Recognized as a Leading Scientist by Novartis – a top
honor in research and development at one of the major
pharmaceutical companies in the world – Abu Serajuddin,
‘82Ph.D., Professor of Industrial Pharmacy in St. John’s
University’s College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions,
knows what it takes to establish a successful career in the
pharmaceutical industry.
As a former executive director at Novartis and the holder of
management positions in several pharmaceutical companies, including
Sanofi-Aventis and Bristol-Myers Squibb, Dr. Serajuddin brings over
30 years of experience and pharmaceutical R&D knowledge to St.
John’s University. His election to Fellow status in such
prestigious professional organizations as the American Pharmacists’
Association (APhA), the American Association of Pharmaceutical
Scientists (AAPS) and the International Union of Pure and Applied
Chemistry (IUPAC) also adds to the reputation of St. John’s.
“Teaching after working for three decades in the pharmaceutical
industry has been a major transition in my life; however, one of my
dreams has always been to become an educator when the opportunity
arises. I think it’s important to educate students about all of the
pharmacy career options. There is more to pharmacy than dispensing
medicines in a drug store or a hospital.”
At St. John’s, Dr. Serajuddin has already built an active research
program in pharmaceutical sciences and has secured industry grants
for his research. A member of the Industrial Pharmacy Advisory
Committee at the College, he is also spearheading a new project to
build a state-of-the-art industrial pharmacy laboratory and pilot
plant for students interested in the development and production of
pharmaceutical products.
“College of Pharmacy Dean Robert Mangione Ed.D., R.Ph., Patricia
Nolan, Director of Development, and I have visited 10
pharmaceutical companies since we began working on this project in
order to raise funds for the new facility. So far, we have received
a lot of support and we hope to succeed in this effort.”
Dr. Serajuddin says he wholeheartedly believes in the mission of
the University and has incorporated service into his undergraduate
curriculum in order to encourage students to be more proactive in
their service to patients and the community.
“I recently developed a program that connects education and
service. I give my Doctor of Pharmacy students topics related to
the high cost and affordability of medicines and the students
prepare presentations and position papers based on these topics.
Once they are completed, they will be able to share them with the
community and help patients in mitigating diseases and in affording
medicines.”
Author of over 75 published papers and book chapters, inventor in
14 patents leading to the development of life-saving medicines and
the winner of three President's Awards from Bristol-Myers Squibb,
Dr. Serajuddin is an expert in the field of industrial pharmacy and
is eager to share his knowledge with students on a daily
basis.
“By sharing my professional experiences with students in the
classroom, I am helping to prepare them for successful careers in
developing pharmaceuticals. I hope my experiences inspire them to
pursue careers outside the traditional practice of pharmacy and
explore areas of specialization like industrial pharmacy.”