Meet your Student Ambassadors
Joseph Harrison, president
Hometown: Entiat, Washington
Program year: Class of 2029
Undergrad: George Fox University; Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Communication
Why did you choose WSU?
I attended an admitted student event for the pharmacy program before I had decided if I wanted to go to WSU for sure or not. The people I met and the way they talked about the pharmacy program at WSU immediately sold me on wanting to make the decision to attend the program. The engaged community — including students, and both staff and faculty — gave me a glimpse into what being a student here has actually been like. I felt known on that very first day and have continued to feel so since.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
I love the student community. While we still have different groups that we fall into, such as friend groups, cohorts, research interest areas, I still feel I am able to connect with students outside of those individual groups. As an extrovert, I value being able to make those connections, and having those around who know me makes the pharmacy building and Spokane campus feel a little more like home.
Something unique about you:
I started pharmacy school without ever stepping foot in a pharmacy! I was nervous to start with a clear lack of experience, but I felt that I was able to catch up in the first year, especially after starting an intern position in the spring.
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
One highlight of my pharmacy student experience so far was my Community IPPE in the summer after PY1. I selected and was placed in a rural independent pharmacy in southern Washington, and I not only learned so much through the work I did there, but I felt valued and encouraged through being able to meet and work with pharmacists who had gone to WSU!
Sierra VanDerPol, training director
Hometown: Oostburg, Wisconsin
Program year: Class of 2028
Undergrad: Whitworth University, Bachelor of Science in Health Science, minor in Chemistry
Why did you choose WSU?
During undergrad, I loved Spokane so much I never wanted to leave! Out of all the schools I applied to, I felt the most welcomed and at home at WSU.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
I love the tight-knit community we have between cohorts and all the opportunities we have for involvement in clubs and the community!
Something unique about you:
My hair has been five different colors in the past five years!
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
I’ve really enjoyed the practical experience I’ve had in my two intern positions in retail and inpatient settings. I’ve also had a great time getting food and hanging out with my cohort!
Seaonna Piper, social media director
Hometown: Olympia, Washington
Program year: Class of 2028
Undergrad: Gonzaga University, Bachelor of Science in Biology
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU because my grandpa was a professor here, so it’s always held a special place in my heart. The Spokane location was also a perfect fit since I completed my undergrad here and already felt at home in the community.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
What really drew me into WSU was the Cougar “Pharmily.” I love the strong sense of support, connection, and belonging. It’s a community I genuinely wanted to be part of.
Something unique about you:
Something unique about me is that I have five rescue Boston Terriers back home in Olympia! They definitely keep life interesting.
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
One of my favorite things I’ve done as a pharmacy student was participating in Legislative Day, where I had the chance to speak with senators and representatives about the future of pharmacy. I’ve also really enjoyed the fun side of things like going to baseball games with my cohort!
Bushra Syed, co-orientation director
Hometown: Yakima, Washington
Program year: Class of 2028
Undergrad: Central Washington University, Bachelor of Science in Biology
Why did you choose WSU?
Because of their emphasis on student success and a collaborative environment which made it the ideal place for me to grow both academically and personally.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
I love their passion for serving rural and underserved communities, which aligns with my ambition for making health care accessible to all. I also love the teachers and student support staff that make learning and school so much easier.
Something unique about you:
I love reading and buying books. I hope to have a library one day (1,000 books).
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
I participated in a mass casualty incident drill, helped plan the end-of-the-year BBQ and wrote an article for the local newspaper.
Drexler Yesiki, co-orientation director
Hometown: Walla Walla, Washington
Program year: Class of 2028
Undergrad: Whitworth University, Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU because I have seen the lasting impact that WSU has on someone. A lot of my family members have gone to WSU and have really enjoyed their time here, so I was looking forward to going through that experience as well.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
I love the community and culture at the WSU College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences. There are so many faculty and staff that are here to support us in our pharmacy school journey, and they are all eager to help in any way. The cohort system also creates an amazing community between students from all years. There is a consistent attitude of support and camaraderie for each other as we all go through this challenging program that makes the experience so enjoyable.
Something unique about you:
I did track and field in undergrad and my events were the discus and hammer throw.
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
Our cohort has made a tradition of going out to eat every Friday after classes to different restaurants around Spokane. We all love good eats.
Rachel Ryan, training director-elect
Hometown: Spokane Valley, Washington
Program year: Class of 2029
Undergrad: WSU Pullman, Bachelor of Science in Biology, Minor in Psychology
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU for several reasons, but the main one was the experience I’ve already had here. I completed my bachelor’s degree at WSU Pullman and then continued working in the WSU Analytic and Psychopharmacology Lab before starting pharmacy school at WSU Spokane. WSU has always felt like home to me, so continuing my education here felt like a natural choice.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
What I love most about WSU CPPS is the sense of community. We have students and faculty from so many different backgrounds and places around the world, but we all share the same goal of becoming healthcare professionals and making a difference in our communities. I really appreciate knowing that I can always turn to my classmates or faculty for support and guidance.
Something unique about you:
My family is from Canada, so I spend most of my holidays and summers up in Calgary or BC.
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
One of the coolest experiences I have had while in pharmacy school was helping at a vaccine clinic. It was a great opportunity to interact with patients and be involved in providing an important healthcare service. I enjoyed being able to use what I’ve learned in pharmacy school in a real-world setting and seeing firsthand the impact pharmacists can have on patient care.
Bella Gruenewald, social media director-elect
Hometown: West Richland, Washington
Program year: Class of 2029
Undergrad: WSU Tri-Cities, Bachelor of Science in General Sciences (Biology and Chemistry)
Why did you choose WSU?
I chose WSU because I wanted to continue my education at WSU and stay with the Coug family! WSU has always had a supportive environment and when I was applying to pharmacy school, everyone was super welcoming.
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
I love the people! My classmates and students in other cohorts are great and uplift each other, it’s easy to talk to anyone about classes or advice. The CPPS faculty are also great and help create an environment that makes us more prepared as student pharmacists.
Something unique about you:
I have a (very spoiled) mini poodle named Amber!
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
In my first semester of pharmacy school, I joined one of our pharmacy fraternities on campus, Kappa Psi. In this fraternity I joined the Northwest Province Interchapter Relations Committee, and it has been great so far! I’ve been able to plan events that connect pharmacy students from different schools/ chapters, and I’ve been able to meet Kappa Psi brothers outside of WSU!
Chloe Williamson, orientation director-elect
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Program year: Class of 2029
Undergrad: WSU Vancouver
Why did you choose WSU?
When I chose WSU for undergrad, it was because of the inclusive community and the smaller class sizes which I really benefit from. When choosing a pharmacy school, WSU had amazing NAPLEX scores, affordability compared to other options, and still offered me an amazing community, so it was a very easy decision. Go Cougs!
What do you like best about WSU CPPS?
I really like the professors here, how they are willing to meet you where you are at, explain topics in depth, and the structure of the courses.
Something unique about you:
I drive a manual! My partner introduced it to me initially, then after some obsession with Fast and Furious I decided to seriously learn how. I have been driving stick since!
Anything fun/interesting/exciting you have done as a pharmacy student?
I shadowed an ER pharmacist in Yakima! He was super amazing and informative. I got quizzed by him about some medications/mechanisms, learned about the pros and cons of the specialty (such as the stress, fulfillment, responsibilities etc.), and I even got to witness a couple of emergencies and see how he stepped in to help.