Doctor of Pharmacy

Meet your Student Ambassadors

Have you met our student ambassadors yet? We are a group of WSU PharmD students excited to share our personal and professional insights with future student pharmacists like yourself.

Whether it’s making the move to a new city, or finding roommates, we want to help you have a successful start in the college.

Spokane

Kaylee McPhail, president

Hometown: Blaine, Washington
Program year: Class of 2025
Undergrad: Bachelor of Science in Biology

Why did you choose WSU?

As A WSU alumna, I felt such a draw to continue my education with the Cougar family which has shown me an endless amount of support. After interviewing I knew immediately that WSU CPPS would be the perfect place for me to develop my skills as a student pharmacist, and I was excited to explore the beautiful city of Spokane!

What do you like best about WSU CPPS?

I really enjoy the reverse classroom model employed by WSU CPPS, it allows students like myself to utilize class time in a more meaningful and valuable way. Additionally, I am very grateful for the supportive environment that is created by faculty and peer mentors. I have met some of my best friends through this program and it has been an incredible experience to be working alongside them.

Something unique about you:

I really enjoy learning new things, I am an avid reader – especially murder-mysteries. I also taught myself to play chess because I liked the challenge!

Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?

As a pharmacy student, I have been heavily involved in the campus culture and professional student organizations. This is something that I didn’t do nearly as much in undergrad, and my involvement throughout my first year has allowed me to grow so much as an individual and a professional. Getting involved on campus has also helped me to solidify the things that I am passionate about want to continue to pursue throughout my remaining time at WSU Spokane.

Edward Kim, president-elect

Hometown: Tacoma, WA
Program year:
Class of 2026
Undergrad: WSU Pullman

Why did you choose WSU?

I chose WSU CPPS because my sister graduated in 2018 and all the faculty and professors were helpful!

What do you like best about WSU CPPS?

I like the location of WSU CPPS! There are many outdoors activities and places to explore!

Something unique about you:

I moved to the U.S. when I was ten years old, and I served in the U.S. Army as a combat medic for four years!

Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?

I climbed up Scotchman’s Peak and learned to fly fish with my classmate through the Spokane Fly Fisher Club. I have been to the Spokane Chief’s hockey game and the Spokane Indian’s baseball game. Interstate fair and the Pig Out in the Park downtown were super fun! My cohorts made a softball team to play in the City of Spokane Sports League!

Kat Nguyen, training director

Hometown: Federal Way, Washington
Program year:
Class of 2025
Undergrad: Bachelor’s degree, University of Washington

Why did you choose WSU?

The WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences stands out among other pharmacy programs because of the expectation to be beyond just a student. This unique program is all about building a doctor of pharmacy from the ground up, this includes having a firm foundation in both hard and soft skills. This wonderful program emphasizes the importance of being a leader and active engagement within the community. There are so many different student-run organizations that help provide a tool in trying to determine what kind of pharmacist I want to be when I am older. On top of a diverse student body, there are a large group of leaders that will always lend a helping hand. I look up to so many of my upperclassmen in terms of their success and admire their drive.

What do you like best about WSU CPPS?

WSU CPPS provided me with so many opportunities in the pharmaceutical field. I proactively participated in organizations aligned with my vision of whom I wanted to become. My eyes have opened up to how big the world of pharmacy is. I am so grateful for all the experiences and hardships I have experienced so far. Reflecting now, I realize how much I have grown in the short time. I will continue to work hard and do my best in everything I do. Before starting pharmacy school, I was worried about what pharmacy field I wanted to pursue. After just one semester, I am proud to state that I have narrowed down many choices. I am grateful for everyone that has helped me thus far, and I am looking forward to giving back to future generations of pharmacy students to come.

I want to one day become the leaders who showed me compassion and kindness and be filled with knowledge and wisdom too! I want to keep nourishing these special relationships I have made and continue being surrounded by inspirational leaders who I can call both colleague and family. What I hope to gain from being a member is to inspire the next generation of future, incoming pharmacy students. I want to share the kindness and compassion I received and pass on the torch of success.

Something unique about you:

I am a ballroom dancer! Several dances I know are the Waltz, Cha-cha-cha, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Tango, Rumba, Viennese Waltz, Mambo, Paso Doble, Jive, Salsa, Swing, and more!

Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?

One of my biggest accomplishments as a pharmacy student is that I am the newly elected Professional Pharmacy Student Organization (PPSO) president-elect!

Michael Sauseda, orientation director

Hometown: Chico, California
Program year:
 Class of 2025
Undergrad: Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership, University of Charleston West Virginia

Why did you choose WSU?

Washington State University was the perfect mix of what I was looking for in a pharmacy program. From the moment I began working with the staff on ensuring I could even enroll and what steps and programs I needed to leverage to accomplish all the science based prerequisites I would need to accomplish in the 8 months to the start of the program, WSU has gone above and beyond. This continues when you finally step foot on this campus and realize that this ‘pharmily’ thing is a real concept here and everyone is here to help. Who would really believe the relationships you develop with staff and peers alike who come by and check in on you when you are studying or even just taking a breather on campus. Couple all this with the location/outdoor activities the WSU PharmD program was the answer I was looking for.

What do you like best about WSU CPPS?

