Jenna Shawa is a first-year PharmD student at the University of Kansas School of Pharmacy.
Looking back on my undergraduate years, research became more than just a requirement to check a box—it became a path to learning and growth. The summer before my freshman year, I decided to explore research to supplement my biology studies, hoping to gain some hands-on experience. Taking a chance, I applied to a biochemistry and molecular biology lab, where I was given the opportunity to volunteer as a research assistant.
My first project involved studying a biochemical pathway related to Alzheimer’s disease. That experience showed me that research isn’t limited to professors and scientists; rather, it is something that any student can get involved in to advance their academic journeys as well as health care.
Why research is worth it
Student pharmacists often come across many complex lab techniques throughout their studies that can be difficult to understand without performing them in a hands-on setting. Doing research during my undergraduate years gave me a chance to work with basic cell biology techniques firsthand. For example, if I come across the topic of western blots in class now, I can visualize the steps, from running the gels to imaging them, instead of it just being an abstract process.
But beyond just technical skills, research taught me to think more critically and to stay curious. In my second year of undergrad, I had the chance to work with a sleep medicine physician on a piece about the inequalities women face in sleep medicine. We explored everything from salary gaps to fewer leadership roles. It was eye-opening and made me realize how research can highlight real-world issues. Presenting a poster at a medical conference was another memorable moment, even though it was intimidating. It showed me the importance of sharing our findings and being part of a larger conversation in health care.
Why research matters in pharmacy
Research isn’t just about discovering new scientific findings. The more important objective is figuring out how we can use those findings to bring innovations to patient care, which keeps pharmacy moving forward. Most of the technology and medical interventions we rely on today exist solely because of research. I believe that it’s important for pharmacy students and pharmacists to be involved with research, as it helps us address gaps in knowledge and advocate for the best outcomes for patients. Pharmacy school is a great time to start our journey since we are surrounded by professors who could possibly become our research mentors.
Now that I’m in pharmacy school, I’m excited to get involved in more research, especially projects that focus on patient care and finding solutions for conditions that still need answers. I’m also looking forward to interdisciplinary work that combines pharmacy, informatics, and public health. My goal is to contribute to the profession and hopefully inspire other students to see research as something that can make a real impact, not just in our studies but also in the field of pharmacy.