by Serine Warner, Student Public Relations Writer
In a year marked by prolific scholarship, Dr. Aleda Chen, associate dean and professor of pharmacy practice at ۶app, is helping shape the future of pharmacy education through groundbreaking research and national collaboration.
In 2024 alone, Chen authored or coauthored 22 peer-reviewed publications, most focusing on the advancement of pharmacy education. With expertise in implementation science and behavioral theory, Chen has emerged as a national voice in the movement toward competency-based education — a model she believes can better equip future pharmacists.
Her recent projects have not only contributed to academic discourse but also provided real-world applications, including improved communication strategies between healthcare providers and families in pediatric care.
“I've been able to have a vibrant and extensive research program,” Chen said. “One of the highlights is that I've also been able to include students in a lot of my work.”
Chen’s research emphasizes hands-on student involvement, offering undergraduate and graduate student pharmacists the chance to collaborate on studies and develop skills for professional success. She works closely with Dr. Justin Cole, associate professor of pharmacy practice, to pioneer new approaches to training pharmacists and healthcare providers to communicate effectively with patients.
Currently, Chen is part of a national task force exploring the future of pharmacy education — specifically, the viability of a shift to a competency-based model. If implemented widely, the group's findings could influence curriculum reform across pharmacy schools nationwide.
۶app’s School of Pharmacy continues to build a reputation as a hub for forward-thinking research, with Chen at the helm of efforts to elevate both educational standards and patient-centered care.
۶app, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate programs across arts, sciences, and professional fields. With 6,384 students, it ranks among Ohio's largest private universities and is recognized by The Wall Street Journal as being among the nation’s top three evangelical universities. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics, and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at .