I cannot speak enough to the sense of comradery that is developed from the first day you step foot on campus. It begins with orientation week, and it really doesn’t end, you walk out of test day for your break and there are our upper classmen offering us brain food before we go back in. It’s these little things that let you know we are all here to support one another and look forward to celebrating each other’s accomplishments. Each organization and group you find yourself becoming apart of always seems to find a way to help not only the members of the group, but the entire pharmacy program in some way, which to be honest is so awesome.

Something unique about you:

I love photography and would if I could walk around with my camera around my neck all day. This has led to some unique photos and moments captured that have really expressed those I photograph.

Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?

To me the entire program has been fun and unique experience for me. I have done all my education post high school online and this has been a blast to be on campus and getting some the hands-on experience in the labs and with our cohorts. You really cannot beat the experience of learning in person here in Spokane.

Ninmi Phan, social media director

Hometown: San Diego, California
Program year:
 Class of 2025
Undergrad: Bachelor of Sciences in General Biology, University of California San Diego

Why did you choose WSU?

I chose WSU because of the school’s focus on advancing, promoting, and protecting human health. I wanted to go to a school that was dedicated to giving students the foundation to become the best healthcare providers that they could be, and I believe that good, core values are essential.

What do you like best about WSU CPPS?

My favorite thing about WSU CPPS is the inclusive environment. The staff and students are all dedicated to making incoming and current students feel welcomed and supported. This really influences your time during pharmacy, especially if you’re moving far away from home.

Something unique about you:

I am 1/4 Polish!

Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?

I had the opportunity to become a member of the Kappa Psi Beta Pi fraternity and be a part of the communications committee for APhA-ASP. I also adopted my first cat this year named Winnie!

Kyle Georgeson, orientation director-elect

Hometown: Reno, Nevada
Program year: Class of 2026
Undergrad: University of Nevada, Reno, Major: Chemistry (pre-medical emphasis), Minor: Spanish

Why did you choose WSU?

I chose WSU because pharmacists that I worked with back in Reno said wonderful things about the school. When going through the application process, all the faculty and students were extremely nice and welcoming.

What do you like best about WSU CPPS?

My favorite thing about WSU CPPS must be the amazing bonds I’ve created with my classmates. It is nice having a small family away from Reno to help keep me motivated and on track since we all have the same goals.

Something unique about you:

Something unique about me is that I’m a private pilot. I fly single engine Cessnas and although I do not own a plane, it is a life goal of mine to. I completed my pilot training during the summer of 2021.

Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?

One of the most exciting things I have done as a pharmacy student is play on a softball team that was made up of a bunch of WSU pharmacy students. The softball games allowed us to unwind and enjoy ourselves outside of school. It also helped us bond with each other since it was our first semester in pharmacy school.

My Lien Truong, training director-elect

Hometown: Kirkland, Washington
Program year: Class of 2026
Undergrad: Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, Gonzaga University

Why did you choose WSU?

I chose WSU because of the close-knit community that I was able to witness while visiting campus. I wanted to be a part of a community that would support me, and that I can help grow, and I saw that opportunity as WSU.

What do you like best about WSU CPPS?

My favorite part of WSU CPPS is all of the people I have been able to meet, and all of the extracurricular activities I have been able to experience.

Something unique about you:

As of right now, I am very interested in learning more about the ocean, and have spent many hours watching ocean documentaries online.

Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?

I was able to compete in the American College of Clinical Pharmacy’s Clinical Research Challenge alongside two other students, and was able to learn a little more about what clinical research and journal clubs look like.

Elaina Demerritt, social media director-elect

Hometown: Camas, Washington
Program year: Class of 2026
Undergrad: Washington State University

Why did you choose WSU?

After attending WSU in Pullman for undergrad and having such a positive experience, I knew I had to continue with the university for pharmacy school. Being a part of a community like this one is unlike any other!

What do you like best about WSU CPPS?

My favorite thing about WSU CPPS is the opportunities available for the students. There are so many clubs and organizations to be a part of! I also enjoy the lotus drinks at Fresh Plate in the library. I highly recommend getting strawberry coconut.

Something unique about you:

I have a ton of fish! One of my tanks has a betta named Franklin and his assistant Barb the snail, and my other tank houses my tetra fish (Tupac, Ted, Tina, and Tarzan) and shrimp (Larry, Fanta, and Sloppy Joe)

Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?

One of my favorite things to do when I have some downtime is to go skiing! There are several mountains relatively close to Spokane to choose from, and in the summer those mountains have great hiking trails.

Yakima

Zachary Hill, orientation director

Hometown: Richland, Washington
Program year:
Class of 2025
Undergrad: Bachelor or Science in Bioengineering with Minors in Math and Chemistry, University of Washington

Why did you choose WSU?

I am a big fan of the reverse classroom model and facilitating style. It helps students like me build on material rapidly while still giving the ability to take lectures at our own pace. Then in class, we can work together to synthesize and refine topics and concepts in small groups with a lot of input and attention from all the professors. I believe that the active-learning style in combination with a program centered on competency-based education will prepare me for success as a practicing pharmacist.

What do you like best about WSU CPPS?

I like contributing to the community and culture at WSU, especially in Yakima. From the other students to the professors, everyone is encouraging and helpful. It is very supportive and gives us students many different resources.

Something unique about you:

I’m a big Jeopardy! fan, so much so that I’ve changed my working hours in the past so I could get home in time to watch it every night.

Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?

After my first semester, I traveled and explored the country of Greece. I got to experience Athens, see and learn about much of the rich history, and still had time to relax after a long semester on one of the beautiful Greek islands. All with my best friend and now fiancé.