Excellence in the Classroom: DKICP Faculty Honored

Students in the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program at the Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy (DKICP) recognized three outstanding faculty for their teaching excellence at the 2026 Spring Awards Ceremony. Each class in the first, second and third year of the pharmacy program selected one faculty in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and one faculty in the Department of Pharmacy Practice to be recognized with an Excellence in Teaching Award.

Dr. Shugeng Cao was honored with an Excellence in Teaching Award for Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Class of 2027 and the Class of 2028. Teaching medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutics, Dr. Cao brings a dynamic approach to every lecture, breaking down difficult concepts on the fly and adapting his instruction to meet students where they are.

Dr. Dianqing Sun was honored with an Excellence in Teaching Award for Pharmaceutical Sciences from the Class of 2029. Dr. Sun's enthusiasm for medicinal chemistry and pharmaceutics is impossible to miss. Known for breaking down complex material with clarity and precision, he brings a contagious passion to the classroom that keeps students engaged and eager to learn. Dr. Sun is also the Director of Distance Education.

Dr. Chad Kawakami was honored with an Excellence in Teaching Award for Pharmacy Practice from the Class of 2027. Dr. Kawakami teaches in the therapeutic problem solving series, where his clear, well-organized teaching style has earned high marks from students. He has a knack for making complex material approachable and ensuring key concepts land, all while weaving in real patient cases to bring the content to life.

Dr. Jarred Prudencio was honored with an Excellence in Teaching Award for Pharmacy Practice from the Class of 2028. Dr. Prudencio teaches in the comprehensive clinical care and therapeutic problem solving courses. Students praise his ability to explain clinical reasoning and navigate the nuances of real-world treatment, leaving them better prepared for the realities of clinical practice. Dr. Prudencio serves as the Director of Experiential Education.

Dr. Bryce Fukunaga was honored with an Excellence in Teaching Award for Pharmacy Practice from the Class of 2029. Dr. Fukunaga brings expertise in self-care and pharmacotherapeutics to the classroom, guiding students through complex material with clarity and purpose. Known for keeping his class engaged, he ensures students leave with a strong grasp of the concepts most critical to their future practice. Dr. Fukunaga is the chair of the curriculum committee.

"DKICP is fortunate to have faculty who excel both in the classroom and in shaping the overall quality of our PharmD program," said Dr. Lara Gomez, Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. DKICP offers two pathways for the Doctor of Pharmacy program - a traditional four-year on-campus track and an extended five-and-a-half-year online option.