P1 students have the opportunity to learn from older peers as they navigate their first year of pharmacy school. Read on for an introduction to some of these sage mentors and for their priceless advice to incoming P1s. If you see their friendly faces around campus, don’t hesitate to say hello.
Jenna Douglas
Jenna is from Scarborough, Maine. She loves cooking, eating amazing food, going to the gym, laying in the sun by the pool, and making her cat do things she doesn’t want to do. She did her undergrad at the University of Southern Maine and plans to work as a retail pharmacist at Hannaford Pharmacy when she graduates. Jenna is currently involved with Phi Lambda Sigma (GAPSA Liaison), APhA, Kappa Psi, SSHP, and the Infectious Disease Association (IDA).
Advice for new students: “I know this is easier said than done, but try not to stress too much! Everything seems very new and chaotic, but it will all fall into place. I would also like to say that, although it is very important to get involved on campus to enhance your experiences, do not add too much to your plate so early on.”
Brock Johndro
Brock is from Newport, Maine. His hobbies include traveling, weight lifting, hiking, soccer, and anything that involves being on the water. He went to undergrad at Husson University.
On campus, Brock is involved in Phi Lambda Sigma, Dean’s Ambassadors, APhA, SSHP, Kappa Psi, GAPSA (Vice President), sits on the UNE Representatives Council, chairs the GAPSA scholarship committee, and serves on the Academic Affairs Committee. When Brock gets his PharmD, he wants to work as a Pharmacist in the US Air Force.
Advice for new students: “The next four years of your academic career are going to fly by. Make the most of your experiences and your time spent at UNE. Prioritize your time to be involved but to also take care of your mental health.”
Hannah Pham
Hannah is from Fountain Valley, California. Her hobbies include cooking, baking, crafting, and sports. She loves the beach, is a food fanatic, and obsessed with music and movies. She went to California State University, Long Beach. She plans to go into residency and work in a hospital.
Hannah is involved in PLS, Kappa Psi, APhA-ASP, and SSHP. She volunteers at the Milestone Recovery Program Clinic and at Preble Street. Hannah works as a pharmacy intern at Maine Medical Center and Walgreens.
Advice for new students: “Don’t ever be afraid to ask for help, whether it be from your classmates, upperclassmen, or especially the professors. Self-care is KEY; make time for it. Finding your best methods to de-stress through school will be important.”
Jessie Shiers
Jessie is from Norway, Maine. She did her undergrad at Central Maine Community College. Jessie’s hobbies include hiking, camping, horseback riding, reading, and playing with dogs. I’m married and have two children.
Jessie is involved with Phi Lambda Sigma (President), Alpha Zeta Omega (Advocacy Chair), Rho Chi, and the American Pharmacist Association (APhA-ASP). Fun fact: Jessie previously had a career as a book editor.
Advice for new students: “Find a group of friends to study with and quiz each other. It makes studying more fun and helps you understand and retain material when you talk about it with each other.”
Vince Dryer
Vinny is from Manchester, New Hampshire, and enjoys reading, board games, sports, and hiking. He did his undergrad at the University of New Hampshire. After he finishes his Pharm.D. degree Vinny wants to pursue a PGY1 and PGY2 in critical care.
Organizations Vince is involved with are Rho Chi (Vice-President), Alpha Zeta Omega, SSHP, IDSA, and is looking into joining SNPhA this upcoming fall. He is also a SASC tutor for many P1 and P2 courses.
Advice for new students: “Your mental health is vital. Finding the correct
combination of time to devote to school, family, friends, work, and other
organizations can seem daunting, but finding the balance is important for the long haul.”
Stephanie Hill
Stephanie is from Waldoboro, Maine. Her hobbies include hiking with her dog, baking breads and sweets, and vegetable gardening. After she graduates from her Pharm.D. degree she wants to pursue a residency and focus in either infectious diseases or oncology. She went to UNE undergrad.
You can find Stephanie working the front desk of the library, doing research in the antimicrobial lab, or serving on the e-board of NCPA and Rho Chi. She is also a Kappa Psi brother.
Advice for new students: “If could have given myself advice, it would have been not to overcommit myself, try new hobbies to unplug from schoolwork, and reach out to faculty when you need help—they are here for you!”
Charlotte St. Louis
Charlotte is originally from Biddeford, Maine. She loves staying active by running, relaxing with a good book, and taking walks on local beaches. Charlotte completed 2 years of pre-pharmacy at UNE. Once she graduates she hopes to stay in Maine and work as a community pharmacist.
Charlotte is an intern at Hannaford Pharmacy. The organizations she is involved with are Rho Chi (Secretary), Dean’s Ambassadors, and APhA-ASP.
Fun fact: Charlotte has an identical twin!
Advice for new students: “Do not be afraid to reach out to fellow students as well as professors. The UNE College of Pharmacy is like a family and everyone supports each other!”