MORGANTOWN, W.Va. — The West Virginia University student chapter of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) was awarded third place for the 2013 AAPS Outstanding Student Chapter of the Year Awards. The chapter received the award at the 2013 AAPS Annual Meeting & Exposition held in San Antonio in November.
There are more than 80 AAPS student chapters around the world. The WVU AAPS chapter was selected for third place due to its diverse membership, sponsored seminars, outreach to other local AAPS communities and community service initiatives within the Morgantown area.
“It is truly a great feeling to have won this award,” Andrea Armstead, WVU student AAPS chapter chair, said. “It was wonderful to be recognized for the hard work of our chapter.”
Established only three years ago, the WVU AAPS student chapter has taken great strides to bring more guest lecturers to the School of Pharmacy to speak with graduate students, to raise awareness of its members’ research, and to continue collaborating with local and regional universities to expand members’ network and research opportunities.
Increasing membership was a large focus for the chapter. After increasing membership by 67 percent this past year, the chapter is continually searching for new methods to reach out to students.
“Students may not always think about life after graduation,” Armstead said. “AAPS offers many opportunities such as meeting and networking with practicing professionals who are able to provide guidance.”
Armstead is proud to be part of such an influential organization and award-winning chapter for student pharmacists.
“When you are a student, it is nice to see that you are a part of something larger, and to be recognized for it,” Armstead said.
