When it comes to defining “well-rounded,” it’s hard to top someone who can participate in competitive climbing one day while designing a treatment for a monkey with diabetes the next day. That’s Lyla White, who not only seized the opportunities available to her as a UConn student, but created some of her own: as the co-founder of the Immunization Committee, she’s helped her fellow students perfect their immunization technique while serving the community. Lyla is pursuing graduate education to earn a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and join the ranks of enthusiastic UConn School of Pharmacy alumni that she’s encounted as a student.

 

Why did you choose UConn?

I’ve always known I would attend UConn. UConn has an amazing array of high quality programs, so no matter what great ambition I could think of, UConn could get me there. My favorite part about UConn is how many smaller communities it supports. From the honors community to the rock climbing community to the School of Pharmacy, I’ve always been able to find a place I belong and make lifelong connections.

What’s your major or field of study, and what drew you to it?

Pharmacy. Pharmacy is a special community of motivated and kind people. I think of pharmacists as the ninjas of the health care field. Pharmacists fill a variety of roles in areas including the community setting, hospitals, insurance, and industry, usually working behind the scenes to ensure the best possible outcomes for their patients. People often don’t realize the incredible work pharmacists do catching drug interactions or harmful side effects, helping patients manage complex medication regimens, or advocating for patients during drug development or formulary creation. I personally love the breadth of opportunities within pharmacy and have been steadily exploring each one. No matter where in pharmacy my heart brings me, I know I’ll have a rewarding job.

Did you have a favorite professor or class?

I love the compounding classes with Dr. Robin Bogner and Professor Laura Nolan! Compounding is when drug treatments are personalized to create a product that isn’t commercially available. I had a lot of fun making creams, tablets, lipsticks, shaving cream, and medicated pet treats. I’m currently designing a treatment for a diabetic monkey! As someone who did research in personalized medicine and loves the drug design process, it was incredible getting to explore the world of pharmacy compounding so thoroughly.

What activities were you involved in as a student?

I love that UConn and the School of Pharmacy have so many extracurricular activities, and I’ve done as much as possible! I’ve been involved in research since my freshman year, including both basic pharmaceutical science and clinical pharmacy practice projects, and I’ve benefited from multiple different grants offered by the school. I have also been on the UConn Climbing team since I was a freshman, holding multiple leadership positions including being the president this year. The climbing community at UConn is truly special, from competitions at the Student Recreation Center to the Nationals Qualifier competition with USA Climbing.

At the School of Pharmacy, I’ve participated in a lot of different activities, but I’ll talk about the ones I’m most proud of. My friend and I founded the Immunization Committee, which is a student group that creates opportunities for pharmacy students to practice their immunization technique and serve the community. I got to connect with younger students, prospective students, and alumni as both a Peer Advisor and Ambassador. I participated in multiple pharmacy professional organizations as a chapter coordinator, financial vice president, and operation immunization committee chair, as well as contribute to the UConn team for multiple national competitions. This has allowed me to explore pharmacy career options, gain leadership experience, and meet pharmacists and pharmacy students from across the nation. I’m truly grateful to UConn for all these opportunities and more!

What’s one thing that surprised you about UConn?

I was so impressed by the strong commitment and pride of UConn’s alumni. The alumni truly care about the school’s wellbeing and helping the current students. Just this afternoon, I was stopped in the airport by a UConn alum because she saw my friend’s UConn bag and wanted to connect. Just by being from UConn, I have a whole network of accomplished professionals that would love to help me achieve my goals.

What are your plans after graduation/receiving your degree?

After graduation, I will continue in the School of Pharmacy as a graduate student for two more years to earn my Doctor of Pharmacy degree. My goal is to complete either a residency or fellowship after my doctorate to prepare me for a career where I can help people better manage their diseases.

Any advice for incoming students?

My advice is to join a club or find a community at UConn. The diverse, tight-knit clubs and communities at UConn can help you make lasting friendships and find where you belong. Even if you don’t find the right club on the first try, keep looking! You’ll find it.

What’s one thing everyone should do during their time at UConn?

Make a personal connection with a faculty member. They are not as distant from you as you think and they want to get to know you and be invested in your journey.

What will always make you think of UConn?

I want to be involved in supporting UConn students as an alumna, precepting them on experiential rotations and meeting with them at national meetings. Those interactions will allow me to relive the precious moments I experienced here at Storrs again and again over time. As a School of Pharmacy Ambassador, I have seen so many alumni that get to relive their glory days at UConn by staying engaged.