Dukes from the Last Decade Award Winners

Who has inspired you most in your life?
My family and my husband have inspired me the most in my life. Both inspire me to be the best version of myself and to continue to improve. I learn so much from them everyday and I could not be more thankful to have them.

What aspect(s) of your job do you find most rewarding?
I get to work on understanding cancer in a way that can lead to the direct development of treatments, and potentially, get to see them put into action. Every single one of my colleagues at Dana Farber not only has a passion for solving problems and conducting ground breaking research, but also have a deep-rooted compassion and understanding how their work can change the lives of patients. It is what every scientist dreams of, and I cannot believe I have the privilege of being a part of this organization.

What did you like most about attending Duquesne University?
The people. Everyone at the University seemed to genuinely care about the success of each individual student and helped to foster a sense of community for the students. All of my peers also seemed to care about the success of each other, and cared to be involved to make the University or their departments better.

In your own words, what do you think it means to be a graduate of Duquesne University?
Being a Duquesne grad means setting yourself up for success. Duquesne has the resources and connections to get you to whatever you want to do with your life.

What do you hope to achieve next, professionally or personally?
I hope to just continue to have fun doing science that can hopefully help people in the future.

What do you attribute to your success?
So much of science requires three things: 1) an unwavering support system, 2) a willingness to sacrifice and persevere through failure, and 3) being at the right place at the right time. I have had all three throughout my time in graduate school and during my time as a post doc.

Do you have any personal hobbies or activities you enjoy in your spare time?
Through my time at Duquesne, I always had a passion for volunteering, and I have continued this post-graduation. During my PhD I volunteered at a nature center training and caring for raptors and educating the public about birds, their habitats, and environmental concerns. More recently in Boston, I volunteer with my husband at the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University leading birding walks through the property. I have also volunteered with a Harvard mentoring program to expose high school students in the Boston public school system to careers in science and healthcare and help them through the college application process. However, when I’m not volunteering, I love a good brewery, watching movies, or enjoying nature with friends and family.

What does being selected as a member of the 2025 Dukes from the Last Decade mean to you?
It is an absolute honor and a privilege to be honored by my peers and the alumni community. It is so easy to just unassumingly go about doing your job without receiving accolades. No one that has received this honor is doing what they do for awards and recognition, yet it is so humbling to be seen for trying the best I can to better the world.

Who has inspired you most in your life? 
My brother, in his battle with cancer.

What aspect(s) of your job do you find most rewarding? 
The most rewarding part of my job is seeing people identify how the wisdom and strengths that helped them through previous challenges can be utilized in their current circumstances.

What did you like most about attending Duquesne University? 
I felt like my instructors, particularly those in the Psychology department, encouraged me to identify my own strengths. I felt as though my instructors consistently supported my success and encouraged me to reach my full potential. In particular, I would like to extend my gratitude to Drs. Daniel Burston, Roger Brooke, Elizabeth Bennet, Susan Goldberg, and Teal Fitzpatrick for their mentorship during my time at Duquesne and during my subsequent doctoral studies.  I would be remiss if I did not mention Don Accamando, the military programs director at Duquesne.  He was instrumental in my decision to apply to Duquesne and he was a frequent source of support, information, and resilience during my time at Duquesne.  Truly, I can not express enough gratitude to Mr. Accamondo for everything that he has done for me and for the Veteran community at Duquesne.

In your own words, what do you think it means to be a graduate of Duquesne University? 
I come from a Duquesne family.  My mother earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Duquesne, my father earned his Law degree from Duquesne, and my wife earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration.  Since graduation, each of these family members have gone on to have meaningful, rewarding careers.  They have also made efforts to improve their communities by volunteering as mentors, providing their services for little or no charge, and by being pillars of their community. I feel that as a graduate of Duquesne I am not only called to strive for professional excellence, I am also called to exemplify the values instilled in me by the incredible faculty and staff at Duquesne as well as my cherished family members.  

What do you hope to achieve next, professionally or personally? 
This summer I will be studying for the Examination for Professional Practice In Psychology and the Pennsylvania Psychology Law Examination in order to become a licensed Psychologist.  My ultimate goal is to continue to practice as a psychologist and to eventually supervise psychologists in training.

What do you attribute to your success? 
Certainly my drive to succeed is grounded in what I believe is a calling; to work in a field that allows me to have a deeply personal impact on the people that I am able to work for.  

