Student ambassadors at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s Orlando campus are introducing undergraduate organic and general chemistry students to the pharmacy profession. The ambassadors hosted the inaugural “Organic Chemistry…Do I need it for pharmacy?” virtual event on Sept. 17. Undergraduate chemistry students from Valencia College and Seminole State College were among 35 attendees.
The event was hosted by Orlando pharmacy student Sierra Parsons and featured case study presentations from students Jehú Jaramillo Laureano and Colin O’Connor and a discussion led by Margaret James, Ph.D., the Jack C. Massey professor of medicinal chemistry in the UF College of Pharmacy. Organizers of the event wanted chemistry students to leave with a new perspective on the practical applications of organic chemistry and how it relates to pharmacy.
“Being able to connect with students from different backgrounds is a gratifying experience that allows us to promote diversity, health literacy and inclusiveness in our community,” Jaramillo Laureano said.
“We want them to be able to take their knowledge of organic chemistry and be inspired to use it in their daily lives,” O’Connor said. “The pharmacy profession offers many opportunities to achieve this goal.”