We're getting to know students from every program at the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Submit your own details for Student Spotlight consideration by filling out our brief form.

Q: What are four words that best describe you?

A: Calm, passionate, loyal and patient.

Q: What are your hobbies and interests?

A: I love to paint and draw; if there are any arts and crafts activities, count me in. I also love to dance and sing (although I don't really think I'm talented but it's fun to do with family and friends). In my free time, I love to hang out with my baby cousins and have dance night, karaoke sessions and art sessions. Expressing ourselves with art and music is important to keep our mentality strong and emotions balanced, especially when we're in this rigorous program. It's what has kept me going. I also love to watch Korean dramas and listen to Korean music and discuss them with my friends who enjoy it too.

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University?

A: Wayne State has so many opportunities for those wanting to pursue a career in any health-related field. I have gotten the privilege to meet and work with so many Wayne State pharmacists who have the rounded skills of compassion, patience and clinical expertise needed in the world of pharmacy, and they have inspired me to pursue the same set of skills. Because the campus is located in Detroit near several health systems, it's nice to know there are several possible opportunities to explore while on rotation as a Wayne State student pharmacist.

Q: Why did you choose to study pharmacy?

A: Growing up, I was always involved in helping my family when it came to medications. There weren't many medical professionals I could relate to, being a first of many things: firstborn, first-generation immigrant, first-generation college graduate, but also being a woman, Muslim and born in Bangladesh. There were even fewer pharmacists who I could relate to. I want to be someone who can help my community be more educated about their medications and their health, especially the elderly population and those who struggle with English.

Q: Tell us about a classroom, lab or clinical experience that you enjoyed.

A: I have been enjoying meeting patients at my clinic for IPPE. It's such a great feeling knowing that I understand their treatment therapies, as we cover those diseases in class. I have been able to observe and participate in medication reconciliations with patients and their physicians to make sure patients are getting the safest and most efficacious treatments.

Q: If you had 24 hours free from work and school obligations, how would you spend your day?

A: I would go for a walk at a farm or orchard, get ice cream with my little cousins, play puzzle games with my friends, sing and dance with all our passion, and discuss song albums and dramas in a book club-like setting.

Q: Share a recent accomplishment that made you proud of yourself.

A: I recently began vaccinating children with the COVID-19 vaccine for ages 5-11. It makes me very happy when kids say that I made them feel calm and not scared. As a child, I always had a fear of needles because of being traumatized during situations when the vaccinator did not care to make sure I was comfortable or ready. I also observe parents not making sure to have that conversation with their children to prepare them. I think children have amazing strength and it's possible to prepare them for such an event by having a leveled and relatable conversation with them.

Q: What are your career aspirations?

A: I would like to practice somewhere that allows me to interact with patients in a more personalized setting, where I can ensure that they are being cared for with the best possible resources available. I am currently interested in pursuing more experience in specialty pharmacy and managed care pharmacy fields.

Q: Anything else we should know?

A: I love to apply henna on people. It's a very calming experience and one I find joy in because the final result of the henna design always seems to astound both me and the person who is getting it done. I don't have much time these days to practice, however I love when friends ask me to apply henna on them for their weddings or parties.

The Doctor of Pharmacy program at Wayne State University is a four-year curriculum in the heart of Detroit. Approximately 100 students are enrolled in each year of the program. WSU Applebaum information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The application process for the Doctor of Pharmacy program begins in July.

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An anchor in urban health care
The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels - from undergraduates to veteran faculty members - translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 25,000 students.