Do you have any personal hobbies or activities you enjoy in your spare time? 
I enjoy playing with my dog. I enjoy being outside or spending time with my family.  

What does being selected as a member of the 2025 Dukes from the Last Decade mean to you? 
My hope is that this process provides me with an opportunity to express gratitude to the cherished mentors, instructors, and family members who helped me to recognize and achieve my dreams.  I feel an immense amount of gratitude to Duquesne University for shaping me into the person that I am and for being so instrumental in my success.

Who has inspired you most in your life?
I am deeply grateful for the friends and colleagues who prayed for me, supported me emotionally, and even stepped in financially when needed. They never counted me out and stood by me unwaveringly, becoming a constant source of strength and inspiration. A special thank you to my dear friends Dana Jones, Latasha Crusaw, and the incredible Ladies of the Roundtable. They saw my pain, reminded me of my worth, and reignited my confidence when I needed it most. Their encouragement and support have been invaluable. Above all, my faith in God remained stronger than my fears. Through every challenge, He has been my anchor, guiding me toward renewal and purpose.

What aspect(s) of your job do you find most rewarding?
The most rewarding part of my job is achieving what seems impossible for those who need it most. Working with vulnerable populations, I help break down barriers to access care, improve health literacy, and rebuild trust in systems that may have failed them. Seeing their gratitude and empowerment makes every challenge worthwhile."

What did you like most about attending Duquesne University?
What I liked most about attending Duquesne University was its strong sense of community and commitment to academic excellence. The university’s focus on ethical leadership and service aligned with my values, and the supportive environment helped shape my professional and personal growth. I also appreciated the emphasis on critical thinking, real-world application, and service to others.

In your own words, what do you think it means to be a graduate of Duquesne University?
Being a graduate of Duquesne University means embodying servant leadership and a deep commitment to service, especially to the poor and marginalized. It means leading with integrity, high moral values, and an unwavering ethical foundation. As a leader, I strive to uphold these principles in every decision I make. I often remind my direct reports that it is always easier to remember the truth than a lie—because ethical leadership is not just about making the right choices but about building trust and accountability in all that we do.

What do you hope to achieve next, professionally or personally?
I currently have two primary goals. First, I aim to enter the world of academia to enlighten students on critical topics related to vulnerable populations, correctional healthcare, and transcultural nursing. Second, I aspire to work with the International Corrections & Prisons Association (ICPA) or the World Health Organization (WHO) to assess the conditions of incarcerated individuals and implement a humane standard of care. I truly believe that the best is yet to come, and I’m excited about the opportunities to make a difference in these areas.

What do you attribute to your success?
I attribute my success to humility and the principle of treating others as I would like to be treated. By maintaining a level-headed approach, not being easily offended, and staying focused, I can effectively balance operations while never losing sight of the human aspect. To me, success is about integrity, resilience, and keeping the bigger picture in mind while valuing the people who help make it possible.

Do you have any personal hobbies or activities you enjoy in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy woodworking, restoring, creating, and building furniture. I prefer shopping at Lowes or Home Depot over the mall. Traveling with friends is a passion of mine, and I also take great pride in being of service to others in my community and church.

What does being selected as a member of the 2025 Dukes from the Last Decade mean to you?
Being selected as a member of the 2025 Dukes from the Last Decade is both an honor and a humbling experience. It serves as a reminder of the journey I've taken and the growth I've achieved. More importantly, it motivates me to continue pursuing my goals with even greater determination and purpose.

Who has inspired you most in your life?
I’ve always been inspired by builders—people who take bold ideas and turn them into something lasting. John D. Rockefeller, Warren Buffett, and Cornelius Vanderbilt stand out to me—not just because of their success, but because of their vision, strategic thinking, and ability to create industries that shaped the world. Rockefeller’s discipline, Buffett’s patience, and Vanderbilt’s sheer force of will are qualities I admire. But inspiration isn’t just about titans of industry. John Madden is another figure I deeply respect—not just for his success in football, but for the way he understood people. His ability to break down complexity into something simple and powerful is something I strive for in leadership. The best leaders don’t just make decisions—they make decisions clear for the people around them. And then there’s Abby. If there’s one person who truly inspires me every day, it’s her. She’s brilliant, driven, and her work as a medical physicist has a direct impact on people’s lives. She ensures that cancer treatments are precise, effective, and safe—and that’s not just a job, it’s a calling. Beyond that, she’s the person who keeps me balanced. She knows when to push me forward and when to remind me to step back and enjoy life—whether that’s through an inside joke, a quiet moment, or an impromptu trip that I never would have planned on my own. If I’ve learned one thing from her, it’s that success means nothing if you don’t have someone to share it with. And, of course, there’s Penny, our mini Australian Shepherd. She reminds me that not everything in life has to be a calculated decision—sometimes you just need to sprint at full speed and enjoy it.
Lastly, I’ve always believed that inspiration can come from words. There are quotes that shape the way I think about leadership, business, and life—ask me about them sometime.

