Krystal Nguyen has joined the Anteaters in Pharmacy board alongside fellow Chapter Leaders Lilian Allahverdian, Mary Deeman, Allen Tran, and Amanda Tran, as well as Graduate Student Liaison Busola Oladeru. She will assist with championing mentorship, professional development, and community building initiatives for alumni and current students of the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Nguyen is a recent graduate of the BS in Pharmaceutical Sciences program and is an incoming UCI student pharmacist who will soon begin pursuing her Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree as part of the Class of 2028.
Tell us what a typical day in your shoes looks like.
“As an undergraduate, I worked at an internal medicine primary care clinic. This experience expanded my medical literacy and knowledge, allowing me to connect classroom learning to practical applications like drug dosages, strengthening my passion for pharmacy and medicine. I also attended classes and organized on- and off-campus events for a pharmacy club. We helped students interested in pharmacy learn about different specialties and connected them to various resources and networking opportunities. Now, as an incoming PY1 student, I’m taking the summer to prepare for an exciting new chapter! I’m spending quality time with my family before moving back to Irvine, picking up new hobbies, and memorizing the top 100 drugs!”
What interests you the most about your current work? Are there any special projects you are working on?
“I value the many different pathways in pharmacy and enjoy exploring each avenue. Currently, my primary interests lie in hospital and sports pharmacy. As a mentor for undergraduates and former president of the Pre-Pharmacy Society at UCI, I’ve had the opportunity to connect current PharmD students with undergraduates through a mentorship program, which I hope to continue fostering. As I progress in my pharmacy school journey, I aim to explore various opportunities and ventures while expanding my knowledge of patient care.”
Who/what inspires you?
“My mom is my inspiration. She achieves everything she sets her mind to and encourages others to do the same. Her strength is matched only by her compassion, as she consistently treats everyone she meets with unwavering kindness. Her ability to balance resilience with empathy is something I deeply admire and strive to embody in my own life.”
If you could go back in time to your UCI days, what advice or lesson would you give yourself to prepare for the future?
“Embrace the adventure of experiencing new things on your own, and enjoy the exhilarating chaos of balancing classes, professional and social clubs, networking, and everything life has to offer.”
Share a favorite UCI memory, person, place, or thing.
“My favorite UCI memories include the many shared experiences I’ve had with the incredible people I’ve met. One standout moment was pulling an all-nighter, balancing intense study sessions with fun distractions, and acing our final the next day!”
What is your message to current students?
“Explore and attend anything that piques your interest, whether it’s a new club, class, or event. Make the most of whatever you’re doing — have fun, live in the moment, and savor it!”
To learn more about Anteaters in Pharmacy and join the alumni chapter, visit pharmsci.uci.edu/alumni today.
