USP announces 2008 summer internship program participants

Health professions students awarded internships to support global public health initiatives

Rockville, Md., April 16, 2008 — The U.S. Pharmacopeial (USP) Convention today announced its 2008 Summer Internship Program participants. USP is the official standards-setting body for pharmaceutical and over-the-counter medications in the United States. It also sets standards that are widely recognized around the world for food ingredients and dietary supplements. USP’s internship program offers the opportunity for undergraduate and graduate students to spend twelve weeks at USP working on projects that support the organization’s mission to advance public health through good quality medicines and foods. The projects will focus on the quality of manufactured medicines, compounded medicines, food ingredients and dietary supplements; patient care; global public health; and health policy.

Six students were chosen from an applicant pool of more than 100 students from around the world in a competitive selection process. The following participants will receive stipends during their work at USP, which begins on May 19, 2008:

• Lauren Girard: Pursuing a Master of Science degree at American University

  Project: Quality of Manufactured Medicines — investigation of the qualitative and quantitative determinations of hazardous contaminants in pharmaceutical polyols like Glycerin.

• Loren Madden Kirk: Pre-veterinary student at North Carolina State University

  Project: Quality of Compounded Medicines — literature review to obtain data to be used in compounded preparation monographs for veterinary use.

• Kamalika Datta: Pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Arizona

  Project: Public Health Policy — creation of one or more legislative or health policy projects of substantial importance to key USP staff, the Congress and/or the practitioner community.

• Diana Kwan: Pursuing a Doctor of Pharmacy degree at Midwestern University

  Project: Quality of Patient Care — research aimed at creating standardized concentrations for intravenous infusions used in pediatrics, neonates and adults.