From matching to highly competitive residencies, securing prestigious industry fellowships and serving historically marginalized communities, we couldn’t be prouder of the Skaggs School of Pharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Sciences (SSPPS) class of 2024—and we can’t wait to see what they will achieve in the future. Read on to meet a few of our newest graduates and learn where they are heading next.
Michael Yoon, Pharm.D./Ph.D., ‘24
Yoon’s doctoral research on drug inhibitor development and cell-to-cell communications resulted in 14 publications, including five first-author papers, and received the American Chemical Society Graduate Presenter Award (2022) and Roland Robins Pharmacology Outstanding Thesis Award (2022)
What are your plans after graduation?
I'm excited to head to UCSF for a two-year clinical pharmacology fellowship in the lab of Rada Savic, Ph.D., where I’ll build my skills in drug modeling, simulation and analysis with the goal of improving drug dosing for treatment effectiveness.
What is one of your favorite memories of your time at SSPPS?
Bonding with my classmates while rushing for Kappa Psi, studying at coffee shops, hanging out in San Francisco for the California Pharmacy Student Leadership (CAPSLEAD) program, and more. When I moved from New York to San Diego for pharmacy school I didn’t know anyone here, so I am especially thankful for the long-lasting friendships I’ve made and continue to cherish them to this day.
Yoon presents a poster at the Roger Tsien Cell Signaling Symposium that won the Bristol Meyers Squibb Best Poster Award.
Yoon and his family enjoy a walk on a trail leading to the La Jolla secret swing.
What did you find most valuable about your Pharm.D./Ph.D. training at SSPPS?
SSPPS offers both an extremely strong clinical program and the opportunity to work with world-renowned researchers conducting cutting-edge research. During my thesis I worked with an amazing multidisciplinary team of scientists from SSPPS, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and The Scripps Research Institute. San Diego has an excellent research community for collaboration that really helped drive my thesis project forward.
What I also found really sets SSPPS’ Pharm.D./Ph.D. program apart is its unique structure. Students complete the first two years of pharmacy school, then a Ph.D., before concluding the program with final classes and Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). This structure provides students with the best of both worlds—early exposure to clinical practice through curriculum followed by rigorous research training that is applied in the final clinical pharmacy rotations.
When you weren’t in school, what did you do for fun?
I enjoyed spending time with my son Timmy, who was born during my APPE rotation. I also loved spending time outdoors with my family.
Advice for future pharmacy students?
Don't forget to make time for yourself and take breaks during your studies. Remember to have fun whenever possible and cherish the moments spent with your loved ones.
Jennifer H. Pham, Pharm.D./M.P.H., ‘24
Inaugural graduate from SSPPS’ new Pharm.D./M.P.H. program
What are your plans after graduation?
I’ll start a PGY1 residency at the Gallup Indian Medical Center in New Mexico, where I’ll work to raise the physical, mental, social and spiritual health of American Indians and Alaska Natives to the highest possible level. I am looking forward to both my in-patient and out-patient rotations where I will hone my diagnostic skills, work up new cases, perform appropriate physical examinations and order lab/ tests as needed to treat patients.
How did you find the position?
I was at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for one of my elective rotations and I happened to get my flu shot at their vaccine clinic. Serendipitously, I was vaccinated by a Public Health Service Commissioned Officer who used to be a pharmacy resident at Gallup Indian Medical Center. He shared how rewarding the experience with Indian Health Services (IHS) was for him, and I knew instantly this was the path I wanted to pursue. I applied to a few IHS residency programs and was incredibly lucky to match to my first choice.
Pham stands with preceptor Dr. Mark Smith at the UC San Diego Student-Run Free Clinic, which provides high-quality health care for underserved populations.
Pham and friends at the San Diego Festival of Science & Engineering EXPO Day, which aims to inspire children to learn about STEM.
How did your training at SSPPS prepare you for this role?
Having additional public health training in conjunction with the Pharm.D. curriculum encouraged me to look at patients’ needs through a public health lens, which emphasizes disease prevention, in addition to the biological components of disease. This training also helped me better understand cultural components that come into play when working with underserved populations and can impact drug efficacy.
What is one of your favorite memories of your time at SSPPS?
Working at the UC San Diego Student-Run Free Clinic, including as general pharmacy manager. This role allowed me to gain experience working with underserved populations, sharpened my management and leadership skills and honed my ability to work under pressure and cope with unforeseeable challenges.
When you weren’t in class, what did you like to do for fun?
In addition to hanging out with my family and friends, I enjoyed gardening and learning new skills, whether it was trying out a new coffee recipe, cooking new dishes or learning a new language.
Would you recommend the Pharm.D./M.P.H. program to other students?
