Connect with a Current Student

Hi! My name is Caroline, and I am currently a second-year pharmacy student at UW Madison. I am originally from a small suburb outside of Portland Oregon (West Linn) and grew up there my whole life before moving away for college. Prior to coming to Wisconsin, I completed my Bachelor of Science in biochemistry at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska (roll jays!).

I chose UW Madison’s school of pharmacy because I knew that it was a program that would set me up for a successful career in pharmacy regardless of what path I decided to follow when I graduated. From the different pathways of distinction and the way that UW Madison graduates are continuing to excel in their careers, I knew that this was the program that would be able to set me apart in whatever area I end up. I also loved how involved the students are in our many different student organizations and how there is something for everyone to be passionate about! I have loved my time in all the different clubs that I am a part of and have been able to explore many different interests within pharmacy while also growing in my leadership abilities.
Outside of the pharmacy school, you can find me going on walks to explore the city, finding the best new coffee shops to hide away and study, and volunteering within the local community!

Feel free to reach out with any questions about admissions, the perspective of an out-of-state student, life within pharmacy school or whatever else might come to mind! I look forward to sharing all the amazing things that I have gained from the UW Madison School of Pharmacy!

Hello! My name is Colin and I am a third year pharmacy student. I am from the Green Bay area of Wisconsin, and prior to attending pharmacy school I completed three years of undergrad at UW–Madison as well.

I chose the UW–Madison School of Pharmacy because I knew I’d be receiving a top-tier education while being part of a supportive, driven community. As a student who completed my undergraduate studies here, I already had a sense of the academic rigor and the opportunities available—but what really stood out to me was how connected the School of Pharmacy is to the broader healthcare community in Wisconsin and beyond.

The wide range of student organizations, access to research, and the chance to learn from faculty who are not only experts in their field but also genuinely invested in student success made this program a clear choice. I appreciated how many different paths students could explore, from clinical specialties to leadership and advocacy.

I also felt that UW–Madison had the right balance: it’s a large academic institution with world-class resources, but the pharmacy school itself maintains a close-knit, collaborative atmosphere. Areas of interest for me include critical care, as well as rural health, helping those in underserved communities across Wisconsin. I enjoy participating in multiple student organizations, but two of my favorites are PDC, an academic fraternity and Pharmacy PHIT which promotes health and wellness of students within our school.

When I am not studying, I enjoy walking along the various paths and trails throughout the city, as well as hanging out with friends and trying new foods and restaurants. On rainy days I like to find new music and enjoy watching Netflix.

Feel free to reach out with any questions regarding Madison or the school!

Hello! My name is Cole and I am a second year pharmacy student. I was born and raised in Rice Lake, WI with my parents and two sisters. Prior to UW-Madison, I attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth, where I got my Bachelor’s of Science in Biochemistry and Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry.

I chose the UW-Madison School of Pharmacy because of its highly accredited curriculum and successful pharmaceutical reputation. UW-Madison consistently ranks as one of the best pharmacy programs in the nation! I was also amazed by the campus and vast resources
available to UW-Pharmacy students. I particularly appreciated the 24/7 access to the school and surrounding buildings, the number of diverse student organizations available, and the school’s
integration with other healthcare professions. Not to mention, the city of Madison is a great place to live!

I have experience working in community pharmacy at Walgreens and in-patient pharmacy at Select Specialty Hospital. My goal for this upcoming academic year is to explore the world of industrial pharmacy more! The student organizations I am most involved in at UW are Kappa Psi (a professional pharmaceutical fraternity) and PLS (Phi Lambda Sigma/Pharmacy Leadership Society), where I serve as a student senate representative for both organizations.

Outside of school, I enjoy watching or playing sports (particularly football – Go Packers!!), reading, playing card games, and trying new places to eat. Given Wisconsin’s range of weather, I like to run/bike, fish, & golf when the weather is warm, and play pond hockey or watch movies when the weather is cold!

I am eager to answer any questions you have about pharmacy school, life in Madison, or anything else that may be on your mind! I am also more than happy to let you know about the best places to eat in Madison! Feel free to reach out, and I am looking forward to meeting you all!

