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 in-patient 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 in to 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 (1000 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.