The Pharm.D./M.P.H. program at SSPPS was life-changing for me. I have had nothing but tireless support and amazing mentorship from SSPPS faculty for the past five years. I’m convinced that students with strong desires to serve our communities and excel in the pharmacy profession will have the same experience.
Charity Henrich, Pharm.D., ’24
Founder of the Industry Pharmacists Organization student chapter at UC San Diego—further elevating the previously established Pharmaceutical Industry Liaison Loop (PILL) student group—and first-ever fellow at BeiGene, a global oncology company
What are your plans after graduation?
I will start a fellowship in clinical development at BeiGene, a global oncology company developing therapies for cancer patients, where I will advance oncology/hematology clinical trials. I am particularly excited about joining a robust team of clinical trial experts, receiving exceptional mentorship and making meaningful contributions to advancing cancer care worldwide.
What did you find most valuable about your training at SSPPS?
I found my APPEs incredibly valuable. I especially enjoyed my rotation at the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which involved relocating to Washington D.C. and allowed me to gain exposure to regulatory processes. Additionally, my time at Acadia Pharmaceuticals and Sharp HealthCare enriched my understanding of pharmaceutical industry operations and patient care, respectively.
Henrich stands outside of the Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Henrich stands with the founding board members of the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) student group at UC San Diego.What is your proudest achievement during your time at SSPPS?
Founding our Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) chapter at UC San Diego. Some students may not be aware of all the different career paths a Pharm.D. can take, and I am passionate about helping introduce students to all of the diverse opportunities that exist within the pharmaceutical industry. By establishing this chapter I hope students can explore their potential and find their passion within the field of pharmacy.
What is one of your favorite memories of your time at SSPPS?
Getting together with classmates and going to the annual banquet put on by our Association of Student Pharmacists (ASP) student group. We always have the best time!
When you weren’t in class, what did you like to do for fun?
I loved to hang out at the beach, try new restaurants, go to Padres games and really anything to explore San Diego!
Would you recommend SSPPS for people thinking about pharmacy school?
Absolutely! The close connection with professors, small class size and quality of academic load are just a few of the things I love about Skaggs. The location and pass/no pass grading system is just icing on top!
Louis Odeesho, Pharm.D., ’24
Winner of “best poster” at the SSPPS Summer Research Program annual poster symposium
What are your plans after graduation?
I’m excited to kick off my PGY1 residency at UC San Diego Health soon, where I’ll be diving into acute care. It’s going to be an amazing chance to work side-by-side with some of the best in the field. I’m most looking forward to the hands-on experience in such a dynamic environment, where I can apply what I’ve learned to real-world situations and hopefully make a big difference in our patients’ lives. It’s not just a job; it’s the next big step in my career where I get to contribute, learn and grow. I can’t wait to get started!
Odeesho stands with Dean Brookie Best and colleagues after winning "best poster" at the SSPPS Summer Research Program annual poster symposium.
What did you find most valuable about your training at SSPPS?
My time at SSPPS was filled with invaluable experiences, but what stood out the most were the Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPEs). These rotations gave me a real-world taste of different pharmacy settings, from hospital to community, allowing me to apply the theories and skills I learned in a practical setting. I found the hands-on approach especially beneficial in building my clinical judgment and decision-making skills. Another highlight was the Objective Structured Clinical Examinations (OSCEs). These simulations were critical in preparing me for real-life patient interactions, helping me refine my communication skills and clinical reasoning.
When not in class, Odeesho enjoyed exploring San Diego. He is pictured at San Diego’s scenic Embarcadero near the USS Midway Museum.What is your proudest achievement during your time at SSPPS?
Winning first place in the Summer Research Program. The experience was incredibly rewarding, allowing me to dive deep into research, collaborate with knowledgeable peers and mentors and contribute to meaningful scientific advancements.
What is one of your favorite memories of your time at SSPPS?
Meeting my girlfriend definitely tops the list. We first crossed paths when we were volunteering at UC San Diego’s Student-Run Free Clinic. When she started school at SSPPS we reconnected, started spending more time together and the rest is history!
When you weren’t in class, what did you like to do for fun?
Hang out with my girlfriend, explore new places together or just spending quality time relaxing. Painting is another favorite pastime of mine and I also love hiking—the trails around San Diego offer some incredible views and the chance to get some fresh air and exercise.
Would you recommend SSPPS for people thinking about pharmacy school?
Absolutely. The program is not only rigorous and comprehensive but also incredibly supportive and innovative. The faculty are experts in their fields, deeply committed to student success and the curriculum is designed to be engaging and challenging. It prepares you well for diverse roles in pharmacy through practical experiences like APPEs and OSCEs, which are invaluable for building real-world skills.
To learn more about our Pharm.D. and Pharm.D./Ph.D. programs, visit pharmacy.ucsd.edu/degree-programs
To learn more about our Pharm.D./MPH program, visit ph.ucsd.edu/mph