Student Ambassadors

Get the real scoop from current students. These P1 (first year),  P2 (second year), P3 (third year), and P4 (fourth year) volunteers can answer your questions about the pharmacy school curriculum, facilities, student life, commuting to our 3 Times Square Campus, and more. Feel free to reach out to them! Please use “Student Ambassador” in the subject line so they know to look out for your email, and allow them a couple of days to respond – they’re juggling the many responsibilities of our PharmD students!

A message from our ambassadors:

“We are thrilled to extend our warmest greetings to you. As enthusiastic representatives of TCOP, we are committed to sharing our unique experiences and insights with prospective students.

At TCOP, we take pride in fostering an environment of academic excellence, hands-on learning, and community engagement. As ambassadors, we embody these values and strive to showcase the vibrant tapestry of opportunities available here.

Navigating the pharmacy education journey can be an exciting but complex endeavor. That's why we're here to offer guidance, answer questions, and provide a firsthand perspective on life at TCOP. Whether it's about coursework, extracurricular activities, or finding the best study spots on our 3 Times Square campus, we've got you covered!

TCOP is a place where diversity is celebrated, and inclusivity is cherished. We come from various backgrounds, cultures, and walks of life, contributing to the rich experiences that define and shape our community.

We believe in the power of connections. Touro College of Pharmacy is not just a place of learning; it's a platform for growth, innovation, and leadership. As ambassadors, we're excited to inspire and support you in your journey to pharmacy school.

Feel free to reach out to us with any questions. We're here to assist you in making your TCOP experience exceptional.”

Dalia Abdallah, P3

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hello all! Welcome to TCOP! I am from Yonkers, NY. In 2022, I graduated from CUNY Lehman College in the Bronx with a BS in Anthropology, Biology, and Chemistry. I’ve been working at CVS for the past 3 years where I have had many opportunities to interact with and counsel patients which is where my love for pharmacy began. I have always taken pride in being a goofball and putting a smile on people's faces. My goal is to bring that same energy as a future pharmacist for my patients. On days when I’m not at work or at school, I enjoy playing guitar, discovering new food places, and spending time with my friends and family. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

Adeshewa Adefowokan, P3

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hi all! l live in New Jersey and I am of Nigerian heritage. I spent my undergrad years at Rutgers university, where I majored in biology and minored in chemistry. There I also interned as a research assistant and worked alongside professors. Science and health have always been my passion so I knew I would always find myself in this field. Having the opportunity to attend Touro College of Pharmacy has been a dream come true and such a huge step towards attaining my goal of becoming a healthcare provider. When I am not studying, you can find me watching movies, traveling, or catching up with friends. I am super excited to share with you all the tips and lessons I have learned thus far. Please feel free to reach out to me whenever. Wishing you all a great school year!

Julian Arnaout, P4

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hi! I was born in Lebanon and immigrated to the United States at the age of nine, marking a significant turning point in my life. My career in pharmacy began at fourteen when I started delivering medications to patients' homes. This early experience ignited my passion for the field and set me on my current path. Today, I am managing operations for five pharmacies, both locally and internationally, with a focus on innovation. My journey through the Touro College of Pharmacy has been incredibly rewarding, providing me with invaluable experiences and knowledge. Outside of work, I love to travel and explore, embracing the joys of food from around the world. I am committed to giving back to Touro College of Pharmacy and am always eager to answer any questions. Let's connect!

Joel Ayeni, P3

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hey guys, I'm from Bronx, New York and I came to Touro from Lehman College. Working as a Pharmacy Technician for more than 7 years has more than prepared me to take on pharmacy school.  When I'm not studying or working you can find me playing video games and traveling.  A bit controversial but I love pineapple on pizza! My experience at TCOP has been amazing so far. Being at a small school allows me to get to know everyone on a personal level and everyone is eager to lend a hand if you need. So if you need any advice, have any burning questions or just need to chat feel free to email me!

Lauren Batac, P2

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hello all and welcome! I was born and raised in New York City. I graduated with a Bachelor's of Science and am currently enrolled in the PharmD/MBA collaborative program here at Touro! During my undergraduate studies, I became a Certified Senior Pharmacy Technician at Walgreens where I was able to learn the ins and outs of pharmacy, making me motivated to pursue my lifelong career in this field. Outside of school, I enjoy traveling, going to the gym, and spending time with family and friends. I am excited to meet you all! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions!

