What does the next generation of pharmacy look like?
It looks like future clinicians, researchers, innovators and advocates. It's solving medical puzzles, chasing side quests, cheering on the Longhorns, training for marathons, exploring Austin coffee shops and, yes, even caring for a pet snake. Above all, it's a group of students united by a shared commitment to improving lives through pharmacy.
Meet a few members of the Class of 2030 as they begin their journey at The University of Texas at Austin College of Pharmacy. Their paths to pharmacy are as diverse as their interests, but each brings curiosity, compassion and a unique perspective to our community. Get to know the people behind the white coats and discover what inspires them, what makes them who they are and where they hope a Pharm.D. will take them.
Isaiah Erks
Hometown: Edinburg, Texas
Education: The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley
Coming to Texas Pharmacy from the Rio Grande Valley, Isaiah hopes to expand access to healthcare and give back to the community that helped shape him.
Why did you choose the UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
Choosing UT Austin College of Pharmacy was an easy decision because I've always wanted to be a Longhorn, but what really made it the right choice was the people and the college's mission. Coming from the Rio Grande Valley, I wanted to be part of a program that values innovation, patient care and giving back to the community. I knew Texas Pharmacy would challenge me to grow while preparing me to become the kind of pharmacist who can make a difference.
What impact do you hope to make through pharmacy?
Pharmacy is a rewarding frontline healthcare profession, and I hope to make a lasting impact by improving access to care and resources in communities that need them most, especially my hometown in the Rio Grande Valley. I want to work alongside pharmacists and other healthcare professionals to provide effective, affordable care while helping build trust in the healthcare system.
Who's someone you admire and why?
My parents have been my greatest source of inspiration throughout my life and are the people I admire most. They are both immigrants from Mexico who came to this country in search of a better future. Watching them overcome countless challenges while remaining positive inspires me to keep pushing forward. They have taught me that our greatest challenge in life is ourselves and that perseverance and hard work can lead you to success.
Looking ahead four years, what do you hope you'll be most proud of when you graduate?
Four years from now, I hope to not only be proud of earning a Pharm.D. but also of the person I have become throughout the journey. I hope to make my parents proud by honoring the sacrifices they've made. Most importantly, I hope to become a compassionate pharmacist who leads with confidence and empathy while making a lasting difference in my community.
Megan Wittig
Hometown: Katy, Texas
Education: The University of Texas at Austin
Already a Longhorn, Megan is excited to continue her UT journey while discovering where her interests in clinical pharmacy will take her.
Why did you choose the UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
I chose UT Austin College of Pharmacy because, after spending my undergraduate years here, I found a community of peers, faculty and friends who made every day enjoyable. Through the relationships I built with students and faculty during my bachelor's degree, it already felt like home by the time I applied.
Being part of UT has given me countless opportunities to grow, and I know continuing my education here will only build on those experiences. Texas Pharmacy will prepare me for whatever path I choose while challenging me to reach my full potential. And it certainly doesn't hurt that Austin is an amazing place to live!
What part of pharmacy or healthcare are you most excited to explore during pharmacy school?
I'm most excited to explore the wide variety of clinical specialties within pharmacy. Right now, I'm especially interested in emergency medicine and infectious disease. More recently, I've also become fascinated by aerospace medicine and the potential role pharmacists can play in that field. Talking with friends as they complete their APPE rotations has shown me just how many different paths a pharmacy degree can lead to. Hearing about their experiences only makes me more excited to discover where my own journey will take me.
Outside of pharmacy, what makes you "you"?
Outside of pharmacy, you can usually find me in one of three places: Gregory Gym, a new coffee shop or exploring Austin with friends. There's something so satisfying about getting an early morning workout in and seeing all the "Gregulars." Austin seems to have a new coffee shop opening every week, and I admittedly have a compulsive need to try every fun or seasonal drink that comes along. I love discovering new places, whether with friends or on my own, and learning the bus routes has made those adventures even easier (and cheaper!).
Looking ahead four years, what do you hope you'll be most proud of when you graduate?
Four years from now, I hope I'll be able to look back on my time at UT knowing I took full advantage of every opportunity that came my way. I want to be able to say that I put my heart and soul into everything I did. I also hope I can say that I wasn't afraid to challenge myself while still making time to enjoy the experience.