What aspect(s) of your job do you find most rewarding?
The most rewarding part of my career has been building teams and leading people toward real impact. I thrive in high-stakes, high-complexity environments where strategy meets execution. As Senior Director of Supply Chain & Publishing Operations at Carnegie Learning, I solve large-scale logistics challenges and optimize operations that affect thousands of students.
But more than that, I love leading—making decisions that move the industry forward, guiding my team, and creating an environment where people can grow. Seeing someone take ownership, step into their potential, and drive meaningful results—that’s what makes this job worth it.

What did you like most about attending Duquesne University?
Duquesne gave me a launchpad. It wasn’t just about earning a degree—it was about learning how to think, how to lead, and how to build something bigger than myself.
It also taught me that ambition and integrity go hand in hand. The university pushes you to be excellent but also makes you think about why you’re striving for success. It’s not just about what you accomplish—it’s about what you contribute.
One of the most meaningful ways I’ve stayed connected to Duquesne is through the SCM Case Competition, which I founded alongside John Russo and Matt Drake. Now in its fourth year, we bring together top students and major industry leaders, awarding at least $5,000 directly to students every year. What started as an idea has now grown into a premier regional event, drawing in teams from WVU, Pitt, CMU, IUP, and beyond. If you really want to know the full story, ask Professor Matt Drake about how the idea first started on a napkin at Condado Tacos. Matt and I first came up with the concept, but at the time, I didn’t actually think I could pull it off. John Russo and Matt Drake both believed in me more than I believed in myself—they saw something in me that I hadn’t yet seen in myself. I secured the funding, and John and Matt made sure we had the right structure—the right case, the right school support—and the rest is history. The first year, my dad was a judge—now, we’ve had the Head of Supply Chain for PNC Bank, the CPO of Duquesne Light, and the CPO of the City of Pittsburgh on the panel. Seeing this competition evolve into a program that not only impacts students but also strengthens the entire regional talent pipeline has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career.

In your own words, what do you think it means to be a graduate of Duquesne University?
Being a Duquesne graduate means carrying forward a legacy of leadership, integrity, and service. It means knowing that a degree isn’t just a credential—it’s a foundation for lifelong growth. It’s about staying sharp, staying curious, and never losing the drive to learn something new. It also means recognizing that success isn’t about individual wins—it’s about building something that lasts. It’s about using what you’ve learned to elevate the people around you and create meaningful change.

What do you hope to achieve next, professionally or personally?
Professionally, I want to keep building—whether that’s scaling supply chain innovations, expanding leadership opportunities, or finding new ways to make an impact. I’ve spent my career at the intersection of logistics, publishing, and technology, and I see endless opportunities to push boundaries.
Personally, my focus is building a life with Abby. We’re planning our wedding in Ireland at Kilkea Castle, thinking about where we want to settle long-term, and looking ahead to starting a family. No matter what success looks like in my career, she’s the center of it all.
Beyond that, I want to keep giving back—through mentorship, board leadership, and civic engagement. I firmly believe that if you care about something, you should get involved.

What do you attribute to your success?
Success, to me, has never been about just working hard—it’s about working hard on the right things, surrounding myself with the right people, and knowing when to push forward and when to pivot.
I’ve built my career in high-pressure, high-impact environments—Amazon, Tesla, and now leading supply chain at Carnegie Learning. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that execution beats intention—big ideas only matter if you have the discipline to turn them into reality.
I’ve also been fortunate to have mentors, colleagues, and friends who’ve challenged me, believed in me, and pushed me beyond my own expectations. And Abby—she’s the reason none of this is just about work.