Reanne Bernstein, P2

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hi everyone! I grew up here in New York and attended Muhlenberg College in Allentown, PA where I studied Biology and Public Health. During my last two years of college, I worked as a pharmacy technician at CVS Pharmacy. Outside of school, I enjoy long walks, building Legos, and meeting all the dogs NYC has to offer. I look forward to experiencing more of TCOP by building connections with peers and faculty, and joining organizations around campus! I look forward to meeting you, and helping you on your pharmacy school journey!

 

 

Abdoul Bouda, P1

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hi! I am a Queens College Neuroscience program graduate with a research focus in Molecular, and Behavioral Neuroscience. I conducted a study to identify links between peripheral changes and CNS plasticity in the context of painful injuries and a study examining the effects of computerized cognitive training on depression patients. Additionally, I completed a Master of Science degree in Translational Medicine at the CUNY School of Medicine and the Groove School of Engineering and carried out a capstone project with a bio design team and prototyped a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy(PEG) tube. I am also a scholar of both NHI MARC and Yale School of Medicine PATHS programs. After working as a Teaching Assistant for the Department of Education over 7 years, I joined the New York City Department of Health as a public health advisor where I participated in the COVID-19 test and trace program. Because of his strong passion in helping others, I joined TCOP. I love volunteering, simplifying science problems, and being physically active. 

Valeria Correa Gomez, P2

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hi everyone! My name is Valeria, but everyone calls me Val. I was born in Colombia and moved to Queens, New York at a very young age. I graduated from Hofstra University with a bachelor’s in health sciences in 2021 and master’s in public health (MPH) in 2022. I have always been interested in pursuing a career in healthcare and I am so glad I am here at TCOP chasing after my dreams and goals! Living in New York has exposed to so many wonderful experiences and people. When I am not in school, I am watching Netflix, hanging out with family and friends, solving crossword puzzles, and traveling. I look forward to meeting you all and helping you adjust to TCOP. Please feel free to reach out with any questions. Good luck!

Mersal Danai, P3

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hello and welcome! I was born and raised in the Bay Area, California but moved to New York City to attend Touro College of Pharmacy. I graduated from the University of California, Berkeley in 2017 and worked in Silicon Valley shortly after graduating. Although working in the field of tech was fun and exciting, I decided to pursue a career more catered to my passion for science, preventative medicine and giving back to my community as a culturally competent healthcare provider. It was very intimidating at first to change careers and go back to school after a long period of time but Touro provided me with the perfect resources and a tight-knit community needed to succeed in the field of pharmacy as a student. Please feel free to email me for any questions or advice you may need!

Julianna Diaz, P3

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hello! Originally from Harrisburg, PA, I am a bilingual first generation Hispanic American student who graduated from Lebanon Valley College, with a major in Neuroscience and minor in Psychology. It was following the completion of a master’s in pharmacology, at Georgetown University, along with my experience as a pharmacy technician, that I discovered my love and passion for pharmacy. At times when I am not studying, I am most likely working out or spending time with family and friends. I always enjoy sharing my insight with others and look forward to answering any questions you may have. Feel free to email me at any time!

Sydney Garski, P1

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hi everyone! I am a Midwest girl born and raised. I spent my undergraduate at the University of Wisconsin Eau Claire majoring in biology with a pre-professional health minor. My passion has always been driven towards helping others and knew this would ultimately land me in a health care field. My original path was dentistry though I made the pivot to pharmacy and I could not be happier. Change is often scary but making the jump can open doors you never saw yourself going into! I love to bake, play disc golf, travel, and hang with my three dogs (sadly they are back in Minnesota). The culture and community at Touro College of Pharmacy is truly unmatched and I am so glad my path lead me here. Feel free to reach out with any questions! 

David Guirguis, P4

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hello everyone! Born and raised in New Jersey, starting school in NYC was a challenge for me but getting involved on campus and utilizing all the tools Touro offers allowed the transition to be smooth and effortless. In my free time, I enjoy going to sporting events, watching a film at the cinema, and going to the gym. I graduated from Stevens Institute of Technology with a biomedical engineering degree in 2018. As a non-traditional applicant, I took some time to work in the medical engineering industry between undergrad and Pharmacy. This has given me a unique perspective on how industry experience can impact education and vice-versa. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions at all about the Touro experience and how TCOP can enable you to reach your goals.

Azhar Hussain, P3

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hello! I am a first-generation college student. I graduated from CUNY Hunter College with my BA in biological sciences and Davenport University with an MBA in healthcare administration and management. I am passionate about clinical research, medicine, public health, and pharmacy. I hope to one day work as an infectious disease clinical pharmacist. Touro has allowed me to explore my interests through its academic courses, professional affiliations, and extracurricular activities. When I am not in school, I am an avid cook and love cooking, and spending time with my family. I am honored to be a resource for you all, please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or simply want to connect! Remember: Just be yourself and enjoy the ride! 

