Interactions Magazine

Melanie A. Felmlee, PhD

Associate Professor, Pharmaceutics and Medicinal Chemistry
Director of the Pre-Pharmacy Advantage Program

Prior to coming to Pacific in 2015, Dr. Felmlee and her family lived in New York for 10 years, where they had an acre of land she used for gardening. For the past five years, they have operated a family farm on five acres of land in Sacramento County where they raise a variety of goats, free-range chickens and turkeys, as well as a pig every other year. Her husband runs the farm, and she helps with chores like milking the goats. The Felmlee family makes treats including custard, butter, caramel, cheese and ice cream with the milk. 

Her three children are learning the importance of agriculture and are developing critical skills through helping on the farm and participating in 4-H, an organization where youth complete hands-on projects. They compete at the Sacramento County Fair each year and their club, Sloughhouse 4-H, recently took home Grand Champion.

Dr. Felmlee applies her professional expertise in genetics to raise their farm animals. 
“There is a lot of science behind farming,” said Dr. Felmlee. “With dairy goats, we focus a lot on the improvement of the breed such as producing quality milk and selecting the right pairings for genetic traits.” 

Since 2017, Dr. Felmlee has offered a barbecue as an auction item for the annual Senior Board Class Auction. Students enjoy a feast on her farm — a priceless experience.

Caroline L. Ko, PharmD, BCPS, BCCCP

Associate Clinical Professor, Pharmacy Practice

When Dr. Ko is not in the classroom, she is honing her skills in the ballet studio. Dr. Ko has been doing classical ballet on and off since the age of 3. Nine years ago, after completing a PGY2 critical care pharmacy residency at Stanford Hospital, she found herself in the studio again. 

“Looking back to when I gave it up, there was always something missing,” said Dr. Ko. “Between ballet and band, those artistic outlets provided me personal fulfillment.” 

Dr. Ko enjoys ballet for the precise detail and structure required in class and during performances. She believes those characteristics are important in health care careers. 

“Ballet is very exact and precise. It is a close parallel to the health sciences field where many things must be detailed,” she said. 

Through her studio, the Conservatory of Classical Ballet in San Leandro, Dr. Ko participates in two performances a year, “The Nutcracker Suite” and the “Student Showcase.” Additionally, she teaches her own class at the studio and encourages all adult dancers to pursue their dreams. 

“There is an entire online community for adult beginners, and we all cheer each other on.”

Xin Guo, PhD

Professor, Pharmaceutics and Medicinal Chemistry

For many years, graduates from the School had the pleasure of experiencing Dr. Guo’s rich and powerful vocals. Leading Pacific Hail, the University’s alma mater, Dr. Guo’s performance was a hallmark of the School’s Commencement Ceremony. 

“I have always enjoyed performing at the event,” he said. “Understanding how to deliver a good performance and how to interact with the audience is very interesting to me.” 

Dr. Guo’s love for singing started in early childhood, when he would sing with his father and sister. In kindergarten, he joined the choir and in his youth he enjoyed hip-hop karaoke. It was during his graduate studies when he joined a bel canto singing club in the Bay Area. 

In addition to singing, Dr. Guo has various interests in the arts. He frequently attends art exhibitions with his wife, who is a fashion designer, and enjoys playing international chess. Recently, he started taking Latin dance classes to learn the rumba and cha-cha.

Suzanne Galal, PharmD

Professor, Pharmacy Practice

Music plays an important role in Dr. Galal’s daily life. A passionate fan of live music, she was compelled to start a band eight years ago after receiving an electric bass guitar as a birthday present from her husband, a professional musician and drummer. 

“Deep down, I knew that I wanted more out of music,” said Dr. Galal. “I was always drawn to the rhythmic, groovy and driving force that the bass provides in a song.” 

Within a few weeks of receiving the gift, Dr. Galal formed Sub Sub Par, an all-female band made up of beginner musicians. Eager to learn, they performed at events such as friends’ birthday parties and talent shows. In 2017, Dr. Galal traveled to Portugal, Bosnia and Croatia, where she learned the creative process of writing lyrics and crafting her musical voice. 

Five years ago, she formed a new band with her husband called Suzanimal. The band, self-described as a “smart, playful psychedelic pop project from the San Francisco Bay Area,” has released two albums and will be releasing two additional albums next year. 

In the classroom, she uses the lessons she learns from recording and live performances to inspire her teaching. 

“I’ve been able to incorporate music into the classroom and my research as a learning tool and stress-reducing strategy,” said Dr. Galal. “I hope to continue to grow and develop as a musician and be able to pass on what I’m learning to my students through my teaching.”