What drove you to earn a PharmD?

I kind of always knew I wanted to go into health care. I wanted to give back to my community, and growing up, going to the pharmacy with my parents and seeing how helpful and accessible pharmacists are really pushed me in that direction. I wanted to be part of that.

Why did you choose to complete your degree at the University of Iowa?

I always had my eyes on Iowa. I’m originally from Des Moines, so I like to say that I’m a Midwesterner at heart and I’ve been in Iowa my whole life. I also had relatives who had gone to school here, so I knew it was the place to be and where I could have a lot of opportunities for my career.

How did you find community during your time at Iowa?

The biggest way I found community was by getting involved in student organizations. I was fortunate to not only be a member but also hold leadership positions where I got to connect with students from different classes and help put on events and meetings. That was very fulfilling and a big takeaway from my experience.

A lot of the friends I have now came through the pharmacy program. During undergrad, COVID limited opportunities to meet people, so pharmacy school is really where I built those friendships. I’m incredibly grateful for that.

What did you take away from the COVID-19 period?

I really saw how pharmacists stepped up and played a crucial role in the community — from testing to administering vaccines and leading mass vaccination efforts. That’s something I really admired, and it reinforced how impactful pharmacists can be.

What is a challenge you experienced during your degree pursuit, and how did you navigate it?

One of the biggest challenges was imposter syndrome. It’s something I’ve always grappled with. But I’ve come to realize that I’ve gotten this far through my own achievements. Having mentors and friends that believe in me has definitely helped minimize those feelings.

How did your experience at Iowa prepare you for what’s next?

A lot of it came from leadership roles in student organizations and building those skills. I also made it a point to work outside of school so I could apply what I was learning in real clinical settings with real patients. That hands-on experience was something I really valued.

I see myself making an impact as an advocate for all patients from all backgrounds and having their best interests in mind. I learned that through my rotations and work experience.

What does leadership mean to you?

The former dean of the College of Pharmacy, Donald Letendre, really instilled the idea of servant leadership in students. For me, that means building leadership skills not only to serve myself but to serve my peers, my community, and the profession. I tailor my leadership style to give back to others as much as I can.

Who were your mentors, and what role did they play?

The College of Pharmacy does a really great job at fostering mentorship. Immediately upon starting pharmacy school, you’re assigned multiple mentors, including a faculty mentor and a professional mentor, so you have someone to turn to for guidance.

My faculty mentor, Deanna McDanel, has been especially impactful. She’s been with the college for many years and wears a lot of hats. I really admire her work ethic and her dedication to both patients and students.

What is next for you?
I’m excited to be going home. I matched into a pharmacy residency position at MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center. I’ll have the opportunity to train as a pharmacy resident in a teaching environment and gain experience with guidance from other pharmacists.

I would like to do at least one year of postgraduate training, but I could also see myself pursuing a second year of residency to specialize further. My current interests are in infectious diseases and internal medicine.

What advice would you give to future Hawkeyes, especially pharmacy students?

Starting pharmacy school was uncomfortable and challenging at times, but I’m so glad I pursued it. I’ve learned so much — not only in the classroom but things I’ll take with me for life. I’ve also built friendships and connections that I never would have had otherwise. If I had to do it all over again, I absolutely would.

Is there anyone you’d like to thank?

I would like to thank my family, specifically my parents, who have helped me get to this point and have supported me throughout this entire journey. I like to think that I’m a product of their love, their selflessness, and their sacrifice, and that’s how I’ve been able to have the opportunities I have today.

I also would like to thank my siblings who have always believed in me. And I’d like to thank my friends who have been my support system while I was away from home — they got me through my time in pharmacy school.