UT AAPS sponsored seminar with Drs. Paul Young and Daniela Traini from University of Sydney.
The AAPS student chapter at The University of Texas (UT) at Austin was initiated in 2003 to increase awareness of educational and career opportunities in the pharmaceutical sciences among UT College of Pharmacy graduate students. Due to the relative distance from Austin to the large pharmaceutical companies across the nation, the AAPS Student Chapter at UT Austin seeks to be a liaison between our college and industry.
The chapter has been actively involved in recruiting new members and planning upcoming events for the 2018–2019 academic year, with an eventual goal of including doctor of pharmacy students in the college. We also actively encouraged the participation of chapter members at the 2018 AAPS PharmSci 360 by hosting 15-minute poster presentations during our weekly 1-hour seminars, with the goal of having polished presentations during PharmSci 360 for those interested in our members’ research focuses.
AAPS student members present their research posters at the
AAPS annual meeting in San Diego
Our AAPS student chapter is student centered and offers mentorship programs, ongoing education, and opportunities for networking and professional development. During the past academic year, we have successfully organized various activities, including a seminar series of distinguished invited speakers in industry and academia, who present on diverse topics and cutting-edge research. We encouraged students to engage with the invited speakers. We also encouraged professional networking by hosting small-group luncheons with the invited seminar speakers, where students could discuss their current research and get feedback from the invited speaker in an informal environment. Similarly, we seek to interact with our alumni and previous colleagues by hosting a reception at each year’s AAPS annual event to maintain ties to those who have come before us.
UT AAPS student chapter hiking at the Greenbelt
We understand the trials and tribulations of graduate school, so the chapter seeks to host multiple socials throughout the semester to foster an atmosphere of support and fraternity. We believe that social activities, while positive for mental well-being, also encourage participation and involvement from our chapter members. Owing to our geography and Austin’s mild weather, we try to take advantage of outdoor activities, including hiking through the hills of Austin and Greenbelt, as well as enjoying a meal together on an open patio.
AAPS student members at Austin Bouldering Project Social (rockwall)
Last but not least, the AAPS student chapter at UT Austin seeks to engage other student chapters with the eventual goal of forming a special joint seminar series of influential industry leaders and broadcast via webinar with other Texas schools to encourage involvement and collaboration across the state. Our ultimate goal is to promote collaboration and form bonds between budding scientists and the scientific community of our student members with other AAPS student members throughout the state of Texas.