“Get involved” isn’t just a familiar bit of advice for Robert Koziol: it’s a way of life.
The Doctor of Pharmacy student racked up an impressive resume during his time at UConn, serving on everything from the faculty recruiting committee for the UConn Pharmacy Health Fair to the Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity. Along the way, he also did research on substance abuse disorders, represented the school as an official ambassador to donors, alumni, and prospective students, and served as treasurer of the Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Society.
But one of the main lessons he’ll bring with them to the next chapter in life is the degree to which he and his fellow students were encouraged to be well-rounded: after all, a fulfilled and happy pharmacist is a successful pharmacist.
Why did you choose UConn?
I’ve wanted to come to UConn since my first interview. The student ambassadors showcased the great culture at UConn, and I could tell the faculty wants their students to succeed.
What’s your major and why did you choose it?
Doctor of Pharmacy. I chose it because of the power medication has on patient care and to improve quality of life for patients.
What are your plans after graduation?
I recently found out I have a job! We go through a match process to be a clinical pharmacist within a hospital, similar to what medical doctors do. I was matched with Tufts Medical Center for their PGY1/2 Health System Pharmacy Administration and Leadership program. The first year is a traditional clinical program. The second year is with the pharmacy administrative team at Tufts Medical Center to grow my administration and leadership skills.
What activities were you involved with as a student?
I co-chaired the UConn School of Pharmacy Ambassadors program. We represent the school to donors, alumni, prospective students, and other external stakeholders. I was also the president of Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, treasurer of Phi Lambda Sigma Leadership Society, and conducted research on substance use disorder with a pharmaceutical psychiatry professor. I was also on the faculty recruitment committee for the UConn Pharmacy Health Fair. I am also a member of the UConn School of Pharmacy Leaders Track.
How has UConn prepared you for the next chapter in life?
UConn has given me the knowledge and skills to be a successful clinical pharmacist, and opportunities to develop my leadership skills, as I hope to become a successful pharmacy administrator and leader in the future.
What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?
How much they want their students to be well-rounded. They want you involved in activities both within and outside of pharmacy, so you can be happy and successful over the short and long term.
What’s one thing every student should do during their time at UConn?
I’ll say it again: get involved! Pursue your interests and better yourself!
Who was your favorite professor and why?
Dr. Gregory Sartor, the professor I conducted research with. He was very responsive to my desire to pursue research in psychiatry. He set the environment where I could get out of it as much as I put in, so I kept trying to find more and more opportunities to be involved in the lab.
