Three PhD candidates in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and one Doctor of Pharmacy student at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy have been awarded Student Leadership Awards from the University of Toronto. The awards recognize students who demonstrate outstanding student leadership, volunteer service, and commitment to the university.
The award-winning students at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy have contributed to student life and academics through a number of initiatives, participating in student government, and organizing academic, professional development, and social events.
Tiffany Ho
PhD candidate, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Tiffany Ho has held roles in a number of student groups, including serving as secretary, outreach lead, and chair of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) U of T Student Chapter, where she was involved in organizing academic and professional development initiatives for students across various faculties. She also held roles on the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Student Association (PSGSA) and co-led a team to organize a three-day Life Sciences Career Expo
“My involvement in diverse student groups stemmed from a desire to discover and create opportunities not only for my peers but for the broader student community, facilitating their professional development and nurturing meaningful connections between students, faculty, and industry professionals. Through volunteering, I had the privilege of working with exceptional student leaders and faculty members to maintain a thriving and supportive community that will continue to leave a lasting, positive impact on both current and future generations of students.”
“My involvement in diverse student groups stemmed from a desire to discover and create opportunities not only for my peers but for the broader student community.”
Pei Zhi
PhD candidate, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Throughout her time at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, Pei Zhi has volunteered for various events including PSGSA welcome events and the CAPSI compounding competition. She also held marketing and experiment demonstrator roles with the AAPS U of T Student Chapter, where she helped organize and promote professional development events. Importantly, she was co-chair of the Graduate Research in Progress (GRIP) Organizing Committee, organizing the highly successful symposium in June 2023 that featured 40 graduate students’ work and drew 150 attendees.
“I was motivated to seek out student groups and volunteer activities to expand my social circle and enrich my experience. Looking back at these efforts, I now see them as not only good ways to contribute to the university community but also as critical pathways to personal growth. I have significantly improved my project management, teamwork, communication, and leadership skills, each playing a critical role in my development and learning beyond academic research.
This award not only recognizes my personal endeavors, but also highlights the importance of community engagement and collective efforts. It serves as an incentive for me to continue working towards making a difference, knowing that our contributions are valued and have a meaningful effect on the whole community.”
“This award not only recognizes my personal endeavors, but also highlights the importance of community engagement and collective efforts.”
Misaki Kondo
PhD candidate, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Misaki Kondo has held several roles on the PSGSA, including co-president, networking events coordinator, and charity coordinator. She also served as marketing executive for the AAPS U of T Student Chapter and a mentor for an undergraduate student through the Faculty’s pharmaceutical science mentorship program. Notably, Kondo chaired the Centre for Pharmaceutical Oncology Seminar and Symposium Organizing Committee, coordinating biweekly webinars focused on pharmaceutical oncology research, as well as an in-person symposium featuring world-leading speakers in pharmaceutical oncology research and industry.
“Through leadership roles in the PSGSA and the CPO Student Committee, I've sought to cultivate an environment where colleagues can forge meaningful connections and support each other's academic and professional pursuits. I am hopeful that these experiences will have a positive impact to the collective well-being of our graduate community, as much as these experiences have impacted and nurtured my own personal growth. … To me, this award symbolizes the fulfillment of my commitment to giving back to the community and making a difference in the lives of others. This recognition motivates me to continue my efforts to create meaningful change, both in my current roles and in any future leadership positions.”
“This award symbolizes the fulfillment of my commitment to giving back to the community and making a difference in the lives of others.”
Theodora Udounwa
Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD)
Throughout Theodora Udounwa’s time at U of T, she has been involved in various student-run initiatives. At the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, she has served as the junior and senior representatives on U of T’s council of the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns (CAPSI). Through these roles, she planned events for Pharmacy Appreciation Month, pharmacy outreach days, and in-person student social events. She was also one of the first members of the U of T Black Pharmacy Students’ Association, and has held been the association’s finance director and 2T4 class representative. Currently, she is a member of the Vice-Provost Strategic Enrollment Management Committee student advisory group, sharing perspectives related to student enrollment and retention.
“Devoting time to volunteering and participating in student groups has enabled me to facilitate macro-level changes that directly impact the pharmacy student community. It has also fostered my personal and professional growth through forming connections with and learning from students and practice leaders.
Student leadership involvement alongside studies in a professional program can be time-consuming. Being recognized with this award is, therefore, a testament to the value of my contribution to student experiences at the Faculty. I am honoured to be one of this year’s recipients and incredibly grateful to all those who have supported my student leadership efforts.”
“Being recognized with this award is a testament to the value of my contribution to student experiences at the Faculty.”
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