Position:
Graduate Student – PharmD/PhD Dual Degree
Education:
- Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) – Washington State University, Spokane, WA
- Master of Science (MS) in Science of Health Care Delivery – Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ
- Bachelor of Science (BS) in Molecular Biosciences and Biotechnology – Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ
Research Interests:
- Role of first-pass metabolism and impact of pharmacogenetics, drug-drug, and drug-natural product interactions on systemic exposure
- Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modeling to predict clinical PK and understanding underlying mechanisms
- Impact of ontogeny of drug transporters and metabolizing enzymes on drug-drug interactions and precision pediatrics medicine
About:
Dr. Siavosh, an alumnus of the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at Washington State University (WSU) Spokane, is currently expanding his academic prowess as a PharmD/PhD student. His academic journey began at Arizona State University, where he honed his expertise in molecular biotechnology. There, he was instrumental in the development of innovative vaccines for HIV-1 and Zika virus, utilizing plant expression hosts as a novel approach. His master’s degree centered on the creation of a groundbreaking Pediatric Injury Severity Scale for Phoenix Children’s Hospital. This pioneering work has significantly improved the prediction of pediatric trauma activation criteria, enhancing the hospital’s ability to respond to emergencies effectively.
Throughout his PharmD pursuit, Dr. Siavosh has been deeply involved in a myriad of research projects. His work has spanned from exploring the complex interactions between nicotine and menthol to assessing the influence of marijuana on opioids. He has also delved into the impact of DMET ontogeny on pediatric patients, contributing valuable insights to the field. Currently, his research is concentrated on the intricate interplay between drugs, genes, and natural products. He is particularly interested in how these interactions influence first-pass metabolism and the subsequent systemic exposure. His work in this area promises to shed new light on our understanding of drug metabolism and efficacy.
At WSU, Dr. Siavosh has been a dynamic force, serving as a student ambassador, academic tutor, and student representative for both the diversity and curriculum committees. His commitment to inclusivity and equity is evident in his role as the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Spokane Health Sciences campus. Beyond his academic and research pursuits, Dr. Siavosh has made a significant impact on campus life. He is the founder of two influential clubs: the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) and the National Community Oncology Dispensing Organization (NCODA). These organizations reflect his dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive campus community, as well as his commitment to advancing the field of pharmacy.
Awards:
- 2023 – 3 Minute Thesis – 2nd Place, WSU College of Pharmacy
- 2022 – Top 10 Toxicology Poster Award – Experimental Biology 2022 – ASPET Society
- 2022 – APhA WSU Chapter Counseling Competition Winner
- 2021 – Disability Access Center Award, WSU – Excellence in advocacy for disabled students
- 2020 – Delta Alpha Pi Academic Honor Society, WSU – Disability Student of the Year
- 2020 – Rho Chi International Honor Society, WSU
- 2018 – Student of the Year Award Class of 2022, WSU – Doctor of Pharmacy
- 2018 – Student of the Year Award Class of 2018, ASU – M.S. Science of Health Care Delivery
- 2017 – Teaching Excellence Award, ASU – Awarded for Genetics and Microbiology
- 2017 – Summa Cum Laude, ASU B.S. Molecular Biosciences & Biotechnology
Contact:
Telephone: (509) 368-6535
Email: s.naji-talakar@wsu.edu
Office Location: Pharmaceutical & Biomedical Sciences Building, Room # PBS-320, Spokane, WA