Last fall, the Academy for a Healthy Iowa presented Drake University the “Healthy Iowa College/University Award,” recognizing a long-term, strategic commitment to physical, mental and emotional health on campus.  This month, Drake unveils its newest brick in the wellness wall: Underground Fitness.

A brand new addition to the Olmsted Center, Underground Fitness will provide a free and convenient exercise resource for students. The center fills an unused space of the former Terrace Court dining hall, breathing new life into the bottom floor of Olmsted and alleviating pressure on the university’s Bell Center recreation facility.

“I think it’s a great addition to the Olmsted Center,” says Doug Brady, a sophomore marketing and accounting major. “Not only is the new facility more convenient and accessible to the student population living in dorms, it also eases the demand for cardio equipment in the Bell Center. As the temperature drops, the need for these indoor fitness facilities increases exponentially.”

Underground Fitness, and the award that preceded it, reflect a broad movement toward wellness at Drake. Jana Peterson, the University’s wellness director, points to a combination of senior-level administrative support and campus community participation as integral contributors to the award.

“The inclusion of creating a culture of wellness as part of the strategic plan was instrumental in receiving this title,” Peterson says. “Drake wellness also works with a community that participates. Without engagement from the campus community, this recognition would not be possible.”

Beyond the body

Over the past several years, broad changes have bolstered the University’s commitment not only to physical health, but also to mental and emotional wellness. New policies, such as community service leave for employees, aim to improve the balance between work and life. New positions such as the coordinator of student wellness education and the coordinator for sexual violence response and healthy relationship promotion enhance the student experience. Free programming —including one-on-one fitness testing, exercise program design consultations, a wellness lunch series and group exercise classes — also contributes to the success of Drake’s efforts to foster healthy lifestyles.

Drake’s Athletics Department has prepared a new concept for expanding and revitalizing the university’s existing sports and recreation facilities. Fundraising has begun with the goal of completing construction in the next few years. The plan would provide vastly superior workout space for Drake students, Drake athletes, and professional track and field competitors alike.

Recognizing the commitment

Initiatives like these have proven popular: 89 percent of Drake employees participate in at least one wellness program offering each year, and the “Healthy Iowa” designation is well-deserved recognition.

The Academy for a Healthy Iowa is a collaboration between the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition and the Wellness Council of Iowa. Award winners are selected based on providing access to wellness programming, financial commitment, measurability and sustainability. Winners retain the “Healthy Iowa” designation for three years, at which point they must reapply.

Drake University was recognized at the Healthy Iowa Awards held on October 20 at the Hy-Vee Conference Center in West Des Moines. Eleven Iowa businesses were designated Wellness Council of America “Well Workplaces,” and 13 communities, schools and leaders were recognized.

Peterson anticipates integrating ideas from the Healthy Iowa Conference into future wellness initiatives. Each academic year, Drake Wellness offers a new program designed by its staff.

“I am looking forward to creating and implementing programming for the Drake campus based on new research and ideas presented at the conference,” she says.

Tom Grouling

Thirty years and six offices later, Thomas Grouling is retiring from his position as associate director of Drake’s International Programs and Services Department. After devoting his career to assisting thousands of students and scholars with expanding their worldviews, he plans on doing a bit of traveling himself.

“I would love to see New England’s fall colors,” Grouling says. “Though I am looking forward to retirement, I’ll miss working daily with students, faculty and staff members.”

In his role as associate director, Grouling advised international students on immigration laws and international employment regulations. He also served as the director of an intensive English language-learning program designed for non-native English speakers.

Program grows while fostering global community

International Programs and Services was much different when Grouling joined the department as a part-time staff member three decades ago.

Staffed in 1981 by one full-time worker and a few part-time personnel, the 2011 version of the department retains seven full-time employees.

Five Drake students studied abroad in 1981; in 2011, 250 travelled internationally to pursue a diverse array of cultural and educational experiences. In addition, more than 350 international students are attending classes at Drake this year.

