Professor Anna Schwendeman wins prestigious mentorship award

AFPE presents Dr. Schwendeman with prestigious Mentor of the Year Award

Author: Markie Heideman, Content Marketing Manager

Media Contact: Lindsay Groth, Director of Marketing and Communications, [email protected]

The College of Pharmacy is proud to announce that Dr. Anna Schwendeman, H.W. Vahlteich Professor and Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences, received the William M. Heller Mentor of the Year Award from the American Foundation for Pharmaceutical Education (AFPE). 

This prestigious distinction is given to an AFPE mentor who exemplifies the characteristics of ongoing learning, a willingness to share expertise and provides guidance with respect. The awardee is nominated by their mentees and colleagues. 

“I am honored to receive this award and it’s especially fulfilling knowing that my students nominated me,” said Schwendeman. “Being a mentor or advisor is an important responsibility. It is always a delicate balance between guiding mentees through their careers, while simultaneously encouraging them to think and discover independently.”

A seasoned scientist with more than 25 years of experience in development of high-density lipoprotein mimetics and their use for drug and antigen delivery. Dr. Schwendeman also focuses on increasing access to safe, effective and affordable complex generics through co-leading FDA-funded Center for Research on Complex Generics, The Center focuses on reducing scientific barriers for the development of  generics for medications that have complex active ingredients, formulations, delivery, or drug-device combination products, for example.  

Since the beginning of her appointment at the College of Pharmacy in 2012, Dr. Schwendeman has taught more than 18 different graduate and PharmD courses and has mentored more than 80 graduate, professional and undergraduate students, along with postdocs, visiting scholars and research staff. 

Many of those students submitted endorsements for Dr. Schwendeman to the AFPE as a part of her nomination:

“Dr. Schwendeman has been very supportive of my career goals throughout my PhD. Not only has she helped me grow academically, but she always takes my mental and physical well-being into consideration as well,” remarked Dr. Kristen Hong. 

“Dr. Schwendeman is one of the most kind, compassionate and understanding advisors I have had the opportunity to work with,” remarked Julia Catalano, PhD Candidate. “She goes out of her way to personally get to know her graduate and postdoctoral researchers, despite having a large lab. She truly cares for our well-being and motivates us to accomplish our goals.”

Dr. Schwendeman is the second recipient of this award from the University of Michigan College of Pharmacy. Dr. Gordon Amidon accepted the award in 2017. 

“I am also honored to be among an elite group of awardees, some of whom were my mentors,” said Schwendeman.