Eunjoo Pacifici PharmD, PhD succeeds Frances J. Richmond, PhD as chair of the Department of Regulatory and Quality Sciences. An expert in drug regulations, the global pharmaceutical market and international medical product regulations, Pacifici has served as director of the D.K. Kim International Center for Regulatory Science since 2017. A full-time member of the USC School of Pharmacy faculty since 2012 and adjunct professor since 2003, she has played a key role in the expansion of the academic, research, and collaborative operations of the school’s regulatory science programs.

“Throughout her various roles, Dr. Pacifici has demonstrated the ability to lead diverse constituents, proactively manage multiple priorities, promote an inclusive environment and work collaboratively across programs and initiatives,” said Dean Vassilios Papadopoulos as he announced Pacifici’s appointment.

She currently serves as president of the USC School of Pharmacy Faculty Council (PFC) and directs the Regulatory Knowledge Support (RKS) function of the Southern California Clinical and Translational Science Institute (SC-CTSI). Her professional experience reaches beyond academia to include the biopharmaceutical industry. At Amgen, Pacifici worked in global product development and was involved in managing clinical studies and investigational sites, developing protocols and case report forms, training site personnel, and coordinating clinical research and central laboratory activities.

A graduate of USC for both her Doctor of Pharmacy and PhD in toxicology, she conducted her graduate research on the mechanism of oxidative damage and repair in endothelial cell membrane.

Richmond, founding chair of the Department of Regulatory and Quality Sciences, has taken over the position Pacifici vacated as director of the D.K. Kim International Center for Regulatory Science.

The regulatory and quality sciences program includes four interdisciplinary master’s degrees, six certificates, more than 30 core courses and electives in regulatory, quality and clinical sciences and since 2008, the nation’s first professional doctorate in regulatory science.

“The program provides the next generation of regulatory scientists and pharmacy professionals with knowledge, tools and skills to expedite the delivery of innovative, safe and effective biomedical products,” Papadopoulos said.