“The program’s main accomplishment is growth,” Grouling says. “More students are participating than ever before. President Maxwell, Drake, and the Center for International Programs and Services have made great strides forward in promoting global citizenship, which is the most exciting part of the University’s mission — to make students more aware of their place in the world.

“When we understand each other, we get along with each other. Peace comes through understanding, and understanding comes through the type of interaction fostered by international exchange.”

Years of mentorship and guidance

Grouling’s proudest accomplishment is the mentorship role he played for 12 Drake students who interned with him, studying immigration regulations and international student advising.

“Of these Drake graduates, several have worked overseas, three went on to become Foreign Student Advisers, one became a visa officer for the U.S. State Department and one became an immigration lawyer,” says Grouling, who began the assistantship program in 1997. “I’m pleased to have played a role in helping these students in the development of their professional careers.”

Grouling will continue to guide students in the years to come. Though he will otherwise be retired, Grouling plans on continuing to teach an undergraduate course, Introduction to American Culture.

Drake University offers more than 200 study abroad opportunities in more than 70 countries. Invariably, students come away from these experiences with lifelong memories and captivating images.

Drake’s study abroad program hosted its annual photo contest via Facebook this year. Students who studied abroad during the fall 2010, spring 2011 or summer 2011 semester had the option of entering one photo in any number of six categories: architecture, people, culture, Drake students, most unique and places. Then, members of the Drake community and the public voted for their favorites in each category.

To learn more about studying abroad at Drake University, visit http://www.drake.edu/international/study-abroad/ or contact Jen Hogan at 515-271-3073 or jen.hogan@drake.edu.

This year’s best photos, as voted by students, faculty and friends, are:
(Click on a photo to view it larger.)

ARCHITECTURE
“Transfiguration Church”
Kizhi, Russia – Summer 2011
From the photographer: “The churches at Kizhi are the only structures on a small island in the northeast corner of Lake Onega. The 18^th century Church of Transfiguration with its 22 domes and functioning bell tower was built entirely of interlocking wood pieces, without a single nail. “ – Mariah Marconi, junior, writing major.

PEOPLE (two-way tie)
“Clay Pot Factory”
Bahla, Oman – Spring 2011
From the photographer: “As part of our excursion, we were ‘dropped off’ in the city of Bahla, Oman to find out the meaning of the city’s name. I, along with three other members of my group, found two men, who were brothers, making clay pots by hand. It turned out that the family of these two men had owned this clay pot factory for over 300 years (it may have been more, but my numbers in Arabic are fuzzy).” – Amina Kader, senior, international relations major.

PEOPLE (two-way tie)
“Italian Man Dressed as the Joker”
Venice, Italy – Spring 2011
From the photographer: “I captured this photo in the heart of Venice during their internationally renowned celebration, Carnival. I was fascinated with the extravagance and creativity that many of the customs embodied.” – Abby Silverman, senior, graphic design and creative advertising double major.

CULTURE
“Dolmus and Political Party Flags”
Istanbul, Turkey – Spring 2011
From the photographer: “I spent a lot of time in this little town on the edge of Istanbul. However, it was not until the end of my trip that I realized that I had taken hundreds of pictures of my far-away adventures, but perhaps I was taking for granted that which I encountered on a weekly basis. I snapped this photo as the sun set. I liked it because it represented what Turks encounter daily: traffic, vendors, and political messages.” – Noelle Smith, junior, broadcast news and politics major.

DRAKE STUDENTS
“Children from Rural Village”
Uganda ‑ Summer 2011
From the photographer: “The people of this rural village live completely different lives from what we are used to in the United States. It was amazing to see how happy they were despite their life in poverty. The most fascinating realization of the day was that the children had no way of looking at themselves without mirrors, cameras, or computers. They loved getting their pictures taken because they wanted to see what they looked like, and we enjoyed seeing them smile.” – Evelyn Lashley, sophomore, secondary education and English double major.

