STORRS, CT — Nearly a decade after earning her Pharm.D. from the UConn School of Pharmacy, Kathleen Adams has returned as a leading voice in pharmacy education—and now, she’s being recognized for it.
Adams, who graduated in 2015 and joined the faculty in 2019, will receive a university award during commencement weekend for her work with students and her role in developing a virtual pharmacy simulation platform that has gained international reach.
“There is so much reward in seeing that lightbulb moment where students understand a hard concept or feel comfortable talking to a doctor,” Adams said during an interview on July 16, 2024.
After working at Rhode Island Hospital, the academic medical center affiliated with Brown University, Adams discovered her passion for teaching through mentoring residents and students. That experience led her back to Storrs, this time to serve as a professor.
One of her most significant achievements has been the creation of the inpatient hospital version of MyDispense, an interactive learning tool developed in partnership with Cassie Doyno, Lisa Holle, and a team from Monash University in Australia.
The free, accessible platform allows pharmacy students to simulate clinical decisions in a digital environment, reviewing patient charts and making medication choices in a setting designed to mirror real-world practice.
Adams credits collaboration, student feedback, and adaptability as key to her progress, especially during the shift back to in-person instruction after the pandemic.
She continues to evolve her teaching with a focus on active learning and curricular renewal as part of the School’s upcoming academic refresh.
“Seeing the process of, over time, improving a course through feedback, practice, and experience has been remarkable,” Adams said.
As she prepares to accept her award, Adams remains focused on creating impactful, engaging academic experiences for future pharmacy leaders.