Elaine Pham
Hometown: Pearland, Texas
Education: Texas A&M University - College Station
Elaine loves trying new things—from fencing and pickleball to exploring the many career paths within pharmacy—and can't wait to discover where her passions lead.
Why did you choose the UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
I chose UT Austin College of Pharmacy because of the incredible opportunities it offers. I knew I wanted to experience different areas of pharmacy, especially both the clinical and research sides of the profession. Texas Pharmacy gives me the space, resources and community to pursue those interests while discovering where my passions lead. I love that we're encouraged to keep an open mind and take advantage of so many different opportunities.
What impact do you hope to make through pharmacy?
Through pharmacy, I hope to serve as a bridge between healthcare systems and the communities they serve. In recent years, distrust in healthcare has grown, and I believe pharmacists have an important role in rebuilding that trust. Pharmacy is one of the most accessible healthcare professions, and I hope to become an advocate who helps patients receive the care they need with confidence.
Outside of pharmacy, what makes you "you"?
Outside of pharmacy, I love picking up new hobbies and side quests as an excuse to spend time with friends and bring people together! I started fencing in undergrad, and it showed me just how exciting being part of a team can be and how far camaraderie can take us. I also enjoy playing tennis, pickleball and golf. I'm always excited to try something new just for the fun of it.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
The best advice I've ever received is to "get comfortable being uncomfortable." Trying new things, stepping into unfamiliar environments and taking on new challenges can all feel uncomfortable, but that's how we grow. I'd rather risk making mistakes and learn from them than regret never trying at all.
Kennedy Stevens
Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas
Education: University of North Texas
Inspired by research and a passion for equitable care, Kennedy is excited to explore the many paths pharmacy has to offer while making every patient feel seen and supported.
Why did you choose the UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
I knew UT Austin College of Pharmacy was where I wanted to be. I was drawn to its strong alumni network, excellent career outcomes and welcoming community. I was fortunate to participate in Texas Pharmacy's LEADER program in 2025, where I gained research experience and discovered the many career paths available in the pharmaceutical sciences. The mentorship and encouragement I received from faculty and staff made my decision to apply an easy one.
What impact do you hope to make through pharmacy?
I hope to improve public understanding of the pharmacy profession by highlighting the many roles pharmacists play, from clinical practice to research. Most importantly, I want to become the best practitioner I can be for queer patients and patients from historically marginalized communities, who too often experience disparities in healthcare.
Outside of pharmacy, what makes you "you"?
I'd describe myself as a curious and introspective person. I feel most like myself when I'm reading, playing video games or spending time with the people I love. I also enjoy volunteering and hope to find new ways to give back to the Austin community. Outside of that, I love to travel and have visited more than half the states in the U.S.!
What's something fun, unique or unexpected about you?
I love rock and alternative music. I also had a pet snake in high school, and I would love to own another one someday.
Harris Shaikh
Hometown: Allen, Texas
Education: Baylor University
Driven by curiosity, optimism and a passion for innovation, Harris hopes to make an impact through pharmacy both in his community and around the world.
Why did you choose the UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
I chose UT Austin College of Pharmacy because of its exceptional research opportunities and the many pathways it offers to explore the diverse roles pharmacists can play. Programs like the Lester Entrepreneurial Scholars Program and the Pharm.D./MBA partnership with the McCombs School of Business immediately caught my attention because they reflect UT's commitment to innovation, leadership and entrepreneurship. I was also drawn to the college's accomplished student organizations and the opportunities they provide to collaborate, compete nationally and grow beyond the classroom. Together, those experiences make Texas Pharmacy the perfect place to combine my interests in research, entrepreneurship and community impact.
What impact do you hope to make through pharmacy?
As an undergraduate, I was part of a research team at Texas Children's Hospital working to develop a cost-effective pancoronavirus vaccine for underserved communities around the world. That experience showed me the impact pharmacy can have far beyond our own communities.
As a pharmacist, I hope to educate and empower people by promoting the importance of vaccines, addressing health misconceptions and strengthening trust in evidence-based care. Ultimately, I want to help people better understand the essential role pharmacists play in improving community health.
Who's someone you admire and why?