MOST UNIQUE
“Asante in Afransie Village”
Ghana – Spring 2011
From the photographer: “This photo is of Asante, the 4-year old boy I sponsor in Ghana. I met him while staying in a small village named Afransie. Meeting him was one of the best things that has ever happened to me.” – Grace Kerr, junior, public relations major.

PLACES
“Neuschwanstein Castle”
Hohenschwangau, Germany – Spring 2011
From the photographer: “My first memory of learning German – in kindergarten ‑ was staring at a poster of the Neuschwanstein castle. I always knew that I wanted to study abroad in Germany and that I wanted to visit the castle. When I arrived more than 12 years later, I searched for that specific view depicted on the poster. I found the view from Mary’s Bridge – a bridge that’s suspended between two cliffs and terrifying to anyone who’s afraid of heights. It felt like I had a view that only the birds would get to experience.” – Lauren Ehrler, junior, broadcast news major.

Drake hosted a presidential debate during the 2008 election cycle as well.

Student opportunities abound during nationally televised debate

The Drake University community is preparing for a televised, prime-time debate December 10 that will bring with it top presidential candidates, hundreds of journalists, crowds of voters and — perhaps most important — a wealth of opportunities for undergraduate students.

The crew from ABC News/Yahoo, the Republican Party of Iowa, The Des Moines Register and ABC5/WOI-DT has selected 25 students and 10 alternates for paid internship opportunities during the week leading up to and the day of the debate.

“Drake’s location in Iowa, home of the first-in-the-nation caucuses, provides students a rich diversity of opportunities to view and experience the political process in all its forms, from campaigning to news reporting to civil protesting,” says Rachel Caufield, associate professor of politics and Drake’s director of caucus planning. “Working on a nationally televised debate with major, respected organizations will provide students a particularly active and meaningful role in the political and journalistic process.”

Student workers will be immersed in the enormous media and political production. In addition to a swarm of staff members from the sponsor organizations, coordinators expect the debate to draw at least 700 journalists from news agencies around the world.

“I’m sure that spending the week working with hundreds of other people in the media will get me excited for my future career,” says Sean Walsh, a senior public relations major. “It will be great to see Drake represented in such a noteworthy and positive way, and I’ll be able to say I was a part of that.”

Students will assist ABC News producers, technical staff and news personnel in preparing for this extremely complex event. Some will even find themselves transporting media personalities like debate anchors Diane Sawyer and George Stephanopolous to and from the airport.

For many eager undergraduate students, this opportunity will complement two, three or even four prior internships. Caitlin Angel, a junior pursuing a dual degree in advertising and graphic design, has held marketing-related internships with the Des Moines Buccaneers, New York and Company, and the Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“Through those internships, I have learned a lot about organization and time management, taking direction, and conducting myself in a professional manner,” Angel says. “I think working for ABC will be an expansion of what I have learned in the classroom — that as journalists it is our responsibility to give people the information they need to make clear and conscious decisions about what’s going on around them.”

For students, the debate’s combination of big-name professional outlets and large-scale production can equal a major resume boost. In August 2007, students performed similar responsibilities during Republican and Democratic presidential debates on campus — and their work was highly praised.

“We were so impressed with the caliber of the Drake student volunteers who worked with us. They were an essential force in putting together the ABC News Republican debate at your fine University,” Kathy O’Hearn, executive producer of “This Week with George Stephanopolous” and executive producer of ABC News’ Iowa Debates, said in 2007. “All dedicated self-starters, each one of these knowledgeable, courteous students went the extra mile whenever and wherever they could. They helped make our debate a smashing success.”

Luke Braland, a junior electronic media major, worked last year as executive content producer for the Drake Relays — one of the nation’s largest student-run television productions. He trusts that experience, paired with this upcoming debate, will make him a top candidate for media jobs.

“Working with ABC is definitely one professional accomplishment that I will put at the top of my resume for a very long time,” he says. “It will be a memorable experience that improves my knowledge of the news industry.”

– Aaron Jaco, AS’07, JO’07

The Drake University College of Business and Public Administration, in partnership with the Des Moines Register, hosted Principles and Priorities, a budget-reduction exercise that gave community members a chance to learn about the policymaking issues involved in federal spending and try their hand at slicing through the national debt.