Do you have any personal hobbies or activities you enjoy in your spare time?
In my spare time, I serve as President of the Allegheny Harvard-Yale-Princeton Club (Allegheny HYP Club), leading one of Pittsburgh’s premier private clubs. I’m also a board member of Light of Life’s Young Professionals Board, working to support those experiencing homelessness, and a committee member of the Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership’s Clean and Safe Committee, where I meet monthly with police and city officials to discuss community safety and urban development. Additionally, I serve on the Complete Streets Advisory Group, working with the City of Pittsburgh on urban planning.
I’ve always appreciated high-quality menswear, not just as a fashion statement, but as a reflection of craftsmanship, attention to detail, and investing in things built to last. I also have a deep love for music, especially Philip Glass and wind quintets, and I enjoy private luxury experiences, whether that means a great club, an unforgettable restaurant, or knowing where to find a world-class cigar. And then there’s Penny, our mini Australian Shepherd—always full of energy, always ready to take charge of whatever room she’s in.

What does being selected as a member of the 2025 Dukes from the Last Decade mean to you?
This honor means a great deal to me. It’s not just about career achievements—it’s about impact. It’s about the work I’ve put in, the relationships I’ve built, and the opportunities I’ve created for others. It’s about carrying forward the Duquesne legacy in every role, every challenge, and every success.
It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come, from an ambitious student trying to prove himself to leading high-stakes operations, founding a case competition that now shapes future industry leaders, and taking on roles that directly improve my community. It represents the commitment to not just excelling in my field, but elevating those around me. And it fuels my excitement for the future. If the last decade has been about laying the groundwork, the next decade is about building even bigger, thinking even bolder, and finding new ways to create lasting impact. I’ve never been one to settle, and I have no plans to start now.

Who has inspired you most in your life? 
My wife, Julie Bigi and my mother, Anna Zadecky are the two biggest inspirations in my life. My wife is the glue that holds our family together and is one of the most caring and supportive people you will ever meet. She leads our family and does this all while working as a RN in an operating room. My mother is one of the hardest working people that I know. She is completely self-made and runs a multimillion-dollar business. They both inspire me to be a better person every day.

What aspect(s) of your job do you find most rewarding? 
I am currently working as the Senior Manager of Transformation at Crossroads Treatment Centers, an organization that provides comprehensive support to individuals struggling with opioid addiction. I have always been passionate about helping others and feel privileged to be able to work on projects and initiatives that could positively change the course of someone’s life.

What did you like most about attending Duquesne University? 
For me, it has to be the friends that I made during my time on campus. I was able to develop such a great support system that helped me get through the tough times and the good times.

In your own words, what do you think it means to be a graduate of Duquesne University? 
Being a graduate of Duquesne University means you have extremely high standards for the values of excellence, service and ethics. It signifies a commitment to being the best version of yourself and using the knowledge you learned to make positive contributions to society.

What do you hope to achieve next, professionally or personally? 
Professionally, I want to continue to grow in my career while doing my best to help and support others along the way. Personally, my wife and I are expecting our second child, so I am extremely excited to grow our family.

What do you attribute to your success? 
I attribute my success to the amazing support system I have had throughout my career. Whether it is family, friends, or the professional mentors I’ve met along the way, I have been blessed to have an extremely strong support system that has helped me excel in my career.

Do you have any personal hobbies or activities you enjoy in your spare time? 
Whenever I have free time, you will likely find me playing with my son, exercising or making tech related videos on YouTube. I am also very passionate about the March of Dimes and am currently sitting as the Chair of the Western PA Young Professional Board.

What does being selected as a member of the 2025 Dukes from the Last Decade mean to you? 
As a first-generation college student, it is a significant honor for me to be selected as a member of the of the 2025 Dukes from the Last Decade. It inspires me to continue to strive for outstanding professional excellence, commitment and service to my community.

Who has inspired you most in your life?
Personally, my mom has inspired me throughout my life and continues to do so. My mom worked as a pharmacy technician for 18 years at our local Rite Aid. Her commitment to the patients in our community and dedication to Rite Aid inspired me to pursue a career in pharmacy. My mom, along with my dad, demonstrated great worth ethic which taught me the importance of being passionate about your work at an early age. Professionally, John DeJames has inspired me to be the best young pharmacist that I can be. John and I connected early in my pharmacy career and his ability to navigate the everchanging landscape of the field of pharmacy has been inspiring. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to learn from my parents, as well as John. The support and guidance that I receive from my parents, as well as John, continues to motivate me, as I work towards making a difference in the field of pharmacy.