"Just like in our films, everything turns out fine in the end, and if it's not fine, then it's not the end... the [movie] is not over yet, my friend!" This quote from my favorite movie Om Shanti Om captures the mindset his films have given me. Shah Rukh Khan is someone I deeply admire. Through his films, he has inspired millions of people—including me—to believe in themselves and pursue their dreams. His humility and optimism have inspired me to see the good in everyone and shaped who I am today. His messages from his movies have reminded me that setbacks are only part of the story and that there is always another opportunity to keep moving forward. As the quote suggests, my movie is definitely not over yet.
What's at the top of your Austin bucket list during the next four years?
Completing the Austin Marathon with a running team, maybe even one of my own! I've developed a love for running, so finishing a marathon in the best city in Texas would mean the world to me, especially if I get to do it alongside others.
Katherine Higgins
Hometown: Chattanooga, Tennessee
Education: University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Inspired by both research and patient care, Katherine hopes to build a career that bridges clinical practice and scientific discovery.
Why did you choose the UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
I was looking for a pharmacy program that would support my interests in both clinical practice and pharmaceutical research, particularly through opportunities like the Pharm.D./Ph.D. pathway. As I researched different programs, I reached out to faculty members at each school, and my conversation with Dr. Reveles had a particularly meaningful impact on me. She was incredibly kind, encouraging and generous with her time, and seeing a woman who had earned both a Pharm.D. and a Ph.D. helped me envision myself following a similar path.
When I later visited Austin, I fell in love with the energy of the city, the welcoming atmosphere of the college and the strong sense of community. I left knowing Texas Pharmacy was a place where I could grow academically, professionally and personally.
What impact do you hope to make through pharmacy?
Through pharmacy, I hope to contribute to research that improves how medications are discovered, developed, and used. I want my work to help create treatments that are safer, more effective, and more accessible to patients. Ultimately, I hope to advance healthcare through scientific innovation.
Who's someone you admire and why?
I admire my grandmother more than anyone because of her strength, resilience, and love for her family. She has faced difficult challenges and tremendous loss, yet she continues to move forward with courage and determination. We are extremely close, and I value her wisdom, honesty, and the way she has always encouraged me to believe in myself. She is someone I will always look up to and hope to make proud.
Looking ahead four years, what do you hope you'll be most proud of when you graduate?
When I graduate, I hope I'll be most proud of how much I've grown as a student, researcher, healthcare professional and person. I want to look back knowing I challenged myself, embraced new opportunities and made a positive contribution to the Texas Pharmacy community. I hope to have grown through research, service and the relationships I build along the way. Most importantly, I want to know I stayed true to my values while developing the knowledge and skills to improve the lives of others through pharmacy.
Ryan Donovan
Hometown: Austin, Texas
Education: Emory University
Ryan is passionate about connecting scientific discovery with patient care, believing research is most meaningful when it improves people's lives.
What impact do you hope to make through pharmacy?
I hope to help ensure that medical advances improve the lives of the people they are intended to serve. My experience in clinical research has shown me that developing effective therapies is only part of the challenge; patients must also be able to access, understand, and benefit from them. By combining pharmacy with public health, I hope to help bridge the gap between scientific innovation and real-world patient care. To me, scientific knowledge is most valuable when it’s used responsibly and equitably to improve people’s lives.
Outside of pharmacy, what makes you "you"?
Outside of pharmacy, I enjoy trying new hobbies, spending time outdoors and meeting people whose experiences differ from my own. Some of my greatest opportunities for growth have come from conversations that challenge my assumptions and broaden my perspective. Whether I'm exploring a new hobby or getting to know someone with a different background, I enjoy learning in ways that keep me curious.
Who's someone you admire and why?
I admire Emmanuel Levinas because he believed our responsibility to other people should come before our desire to explain or categorize the world. His philosophy reminds me that every person deserves to be understood on their own terms rather than reduced to a diagnosis, an assumption or a statistic. That perspective has shaped the way I think about healthcare and reinforced my belief that knowledge carries an ethical responsibility to serve others.
Looking ahead four years, what do you hope you'll be most proud of when you graduate?
When I graduate, I hope I'll be most proud of becoming someone who can connect scientific knowledge with the people it's meant to serve. Beyond building a strong foundation in pharmacy, I hope to be known as someone who listens carefully, thinks critically and contributes positively to the communities around me. If I leave Texas Pharmacy better prepared to improve healthcare while helping others learn and succeed along the way, I'll consider my time here a success.