The program, which was presented by the Concord Coalition, drew nearly 200 participants who worked in 25 small groups, comprised of Drake undergraduate and graduate students, working professionals and retirees. Principles and Priorities is a program presented by the Concord Coalition in schools across the country. The coalition is a non-partisan organization that aims to educate the public about the causes and consequences of government budget deficits as well as potential solutions to the country’s economic problems.

“Since each attendee has a different view of how the proposed spending cuts and tax changes might impact them, it created an excellent forum for discussion,” says Tom Root, associate professor of finance.

During the event, participants considered federal spending priorities, tax policy and entitlement reform and made decisions about the best combination of program spending and tax policies.

“The discussion at our tables was very civil and respectful,” Root says. “Participants were willing to discuss and debate then understand that there is a need for compromise. I think most participants wondered why Congress is not able to also reach solutions where both sides are willing to compromise.”

Groups then created a package of recommended policies in line with their sense of the principles behind government budgets and the priorities that should be at the forefront of the government’s fiscal agenda.

For example, to help reduce federal spending, 84 percent of the groups supported eliminating some agriculture subsides.

According to a Concord Coalition blog post, the average amount of deficit reduction approved by the groups was $3.46 trillion. Here is a sample of some of the outcomes:

•    76 percent of the groups favored keeping the spending caps in the 2011 Budget Control Act, or even cutting discretionary spending back to 2008 levels and freezing it

•    100 percent of the groups wanted the budget baseline to be adjusted for the withdrawal of troops from Iraq and Afghanistan.  All of the groups supported a substantial reduction in war costs

•    12 percent of the groups favored repealing the Affordable Care Act

•    96 percent of the groups favored raising the Medicare Eligibility Age to 67

•    92 percent of the groups favored increasing the taxable earning cap for Social Security

•    80 percent of the groups favored either letting the tax cuts expire or engaging in comprehensive tax reform

•    85 percent of the groups in favor of comprehensive tax reform wanted to use it to raise additional revenues

•    80 percent of the groups favored eliminating oil and gas subsides

“The event provided the community with an opportunity to improve its understanding of the difficult choices that need to be made in relation to our country’s debt,” Root says. “It is widely understood that the country is borrowing at an unsustainable rate and tough choices need to be made to solve this problem. This exercise demonstrates that the only solution possible will need to address a wide range of programs as well as revenue. Participants learn quickly that the solutions require both adjustments to spending and to taxes.”

The Drake University School of Education offers graduate level programs including master’s, specialist and doctoral degrees in the areas of effective teaching, educational leadership, adult training and development, higher education and counseling. Visit www.drake.edu/soe/programs/ for more information.

1. The School of Education has structured its graduate programs to meet the needs of working professionals. “We strive to remove the barriers that prevent adults from continuing their education by offering evening and weekend courses. Our programs are geared towards the adult learner,” says Jared McCarty, graduate admissions coordinator.

2. Our curriculum is rigorous and faculty maintain high expectations, but we also provide students with a strong support system. “SOE educational leadership professors travel to locations throughout the state to bring learning opportunities to our students,” says Thomas Buckmiller, assistant professor of education. “Our students are competent, focused, excited about school leadership and extremely employable after graduation.”

3. The alumni network in the state is strong. More than 2,000 current Iowa teachers, counselors and administrators are graduates of Drake’s School of Education. Those alumni comprise more than 60 percent of Iowa’s school district staff. Drake alumni represent 32 percent of superintendents and 23 percent of principals in Iowa’s primary and secondary schools

4. Theory and practice both have a place in the curriculum. “Drake provided me with a strong background in both instructional leadership and school management,” says Joel Pedersen, superintendent for Cardinal Community School District. Pedersen earned a master’s degree and his doctorate from Drake’s School of Education; he was named the School Administrators of Iowa Middle Level Principal of the Year in 2010.  “My professional network was also built during my time at Drake. I still collaborate with former professors and classmates. The Drake school leadership programs are built around the Iowa Standards for School Leaders. This approach balances leadership theory and practical application perfectly. I felt prepared to tackle complex school issues early in my career as a result of my preparation at Drake.”

