Back to Class: COVID-19 Vaccines: Unlocking the Door Out of the Dungeon

In partnership with the Science Center of Iowa, join College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Professors Geoffrey C. Wall and Brian Gentry to learn more about why this virus has caused a pandemic (versus the ‘normal’ coronaviruses that we come into contact with on a regular basis) and the major studies of the three vaccines out for COVID-19: Pfizer, Moderna, and AstraZeneca. Learn about what the studies found and a more in-depth look at the CDC's FAQ on the vaccines.

When: Wednesday, March 31 at 6:00 pm CT
Platform: Zoom (Link will be emailed to registered participants prior to the event.)

About the Program: Back to Class features speakers from Drake's campus in a virtual setting. Bulldogs are invited to join from wherever they are to learn about unique topics, hear from voices on campus, and connect with the Drake community.

For event accommodations or questions, please contact Amelia Klatt at amelia.klatt@drake.edu or 515-271-3378.

About Geoff: Geoffrey C. Wall is the John R. Ellis Professor of Pharmacy Practice and director of the Drake Drug Information Center. His clinical practices include the Internal Medicine and Medical Intensive Care Teaching Services at Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines. Professor Wall received his Bachelor of Science in pharmacy from the University of Utah in 1992 and his Doctor of Pharmacy from Idaho State University in 1998. He completed an ASHP-accredited Internal Medicine Specialty Residency at Scott and White Memorial Hospitals and Clinics in 1999. He is Board-Certified in pharmacotherapy and is a Fellow of the American College of Clinical Pharmacy. ProfessorWall has written a number of peer-reviewed papers and textbook chapters on a variety of topics, and has designed or participated in several clinical trials. His research interests include drug treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, clinical evaluation of drug allergy, immunology, and rheumatologic disorders.

About Brian: Brian Gentry received a Bachelor of Science in biochemistry with honors from the University of Missouri and a PhD in pharmacology from the University of Michigan Medical School. His doctoral dissertation focused on the development of nucleoside analogs, as monotherapy or in combination, for the treatment of neoplastic disease. Upon graduation, Professor Gentry started a post-doctoral fellowship in the laboratory of John C. Drach, PhD in the School of Dentistry at the University of Michigan where his research focus shifted from the development of nucleoside analogs for the treatment of neoplasia to the development of nucleoside analogs for the treatment of viral diseases. During his time as a post-doc, Professor Gentry’s research focused, primarily, on the mechanism of action (including their activation profile) of the methylenecyclopropane nucleoside analogs (MCPNA) against human cytomegalovirus; the lead compound from this research is currently in phase 2 clinical trials. After accepting a faculty position in the College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences at Drake , Professor Gentry’s research expanded, exploring the mechanism of action of other anti-viral nucleoside analogs (but still including the MCPNAs), examining the pharmacodynamics effects of anti-viral drug combinations, and exploring the drug-resistance profiles of several drugs against various viruses.

In his free time, Professor Gentry enjoys playing games with his kids, building various LEGO projects with his son (mainly Star Wars LEGOs), reading, golf, and riding bikes. In addition, he enjoys spending time binge-watching various TV shows with his wife – their current show of choice is Last Man Standing.

Registration