Professional growth extends far beyond the classroom for College of Pharmacy students at the University of Georgia (UGA). Opportunities provided by the college—such as the Pharmacy Student Travel Award Fund—open doors for PharmDawgs that otherwise might be out of reach. Students can attend national and state conferences, connect with industry leaders, and explore pharmacy career paths.
“Professional development isn’t just about learning—it’s about building relationships. When our students travel to conferences and national meetings, they connect with mentors who offer encouragement, career advice, and leadership opportunities. The Pharmacy Student Travel Award Fund ensures every PharmDawg has the chance to make these life-changing connections and take their careers to new heights.”
– Dean Kelly Smith
The connections that students make while stepping outside the classroom provide them with guidance, encouragement, and career-shaping advice. Read on to hear from several PharmDawgs about how college-supported travel has shaped their education, strengthened their professional networks, and inspired them to become leaders in their fields.
Please consider donating to the college’s Pharmacy Student Travel Award Fund to help all pharmacy students take their careers to new heights!
From Small-Town Roots to National Leadership
For Madison Marquess, the path to becoming a pharmacist has been shaped by mentorship, leadership, and a deep passion for community pharmacy. Growing up in rural Bartow County, Georgia, she sought an academic environment that would challenge her. The College of Pharmacy, with its rigorous curriculum and supportive faculty, proved to be just the ticket.
Madison’s pharmacy journey has been guided by incredible mentors, including Dr. Wided Missaoui, whose Pharmacology II course strengthened her academic foundation, and her peer mentor, Lauren Twitty, who helped her navigate the challenges of pharmacy school. Inspired by these experiences, Madison now gives back by mentoring other students, reinforcing the importance of support and community.
“As an underclassman, I benefited greatly from the guidance of an upperclassman mentor. Now, as an upperclassman, I am honored to give back to the program by mentoring others. My mentorship experience has fostered valuable relationships that I cherish, and I believe these connections will continue to enrich my career long after graduation.”
Beyond the classroom, professional conferences have played a pivotal role in her growth. Thanks to the Pharmacy Student Travel Award Fund, she was able to attend the National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) convention, connecting with industry leaders and discovering her passion for pharmacy ownership. These experiences led to her being elected as the NCPA National Student Leadership Council President, the first UGA student to hold this prestigious position.
“Conferences have significantly enhanced my communication skills, as they necessitate frequent and meaningful interactions with others. Observing leaders within pharmacy organizations and witnessing their dedication to advancing the profession has deeply inspired me to strive for excellence in my career and contribute meaningfully to the field.”
Madison’s advice to current and future PharmDawgs?
“This program emphasizes the principle of reciprocity – you reap what you sow, you are only going to get out as much as you put in – so dig deep and trust the process!”
Growing up in McDonough, Georgia, Maleek Montgomery found inspiration from mentors who were pharmacy alumni. Their experiences and encouragement led him to follow in their footsteps, and this decision has shaped his career in significant ways.
For Maleek, the hands-on learning experiences, particularly through Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experience (APPE) rotations, have been the highlight of his pharmacy education. He credits exceptional preceptors who’ve provided invaluable knowledge and guidance along the way as the key to his success.
Travel made possible by the college’s travel award fund was a game-changer for Maleek, and presenting his research and networking with residency directors solidified his passion for clinical pharmacy.
“Attending the ASHP Midyear Clinical Meeting greatly influenced my decision to pursue residency programs and explore opportunities in clinical pharmacy. The experience provided valuable insights into the profession and solidified my interest in advancing my career in this field.”
Beyond academics, Maleek values the mentorship he’s received from professors such as Dr. Robin Southwood, Dr. Virginia Fleming, and Dr. Brian Seagraves.
“Finding a mentor in pharmacy is invaluable. A mentor provides guidance, shares practical knowledge, and helps you navigate the challenges of the profession. They can offer insight into career paths, and support your professional and personal growth. On a more personal note, they are a great listening ear. I would encourage every student to seek out a mentor early in their journey to maximize their potential and better prepare for the diverse opportunities in pharmacy.”
Outside of pharmacy, Maleek enjoys audiobooks, anime, and spending time with his kids. Looking back, he’s grateful for how the college has helped him grow both professionally and personally.
An International Journey to Success
For Phuong (Josie) Luong, the College of Pharmacy wasn’t just about academics—it was about mentorship, opportunity, and growth. Originally from Vietnam, she moved to the United States in high school and chose UGA for its strong curriculum and dual PharmD/MBA program.
Mentors played a key role in her journey, both friends including Diana Dang and Kelly Ta and professors Dr. Susan Smith, Dr. Christopher Bland and Dr. Trisha Branan. With their guidance, she explored Cefepime IV piggyback, gained confidence in her research abilities and presented her findings at the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists Midyear Meeting (ASHP Midyear), an opportunity made possible by the college’s travel award fund. Mentorship encouraged Phuong to push beyond her comfort zone and seize new opportunities.
“My mentors have been invaluable in helping me navigate challenges during my pharmacy education. My friends motivated me to step out of my comfort zone, pursue research opportunities, leadership positions in student organizations, and attend professional conferences, always providing guidance and encouragement when I needed it most.”
Outside of school, she finds joy in cooking Vietnamese food, traveling, and even visiting U-pick fruit farms. Looking ahead, she encourages pharmacy students to seek mentors early—because the right guidance will open doors to success.
From Classrooms to Capitol Hill
For Bryan Gomez, choosing UGA was an easy decision. With a background in biochemistry and neuroscience from Georgia Tech, he was drawn to UGA’s nationally ranked pharmacy program, currently No. 15 in the country.
His favorite part of the program? The pharmacotherapy course series that challenges students to integrate concepts from pharmacology, medicinal chemistry, and evidence-based medicine to tackle real-world disease management. He credits faculty members such as Dr. Trisha Branan for making complex topics engaging and empowering students to think like professionals.
Beyond the classroom, Bryan has taken full advantage of the Pharmacy Student Travel Award Fund, attending national conferences and even advocating on Capitol Hill at the NACDS Rx IMPACT Day. These experiences not only expanded Bryan’s professional network but also ignited a passion for healthcare policy, leading to an internship with one of the—at the time—two pharmacists in Congress.
“Through traveling with the college’s support, I’ve gotten to meet congresspeople, CEOs, and presidents of national pharmacy associations—something I never thought in my wildest dreams that I’d be able to do. I’ve been able to return to DC multiple times a year with various national associations and with the college’s support to continue the policy and advocacy work that I fell in love with during that first internship.”
Mentors also have played a crucial role in Bryan’s journey, offering guidance and opening doors to opportunities he never imagined. He names Dr. Duc Do, assistant dean for student affairs, as one of several mentors who continually supports students’ professional development. Dr. Do has helped connect students with institutional resources and funding sources—like the travel award fund—to support their ambitions, pursue internships, and experience conferences nationwide.
“Mentors are so important to find, not just now but continually throughout your career. My mentors at the college have encouraged me to pursue opportunities all across the country—and have often connected me to resources to make those opportunities realities. When I get lost in the weeds, it’s my mentors who encourage me to take a step back and zoom out. When I need emotional or professional support, it’s my mentors who I can lean on to provide it.”
Outside of pharmacy, Bryan’s a Broadway fanatic, outdoor adventurer, and bookworm with a love for sci-fi. Up next? A solo backpacking trip across national parks and a potential 100-mile trek in Scotland. His advice to current and future #PharmDawgs?
Find great mentors, chase big opportunities, and never stop exploring.
For Abigail Millsaps, choosing UGA was about more than its top-tier reputation—it was also a tribute to her late father, a proud Dawgs fan and UGA alum.
Abigail’s favorite part of pharmacy school? The pharmacotherapy series, which has built a solid clinical foundation for her, and standout professors who’ve made learning engaging and impactful. Throughout her journey, mentorship has been a driving force. Dr. Devin Lavender not only co-authored Abigail’s research but also encouraged her to present at ASHP Midyear. His guidance gave her the confidence to apply for residency programs she hadn’t initially considered. Likewise, Brian Tran, her Phi Lambda Sigma mentor, reinforced the importance of professional development, helping her navigate key career opportunities.
Thanks to the college’s travel award fund, Abigail discovered residency programs she hadn’t even considered.
“The Pharmacy Student Travel Award Fund allowed me to attend ASHP’s Midyear Clinical Meeting. After speaking to the residents and RPDs, I decided I would apply, even if my chances of getting interviews were slim. Fortunately, I was invited to interview, but I wouldn’t have even applied if the travel award fund hadn’t made the opportunity possible!”
Beyond pharmacy, Abigail loves hiking, traveling, reading, writing, and baking. Her time at UGA has transformed her into a confident, well-rounded future pharmacist, ready to take on the next challenge.
For Myddelton Parker, becoming a Bulldog wasn’t just a choice—it was tradition. As a fifth-generation UGA student from South Carolina, stepping onto campus felt like coming home. But it wasn’t until Myddelton pursued a Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering that an exciting new path emerged—the Regulatory Sciences program at the College of Pharmacy.
One of the biggest game-changers for Myddelton was attending the Regulatory Affairs Professionals Society (RAPS) Convergence Conference as a student ambassador. Initially, the financial commitment seemed like a hurdle, but thanks to the college’s travel award fund, Myddelton was able to experience the conference firsthand. The event provided incredible networking opportunities, real-world industry exposure, and plenty of chances to perfect that all-important elevator pitch.
“I was thrilled when I was accepted as a student ambassador for the RAPS Convergence conference. The support from the travel award fund made this trip a reality and allowed me to gain real-world experience and meet many people from industry.”
A key mentor, Dr. Grace Gowda, encouraged Myddelton to dive headfirst into professional development, attending as many sessions and networking events as possible. Those connections—plus a growing LinkedIn network and a stack of business cards—have already opened new doors for her future.
Outside the classroom, Myddelton channels a love for science into baking sourdough bread, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring nutrition. Whether crafting the perfect loaf or shaping a career in regulatory science, one thing is clear—Myddelton is always rising to the challenge!