My pharmacy career began at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where I completed my undergraduate degree in Pharmacology and Toxicology. From the beginning, I was drawn to the School of Pharmacy’s structure—the emphasis on critical thinking and the professionalism modeled consistently by the faculty. These experiences solidified both my commitment to the field and my decision to continue my education at UW–Madison.

What stood out most to me was the school’s clear commitment to academic and professional excellence. The high residency match rate and thorough preparation for the NAPLEX reflect a strong foundation in clinical and practical skills. When speaking with pharmacists across various settings, I often hear high regard for UW–Madison graduates—a reputation that speaks to the quality of training provided.

Beyond academics, UW offers an environment that supports both professional growth and personal well-being. I work at a nearby hospital, which allows me to apply what I learn in real time while maintaining a manageable work-life balance. The location is also ideal—close by beautiful nature such as Devil’s Lake State Park and major cities like Milwaukee and Chicago—offering access to diverse opportunities and experiences.

I have also found UW–Madison’s student community to be welcoming and engaging. Joining organizations is encouraged, and it is easy to find clubs and peers who share similar values and goals. I’m also able to pursue the Operations and Technology Management option to earn MBA credits alongside my PharmD, which aligns closely with my long-term interest in healthcare leadership and systems improvement.
UW–Madison Pharmacy offers the perfect blend of academic rigor and personal fulfillment—an environment where students are challenged and supported, without having to sacrifice the things that make life enjoyable. Please feel free to reach out if you’d like to connect!

Hello! My name is Erin and I’m a third-year pharmacy student. I am originally from Sioux Falls, SD, and before moving to Madison I complete a BS in Chemistry and Cellular & Molecular Neuroscience and a MS in Chemistry at the University of South Dakota. I chose to come to UW–Madison because of its national reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and clinical training. I also liked how the school teaches and encourages students to be advocates for the pharmacy profession at the local, state, and national levels. Additionally, there are many student organizations that allow students to explore different interests as they evolve throughout pharmacy school. I am currently a member of the Wisconsin Society of Pharmacy Students, Kappa Psi, and Rho Chi.

My current pharmacy interests include Cardiology and Emergency Medicine. I also enjoy learning about how cannabinoids and other psychotropic medications can be used clinically, and joining Psychiatric Pharmacy Path of Distinction in the Scholars in Pharmacy program allowed me to tailor my electives to cover this interest.

During my free time, I enjoy going to the terrace and walking downtown (when the weather is nice), crocheting, and doing jigsaw puzzles. Feel free to reach out with any questions on school, work/school/life balance, moving to Madison from out of state, or anything else!

Hi! My name is Hannah, and I am a second year student pharmacist. I am from Lafayette, Indiana, and before starting my PharmD at UW–Madison I completed a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry from Purdue University. I chose UW-Madison’s pharmacy because of the supportive faculty I met during my interview and the extensive pharmacy network here. One of the aspects I love about the program is the multitude of opportunities for personal growth and involvement in student organizations, leadership roles, research, and networking. UW–Madison offers a Scholars in Pharmacy (SIP) program that allows students to delve deeper into areas of interest. I am pursuing the Applied Drug Development path within the SIP program due to my interest in industry pharmacy. Additionally, I am exploring oncology, transplant, and critical care pharmacy in various ways, such as shadowing a transplant pharmacy at UW Health to further determine my personal journey in pharmacy.

When I’m not busy with my pharmacy studies, I love spending time outdoors hiking, biking, and walking. My favorite activity in Madison is to relax by the lakes, either walking or reading a book. It’s a perfect way for me to enjoy nature, unwind, and take a break from my studies (when the weather permits).

Feel free to reach out to ask any questions about pharmacy school, school-work life balance, student life, life in Madison or anything else. Do not hesitate to reach out!

Hello! My name is Jacob, and I am a third year student pharmacist here at UW-Madison School of Pharmacy. I am from a small town right outside of La Crosse, WI, and I am proud to say that I am a first-generation college student! I had previously completed my undergrad coursework at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, IA, where I had earned my bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry, and I was fortunate enough to have the chance to play college baseball there as well!I decided to attend UW–Madison’s School of Pharmacy because it is a highly accredited institution with impressive success shown by students after graduation! Additionally, being from Wisconsin
and growing up as a loyal Badger fan, UW–Madison had always been my dream school, and it has been nothing short of amazing for me so far! Our program offers a wide range of opportunities and resources to grow as a professional and as a student, such as student organizations and amazing faculty that truly care about your growth as a future pharmacist.