Frances Davila
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Education: Louisiana Tech
A third-generation Texas Pharmacy student and former NCAA bowler, Frances is excited to follow in her family's footsteps while building a legacy of her own.
Why did you choose the UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
I chose UT Austin College of Pharmacy because it's one of the nation's top pharmacy schools, and I'm grateful it's so close to my hometown. I'll also be a third-generation Texas Pharmacy student, following in the footsteps of both my parents and my grandad. While I'm proud to continue my family's tradition, I'm even more excited to create my own legacy at Texas Pharmacy.
What impact do you hope to make through pharmacy?
I want to help solve my patients' medical puzzles. I also hope to educate the community I serve by simplifying complex treatments and helping people better understand their care. I want my community to see the pharmacy as a place where they can find answers—not dread picking up a prescription. I'd also love to help rekindle what makes independent community pharmacies so special.
What's something fun, unique or unexpected about you?
I think my history with bowling is probably the most unique thing about me. I have over 30 bowling balls from my time as a collegiate bowler, and when I share that fact, people's eyebrows usually shoot straight to their hairline. I love talking about the science and physics behind bowling, too. I guarantee I could talk about it all day. You'd be surprised how complex the sport really is.
Looking ahead four years, what do you hope you'll be most proud of when you graduate?
I want to be proud of the knowledge I collect. I don't want to be perfect. I want to make mistakes, learn, grow and leave with a lifetime of memories to share. If I can do that, then I’ll consider my time at Texas Pharmacy a success.
Khadijah Khan
Hometown: Chicago, Illinois
Education: Austin Community College
A mother, advocate and healthcare leader, Khadijah is passionate about improving patient access, advancing innovative care and creating lasting change through pharmacy.
Why did you choose the UT Austin College of Pharmacy?
I chose UT Austin College of Pharmacy because our motto, "What starts here changes the world”, reflects the work I've devoted my career to. I've seen firsthand how pharmacy can drive meaningful impact, from coordinating the largest single‑day HIV testing partnership in the U.S. to designing a business plan and pharmacy services program that secured major funding to support cancer patients' copays. I wanted a Pharm.D. program that matched that level of purpose while providing the structure and scientific rigor to help me grow. Being in Austin also matters deeply to me. Advocacy is a core part of who I am, and the proximity to legislative and public‑health decision‑making allows me to continue shaping systems that improve access and care.
What impact do you hope to make through pharmacy?
I hope to make pharmacy feel like a solution rather than a burden for patients living with complex conditions. Many therapies, especially in oncology, immunology and transplant, can leave patients feeling overwhelmed or isolated. I want to use my clinical training and strategic experience to create care that is personalized, compassionate and grounded in patients' individual needs so they feel seen, supported and understood. Ultimately, I hope to help build a healthcare experience where complexity doesn't translate into suffering.
Outside of pharmacy, what makes you "you"?
I'm a mom to two incredible girls, ages six and three, and a wife to the most supportive partner I could imagine—someone who dreams bigger dreams for me than I do for myself. I love to cook, especially spicy food. Despite being such a Type-A person, I actually rarely follow recipes. I recreate dishes I've tried, improvise constantly, and somehow the food always turns out great (humble brag). I'm also deeply committed to service. I believe that if I've overcome a barrier, it's my responsibility to remove it for the next person—whether that’s a student, a colleague, or the next generation. Advocacy isn't something I do; it's part of who I am.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
The best advice I've ever received came from my dad: Get perspective from the people you trust but always make your own decision—without guilt. As a minority woman growing a family and a career in a world that doesn't always make space for that, his words were grounding and empowering. He has since passed away, but I carry that guidance with me every day.
Looking ahead four years, what do you hope you'll be most proud of when you graduate?
Looking ahead four years, I hope I'll be most proud of how much I’ve grown scientifically, clinically, personally and as an advocate. I want to graduate knowing I challenged myself, embraced every opportunity to learn and stayed true to the values that brought me to pharmacy in the first place.
Most of all, I hope to become the kind of pharmacist who creates lasting change by expanding access to care, strengthening healthcare systems and improving patients' lives. If I can look back knowing I've remained curious, compassionate and committed to serving others, I'll consider my time at Texas Pharmacy a success.
Different experiences. Different perspectives. One Texas Pharmacy community.
As the Class of 2030 begins its journey, we're excited to see how each student will grow, contribute and leave their mark on the future of pharmacy. Hook 'em!