What aspect(s) of your job do you find most rewarding?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job is the opportunity to positively impact the lives of those who struggle with mental illness. My job has allowed me to develop meaningful relationships with clinicians and other healthcare professionals in psychiatry and has challenged me to grow professionally. My job allows me to lead collaborative efforts and discussions to help improve mental health care and patient outcomes. Working in the mental health field has allowed me to acquire new knowledge and skills, and ultimately, fulfill my career aspirations by making a difference in a field that is often stigmatized and underutilized.

What did you like most about attending Duquesne University?
If I had to pick one thing that I enjoyed most about Duquesne University, it would be being a part of Residence Life. Residence Life gave me the opportunity to grow as a student and develop leadership skills early in my college career. My experience as a Resident Assistant helped me foster friendships and learn the skills necessary to lead with integrity.

In your own words, what do you think it means to be a graduate of Duquesne University?
Being a graduate of Duquesne University is quite an honor. When I say I am a graduate of the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy, I receive praise and admiration. Being a graduate of Duquesne University means that I am a part of a highly respected community with a supportive and strong alumni network. I am thankful to be a part of the Duquesne University graduate community that encourages lifelong learning and fosters an inclusive culture.

What do you hope to achieve next, professionally or personally?
I hope to continue to grow both professional and personally throughout my career by continuing to improve patient outcomes for individuals with mental illness and ultimately become a leader in the mental health community.

What do you attribute to your success?
I can attribute a few things to my success as a pharmacist. First and foremost, I believe the Duquesne University School of Pharmacy provided me with a rigorous education that set me up for a successful career in the field of pharmacy. The curriculum prepared me to become a highly skilled pharmacist with an array of clinical skills. Secondly, I can attribute my success to my colleagues, mentors, friends and family who have encouraged me to challenge myself early in my career.

Do you have any personal hobbies or activities you enjoy in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family. I enjoy the outdoors and when the sun is shining, you will find me running around outside with my 2-year-old daughter.

What does being selected as a member of the 2025 Dukes from the Last Decade mean to you?
Being selected as a member of the 2025 Dukes from the Last Decade is a great honor. It means that I have continued to exemplify the moral and spiritual values that Duquesne University fostered during my 6 years of education at the university. It also means that I am fulfilling the Duquesne University mission by living a life of purpose and making a positive impact in our local community, of which I am extremely honored to be recognized.

Who has inspired you most in your life? 
This might sound a bit cliché, but definitely my mom, Heidi. She graduated from Duquesne the year I was born, so you could say Duquesne’s been in my DNA since day one. She’s my number one cheerleader and the ultimate example of what it means to be hardworking and kind. I’ve always admired how much she seems to know about, well, everything. If I can end up knowing & doing half as much as she does, I’ll consider that a win! 

What aspect(s) of your job do you find most rewarding? 
I get to work with some of the most creative minds in Pittsburgh. Being the bridge that helps transform these big, strategic ideas into something real and impactful for our clients is incredibly rewarding. 

What did you like most about attending Duquesne University? 
My study abroad experiences – both in Italy & Ireland – are hands-down the highlights of my time there. From truffle hunting in Umbria to pouring the perfect pint in Dublin, Duquesne gave me the opportunity to explore Europe and appreciate other cultures in ways that changed me forever. 

In your own words, what do you think it means to be a graduate of Duquesne University? 
Being a graduate of Duquesne University means being part of something bigger than myself. Not only is my mom a Duquesne alum, but so are my grandma, aunt, and many others in my family – plus my brother, who’s a current sophomore. It’s about being connected to a legacy of excellence, service and leadership. My degrees are reminders of the values that shaped me: to leave places better than I found them and to lift others up along the way. 

What do you hope to achieve next, professionally or personally? 
I’m ready to keep leveling up. I want to make a meaningful impact through my work, both inside and outside of the office. On a personal level, I want to keep traveling, exploring and learning. I’m all about the journey and the destinations! 

