Shahinda Bahnasy is a third-year PharmD candidate at Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy at Rutgers University and a 2025–2026 APhA–ASP national member-at-large.
I’m thrilled to serve as one of your 2025–2026 APhA–ASP national members-at-large! My journey with APhA–ASP has been nothing short of inspiring—from leading the Operation Substance Use Disorders Committee to serving as chapter president, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some truly incredible student pharmacists. These experiences, along with the amazing connections I’ve made at APhA conferences, have motivated me to step into this leadership role and continue making an impact.
The students I’ve met at APhA events, especially at the Annual Meeting & Exposition and Summer Leadership Institute, have been such a huge inspiration to me. Their passion, dedication, and commitment to advancing the profession are contagious. It’s this sense of community and support that makes APhA–ASP such a unique and empowering organization.
When I’m not working on APhA–ASP projects or in class, you’ll usually find me at a coffee shop with a latte in hand, catching up with friends or getting some work done. Coffee shops are my go-to spot for everything. And while I always check for vegetarian options first, I’m happy to join for a meal no matter what’s on the menu. Good company is what makes the meal.
Outside of school, I’m a photographer in my free time, and I love capturing moments with friends, family, and anything that inspires me. I also love traveling, and my most recent trips to Paris and Rome were incredible. Of course, I had to check out their pharmacies while I was there. It was amazing to see how pharmacists in Europe take on a much more prominent front-line role in patient care compared to the United States. It really opened my eyes to the broader impact pharmacists can have on health care, and it was inspiring to see their unique role in patient care.
Communication is something I value deeply, and I want to make sure I’m as accessible and engaged with as many of you as possible this year. I’m here to listen, collaborate, and make sure your voices are heard, no matter where you are or what role you play. I’m really excited for what’s to come this year. Together, we have so much potential to make a difference in our communities and the profession, and I can’t wait to continue building on the strength of APhA–ASP!
Five questions for Shahinda
1. What show are you currently binging, and why do you like it?
I am currently binging White Collar. I’m hooked on any show with a mix of crime, clever twists, and good characters. It keeps me on my toes!
2. What bucket-list item do you want to check off before you graduate?
I definitely want to take more photos with friends, just to capture those moments before we all go our separate ways.
3. Which Marvel character is your favorite and why?
Iron Man. His passion, confidence, and determination are qualities I strive to embody in everything I do.
4. If you could perform at the Super Bowl, what would your opening song be and why?
I’d pick “Lose Yourself” by Eminem. It’s intense, energizing, and would get the crowd hyped up in an instant.
5. If you could come up with your own ice cream flavor, what would you put in it?
Nutella and strawberry. It’s my favorite combo at any frozen yogurt place! Sweet, creamy, and always a winning choice.