Guiding the next generation of leaders and innovators

Committed to developing the next generation of investigators and leaders in pharmaceutical sciences, Dr. Miranda Reed has made a significant impact in students’ lives in her nearly 10 years as a faculty member in the Auburn University Harrison College of Pharmacy.

Joining the college in 2015, she has mentored more than 60 undergraduate students and chaired or co-chaired 18 graduate students. A professor in the Department of Drug Discovery and Development and a co-founder of the Center for Neuroscience Initiative at Auburn, her research focuses on aging and neurodegenerative disorders, Alzheimer’s disease and consequences of prenatal exposure to cannabis. Specifically, she attempts to understand how synaptic dysfunction leads to memory deficits, with the ultimate aim of developing therapeutics to prevent or reverse these impairments.

Recognizing her holistic and personalized approach to mentoring students interested in research, Reed was recently recognized with the Provost Award for Faculty Excellence in Research Mentoring, one of the prestigious and competitive Auburn University Faculty Awards.

“I am committed to fostering a supportive and stimulating learning environment, mentoring students through their academic journeys and I cultivate a culture of excellence and curiosity, encouraging students to push their boundaries,” said Reed. “By instilling a passion for lifelong learning and ethical conduct, I prepare my students to become leaders and innovators. Their willingness to serve as mentors and engage in research projects testifies to the values and skills they have acquired under my guidance.”

The award honors faculty who demonstrate a strong commitment to undergraduate and graduate student research and whose efforts support Auburn students interested in careers in research and creative works.

Reed is a believer in involving students in research, including the practical experience that hands-on learning provides, skill development, mentorship opportunities, the innovation brought on by fresh perspectives and career preparation.

“Overall, my holistic approach to education ensures that students are well-equipped to face future challenges and contribute meaningfully to their fields,” said Reed. “Their dedication is mirrored in their academic success, sense of responsibility and leadership. My passion for mentoring is evident in their eagerness to mentor incoming students and their enthusiasm for research.”

Reed’s students have been recognized at the national level for their work with many moving on to careers where they continue to make an impact on people’s lives and health care every day. Among these award recipients are:

• Holly Hunsberger ’17 - Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation Young Investigator Scholarship (Currently assistant professor at Rosalind Franklin University)
• Sharay Setti ’21 - American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education Fellowship for Underrepresented Minorities (Currently a postdoctoral fellow at the Food and Drug Administration)
• Priyanka Pinky ’21 - Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America Predoctoral Fellowship (Currently a senior medical writer at Oxford PharmaGenesis)
• Miles Wiley ’25 – National Institutes of Health G-Rise Fellow
• Tia Daniels ’28 – National Institutes of Health G-Rise Fellow

Reed’s passion for mentoring students has roots in her time as a student at Auburn. A three-time Auburn graduate, she earned degrees in psychology (B.S., 2002) and experimental psychology (M.S., 2005; Ph.D., 2007) on the Plains. While pursuing her degrees, Dr. Chris Newland, professor in the Department of Psychological Sciences made an impact on her.

“Chris Newland has been instrumental in shaping my career,” said Reed. “As a first-generation college student, I joined his lab as a research assistant, and he later accepted me as a graduate student. His mentorship has been pivotal, and I owe much of my professional success to his guidance.”

Now with an opportunity to pay it forward, Reed embraces the opportunity to work with students and guide them along their journey. From increasing knowledge of the subject matter, to developing problem-solving abilities, along with networking and career opportunities, she knows the benefits of engaging in research.

“Working with these students and seeing them succeed means everything to me,” said Reed. “Their success is one of my proudest accomplishments as a researcher and mentor and I take so much pleasure in watching their confidence grow and seeing them evolve into mentors themselves.”

Being recognized for her work with students means a lot to Reed, but in the end, her focus is on the development and success of her students. 

“It brings me immense joy to know that I have made a meaningful impact on the future generation of scientists,” said Reed. “I am excited to see what they will achieve in their careers.”