What do you attribute to your success?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have amazing mentors guiding me along the way. Miranda Dawson opened the door to the world of sports & tourism through an internship that became my first real opportunity to make an impact. Tom Loftus taught me the importance of big ideas and creating unforgettable “wow” moments. And Dan Ayer took a chance on me, trusting me to help lead our agency’s account services department. I’m beyond grateful for their belief in me, even when the road got dark & bumpy. 

Do you have any personal hobbies or activities  you enjoy in your spare time? 
It’s no secret I’m a sports girlie. You can usually catch me at sporting events cheering on the Black & Gold, reppin’ the Dukes or supporting student-athletes at all levels. My semi-famous dog, Ace, the Pittsburgh Adventure Dog, loves to explore all our city has to offer. And when I’m not at a sports event or out with Ace, I’m probably exploring a new city. I have Duquesne to thank for sparking my travel bug & love for soaking in different cultures.

Who has inspired you most in your life?
There has been no shortage of people who have inspired me throughout my life. For starters, my parents, Ken and Laura, have shown me how to be a good person through their actions and how they treat others and have given back to their community, my hometown of Forest Hills. I’ve always looked up to my dad as somebody who was comfortable being himself regardless of the situation – he is gregarious, driven, and relentless in his pursuit for accomplishing anything he sets his mind to. My mom taught me how to be a well-rounded, prepared, adult. She encouraged me to take chances, and calculated risks even when they made me uncomfortable and she’s always one call away when I have a quick question. Together they taught me to be myself and most importantly to do things I enjoy and that I believe will have a meaningful impact on others. 

I’d also like to acknowledge several of my pharmacy mentors from my time in Boston: Lynne Sylvia (P’83), Frank Massaro and Paul Abourjaily. The things they have taught me have helped shaped the first ten years of my pharmacy career, and they have helped me grow into the pharmacist and teacher I am today. They are kind, thoughtful, and clinically curious people who helped guide me through the difficult times and helped me celebrate my successes. I continue to appreciate their support and guidance, albeit from a few states away, to this day.

What aspect(s) of your job do you find most rewarding?
There are several aspects of my job that I find rewarding: the patients I serve, the students/residents I precept, and the other pharmacists and providers that I work with each day. First, I hope to positively impact my patients each day by being empathetic and treating them like I’d want a member of my family to be treated in the hospital. Even seemingly small issues to some people -- like resolving medication cost barriers – can have a large impact on the overall success of my patients care. I appreciate their willingness to trust me to help provide them with recommendations and resolve their medication-related questions. Second, I take great pride in teaching the many pharmacy learners that rotate through my learning experience each year. This includes several Duquesne pharmacy students for my cardiology rotation, and participating in pharmacy alumni events focused on preparing pharmacy students for residency interviews and beyond. During these interactions, I find it rewarding to be able to learn about everyone on a personal level and shape how they think about clinical problems and take actions to address those concerns. Last, I enjoy being able to collaborate with other medical professionals each day as they help me learn and grow from the challenging questions/scenarios for which we collaborate to address together. This trust encourages me to remain clinically curious and be on the forefront of medical recommendations that are required to provide our patients with high quality care. 

What did you like most about attending Duquesne University?
From the moment I set foot on Duquesne’s campus as a prospective student, I felt like I was surrounded by people who were like me. Duquesne is a medium sized school with a small campus feel, with a lot of people who are focused on giving back to others and helping to support their communities. I believe the variety of activities available to students at Duquesne allowed me to explore different avenues for being involved in campus and participate in a variety of clubs/events. I also felt like the pharmacy school professors had a strong affinity for helping to guide their students over the course of their school journey. This support helped lead me to be adventurous with my pharmacy school rotations – with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience pharmacy practice in Italy and successfully match for my top PGY1 pharmacy residency program in Boston, MA.

In your own words, what do you think it means to be a graduate of Duquesne University?
Being a graduate of Duquesne is a life-long bond amongst other graduates that is unmatched. I believe the sense of community and support that I experienced during my time at Duquesne is one of the key foundational components to this bond. I find it comforting to find people across the country and world wearing Duquesne gear and that we have an instant connection to a place to has had such a large impact on my life. I’m proud to say that Duquesne has played a role shaping my life – from meeting my now wife (Annemarie) on campus, to getting married in the Chapel, to have both of my children baptized in the church, I can truly say that I made the right decision to attend Duquesne 16 years ago. 

