Researcher on the Rise: PharmD Honors Student Earns First Publication for Opioid Research

The manuscript, published December 30 in the Annals of Pharmacotherapy, details Beasley’s research on hydromorphone as an alternative to fentanyl for pain management in ventilated ICU patients. Conducted during a fentanyl shortage at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center in late 2022, the study analyzed 240 patient charts and revealed no significant difference in outcomes between those treated with fentanyl and those treated with hydromorphone. However, hydromorphone led to reduced opioid exposure—an important finding for hospitals aiming to limit opioid use without compromising care.

Beasley’s research began in May 2023 when she and her faculty advisor, Professor Philip Grgurich, PharmD, teamed up for the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship. She later presented her findings at the Society of Critical Care Medicine’s Annual Critical Care Congress in Phoenix, earning praise for the rigor of her work.

Despite the challenges of balancing school and the revisions required for publication, Beasley found the experience deeply rewarding. “The weeks following the acceptance email were hectic, but I knew in the end that all my hard work would pay off,” she said. The acceptance email, which arrived early one morning during a busy fall semester, was a moment she will never forget. “I woke up with a gut feeling to double-check my email, and lo and behold, there it was.”

Now, Beasley is focusing on her Honors research project, which explores polypharmacy and hyperpolypharmacy in older adults with heart failure. Under the mentorship of Dr. Andrew Hwang, she is using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey to study how these conditions relate to morbidity and mortality. “This is a little new to me since my other research was done through looking at electronic health records,” she explained. “But I’m happy to learn more about national databases and how to combine the data.”

Set to graduate in 2026, Beasley is exploring career options. Her interests include working as a medical-science liaison in the pharmaceutical industry or as an ambulatory care pharmacist specializing in cardiology or pain management. “I’m hoping that my APPE [Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences] rotations starting in May will give me a good idea of my passions and guide me through making that decision,” she said.

In the meantime, Beasley said her first published research manuscript is the holiday gift that keeps on giving. “It’s a feeling I’ll carry with me as I continue pursuing my goals.”