Ava Jalshgari, P3

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hello everyone! I graduated from Rutgers University-New Brunswick with a Dual Degree in Public Health in only three years time. I truly love to volunteer and help those in need since it has always been a great passion of mine. This ultimately led me towards choosing a career in Pharmacy. Other than school and extra-curriculars, I love to bake, play with my puppy Coco, and ski. Please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Here at the Touro College of Pharmacy, we are an uplifting family of future colleagues.

Irfah Kalamazad, P2

Admissions Student Ambassador

Welcome to Touro College of Pharmacy! The TCOP family and I are very excited to meet you as you embark upon your journey into the field of pharmacy with us.

I was born and raised in a small town in rural Guyana then moved to New York when I turned 18 years old. I have an AS in chemistry from the University of Guyana and a BSc in biology from Long Island University Brooklyn. I first discovered my passion for the field of pharmacy while working as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee at CVS Pharmacy. Since then, I have been a certified pharmacy technician for approximately 7 years in a variety of pharmacy settings, such as long-term care, specialty as well as hospital pharmacy at Cohen Children's Medical Center. My primary area of interest in the field is clinical pharmacy centered around pediatric specialization.

Some of the activities I enjoy during my downtime are weightlifting and restoring vintage furniture. Maintaining a healthy balance between these activities and my academic life has given me a chance to enjoy the journey through pharmacy school thus far.

I look forward to seeing you on campus. If you have any questions, concerns or need suggestions on how to navigate student life at TCOP, please feel free to contact me.

Shehreen Kheiri, P4

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hi! I was born and raised in California. I graduated with a Bachelor's in Biology from Mercy College in Westchester, NY and I have a Master's in Science from Touro College, Harlem. My mother is a pharmacist who had worked for retail and eventually opened up 2 of her own independent pharmacies in her name. Growing up, I would see how important pharmacists are in the healthcare community. My goal is to become a clinical pharmacist and give back to my community. TCOP is the epitome of diversity, hospitality, and inspiration. 

Victoria Kostantakis, P3

Admissions Student Ambassador

Welcome to TCOP! I was born and raised in New Jersey. In 2018 I graduated from Rutgers University, New Brunswick with a BS in Public Health and concentration in Modern Greek Studies where I served as president of the Rutgers Club Softball team. I am proud to share that I have recently been elected to the position of Student Government Association President for the 2023-2024 academic year as well as Vice President of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists on campus. I love being an advocate and problem solver for my peers which lead me to become a student ambassador. When I am not on campus, I enjoy playing softball, soccer, or basketball, snowboarding, going to Yankee games, and traveling especially to Europe! Not only do I respect people who eat pastries for breakfast, I practice the art myself. Can’t wait to see you on campus!

Nia Lowe, P2

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hi! I am proud to call Brooklyn my hometown. After graduating from Wesleyan University with a double major in Biology and Italian Studies, along with a minor in Chemistry, I spent one year exploring healthcare professions during which I had the opportunity to shadow a team of hospital pharmacists. Witnessing their commitment to ensuring the best possible patient care solidified my desire to pursue a career in pharmacy. I'm eager to further explore the wide array of pharmacy experiences that TCOP offers its students, starting right from the first year.

As a student ambassador here at Touro College of Pharmacy, I'm excited to share my experiences and insights with you. I understand the difficulties and rewards of starting a new academic chapter, especially in the vibrant environment of New York City. When I'm not busy with my studies, you can often find me taking dance classes, staying active in the gym, or exploring the endless culinary delights that NYC has to offer. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or if there's anything I can assist you with!

Raj Macwan , P4

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hi! I have a bachelor’s in pharmacy from India. At TCOP, I am involved in Colon cancer research. I am also diabetes chairperson for APhA-ASP. My goal is to become a clinical pharmacist and give back to my community. Apart from academics, I enjoy playing guitar and reading. At TCOP, you will grow in your knowledge and acquire skills that will prepare you for your pharmacy career.

Amna Michele, P3

Admissions Student Ambassador

Hi! I am originally from New York but was raised in New Jersey where I completed a bachelor’s degree in biology at Kean University. I’ve returned to the best city in the world to pursue my dream of becoming a pharmacist here at TCOP. I fell in love with the field of pharmacy while working in both a community setting and an inpatient setting as a certified pharmacy technician. The impact I’ve seen firsthand from the amazing pharmacists I’ve had the pleasure of working with has inspired me to pursue my PharmD. Outside of pharmacy, I love fashion and fitness. When I’m not studying, you can catch me at the gym. Feel free to reach out with any questions you may have!