The Faculty of Science Foundation has introduced the Senior Undergraduate Science Research Award to honor students for outstanding research in senior undergraduate research courses. The award credits students who have gone above and beyond in making meaningful contributions that enrich the student experience within the Faculty of Science and the broader Waterloo community. Their dedication, leadership, and commitment to enhancing the quality of life for their peers exemplify the spirit of excellence and community that defines the University of Waterloo.
“Our PHARM 400/401 students engage in outstanding research. I think it’s wonderful that we can recognize outstanding undergraduate research in pharmacy and throughout the Faculty of Science," says Dr. Michael Beazley, associate professor, University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy and associate dean, Faculty of Science Graduate and Postdoctoral Scholars.
Congratulations to the 2025 winner, Victoria Nguyen (Rx2025)! We highlight the winner and nominees below.
Project Title: Anticholinergic Drug Burden and Polypharmacy in Older Adults Diagnosed with Delirium in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Case-Control Study
This project assessed prescribing patterns in hospitalized older adults by comparing polypharmacy and anticholinergic burden at admission and discharge between patients with and without delirium. Electronic health records from a tertiary hospital were analyzed. Cases were matched 1:2 by age and sex to controls without delirium. Medication data were collected, and the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale was used to quantify anticholinergic burden. Supervised by Dr. Tejal Patel.
Project Title: Cost-Utility Analysis of Tislelizumab vs. Sorafenib as First-Line Treatment for Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma
This project assessed the cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab as a first-line treatment for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma compared to sorafenib, the previous standard of care. A three-state transition model was developed to evaluate costs and health outcomes from the Canadian healthcare system’s perspective over a five-year period. Model inputs were derived from clinical trial data and published literature, with sensitivity analyses conducted to explore key uncertainties. Supervised by Dr. William W.L. Wong.
"PHARM 400/401 provided a valuable opportunity to engage in self-directed learning and explore research topics of interest to me. It was a refreshing change from traditional lectures and allowed me to develop skills in data analysis, critical appraisal, and scientific writing. The experience was both challenging and rewarding and gave me insight into how research informs pharmacy practice and healthcare decision-making," says Victoria Nguyen.
2025 Nominee: Wendi Lin (Rx2025)
Project Title: Cost-Effectiveness of Enfortumab Vedotin-Pembrolizumab Compared to Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Previously Untreated Advanced or Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
A cost-utility analysis of enfortumab vedotin and pembrolizumab (EVPEM) versus platinum-based chemotherapy for previously untreated advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, from the perspective of the Canadian healthcare system. The EV-302 trial demonstrated that EVPEM had a statistically significant increase in overall survival time and progression-free survival time compared to the standard of care platinum-based chemotherapy. The research objective was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of the new EVPEM treatment regimen compared to the current platinum-based chemotherapy regimens by calculating the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER). A state-transition model was developed using data from the EV-302 trial and other published literature. Supervised by William W.L. Wong.
"This project allowed me to apply pharmacoeconomic modeling to a real-world clinical question, enhancing my understanding of health technology assessment in oncology. Through critical appraisal of clinical and economic data, I gained valuable experience in evaluating the value of novel cancer therapies and their implications for patient access and healthcare decision-making. Engaging with current literature and real-world data deepened my appreciation for the complexities of balancing clinical innovation with economic sustainability. This experience has further motivated my interest in evidence-based policy and the role of pharmacoeconomics in optimizing cancer care," says Lin.
2025 Nominee: Valentina Pham (Rx2025)
Project Title: Lithium and Protein Kinases: Exploring Potential Differential Effects of Lithium-6 and Lithium-7
Lithium is an element that has established importance in neural physiology and as a standard treatment for bipolar disorder. Lithium’s therapeutic action is partly attributable to its effects on various protein kinases. Natural lithium salts used in pharmacotherapy consist of two stable isotopes: 92.41% lithium-7 (7Li) and 7.59% lithium-6 (6Li). Although lithium has been administered without isotopic differentiation in clinical practice, evidence suggests potential differences in the physiological effects and toxicity of 6Li and 7Li. My research project was a systematic literature reviewed aimed at identifying key protein kinases known to be affected by lithium, assessing the extent of available evidence regarding the effects of 6Li and 7Li on protein kinases, and proposing investigations to explore the effects of lithium isotopes on protein kinases. Supervised by Dr. Michael Beazely.
"It was a privilege to conduct a research project in PHARM 400, which enabled me to delve into a topic of interest while refining my literature search and scientific writing skills under the expert guidance of Dr. Beazely. I enjoyed presenting my findings at the poster presentation, where I shared my work with faculty members and peers, and gained valuable insights from their research, fostering a deep sense of pride in the School of Pharmacy," says Pham.
2025 Nominee: Anna Sharow (Rx2025)
Project Title: The comparative effectiveness and safety of ambulatory care warfarin management by non-physician providers versus usual medical care: A systematic review and meta-analysis
For my 401 project, I participated as a member of a research group that conducted a meta-analysis and systematic review comparing clinical outcomes for warfarin therapy when managed by different healthcare practitioners. Supervised by Dr. Jeff Nagge.
"Prior to the PHARM 401 elective, I had no research experience and often felt overwhelmed by research papers and critical appraisal. By the end of the elective, I felt the complete opposite! This experience allowed me to learn about all the aspects that go into conducting research and writing a manuscript, all while helping take part in a project that advocates for advances in pharmacists' scope. Additionally, I got to work with an incredible supervisor and mentor, which I will always remember to be an invaluable professional experience," says Sharow.
