Andrew Kobren
Class of 2024
Andrew Kobren earned a B.S. in Biology from SUNY College of Old Westbury.
What topic are you investigating at TCOP?
Pharmacogenomics.
Did you have research experience before Touro? How did you get involved in research at TCOP?
At SUNY, I led a bioinformatics study that analyzed the effects of DNA sequences on 34 different plant species, compared to baseline for those species. I also taught high school students how to conduct college-level research and develop their own studies. I got involved in research at TCOP by participating initially in TCOP’s Summer Research Experience. After the summer of research, I enrolled in the Research Track, and I also conducted research the following summer with Dr. Natalie Hohmann from Auburn University. I completed the Research Track and will be conducting research with Dr. Zvi Loewy during an upcoming biomedical pharmaceutical research rotation.
How did you find your topic? Who at Touro helps you with ideas and how?
Dr. Loewy introduced me to pharmacogenomics and was teaching it. I knew I wanted to research the subject and he helped me turn my idea into a study concept and actualize it as well.
Can you describe your study? What did you discover and who will it impact?
It is a prospective observational survey that assesses cardiologists’ knowledge and use of pharmacogenomics and concepts of ideal pharmacogenomic resources. We discovered that an educational program and easily accessible resources for pharmacogenomics are necessary for the personalization of medicine to become widely practiced.
Have you delivered presentations at conferences or published?
I presented my bioinformatics study at the American Society of Plant Biologists (ASPB) annual conference. The study I conducted with Dr. Hohmann was presented at a midyear meeting of the American Society of Healthcare Pharmacists (ASHP).
What are some of the most valuable research skills you have learned (and are learning) at Touro?
How to apply critical thinking in evaluating study outcomes; design and conduct a pharmaceutical research project; and analyze and apply information from previous or related studies.
Why is it important for pharmacy students to do research?
Doing research is important for pharmacy students who would like a career outside of retail pharmacy. For students interested in clinical (hospital) pharmacy, research helps develop the skills needed to conduct research and practice-related projects during residency. For students interested in industrial pharmacy, pharmaceutical research is important for similar reasons. Generally, research is a great way to differentiate yourself when applying for postgraduate positions.
What is your ultimate career goal, and how has TCOP helped prepare you?
My goal is to work in research and development, working on the repurposing of old drugs and development of new ones using pharmacogenomic data. Another goal is to work as an entrepreneur with biomedical and biotechnology companies.
