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One of my favorite memories of summer is chasing lightning bugs (or perhaps you call
them fireflies!) on warm summer evenings. As a child, I would catch them and place
them in a small red plastic bug catcher, fascinated by their tiny flashes of light.
Many of you may share similar memories of spending summer nights outdoors, marveling
at one of nature's simple wonders.
What captivated me then still fascinates me today. The glow of a lightning bug is
the result of a remarkable biochemical reaction involving luciferin, luciferase, oxygen,
and ATP—the same molecule our cells use to store and transfer energy. It is a reminder
that science is all around us, even in the most familiar experiences.
At the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, we have the honor and responsibility
of advancing scientific discovery and educating the next generation of scientists
and healthcare professionals. Summer is an especially active time at CPPS, with faculty,
staff, students, and preceptors engaged in research, teaching, and clinical experiences
that expand knowledge and improve lives.
My hope is that our collective efforts continue to illuminate the path forward for
our students, our profession, and the patients we serve. Like a field filled with
lightning bugs on a summer evening, each contribution may seem small on its own, but
together they create something far brighter and more impactful than any single light
on its own.
Pam Heaton, Dean
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