Within our program and our organizations, I am involved in the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP) chapter at our school as the organization’s president, as well as serving as
president of our Pharmacy Personal Health Improvement Team (PHIT) organization, Webmaster for our Student Senate, and, of course, a Student Ambassador Representative! As for after graduation, I am currently interested in the managed care route of pharmacy and working behind the scenes with prescription insurance with the goal of making prescription medications as accessible and affordable to patients as possible!Outside of being a student pharmacist, I like to spend time participating in hobbies that I enjoy. I am big into fitness and weightlifting, and that is how I like to stay on top of my wellness year round! In the warm weather, I love to be outside and enjoying the weather as much as I can, whether that be golfing, going to the farmer’s markets by the capitol, or spending a day out on a lake. When it’s colder outside, I enjoy playing pond hockey, skiing, and even just chilling indoors where it’s warm. Luckily, Madison has a lot to offer as a city, so it is always fun to try new things, such as new restaurants, events, and even sight seeing! I am also a big sports fan, so I enjoy watching my favorite teams throughout the year, especially the Chicago Bears (yes, I know I’m from Wisconsin and it’s bizarre that I’m a Bears fan – don’t judge)!

I am more than happy to answer any questions you may have about school, student life, or anything that may be on your mind! Feel free to reach out, and I’m looking forward to meeting you all!

Hi there! My name is Megan and I am in my third year of the PharmD program. I am from West Bend, WI, and I completed three years of pre-requisite courses here at UW–Madison before coming to the School of Pharmacy. I chose UW–Madison’s PharmD program because I knew it was rigorous and well renowned for preparing students for success in their future career. Additionally, I loved my time here during undergrad and wanted to be here for another 4 years!

Since being admitted, I’ve grown to appreciate the volume of opportunities provided within the school to pursue your specific interests and find your niche. There are so many opportunities to differentiate yourself and get involved with student organizations, research, Scholars in Pharmacy programs and more. Additionally, our faculty all have their own unique interests and specialties where they practice and are happy to help students pursue their dream career. I am still unsure of where I want to practice in the future, but currently my biggest area of interest is palliative or hospice care. I am currently a member of Student College of Clinical Pharmacy (SCCP) where we hear from pharmacists currently practicing in different clinical specialties in the field. Additionally, I am pursuing the Rural Health Named Option, where I get to complete a year-long project focused on the impact pharmacists can make in improving patients’ health specifically in rural settings. There are significant health disparities for those that live in rural areas, and I’m passionate about finding a career where I can make a difference for those patients

Outside of pharmacy school I enjoy staying active, preferably outside, ideally not during Wisconsin winters. I love spending my summers by the lake with friends and family boating, tubing, and fishing. I also enjoy playing volleyball, hiking, and just exploring Madison to try new restaurants and breweries. My favorite days in Madison are Saturdays during the fall semester where I can go to the Capitol Farmers’ Market in the morning and attend the Badger Football game later that day.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you have about life during pharmacy school, living in Madison or anything else!

Hi there! My name is Olivia, and I’m a second-year student pharmacist (DPH-2) in the PharmD program here at UW–Madison. I’m originally from Louisville, Kentucky, where I earned my undergraduate degree in Psychology with a minor in Biology from the University of Louisville.
I chose the UW–Madison School of Pharmacy because of the wide variety of opportunities available to students—whether you’re interested in clinical pharmacy, drug development, research, leadership, or advocacy, there’s a path for you to explore and grow. I was also drawn to the strong sense of community within the program, and it’s exceeded my expectations in the best way. From day one, I’ve felt supported by faculty, staff, and peers, which has made this transition feel like home away from home.

My current pharmacy interests include pediatrics and nuclear pharmacy, but I’m still keeping an open mind and exploring all that pharmacy has to offer. I’m involved in the Wisconsin Society of Pharmacy Students (WSPS) and Phi Delta Chi, where I’ve had the chance to grow as both a leader and a learner. Both organizations have also provided me with meaningful opportunities to volunteer and get involved in the Madison community, which has helped me feel more connected to the profession and the people we serve.

