Hometown: Eudora, Ark.
Undergraduate major/university: B.S. Biology University of Central Arkansas at Conway/M.S. Biology Texas A&M University-Commerce
Background & Reason for Choosing Pharmacy
I am a married mother of four children. Before attending pharmacy school I lived in Dallas, Texas where I was a science teacher for three years. I decided to pursue a career in pharmacy because I have always had a strong interest in science and medicine. Through a very personal experience during my adolescent years, my interest in pharmacy was sparked. I definitely decided to pursue a career in pharmacy after gaining hands-on experience by working as a technician at a retail pharmacy during my college years. After teaching science for a few years, I started the journey of becoming a pharmacist.
Choosing UAMS
Staff members from the UAMS Diversity Affairs office spoke with me on a regular basis during my high school and college years about the College of Pharmacy program and curriculum. From speaking with them and previous UAMS students, I decided that UAMS was definitely the school to attend. The College of Pharmacy has great professors who really take a genuine interest in the students and in helping each student find success in the program.
One unique opportunity I have had as a student is being a research fellowship recipient. I have had the opportunity to work on several research projects under the guidance of Drs. Denise Ragland & Nalin Payakachat. Last year I traveled to the APhA-ASP conference in New Orleans, La. for a poster presentation for one of my research projects. I recently attended this year’s APha-ASP conference in Los Angeles, Calif. for another poster presentation. Through this research experience, I have had two journal publications.
Leadership Roles
Professional Projects Chairperson of the Student National Pharmacist Association (2012-2013), Vice President of the Student National Pharmacist Association (2011-2012), Summer Research Fellowship Recipient (2011 & 2012), Member of the 2011-2012 Orientation Committee
Advice to Potential Students
My advice is to never give up and always follow through with your dreams and goals. If pharmacy school is what you want to do then pursue it wholeheartedly until you achieve it. And after you have made it in the door, keep pushing forward until you complete it. I did not take the traditional route to pursuing a career in pharmacy and am proof that if being a pharmacist is your goal, you can work hard and achieve it.
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