Connect with a Current Student

Hello! My name is Alayla, and I am a second-year PharmD student at the University of Wisconsin–Madison School of Pharmacy. I grew up in Westmont, Illinois, a suburb just outside
of Chicago. Before coming to Madison, I earned my Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Pharmaceutical Sciences from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

I chose UW–Madison because of its outstanding academic reputation, strong NAPLEX pass rates, generous scholarship opportunities, and welcoming college-town atmosphere. Since
joining the program, I’ve especially enjoyed collaborating with classmates through POPs and learning in our therapeutics courses, where we’ve been able to apply classroom concepts to real patient care.

I’m still exploring different career paths in pharmacy, but I’m currently interested in oncology, administrative pharmacy, and managed care. Outside the classroom, I’m involved in several student organizations, including serving as the ASHP Liaison for the Wisconsin Society of Pharmacy Students, where I help coordinate our Patient Consultation Competition. I’m also the Fundraising Co-Chair for Phi Delta Chi and a member of Phi Lambda Sigma.

When I’m not studying, my favorite things to do are cooking, crafts, hiking, traveling, trying new restaurants, going for a run, or binge-watching my favorite TV shows. One of my favorite things about Madison is walking along the Lakeshore Path behind the School of Pharmacy or picking out fresh flowers at the Dane County Farmers’ Market.

I know choosing a pharmacy school is a big decision, and I’d be happy to answer any questions about student life, getting involved on campus, or what it’s like to be a pharmacy student at UW–Madison. I look forward to connecting with you!

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 third 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, both here in Madison. 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. I am also involved in Rho Chi Pharmacy Honor Society where we help provide educational resources for students and offer tutoring services.

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, and 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!

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! My name is Skyla and I am a second-year pharmacy student (DPH-2) here at UW–Madison. I am an international student from a rural community called Melita in Manitoba, Canada. After high school, I continued my education down south at Dakota College at Bottineau, North Dakota, where I was able to complete my Associate of Science degree in pre-pharmacy while playing hockey.

I chose the UW-Madison School of Pharmacy because of its welcoming community and rural health program. I first found out about UW-Madison while playing hockey on the campus, which enticed me to explore the school as an option. While looking into the program, I noticed they had a Rural Health Named Option which allowed you to specialize some of your education for healthcare in rural settings. This was very dear to me as I am from an isolated rural community, and I loved to see the school giving it the recognition it deserves. This was later a major deciding factor in my decision to choose UW-Madison.

Currently, my pharmacy interests are mainly in rural pharmacy in a community setting or in oncology. However, while in school I have been exploring many different paths to keep my options open! I am also a part of the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) in which I am the president-elect. Other than school, I enjoy many sports such as hockey (men’s and women’s- Go Badgers!), reading, anime, and going on many adventures with friends!

Feel free to reach out with any questions that you may have about pharmacy school, student life, my experience as an international student, or anything else you may want to know. Don’t hesitate to reach out as I’m happy to help with the next steps in your pharmacy journey!

Hi! My name is Sydney, and I am currently a second-year pharmacy student. I am originally from Elm Grove, a Milwaukee suburb, but I chose to pursue my undergraduate degree in Nutritional Science at the University of Georgia, where I also received a minor in pharmaceutical sciences.

I chose UW-Madison’s School of Pharmacy because I knew it would challenge me as both a student and an individual while offering incredible opportunities to learn from leaders in pharmacy and discover where my passions could take me. Since being admitted, I have found that those experiences have only continued to expand. The School of Pharmacy’s location provides invaluable access to healthcare professionals at nearby hospitals, many of whom also serve as guest lecturers and bring their real-world experiences directly into the classroom.

Additionally, I have been able to pursue my interests through programs like Scholars in Pharmacy (SIP), which allows students to learn more about specific areas of interest. Through this program, I recently joined the Operations and Technology Management Named Option, which will allow me to gain a deeper understanding of managed care, a field that interests me, while exposing me to the many career paths within pharmacy beyond clinical practice.

Above all, what has stood out most to me is the unwavering support from the faculty and staff. They consistently seek student feedback to ensure our voices are heard, are deeply invested in our success, and are always willing to help us grow both personally and professionally.

Outside of school and studying, the culture surrounding student organization involvement is incredibly strong and allows students across different years to collaborate, build meaningful relationships, and learn from one another. I am involved in the Wisconsin Society of Pharmacy Students (WSPS) and the Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP), both of which have allowed me to further explore my interests while engaging with the local community. There truly is a place for everyone at the School of Pharmacy, and the opportunities to get involved continue to grow the more you seek them out. If you have any questions about the School of Pharmacy or life in Madison, please do not hesitate to reach out!

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!