Meet Serena Roberts, a final-year PharmD candidate at the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. Serena has served as her chapter’s policy vice president and APhA–ASP’s Region 1 Regional Delegate. We caught up with Serena to learn about her and her passion for APhA–ASP.
Student Pharmacist Magazine (SPM): Can you tell us about your journey with APhA–ASP? Why did you choose to become a member, and why do you remain a member?
Serena: I became involved with APhA–ASP in my second year of pharmacy school. The opportunities for leadership, professional and career development, and community service projects greatly interested me. So when my school had its fall membership drive, I did not think twice about joining! After being a member for a year, I knew I wanted to have more involvement in the organization. I was very happy to become my chapter’s policy vice president, as well as serve as the APhA–ASP Region 1 Regional Delegate months after that. These two positions appealed to me because of my interest in advocacy and my desire to move forward the pharmacy profession.
I am grateful to have attended APhA–ASP’s Midyear Regional Meetings (MRM) and Summer Leadership Institute, and the APhA Annual Meeting & Exposition. I also participated in the National Patient Counseling Competition, where I was able to achieve the second-runner-up title in 2023. Now, as a final-year PharmD candidate, I remain an APhA member because I appreciate the networking, community, and support it provides me.
SPM: What is your favorite APhA–ASP member benefit?
Serena: APhA–ASP provides a multitude of opportunities. One of my favorite APhA–ASP member benefits would be the patient care projects and the ways we use these projects to serve our communities. As a member, I enjoyed getting involved in my chapter’s Operation Heart and Operation Immunization initiatives. I liked educating the community on heart-healthy activities and helping vaccinate the University at Buffalo population and surrounding community.
I also appreciate the benefit of participating in the National Patient Counseling Competition. I enjoyed competing at the local and national levels, in my third year of pharmacy school. It connected me with many wonderful student pharmacists, who showcased their knowledge and the amazing things pharmacists do.
SPM: What is your favorite APhA–ASP memory?
Serena: My favorite memory is when I attended my first MRM in 2022. I did not know what to expect, but I was intrigued by the advocacy discussions. I enjoyed being around students from other schools who felt passionate about the profession. At this meeting, I had the courage to run for a regional officer position. I was happy with the outcome and what I learned and accomplished with the position. At the conclusion of the MRM, I felt inspired and reaffirmed why I chose pharmacy as a career.
SPM: What is your go-to coffee order?
Serena: French Vanilla Coffee. I’m simple!
SPM: If you were a superhero, what power would you have?
Serena: There are many options. But it would be great to understand all languages.
SPM: After a long day of school or work, what do you like to do in the evening to unwind?
Serena: After a long day, I like to read a book, listen to music, or sometimes watch a movie. I prefer a fun psychological thriller or something with action.