Outside of school, I love staying active—whether it’s through running, cycling, hiking, or taking my dog, who keeps me on my toes and always makes life more fun, on long walks! I’m also a big sports fan (especially football!) and love spending time reading, trying new coffee shops, or enjoying Wisconsin’s colder weather.

If you ever have questions about pharmacy school, student life, or just want to chat, I’d love to connect!

Hello! My name is Sam Melchior and I am a second year student pharmacist. My journey to becoming a pharmacy student actually started with a different health profession – dentistry. I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin–Madison with a major in biology and a global health certificate, and I ended up completing my first year of dental school at Marquette University in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After a period of self reflection, I decided to leave Marquette and pursue a career in something more suited towards my passion, which still involved science, but was more geared towards people – pharmacy!

I spent a year at Walgreens Pharmacy as a pharmacy technician back home in Green Bay, and enjoyed the connections and mentors that I was able to find through networking in the area. This is when I knew that I wanted to become a pharmacist, and I thoroughly enjoyed the Madison area and academic community back during my undergraduate years, so I decided to apply back at Madison for the PharmD, and the rest is history!

At pharmacy school, I am involved with the Student Ambassadors program and aspiring to lead study groups for the first year students in the over the counter medications and medicinal chemistry courses. Within pharmacy, I would love to become a community pharmacist, or work as a pharmacist in oncology or ambulatory care. Outside of pharmacy school, I love my Green Bay Packers, watching movies (Marvel) and TV shows (Game of Thrones and Breaking Bad).
Please reach out to me with any questions regarding pharmacy school, student life, living in Madison, or about the journey of figuring out your passion! As always, Go Pack Go and On Wisconsin!

Hello there! My name is Theo, and I am a second year pharmacy student. I am originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, where I completed my undergrad at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. There I received my bachelor degree in biochemistry with a minor in theater arts.

I chose to attend UW–Madison School of Pharmacy for its prestigious academic program and welcoming community. So far, I’ve appreciated the amount of exploration and the connections the school provides to its students to nurture involvement in different fields of pharmacy. I believe this is one of the things that makes our program special! For instance, I am pursuing the Applied Drug Development Path of Distinction (PoD) and Leadership PoD, which have given many opportunities to explore and develop my skills in industry pharmacy practice, where my current interests in pharmacy specialization post-graduation lie.

I also appreciate how UW–Madison provides numerous opportunities to get involved in student organizations. Currently, I am the historian for Kappa Psi, a pharmaceutical fraternity on campus, a study group leader for the first-year medicinal chemistry course, and a student ambassador, amongst membership in many other wonderful student interest groups.

My favorite thing to do in Madison is to try new food places and to go on walks around the beautiful walking trails around the city, though I am still curiously exploring all that Madison has to offer. Additionally, you can find me trying new food recipes, doing yoga, or finishing a jigsaw puzzle.

Feel free to reach out with any questions at all– asking about admissions, student life, my perspective as an out-of-state student, etc. I love helping out prospective students wherever they are on their pharmacy journey!

Hello my name is Virginia and I am a third year student pharmacist. I am from Madison, WI (born and raised 🙂) but my family is originally from China and Vietnam. I did my bachelors in Biochemistry and Environmental Studies at UW–Madison before starting my PharmD.

I chose the UW–Madison School of Pharmacy not only because it was close to family and a familiar school to me, but also because I was impressed with its various experiences from student organizations and research labs to paths of distinction. I am currently doing a path of distinction in Applied Drug Development and have enjoyed my experience learning about the drug development process and connecting with leaders in the industry and field. Through these last few years, I’ve also had the opportunity to be a student researcher in multiple labs from studying vaping in adolescent populations to semaglutide marketing.

I’ve had a variety of pharmacy experiences. I started my work in inpatient care at UW Hospital where did sterile compounding. I then branched out and gained experiences in community and compounding pharmacy before transitioning over to specialty pharmacy. I am currently an intern at Lumicera Health Services and do work in patient assessments on specialty medications. In terms of student organizations, I am currently involved in the Wisconsin Society of Pharmacy Students and Pharmacy Leadership Society. These organizations have helped me learn more about opportunities to serve the community and develop my professional skills.

Outside of school I enjoy working out, going outdoors, and doing anything active. I also love eating and trying new foods (always looking for new recommendations!). I’m excited to answer any of your questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out!