, as well as novel interventions to improve asthma-related health outcomes in school and community settings.

Leak directs a research laboratory focused on understanding the molecular underpinnings of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and is currently studying if PD pathology can enter the brain from the nose, leading to the early loss of smell in this condition. In addition, Leak’s lab is examining why PD movement deficits first emerge on only one side of the body, in order to develop therapies that slow transmission to the opposite side.

Each inductee was presented with a set of personalized baseball-style trading cards that highlight their research, academic accomplishments and grants.

Duquesne’s Research Hall of Fame honors faculty members who have made substantial contributions in their respective fields.

Past inductees, deans and members of the faculty and the Office of Research were in attendance.