From Bench to Policy: A Pharmacology Alum’s Path to Public Health Impact

Zhijun Ma, an alum of Tufts University's MS in Pharmacology & Drug Development (PDD) program, is making an impact at the intersection of science, medicine, and public health. With experience spanning the FDA and Merck, Ma credits the program’s emphasis on translational research, applied pharmacokinetics, and regulatory science as key to his career growth. In this spotlight, he shares how Tufts' rigorous training and mentorship equipped him for success in pharmacometrics, clinical trial design, and drug development strategy—demonstrating the program's real-world impact in both government and industry settings.

Why did you choose the MS in Pharmacology & Drug Development at Tufts, and how did it align with your career goals?

"I chose the MS in Pharmacology & Drug Development (PDD) at Tufts because it offered a unique integration of clinical pharmacology, drug development, and translational research. At the time, I was passionate about building a career at the interface of science and medicine, where I could apply quantitative tools to improve therapeutic outcomes. The program’s strong mentorship, especially under Dr. David Greenblatt, and its emphasis on applied pharmacokinetics and drug metabolism laid a critical foundation for my transition into both academic and regulatory research."

How did the MS program prepare you for your roles at the FDA and Merck?

"The Tufts PDD program was instrumental in shaping my scientific and regulatory thinking. The rigorous training in clinical pharmacology and exposure to PK/PD modeling (pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic modeling) data analysis equipped me to contribute meaningfully in regulatory settings like the FDA. At the FDA, I’ve been able to support antimicrobial regulatory decision-making through modeling and simulation, informed in part by the foundational training I received at Tufts. As I move into the antiviral PK/PD fellowship at Merck, the same training continues to guide my approach in integrating data across development phases to inform dose optimization and clinical strategy."

What key skills from the program do you find most valuable in your current work?

"The Tufts PDD program gave me a strong foundation in clinical pharmacology hands-on lab experience and critical thinking skills through research and journal clubs. The lab rotations and thesis work sharpened my experimental and analytical abilities while exposure to regulatory science and industry internships prepared me to collaborate across disciplines. These experiences directly support my current work in PK/PD modeling and regulatory decision-making."

How did your FDA fellowship shape your career, and what advice do you have for students interested in regulatory affairs?

"My FDA fellowship in the Division of Infectious Disease Pharmacology at the Office of Clinical Pharmacology was transformative. It offered a rare opportunity to collaborate with clinicians, statisticians, and regulatory experts on antimicrobial drug development. From developing patient databases to performing simulations for dose optimization, I learned how regulatory science can directly influence public health. For students interested in regulatory affairs, I recommend building a strong foundation in both pharmacometrics and communication—knowing how to model is important, but knowing how to justify and explain your models in a regulatory context is what drives decisions."

How did the PDD program help you transition from academia to industry?

"The PDD program gave me early exposure to both the basic science research and clinical research. Courses on translation pharmacology and clinical trial design provided insight into how therapies move from bench to clinical trial. My hands-on experience with clinical pharmacology projects at Tufts allowed me to build a portfolio of applied research that I could leverage during my industry internships at Takeda and Vertex, and eventually at Merck."

What advice do you have for students starting their careers in pharmacology and drug development?

"Stay curious and build your skill set broadly. Learn both the technical (e.g., modeling tools such as NONMEM, Simcyp, R for pharmacometrician, regulatory guidance) and soft skills (e.g., communication, teamwork). Seek out mentors early and don’t hesitate to take on interdisciplinary projects—they often lead to the most growth. Importantly, take initiative in your learning and be open to opportunities outside your comfort zone; that's where the most exciting breakthroughs happen."

What has been the most surprising or rewarding part of your journey since completing the MS program?

"The most rewarding part has been seeing how my contributions—whether a modeling simulation or a regulatory data review—can impact drug dosing recommendations and improve patient outcomes. From characterizing fentanyl exposure in special populations to contributing to FDA guidance for antimicrobials PK/PD consideration, it’s fulfilling to know the science I work on is directly tied to real-world decisions that benefit public health."

Related Links:

PDD Program Overview
PDD Admissions
PDD Curriculum