Salma Shaban's Journey from Simmons to Pharmacy

Salma Shaban is pursuing a career in the field of Pharmacy after her graduation this past May 2023. Salma’s academic journey at Simmons University was characterized by her pursuit of a Neuroscience major with a focus on cognitive and behavioral studies, and a minor in Chemistry. When asked about her time at Simmons, Salma fondly recalls her transformative experience. Despite facing the challenges of a pandemic, Salma discovered comfort within the supportive community of Simmons University. Simmons' professors played a pivotal role in her journey, pushing her beyond her perceived limits and encouraging her to embrace new challenges with determination. Salma shares,

"Their continuous dedication makes them such inspiring people to learn from. With their help, the most challenging subjects ended up being the ones I look back on and remember the most."

During her final semester at Simmons, Salma began a research project under the guidance of Professor Jennifer Roecklein-Canfield, Ph.D. as part of the CHEM 347 course. Her research focused on the effect of inhibitor drugs compared to the effects of natural substrates. They used site-directed mutagenesis to mutate certain contact points in an effort to figure out if binding will be inhibited. Salma's project was particularly relevant due to its examination of the SARS-CoV2 protease, a critical area of study during the pandemic. Salma enjoyed working on the project and found drug design to be a fascinating and significant topic in the world today.

Salma's interest in pharmacy was further fueled by her summer job as a pharmacy technician. This experience allowed her to witness the intricate workings of the healthcare system, observing firsthand the vital role played by pharmacists and the pharmaceutical industry. During a summer spent in Egypt, Salma also experienced the challenges faced by a healthcare system lacking a strong pharmaceutical infrastructure. This exposure deepened her appreciation for the importance of pharmacy and its various branches, ultimately inspiring her to pursue a career in the field.

Now, having completed her academic journey at Simmons University, Salma has taken the next step by pursuing a PharmD at Northeastern University. She enters this new chapter with confidence, stating that her time at Simmons has equipped her with the necessary foundation, skills, and knowledge to be successful. Salma's dedication and passion for the pharmaceutical field promise a bright future as she works towards creating positive change.