February 25, 2022
portraits of Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy students Hanie Yousefi, Kristina Miclat, Fabian Cretu, and Simran Sharma

U of T Student Leadership Award recipients led student volunteer groups and improved student community through challenges of pandemic

Four students at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy have been awarded 2022 U of T Student Leadership Awards, which recognize outstanding student leadership, service and commitment to the university.

Each of the Faculty’s recipients have volunteered with student groups and other committees throughout their time at the Faculty, working to improve the student experience and build community, despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Portrait of Hanie Yousefi

Hanie Yousefi,
PhD student, Pharmaceutical Sciences

Hanie Yousefi, a PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences supervised by Shana Kelley, has been a recognized leader in the graduate program for several years, working toward enhancing student learning and life during the pandemic.

She has led student groups including the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists U of T Student Chapter, the Pharmaceutical Sciences Graduate Student Association and the tri-campus Council on Student Services. She has represented students on Faculty and university committees and working groups, including hiring committees and the Faculty’s Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group. Yousefi is a respected mentor to younger students in the Kelley laboratory, and she has helped develop international collaborations and workshops to enhance learning and wellness initiatives to improve student life.

“I believe excellence is a result of constant learning and teaching. Through inspiring and raising others up, I have always found myself growing as an individual and thinking more critically in my research. Through volunteer work, I have always found many opportunities to meet new people, brainstorm on current issues others are facing and enhance our work environment and student experiences,” says Yousefi.

“I believe students must be involved in their associated communities and leave their programs slightly better than when they started.”

Portrait of Kristina Miclat

Kristina Miclat,
Doctor of Pharmacy student

Kristina Miclat, a fourth-year PharmD student, has focused her extracurricular activities on contributing to students’ professional development opportunities and building the sense of community at the Faculty.

She has held roles in Faculty committees and several student groups, including the UPS, and represented U of T on the national Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns (CAPSI) committee. She helped to organize the 2021 Pharmacist Appreciation Month campaign, which received the first place Award of Professionalism from CAPSI and the Canadian Pharmacists Association. She has also mentored younger students, through both the UPS’s Big Sibling program and U of T’s Summer Mentorship Program for Black and Indigenous high school students.

“Through volunteering, I have made some of my favourite memories in pharmacy school and have found it deeply rewarding to advocate for and contribute to the experiences of other pharmacy students,” says Miclat.

“I am honoured to have my contributions recognized for having an impact on student life and to be among so many amazing leaders.”

Portrait of Fabian Cretu

Fabian Cretu,
Doctor of Pharmacy student

Fabian Cretu, a fourth-year PharmD student, has held numerous roles with the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy’s Undergraduate Pharmacy Society (UPS) and the 2T2 Class Council, including serving as president of both groups. He also mentored first-year PharmD students to help them transition into the program through the UPS Big Sibling program, and organized outdoor picnics and online socials for students during the pandemic.

Cretu also helped organize the first online Ontario Pharmacy Student Integrative Summit in 2021, which provided professional development opportunities for students from the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy and the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy.

“Extracurricular participation in student governance groups has been invaluable in enhancing my experience at Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy. Although I encountered numerous challenges, I was able to make unforgettable memories and develop a strong personal support network among faculty and peers. Dedicating my time to these leadership activities has allowed me to experience incredible personal growth and made me proud of the person I am today,” says Cretu.

“I appreciate being recognized for my contributions alongside dedicated student leaders across U of T. It encourages me to continue volunteering for the things I am truly passionate about.”

Portrait of Simran Sharma

Simran Sharma,
Doctor of Pharmacy student

Simran Sharma, a fourth-year PharmD student, has been volunteering with student groups since her first year at the Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy with the goal of amplifying student voices and empowering them to practise pharmacy confidently and safely.

She has held leadership roles in numerous student groups, including the U of T Ontario Pharmacist Association (OPA) Student Chapter, where she advocated for student-specific professional development opportunities and resources. She was also involved in the UPS, Initiative for Mental Health Awareness in Pharmacy and Pharmacy Awareness of Geriatrics, and represented U of T on the National CAPSI Advocacy Committee where she helped design advocacy tools to support student COVID vaccinations and safety during the pandemic.

“I've always felt that growing my interpersonal and professional skills outside of the classroom would only enrich my learning within the classroom. Volunteering with fellow students and working toward causes close to our hearts not only created lasting connections, but allowed me to actively participate in enhancing our student experience – through both advocacy and engaging initiatives,” says Sharma.

“It's deeply rewarding to know that I was able to positively impact my peers and community, and I’m thankful to have had the opportunity to work with exceptional student groups and organizations these past four years.”

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