University of Arizona,
Academy of Student Pharmacists
MEET THE EXECUTIVE BOARD
Supranee Sootornprueksa
PRESIDENT
Why APhA-ASP?
In the beginning, I joined APhA-ASP largely because I had no idea what kind of pharmacy I was interested in or where I wanted to practice so I didn't want to limit my exposures and experiences. Now, I know that being apart of APhA has really opened my opportunities because I get to meet so many people at the various events and conferences during the year.
Future of Pharmacy
The future of pharmacy is really open to what us, as future practitioners, can dream up. There are so many things that I don't think I could possibly wrap my hands around what is truly in store.
Fun Fact
I bake a gingerbread house from scratch every year for the past 8 years and I have also traveled more than 25 countries.
Jennifer Lee
VICE PRESIDENT OF PATIENT CARE
Why APhA-ASP?
I was impressed by our chapter's involvement on campus and in the community. I also like that it strives to represent a wide range of views and interests in our field.
Future of Pharmacy
We may have heard this multiple times already, but I do believe that pharmacists will continue to expand their roles in providing direct patient care and working as part of healthcare teams. MTM services and Collaborative Practice Agreements will become increasingly common and valued – not only in Arizona, where we have observed this already, but in other states as well. Additionally, we'll find innovative ways to make technology work for us in improving patient care.
Fun Fact
I've experienced multiple heat strokes in the past, so I try to be extra careful in Arizona weather! Also, I was born in South America.
Karen Tsui
VICE PRESIDENT OF POLICY AND ADVOCACY
Why APhA-ASP?
APhA-ASP is the largest student pharmacy organization. APhA-ASP provides many opportunities for student pharmacists to become involved through community outreach, international organizations, career programming, professional leadership training and more. Therefore, I believe it will be a great experience for me to be involved with APhA-ASP for my professional growth within pharmacy.
​
Future of Pharmacy
I believe the future of the profession depends on our advocacy now. We have already put a lot of energy and time into the provider status initiative over the past few years. Expanding pharmacists roles can save health care costs and help the healthcare system be more efficient.
Fun Fact
I am the unexpected child. I walk fast. I want to bungee jump, but I am afraid of heights.
Michelle Abou-Eid
VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATION
Why APhA-ASP?
APhA-ASP ​is the voice of student pharmacists and I want our chapter to be heard. I also want to listen and see what the other students in the nation are saying and create a united front for legislatures to take seriously. We are a powerful entity together.
​
Future of Pharmacy
I think the profession will garner more respect once we acheive provider status and we will be more involved in healthcare teams and decision-making processes.
​
Fun Fact
I studied abroad in New Zealand for 6 months and became a life-long fan of feijoas.
Amanda Singer
TREASURER
Why APhA-ASP?
APhA-ASP offers numerous opportunities to get involved at school, in the community, and in the pharmacy network. The friendships I have made, the national meetings I have attended, and the philanthropy events I have taken part in are all reasons why I love being a part of this organization!
​
Future of Pharmacy
I hope in the future pharmacists gain provider status. As our role and responsibilties in health care are constantly expanding, I think pharmacists will specialize in providing patient-specific therapy and further improve on patient safety.
Fun Fact
In my "free" time I enjoy watching Grey's Anatomy and doing yoga (not at the same time, although that would be pretty neat).
Dr. Theodore Tong
FACULTY ADVISIOR
Franco Marzella
PRESIDENT-ELECT
Why APhA-ASP?
To lead the UA chapter to greatness.
Future of Pharmacy
We are the next generation of clinicians.
Fun Fact
I enjoy a good cannoli.
Brooke Howard
VICE PRESIDENT OF PROFESSIONAL AND SOCIAL AFFAIRS
Why APhA-ASP?
I joined APhA-ASP for the opportunities this association provides to its members as well as the opportunities it will allow me to provide to the patient population. Since APhA is the largest association of pharmacists in the United States I think this association will provide great networking and leadership opportunities as well as keep me up to date with needed information to learn and practice to the best of my ability. APhA focuses on advancing patient care which is my main goal during my studies to become a respected health care provider as well as when I begin practicing in the community. I believe this association will help all of its members advance their knowledge, skills and their ability to provide team based care to their patients.
Future of Pharmacy
I think that the future of pharmacy is heading towards pharmacists not only be recognized as providers but also being a major component of a health care team. Providers in health care are advancing towards a team based care system to provide the best patient care available and I think that pharmacists are a necessity to all patient care.
Fun Fact
I started riding horses when I was 4 years old and started competing when I was 6 years old. I continued competing until 2 years ago when I did not have the time to invest anymore but still have 4 horses and live on a small ranch that I absolutely love.
Jordyn Abrego
VICE PRESIDENT OF MEMBERSHIP
Why APhA-ASP?
I joined APhA-ASP for the vast amount of opportunities and experiences available.
​
Future of Pharmacy
I think the future of pharmacy is constantly changing. Pharmacists are taking on a whole new role in the health professions involving patient care. Our era of pharmacists will see the most change the profession has ever seen.
Fun Fact
I have a blue tongue skink!
Elizabeth Alanis
VICE PRESIDENT OF FUNDRAISING
Why APhA-ASP?
I joined APhA-ASP to be able to strengthen my knowledge within my field to be able to become aware of the various opportunities within the pharmacy field. It was also very important to become involved in an organization that was going to be able to evolve the profession for the better and be able to grow through my experience within APhA-ASP by gaining leadership skills.
​
Future of Pharmacy
The future of pharmacy is heading into a very exciting direction as more awareness is being seen with provider status to be able to expand the field of pharmacy. This will allow for many to have a more patient-centered career and be able to broaden the field by going beyond their scope of typically dispensing medication.
Fun Fact
I love traveling to see different cultures and experiencing new things. I have been to 12 different countries and hope to travel to more!
Whitney Nichols
SECRETARY
Why APhA-ASP?
I think it is important to be involved in a pharmacy organization on the national level. Change in pharmacy and opportunities for pharmacists are changes that will have to happen at a national level and I would like to be able to be apart of that.
​
Future of Pharmacy
I am excited about the future of pharmacy and the opportunity for pharmacists to have provider status.
Fun Fact
I have a bird named Caicos and she has the nicest little singing voice.
​
Dr. Rick Herrier
FACULTY ADVISOR
Dr. Herrier is a professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science. His specialty is ambulatory care and primary care pharmacy practice. He also serves as a faculty advisor for APhA-ASP.
Dr. Tong serves as Associate Dean and Executive Director of the Arizona Poison and Drug information Center. He also serves as a faculty advisor for APhA-ASP.