5. A graduate degree can prepare you for a new career. At Drake, a graduate student who earned his or her bachelor’s degree in a field other than education can earn an Iowa teaching certificate while pursuing a Master of Arts in Teaching in secondary education or Master of Science in Teaching in elementary education.

“Our graduates have read, written and applied contemporary strategies that they can use in public or private schools, agencies or corporate training,” says Jan McMahill, dean of Drake’s School of Education. “Our professors and practitioners collaborate to help our graduate students realize the Drake difference.”

The Principal Financial Group Center for Global Citizenship (PFGCGC) at Drake University is committed to integrating an international perspective into the Drake student experience. One of the most effective steps toward this goal has been hosting prominent world figures and experts in various fields; guest lecturers this fall presented an exciting array of worldviews.

“This series brings considerable visibility to global issues and their relevance to Drake and the broader Des Moines community,” said Christa Olson, vice provost of international programs. “It is just one of several strong programs which contribute to the Drake mission of preparing globally responsible citizens.”

Joaquim Chissano, former president of Mozambique, spoke on the Drake University Campus.

Joaquim Chissano, former president of Mozambique, visited Drake’s campus on Oct. 12 as part of the PFGCGC fall speaker and film series. In total, the center hosted 16 events this semester.

Chissano was Mozambique’s second president, serving from 1986 to 2005. In recent years, he has worked with the U.N. and other international organizations. He also chairs his own foundation and serves on the Forum of Former African Heads of State and Government.

“We were thrilled to host former President Joaquim Chissano,” said David Skidmore, the center’s director and professor of politics. “It was an honor to have someone so highly esteemed in Africa and beyond. He’s played an integral role in African development for decades now, and his message is important and especially relevant today.”

Chissano was not the only speaker, however, to discuss democracy and development in Africa. Roy Bennett, a Zimbabwean politician talked about his personal experience fighting for democracy, which often included jail time and eventually led to him fleeing the country.

In addition to lectures about Africa, the center also hosted a concert featuring the Striving for Eternal Life Choir (SFEL), made up entirely of young refugees from Burundi. Drake junior Vincent Niyokwizera founded the choir in 2009 to support refugee students that arrived in the U.S. in 2007 and 2008 and spoke little or no English.

“The Striving For Eternal Life Choir was one of the highlights of this fall,” Skidmore said. “Their stories of overcoming hardship were inspirational and their music was uplifting.”

Most of the choir’s members spent as many as 11 years of their youth in Tanzanian refugee camps. The choir’s strong faith is the inspiration for their music, which they perform around the Des Moines area and beyond.

Along with development and democracy in developing countries, many of the series’ speakers focused on U.S. security issues. International security expert Jim Walsh discussed nuclear weapons and Iran, and counterterrorism expert Brian Fishman spoke on combating terrorism and lessons learned in the past decade.

Some presentations featured an Iowa connection. Former U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Dennis McGinn — who helped compile some of the first reports to Congress that framed energy as a national security issue — discussed security and its role in Iowa’s energy future. The series concluded on Nov. 10 with a celebration of the relationship between Des Moines and Stavopol, Russia. Russian education delegates were on hand along with Des Moines Public Schools officials for a public Q&A and presentation about their sister-city partnership.

For more information on the Principal Financial Group Center for Global Citizenship, visit http://www.drake.edu/international/cgc/ or contact David Skidmore at david.skidmore@drake.edu.

School of Journalism and Mass Communications students left this month’s “Drake Journalism Days” events with business cards and boosted confidence. The weeklong series of professional development and networking sessions proved what an exciting time it is to pursue a career in communications.

“We had several goals for the week: to celebrate our accomplishments, to increase the profile of the school on campus, and to provide professional development opportunities to students,” says Kathleen Richardson, SJMC director.

