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Dr. Serge Afeli’s initial interest in pharmaceutical studies stems from his childhood spent watching those around him use various herbs and plants to treat a variety of illnesses. 

“I grew up in Africa, where my parents and grandparents, especially my grandmother, knew a lot about herbal plants, especially for the treatment of things like muscle pain, fever, and malaria,” he said. “And when I was growing up, she would use those to make concoctions to give to people who were suffering from any ailment.” 

As he grew older, his interest in the sciences grew with him until he reached college, where he first earned a bachelor’s degree in physical sciences at Kansas State University before studying pharmacology at the University of South Carolina. 

After graduating from USC, Afeli found himself at PC as an adjunct chemistry professor, which he taught for one year before the began looking for a pharmacologist. He took a chance and applied for the position, and the rest is history. 

Now, in addition to serving as associate professor of pharmacology, Afeli serves as PCSP’s associate dean for academic affairs.

Seeing hard work pay off

While Afeli values all of his time spent teaching and mentoring, he admits that watching students walk across the stage at the end of the program has a special place in his heart. 

“At graduation, when I see students who had no clue when they came in, or were struggling for a time, finish and graduate; for me, that is the most rewarding thing,” he said. “You’ve contributed to making somebody’s life or career better, and that’s a big impact to make.” 

Afeli feels that impact often, as former students not only keep him updated on their careers but also reach out just to catch up. 

“I’ll have former students calling me saying, ‘Hey, Dr. Afeli, I work here now.’ Even today, one of our former students called the office to say hello and have a chat. It’s amazing,” he said. 

Hopes for the future

In the coming years, Dr. Afeli hopes not only to see the PC School of Pharmacy gain international recognition but to directly contribute to that achievement. 

“People say, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve heard about this school,’ and of course, we know Harvard University, we know Yale, but having that same international recognition when talking about excellence in teaching and service, that would be a big, big achievement for us,” he said. 

Another area of interest to Afeli is supporting healthcare initiatives, both in America and around the world, especially in Africa. Over the past 10 years, he has worked with and mentored over 250 students and entrepreneurs alike to address health disparities around the world, hoping to make a positive impact.