Three Ph.D. candidates from Mercer University’s College of Pharmacy have received the 2025 American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) Best Abstract Award, which recognizes the most scientifically impactful research posters submitted from across the nation. This year’s honorees include Emmanuel Adediran, Sreelakshmi Nandakumar Menon and Mahek Gulani.
Menon received the Best Abstract Award for the third consecutive year. Her abstract, “A Gut Microbiota Metabolite Indole-3 Acetic Acid is a Novel Regulator of Vascular Tone and Inflammation,” was developed in collaboration with Dr. Raquibul Hasan, associate professor of pharmaceutical sciences.
Adediran earned the award for the second time for his research titled “Development of a Novel Fast Dissolvable Microneedle-Based Delivery System for the Next-Generation Influenza Nanovaccine,” conducted in the lab of Dr. Martin D’Souza, professor of pharmaceutical sciences and director of Ph.D. programs for the College of Pharmacy.
Gulani’s abstract, “Evaluating the Immunogenicity of Painless Microneedle Microparticulate Combination Vaccine for COVID-19 and Flu,” was also researched in Dr. D’Souza’s lab.
“These recognitions highlight the caliber of research being conducted at Mercer,” said Dr. Nader Moniri, associate dean for research and professor of pharmaceutical sciences. “The achievements of our students reflect both their dedication and the strength of our program in preparing scientists to drive innovation and address pressing health challenges.”
AAPS selects the top 10% of abstracts submitted by graduate students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career investigators with less than three years of experience in academia or industry. The selection process evaluates each submission’s originality, data-driven conclusions, relevance to advancing the field, and the appropriateness of the research methodology.
All three students now qualify for consideration for the Best Poster Award at the AAPS PharmSci 360 International Conference in October.
