InsideSOP | The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy's Blog

Studying Pharmacy, Calling the Shots: My Front‑Row Experience as a USA Table Tennis Umpire

Umpire Stephanie Zhang seated at a score table at a national junior table tennis tournament

February 13, 2026
Featured Post, Student Life, Uncategorized
PharmD, student pharmacist, Table Tennis

Stephanie Zhang, first-year student pharmacist at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, stepped into the high‑pressure environment of the USA Table Tennis Junior National Ranking Tournament as one of only six selected umpires nationwide. Her experience offers a unique look at fast‑paced matches, rising young athletes, and the behind‑the‑scenes responsibilities that keep a five‑star event running smoothly.

Grady Moore wearing a blue suit, white shirt, and navy tie, standing outdoors in front of a modern building

February 5, 2026
Alumni
MCST, Medical Cannabis, MS in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics

Grady Moore, MS ’21, is director of search engine optimization (SEO) at PufCreativ, one of the nation’s leading cannabis marketing agencies. He leads search strategy and optimization efforts to help cannabis brands grow their digital presence.

Rabia Asjid and Chizi Nwokike stand in front of a Gilead sign holding framed certificates

January 30, 2026
Practice, Research, Student Life
AMCP, Gilead, Managed Care Pharmacy, PharmD, Student Shadowing

Last semester, student pharmacist Chizimuzo Nwokike (Class of 2028) participated in the highly selective, two-day Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)-Gilead Pharmacy Student Shadowing Program, which took place at Gilead’s headquarters in Foster City, Calif.

Robert at an office desk holding a red coffee mug beside dual computer monitors

Meet Robert P., one of the Maryland Poison Center’s expert pharmacists who has spent nearly 15 years helping callers when they need it most. In this Q&A, Robert shares his journey into toxicology, why poison centers matter, and a few fun facts about life outside of work.

Sierra Larson (L) and Dr. Catherine Cooke (R) standing in front of a conference poster on pharmacist billing for medication therapy management.

January 9, 2026
Academics, Student Life
AMCP, Catherine Cooke, Managed Care Pharmacy, PharmD

Third-year PharmD student Sierra Larson reflects on her experience at the AMCP Nexus Conference, highlighting networking opportunities, a poster presentation, and insights into managed care pharmacy.

Group photo of about twenty people standing and kneeling in two rows in front of a wall display titled “Thirty Years of Advancing Therapies,” featuring framed milestones and FDA approvals from 1987 to 2010.

In September, student pharmacist Rabia Asjid (Class of 2027) participated in the highly selective, two-day Academy of Managed Care Pharmacy (AMCP)-Gilead Pharmacy Student Shadowing Program, which took place at Gilead’s headquarters in Foster City, Calif.

Michael Bekele and Sarah Mandell standing beside an AIMBE conference banner in a modern meeting room with carpeted floor and presentation screen.

December 1, 2025
Academics, Student Life, Uncategorized
AIMBE, Dual Degree, MS in Regulatory Science, PharmD, Regulatory Science

Michael Bekele is a PharmD/MS in Regulatory Science student (Class of 2027) and president of the Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) chapter at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. His interests include regulatory affairs, biomedical innovation, and science policy.

Nathaniel Thomas wearing a gray suit jacket over a sweater and collared shirt with a tie, standing indoors near a light-colored wall.

November 24, 2025
Community, Uncategorized
Council for Arts and Culture, Experiential Learning Program

Nathaniel Thomas, MBA, office manager for UMSOP’s Experiential Learning Program (ELP), is a freelance cinematographer and filmmaker who sees the arts as a way to inspire and bring people together. He is a member of the University of Maryland, Baltimore’s (UMB) Council for the Arts and Culture.

November 14, 2025
Alumni
PharmD

Renadin Siagat, PharmD ’19, shares how stepping into his new role as CAMPhA-USA president builds on years of involvement and a passion for strengthening global pharmacy connections. He also reflects on the mentorship he received at UMSOP and encourages others to follow their passions, seek support, and use their skills to give back to their communities.

October 24, 2025
Community, Uncategorized
Diversity, Institutional excellence and engagement, Zoe Welsh

Zoë Welsh shares her journey through UMB’s Emerging Leaders Program, discovering the power of connection, collaboration, and stepping outside her comfort zone. Learn how leadership grows when we build bridges across communities.

Studying Pharmacy, Calling the Shots: My Front‑Row Experience as a USA Table Tennis Umpire

Shaping the Digital Future of Cannabis: Grady Moore, MS ’21

Growing as a Future Pharmacist: An Experience in the AMCP–Gilead Program

Meet Our Experts: Robert

Inside AMCP Nexus: A PharmD Student’s First Conference Experience

Discovering Paths in Industry: My AMCP–Gilead Shadowing Experience

Beyond the Lab: Connecting Research and Policy

From Film to Pharmacy: Creating Community

Renadin Siagat, PharmD ‘19 – Leading CAMPhA-USA and Fostering Global Pharmacy Collaboration

Bridges, Bold Moves, and Big Lessons in Leadership