“My goal for students, in their four years here, is to develop a tool kit of skills they can take and go out and use while doing whatever the world throws at them.”

Photo via Drake SJMC website

Professionals from across journalism disciplines spoke on personal branding, industry trends, advertising ethics, effective writing and more. The events provided advice for students who are looking forward to careers in media and connected them with numerous alumni and local professionals from outlets such as The Des Moines Register, Meredith Corporation, Principal Financial Group, Iowa Public Television, and more.

The week kicked off with “The Brand of You,” a presentation by social media guru Claire Celsi, AS’01. Celsi, who was recently named director of marketing and community partnerships at Des Moines Area Regional Transit Authority (DART), kept the crowd engaged while advocating contemporary strategies for students to build a positive, professional appearance in the media industry.

Wednesday’s “Cutting Edge” event featured a panel of media specialists involved in many aspects of the industry, including sports reporting, magazine and newspaper editing and marketing entrepreneurship. The discussion addressed exciting opportunities in the field, personal branding and the importance of internships. The student audience actively participated by tweeting their questions using the #drakejdays hashtag.

“The goal was to show students that there are great, creative, innovative things going on in the media world,” says panel moderator Chris Snider, instructor of practice in multimedia. “There was a good debate among the panelists. I think the students in attendance got value out of it, as their tweets seemed to show.”

On Thursday, students and local professionals participated in speed networking. The president of the Young Professionals Connection, Jason Wells, JO’04, encouraged students to take advantage of the networking events offered by the school.

“The speed networking night and the other events of Journalism Days are a great opportunity to show students how strongly Des Moines embraces Drake students,” Wells says.

Throughout the week, SJMC professors were encouraged to host professionals in their classes to address specific topics pertaining to each course. All Drake students were invited to sit in on classes with speakers, in hopes of fostering collaboration and understanding between majors.

Erin Hassanzadeh, a sophomore broadcast news major, attended every major event of the week. She was enthusiastic about her experience with Journalism Days, especially the speed networking event.

“I learned it’s a lot about who you know and showing initiative and interest in a company,” Hassanzadeh says. “It was an awesome experience to start practicing those conversations.”

This fall, Drake University was awarded the “Healthy Iowa” designation by the Academy for a Healthy Iowa. The award celebrates the wellness initiatives of schools, organizations and individuals in the state.

Jana Peterson, Drake University wellness director, points to a combination of senior-level administration support and campus community participation in describing what led Drake to win the award.

“The inclusion of creating a culture of wellness as part of the strategic plan was instrumental in receiving this title,” Peterson says. “Drake wellness also works with a community that participates. Without engagement from the campus community, this recognition would not be possible.”

Exciting changes have bolstered Drake’s culture of wellness over the past several years. New policies, such as community service leave for employees, aim to improve the balance between work and life. New positions, such as the coordinator of student wellness education and the coordinator for sexual violence response and healthy relationship promotion, aid the student experience. Free programming —including one-on-one fitness testing, exercise program design consultations, a wellness lunch series and group exercise classes — also contributes to the success of Drake’s efforts to foster healthy lifestyles.

These programs have proven popular; 89 percent of Drake employees participate in at least one wellness program offering each year.

Peterson says that the recognition will serve as a platform for Drake to continue offering and evolving wellness programs for the campus community.

The Academy for a Healthy Iowa is a collaboration between the Iowa Department of Public Health, the Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness and Nutrition and the Wellness Council of Iowa. Award winners are selected based on providing access to wellness programming, financial commitment, measurability and sustainability. Winners retain the “Healthy Iowa” designation for three years at which point they must reapply.

Drake University was recognized at the Healthy Iowa Awards held on October 20 at the Hy-Vee Conference Center in West Des Moines. Eleven Iowa businesses were designated Wellness Council of America “Well Workplaces,” and 13 communities, schools and leaders were recognized.

Peterson anticipates integrating ideas from the Healthy Iowa Conference into future wellness initiatives. Each academic year, Drake Wellness offers a new program designed by its staff.

