Congratulations to Dr. Navindra Seeram on his appointment as the new Dean of the School of Pharmacy at the University of New England (UNE), effective January 2, 2025! This prestigious achievement marks a significant milestone in Dr. Seeram's distinguished career and is a proud moment for his alma mater, The Department of Chemistry in the Faculty of Science and Technology at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

Dr. Seeram’s journey from earning his Ph.D. in Chemistry at UWI to becoming an internationally recognized leader in biomedical research and pharmacy education is a true testament to his dedication and the strong academic foundation he received at UWI. With over 16 years of experience in pharmacy education, Dr. Seeram has held various leadership positions, including his recent role as the Chair of the Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Department at the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy. Under his leadership, he has been instrumental in launching innovative academic programs, such as an accelerated online undergraduate certificate in cannabis studies and an in-person minor in cannabis science, which expanded the scope of pharmacy education and research at URI. These programs have contributed to the college’s ranking among top pharmacy schools in the U.S.

Dr. Seeram’s expertise in curriculum development, research, and industry partnerships, combined with his dynamic leadership style, will bring significant value to the University of New England. He has successfully increased research funding and fostered interdepartmental collaborations, which have been key to his success. As an internationally recognized authority in pharmacognosy, Dr. Seeram’s research has focused on medicinal plant natural products, with a particular emphasis on maple phytochemistry. He has authored or co-authored over 230 peer-reviewed papers and secured continuous extramural funding from both industry and federal sources. His groundbreaking work has advanced the understanding of natural products and their potential in the field of pharmacology.

In his new role at UNE, Dr. Seeram will continue to build on his legacy of excellence in education and research. His vision for the School of Pharmacy includes fostering interprofessional research collaborations and creating innovative learning experiences to prepare students to be leaders in the evolving landscape of pharmacy practice.

Dr. Seeram's success is a proud reflection of the caliber of education and research fostered at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus. We celebrate his achievements and eagerly anticipate the positive impact he will undoubtedly make in his new role, shaping the next generation of pharmacy professionals and advancing the field of pharmacy education.