Ramapuram impacts next generation of pharmaceutical scientists

Through an environment that fosters collaboration, provides structure and the confidence to answer the big questions, the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s Dr. Jay Ramapuram is developing the next generation of leaders in pharmaceutical sciences.

Recognizing his efforts and his dedication to students’ development, he was recently recognized with the Auburn University Provost Award for Faculty Excellence in Research and Creative Scholarship Mentoring. 

A professor in the Harrison College of Pharmacy’s (HCOP) Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Ramapuram has guided 14 Ph.D. scholars and more than 30 undergraduate and professional students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia, industry and government.

“Winning the award is deeply meaningful to me because mentoring has been at the heart of my professional journey for more than 20 years,” said Ramapuram. “It affirms the value of the time and effort I dedicate to understanding each student’s unique aspirations and guiding them toward their goals.”

Taking on students in a research lab can involve a lot of time learning procedures, instruments and calculations, but Ramapuram points more to fostering their intellectual growth and professional development. Creating an atmosphere where all are welcome, collaboration is encouraged and that students feel supported and challenges has been most important to him.

“Mentoring matters to me because it allows me to make a lasting impact beyond the classroom,” said Ramapuram. “Helping students engage in research, present at conferences, apply for awards and fellowships and maintain high ethical standards prepares them for success in their careers and lives.”

Joining HCOP in 2005, Ramapuram’s work focuses on developing advanced therapeutic formulations that improve patient outcomes and expand scientific understanding in pharmaceutics. A distinguished scholar in his field, he was selected as a Fellow of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists in 2024 and was named to the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering College of Fellows in 2025.

When taking on students in his lab, he feels it is important to engage them in every stage of a project. Starting with literature reviews to understand the science to hands-on equipment training, they are learning essential research skills that include experimental design, data analysis and manuscript preparation. From there, he pairs students together to further collaboration, build team spirit and foster creativity in a relaxed and comfortable environment.

“I strive to create an environment that is structured yet collaborative, where students feel supported and motivated to grow as independent researchers,” said Ramapuram. “I emphasize teamwork and a collaborative spirit, encouraging students to share ideas, help one another and work toward common goals. I believe research should be rigorous yet enjoyable, to maintain a positive atmosphere and reduce stress.

“This balance of discipline, collaboration, and openness fosters creativity and confidence, allowing students to thrive and produce high-quality research.”

Creating this kind of supportive environment is important to him because he had a group of mentors who gave him confidence and guided him early in his path.

“I had very supportive mentors who truly believed in my strengths and consistently reminded me that ‘I can do this’ and ‘I am capable,’ and their confidence gave me the courage to take on challenges and grow as a researcher and professional,” said Ramapuram.

“That experience inspires me every day to mentor my own students in the same way and I make it a priority to build their confidence, recognize their potential and assure them that they are capable of achieving great things, growing in their career to the top of their field.”

Involving students in lab research serves two goals. One is training the next generation of researcher scientists while another is furthering the work of the faculty member overseeing them. While Ramapuram appreciates the assistance on the work in the lab, he says his real reward is the ability to engage with the students and bring their energy to the lab.

“Having a team of students to support my work is extremely important because research is a collaborative effort that thrives on diverse ideas and shared responsibilities,” said Ramapuram. “Students bring fresh perspectives, creativity and energy, which often lead to innovative solutions. This collaborative environment not only accelerates research progress but also prepares students for real-world careers where teamwork is critical.”

When it comes to preparing the students, those from the Ramapuram Lab leave with experience in a broad range of projects and techniques. Students get hands-on experience in advanced pharmaceutical technologies, including innovative work in designing and fabricating 3D-printed dosage forms, which introduces them to innovative drug delivery systems. Students also perform high-performance liquid chromatography analytical testing to ensure the quality and stability of formulations.

From working with nanomedicines to exploring targeted drug delivery approaches, students are able to acquire practical skills in formulation science, analytical techniques, and product development, preparing them for careers in both academia and the pharmaceutical industry.

“Mentoring and training the next generation of investigators is important because it equips them with real-world experience that goes beyond classroom learning,” said Ramapuram. “These experiences help students see how their scientific work translates into tangible benefits for patients and society.

“By providing this practical exposure, we prepare them to become skilled professionals who can innovate and lead in both academic and industry settings.”