Why did you choose WVU?
My ties to this university run deep. Both my mother and father, in addition to much of my extended family, pursued undergraduate as well as graduate degrees here, so I grew up with stories of late-night study sessions in the Wise Library, the “newness” of the PRT, and the first female Mountaineer. After completing my undergraduate degree in Biology at WVU, I knew that the School of Pharmacy here at WVU would provide me with another four years of exceptional education and opportunities!
Why did you choose pharmacy as a career?
My favorite aspect of pharmacy is working alongside physicians, nurses, therapists and other healthcare professionals to provide exceptional patient care. Throughout my internship at WVU Medicine, I was able to see first-hand how valuable the pharmacist is to the healthcare team. One of the favorite parts of my job is interacting with my patients and their families!
What advice would you give your freshmen self?
I would tell my freshman self... It's okay if you don't know what you want to do! Take as many classes and join as many clubs as you can, and you will find something you love.
What will you remember most about your time at WVU?
I will always remember... singing Country Roads in the Coliseum with my freshman classmates in 2010.
You are a trainer for The Hearts of Gold program, which raises, trains and places dogs to assist people with disabilities. You trained two of the University’s therapy dogs, including Lucas—the HSC’s therapy dog. How does it make you feel to see them brighten the days of so many students and staff?
Lucas attended so many pharmacy classes with me during my time training him, so he is right at home at the HSC! I love that two of my previous foster dogs, Lucas and Brando (the Engineering Therapy Dog), can bring smiles to so many students and faculty across campus! I am so proud of them.
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What's next for you?
Upon graduation, I will be moving to Denver, Colorado, to continue my pharmacy training. I matched into a pediatric residency at Children’s Hospital Colorado! Leaving Morgantown, the place I have called home for the past 8 years, is bittersweet. I am excited for this next step, and I can’t wait to return to WVU one day to continue my career.