What do you hope to achieve next, professionally or personally?
I hope to continue to be able to teach others whether they are my patients or pharmacy learners. I also hope to be able to develop my skillset to include supervisor/manager qualities. This will allow me to oversee others and have a bigger impact on the cardiovascular care/other pharmacy services that we deliver to our patients at Allegheny General Hospital. 

What do you attribute to your success?
My success comes from those who have helped personally and professionally shape my life. From an early age, people allowed me to be myself, follow my instincts and not be afraid to try new things even if they felt uncomfortable. I attribute a lot of success to my parent’s support and encouragement to try a variety of activities – from swimming to Boy Scouts to musical theater. Furthermore, I believe my parents and my mentors have shown me important tools to being a well-rounded adult -- who is adaptable to the ever-changing healthcare landscape -- is empathetic towards others, and wants to continuously provide cutting-edge healthcare to the Pittsburgh community.

Do you have any personal hobbies or activities you enjoy in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy running, traveling, trying new coffee shops and restaurants – the latter of which has become slightly more difficult with the arrival of my two sons (who are 3 years old, and 11 months old).  I thoroughly enjoy spending quality time with my family, both immediate and extended and appreciate all the memories I can make with them, especially with so many local to the Pittsburgh area. 

What does being selected as a member of the 2025 Dukes from the Last Decade mean to you?
This recognition is a very pleasant surprise, and I appreciate my past pharmacy residents (Carlee, Maggie, Matt and Mel) going above and beyond to submit my information to be considered for this award. This honor helps fuel me in the continual pursuit of being a well-respected, educated, and adaptable teacher and pharmacist. I plan to continue to give back to the Duquesne community through alumni events and precepting opportunities for Duquesne pharmacy students as those relationships and opportunities helped me grow into the person I’ve become these days.

Who has inspired you most in your life?
My mother is my inspiration. She has been my guiding light and greatest support system throughout my life. She taught me to always walk into a room with my head held high and to use my talents to uplift others. My mother is a force who has dedicated her life to serving the most vulnerable in our society. With a background in special education, she used her experience in the classroom to ensure that children and adults with special needs were provided quality care and education at the state level during her decades-long career with the Department of Health. As a mother and wife, she showered our family with love and instilled life's most important virtues of faith, courage, and integrity.

What aspect(s) of your job do you find most rewarding?
Ultimately, my passion is serving, and my avenue is storytelling. I take great pride in informing and empowering the communities I serve with the information they need to thrive. Most importantly, I take great pride in elevating the most marginalized with a platform to share and connect.

What did you like most about attending Duquesne University?
What I enjoyed the most about Duquesne were the people: the educators, the advisors, the administrators, and my classmates. Duquesne is a culture unlike any other. When you enroll at Duquesne University, you become a part of a family that goes above and beyond. I recall professors going beyond the classroom, extending themselves to help me craft my resume, demo reel tape, and provide real-world experience. The Office of Multicultural Affairs (OMA) provided me with a safe place
to learn and grow. My advisor encouraged me to further my education and pursue a master's degree. My financial aid advisor worked to help me find the funding and scholarships to make that goal a reality. At Duquesne, I formed lifelong friendships and gained invaluable mentors.

In your own words, what do you think it means to be a graduate of Duquesne University?
Being a graduate of Duquesne University means excellence; academic distinction, servant-leadership, and a lifelong commitment to professional and personal growth.

What do you hope to achieve next, professionally or personally?
I look forward to continuing to use my voice to uplift our most marginalized communities. While I will not attempt to predict what the future has in store for my career, I pray that God uses my talents to serve others and make our community a better place. Personally, I look forward to starting a family with my husband and spending quality time with our loved ones.

What do you attribute to your success?
I attribute my success equally to hard work, dedication, a supportive village, and a good God.

Do you have any personal hobbies or activities you enjoy in your spare time?
In my spare time, I enjoy reading and listening to audiobooks. I also enjoy spending quality time with my husband, family, and friends.

What does being selected as a member of the 2025 Dukes from the Last Decade mean to you?
To be selected as a member of the 2025 Dukes from the Last Decade is an honor. Earning this recognition is also a commitment to the university, the community, and my loved ones to continue the work that earned me this prestigious award. By accepting this award I promise to uplift the values of Duquesne University and demand Duke excellence in everything I do.