“I am looking forward to creating an implementing programming for the Drake campus based on new research and ideas presented at the conference,” she says.

New Ellis Pharmacogenomics and Disease Prevention laboratories propel pharmacy and health sciences students to the cutting edge

The healthcare landscape is changing and, with the exciting addition of two new laboratories, the Drake University College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is poised to take a leadership role.

In today’s “one size fits all” healthcare experience, one patient’s successful drug therapy is another’s prescription for harmful negative side effects. But in the cutting edge field of personalized medicine (pharmacogenomics), researchers are studying how an individual’s genetics affect the body’s response to drugs, and how medical professionals can use that knowledge to match patients with the best available treatment from the beginning.

In Drake’s new Pharmacogenomics laboratory, students, faculty and community health professionals will work together to understand — and potentially break new ground — in the field.

Drake’s new Disease Prevention Lab will also extend research opportunities and help meet growing demands of an aging population by preparing students to pursue careers in fields such as physical therapy, exercise, medical physiology and others.

“These labs are going to broaden our horizons tremendously,” says Raylene Rospond, deputy provost and dean of the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. “Collaboration with researchers from Mercy Medical Center, Broadlawns Medical Center and Des Moines University will also open up opportunities for students.”

Creation of these facilities was supported by a generous gift from Jack Ellis, PH’57, a grant from Grow Iowa Values, the CPHS Harris endowment, CPHS technology fees, and a federal appropriation directed at purchasing equipment.

A Detailed Treatment

“We are training pharmacists and health sciences graduates who are going to play a very critical role in making the field of personalized medicine a success,” says Pramod Mahajan, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences and the author of the grant proposal. Mahajan teaches an elective course in pharmacogenomics.

In pharmacogenomics, pharmacists and health professionals analyze a patient’s DNA, and then use that information to optimize a treatment plan.  The goal is better healthcare — and reduction of side effects.

“Healthcare employers are looking for people with expertise in this area,” he says. “Students who will be trained in pharmacogenomics will have a greater marketability.”

The new pharmacogenomics lab places Drake’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at the leading edge of the discipline.

“A facility like this helps us remain competitive in the next realm,” Rospond says. ”In pharmacy, it places us in a unique position among our peers. It allows us to expand and move forward in a positive way.”

Ahead of the Curve

Focusing on prevention, the Disease Prevention Laboratory allows students to evaluate patients physiologically, gathering data such as blood pressure, heart rate, cholesterol, bone density, range of motion and lung volume. Students will use the tools to evaluate one another and, ideally, conduct wellness screenings for real patients from central Iowa hospitals.

“These are major additions,” Rospond says. “These state-of-the-art pieces of equipment prepare students for graduate studies in the health sciences in areas such as physical therapy and physician assistant studies.”

One highlight technology new to the lab is BodyViz, a computer program navigated with an Xbox controller.

“I can travel through the spinal column and show what the inside of a spinal cord looks like,” says Rhonda Beemer, director of health sciences experiential education.

The BodyViz program explores real MRIs — not simulations — and provides comprehensive exposure to anatomy as an alternative to a cadaver lab.

Building on past success

This project represents a significant investment in Des Moines and Iowa’s healthcare system and economy. Maintaining the excellence of Drake University’s pharmacy and health sciences programs is vital to attracting the very best students.

By creating innovative community programs and using technology to improve health outcomes, Drake is also working to elevate the practice and delivery of healthcare in the area and provide further incentive for graduates to remain in central Iowa.

“The College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences continues to realize its vision, which is to uphold its tradition of preparing individuals to meet the expectation and challenges of healthcare, while being recognized for its innovation and boldly pursuing breakthrough achievements in teaching, research, scholarship and service,” Rospond said.

The creation of the Ellis Pharmacogenomics and Disease Prevention Laboratories provides Drake’s faculty and students in the College of Pharmacy a distinctive advantage as it advances these burgeoning fields of healthcare.