Macie Goodman was meant to be a Gamecock. Her parents met at Carolina, and her brother and several uncles attended USC.
“I have huge family ties to USC. I originally thought I might go to that other school in the Upstate just for spite,” she says. “Then I realized they don't offer the programs that I wanted to pursue.”
Goodman played trombone in the Carolina Band while earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences in 2021. She completed a Doctor of Pharmacy degree in 2023 and is now pursuing her Doctor of Philosophy in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a focus on implementation sciences.
“I was interested in chemistry in high school,” she says. “My grandmother was a fourth-grade teacher, so I have always had an interest in teaching as well.”
It was Gene Reeder, distinguished professor emeritus, who convinced Goodman to consider the Ph.D. program.
“I thought I might pursue residency because I knew I wanted additional training after pharmacy school, and Dr. Reeder walked me through the graduate program,” she says. “He is the reason I am here.”
Macie has shown ambition and a genuine eagerness to learn, qualities that are essential for success in research. I have no doubt she will continue to develop into a highly skilled and innovative researcher ...
As part of her Ph.D. training, Goodman is also a graduate teaching assistant, working with Scott Sutton, chair of the Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences department, and conducting research with Assistant Professor Tessa Hastings.
“Macie's background as a pharmacist provided her with the opportunity to assist the department in unique ways,” Sutton says. “However, it was Macie's ability, determination and desire that led to her teaching success. I am hesitant to call Macie a mentee because she is so much more than that.”
“Macie has shown ambition and a genuine eagerness to learn, qualities that are essential for success in research. I have no doubt she will continue to develop into a highly skilled and innovative researcher, and I am excited to see where her talents will take her in the future,” Hastings says.
Goodman earned the 2024 Outstanding Teaching Assistant Award, sponsored by the USC Graduate School. She was also recognized by the Center for Teaching Excellence's Preparing Future Faculty program, and she earned the College of Pharmacy's Unsung Hero Award in 2021.
Goodman plans to continue teaching and conducting research, especially concerning pharmacists’ impact on HIV.
“I truly enjoy the teaching aspect,” she says. “I have had some students who decided to do research with me. Sometimes I feel I learn more from my students than I can ever teach them.”
Topics: Pharm.D. Program, Graduate Programs, Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences