Class of 2023 Pharmaceutical Sciences Student Tiffany Nguyen Reflects on Her Past 4 Years at UCI

Q: What inspired you to want to get your bachelor’s degree in pharmaceutical sciences at UCI?

In my sophomore year chemistry class in high school, students were required to individually present on anything chemistry related. While my classmates chose to present on the chemistry behind their favorite things such as soccer or ice cream, I decided to focus on my mother’s condition at the time: acid reflux. I quickly became fascinated learning about acid reflux, its causes, the medications used to treat or minimize it, and the chemistry behind it all.

What began as a simple chemistry project became the catalyst to my passion for learning about conditions, disease states, and how medications and lifestyle adjustments collaborate to assist patients. I came across the Pharmaceutical Sciences major while applying to UCI and knew that it would help me develop my passion for pharmacy.

Q: What types of involvements have you participated in at UCI?

I have been actively involved in Pre-Pharmacy Society (PPS) at UCI since my first year at UCI. I am honored to serve as the President for the 2022-2023 academic year, where I have had the opportunity to lead the organization and help fellow undergraduate students explore the field of pharmacy and the non-traditional routes it has to offer.

PPS has not only helped me grow immensely as an individual, but it has also helped me solidify my decision to pursue a career in pharmacy, made me a competitive applicant for pharmacy school, and has given me invaluable friendships and connections.

I was a mentee in the Anteaters in Pharmacy Mentorship Program last year, and I have my mentor, Dr. Amanda Tran, to thank for inspiring me to pursue ambulatory care pharmacy. I am also currently a mentor of two underclassmen in the UCI Pharmaceutical Sciences Mentorship Program (PSMP).

Q: How has your experience in the undergraduate pharmaceutical sciences program at UCI contributed to your growth?

Taking classes such as physiology (PHRMSCI 120), pharmacotherapy (PHRMSCI 173), and molecular pharmacology (PHRMSCI 170), have helped me develop my knowledge and desire to study conditions and their pharmacological treatments. The curriculum has made me realize just how much I enjoy learning about pharmacology and has given me a preview of what to expect in pharmacy school.

Q: What do you hope to do after you graduate with your B.S. in pharmaceutical sciences?

I am planning to continue pursuing my dreams of becoming a pharmacist upon graduating from UCI. I am very excited to attend my dream pharmacy school, UCSD Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, in Fall 2023! 

Q: What advice or insight do you have for incoming high school or transfer students considering an undergraduate degree in pharmaceutical sciences?

Do your research!

Check out the classes that the program has to offer and see if they interest you. If you’re interested in learning about pharmacy and want to be part of a smaller tight-knit community, the undergraduate pharmaceutical sciences program that UCI offers could be a great opportunity for you. I’ve truly enjoyed making friends in the program and always seeing a familiar face in every class.

Additionally, the pharmaceutical sciences student organizations (PPS, PSMP, PUPS, and PACA) are a great way to connect with fellow peers and are what help make the program so unique.

Get involved!

Studying is important, but don’t forget to make memories too. You never know how you might grow as a person until you put yourself out there. I know that it can be scary but be brave!

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?

I would like to thank the dear friends that I have made throughout my years at UCI and my mentors, Dr. Curtis Siu and Dr. Amanda Tran, who have inspired me to pursue pharmacy.

I would also like to thank my mother, who is the greatest supporter of my education and aspirations. Finally, I am thankful for all the personal and professional connections as well as wonderful memories I have made over the past four years with Pre-Pharmacy Society (PPS) at UCI.

I truly would not be who nor where I am today without all these amazing people.