Hannah Gardocki
Major: Pharmacy
Degree: Pharm.D.
Extracurriculars: Honors Program, Pharmacy LEADERS Track, Industry Pharmacists Organization, APhA-ASP, School of Pharmacy Ambassador, Rho Chi, Phi Lambda Sigma
Scholarship: Presidential Scholarship
Hometown: Suffield, Connecticut
Why did you choose to study pharmacy?
I am passionate about science, innovation, and healthcare, and pharmacy was the major where these all came together. UConn Pharmacy is ranked #1 in New England and I was excited by the opportunity to be a part of such a great program.
Who is your favorite professor and/or class? Why?
My favorite class was Principles of Drug Action with Dr. Andrew Wiemer. This class was our introduction to the molecular mechanisms of drugs and drug targets, and I quickly became fascinated by how drugs work and how the human body responds. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to create and deliver my own lecture in this course as part of my professional rotations during my final year of the program.
What did you accomplish during your college experience that you’re most proud of?
I am most proud of building up the Industry Pharmacists Organization at UConn and creating a network of students who can support each other through mentorship and opportunities. It has been so rewarding to watch it grow and have more and more UConn pharmacy students pursuing internships, fellowships, and rewarding careers in the pharmaceutical industry.
What do you plan to do after you graduate?
After graduation I will be moving to New Jersey to start a fellowship in Global Project Leadership at Celgene through Rutgers University.
How has UConn prepared you for your future career?
UConn provided me with so many opportunities to tailor my education to my future career goals. Outside of my pharmacy curriculum, I was able to take courses through the School of Business as a LEADERS Track Scholar and was also involved with research and laboratory work through the Honors Program. This variety of experiences aligned with my interests and career plans, and set me up to be a successful and competitive candidate in my field.
How has UConn shaped you as a person?
UConn shaped me as a person by providing a wonderful environment for me to grow, learn, and change over the past six years. At a large school there are always new people to meet and new things to become involved with. Finding the balance between exploring new things while also learning when to focus on what’s important is something that I will carry with me in life. I am so thankful for all of the experiences and truly great people at UConn that have made me who I am today.
If you could summarize your experience at UConn in three words, what would they be?
Opportunity. Community. Pride.
What advice would you give to a student just starting out at UConn?
Challenge yourself to become involved in at least one new thing each semester. Your homework will still get done if you stop for an hour to go to your intramural game, and don’t forget that Wings Over can deliver to Homer Babbidge.
Anything extra that might be interesting?
I lived in Boston every summer of college to intern at different pharmaceutical companies.
