DeSantis Student Letters

Thank You!

A GLIMPSE INTO YOUR IMPACT

Recipient: Mary Pearl Ojukwu

I hope that you have remained excellent and well. My family and I are very grateful for the scholarship and the financial support offered through the Debbie DeSantis scholarship. As I explained in my application, I am an international student, and my family still lives back home in Nigeria. The economy back home has only worsened since I came to the United States for schooling and I can't imagine how I would have been able to finish up my schooling in such a prestigious university if not for this scholarship. For context, when I came here in 2018 the exchange rate for $1 was₦361. Now in 2025, $1 is ₦1,462. This means that a $20,000 tuition in the US costed my family about ₦7,220,000 (7.2 million Nigerian Naira) and now, the same $20,000 tuition in the US would cost ₦29,240,000 (29.2 million Nigerian Naira) which is over 4 times the cost just 7 years ago. Of course, all this comes with no increase in income or the standard of living back home. I say all this to express to you how much of a relief your generosity has been to my entire family and myself especially. You have inspired me to work even harder to be in a position where I can support other students in the future. I plan to set up my own scholarship, in honor and gratitude of your investment in my future, to support the future generation of pharmacy students. For now, I just have to keep up the handwork first by graduating next year and starting my career.

Since last year, I have figured out where I want my contributions in pharmacy to be. I would love to shape the standards of clinical research beyond the United States and to ensure the generation of robust clinical data that promote the safety of the population. I am currently applying to post- graduate fellowships in clinical research or clinical residencies in Investigational Drug Services (IDS). I want to run clinical trials and have a larger impact in terms of contributing to the availability of medicines and life-saving therapies. I am fascinated by the ecosystem that it takes to bring a medicine from conception into the hands of patients and am passionate about leaving a mark there. I believe I will be able to touch far more patients and families through this perspective. Thank you again for kickstarting my confidence in myself and my abilities.

Your generosity has impacted my family for generations to come. My ability to receive my PharmD from the #4 pharmacy institution in the United States is an honor that I am confident will change the trajectory of my current family and the family I hope to create in the future. I will forever be grateful to you for believing in me and for challenging me to be greater for not only myself, but for the others that come after me. I will continue to sing your praises and ensure you never forget my gratitude. I only hope you are very happy with your contributions and proud of the great work you have started. Take care and remain blessed.

Very warmly and gratefully,

Mary-Pearl Ojukwu. PharmD Candidate 2026

Education

Doctor of Pharmacy

MARY-PEARL OJUKWU

marypearlojukwu@gmail.com | linkedin.com/in/mary-pearlojukwu | 413 406 9855

University of Florida College of Pharmacy| Orlando, FL

• 4.00 GPA, Debbie DeSantis Endowment Scholarship – full tuition scholarship awarded to one student yearly.

Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Minor: Bioinformatics

Lincoln University | Oxford, PA

• Graduating GPA: 3.99, Salutatorian, Summa cum Laude

Relevant Experience

Oncology Clinical Scientist Intern

Johnson and Johnson- Springhouse, PA

08/2022-05/2026

08/2018-05/2022

05/2024-12/2024

• Created and implemented robust tracking systems to ensure data on critical endpoints were captured leading to the identification and follow-up of 60+ more patients than the previous tracking system

• Evaluated trends in safety data to identify at-risk patients and created an algorithm to recommend adverse event mitigating strategies to the principal investigators to improve patient safety.

• Trained global and local site managers on the study’s protocol and common data entry issues which reduced protocol deviations by 22% and enhanced the overall data quality across the study sites.

Oncology Clinical Research Pharmacy Intern

Orlando Health Cancer Institute– Orlando, FL

08/2023-09/2024

• Compounded and dispensed investigational drugs, performed patient eligibility assessments and collaborated with investigators across 15+ clinical trials to support protocol execution and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Implemented and educated providers on risk management programs for high-risk oncology medications, reducing adverse events and enhancing patient safety.

• Delivered presentations to the medical team on emerging treatment guidelines and strategies to improve patient adherence.

Industry Experience

US Oncology Medical Strategy Extern

Bristol Myers Squibb- Princeton, New Jersey

08/2025-10/2025

• Delivered weekly competitive landscape updates on emerging clinical trials and analyzed data highlighting trial design, endpoints and real-world applicability to inform strategy.

• Presented a robust journal club on key learnings on how clinical trial design can impact real-world adoption to support evidencebased strategy.

• Developed insight-driven and educational resources (MSL training decks and access-focused materials) to strengthen crossfunctional readiness for post-launch activities.

Global Medical Affairs Extern, Cardiometabolic Health

Eli Lilly and Company- Indianapolis, Indiana

06/2025-08/2025

• Led the development of an internal strategy document outlining key pharmacy congresses, medical education needs and engagement gaps across global markets to inform the cross-functional strategy across the various business units.

• Independently analyzed competitor clinical trial data and translated insights to provide actionable scientific recommendations to inform the pre-launch strategy, support post-approval evidence needs and address anticipated barriers to product uptake

• Partnered with HEOR to develop a phase 4 real-world evidence study to support the drug after regulatory approval.

Oncology R&D Inclusion & Belonging (I&B) Council Co-op

Johnson and Johnson, Hybrid- Springhouse, PA

11/2024-01/2025

• Delivered data-driven insights to internal stakeholders and senior leaders to advocate for the various I&B council workstreams in advancing inclusive research and addressing barriers for underrepresented populations

• Spearheaded the global internship recruitment process, leading strategic planning and execution of cross functional projects to enhance the mission of the I&B council and improve candidate experience.

Thank You!

A GLIMPSE INTO YOUR IMPACT

Recipient: Kelly Bishop

My 4th year is flying by! I am about to finish my 4th APPE rotation at Shands Hospital, and it feels like I just started. I spent 3 months on rotation in various ICU units which was extremely challenging yet rewarding at the same time. I am finishing up my last week of my ambulatory care rotation which I was most excited for since this was the area of pharmacy, I was most interested in. I can assure you that I still feel the same way about it. Over the past six weeks, I have had so many opportunities to counsel patients and connect with them to help find a way to optimize their healthcare. I still plan to apply to a PGY-1 residency in-state and hopefully pursue a PGY-2 in Ambulatory Care.

The Debbie Desantis Scholarship still leaves me and my family speechless. This level of generosity is unmatched. This scholarship has taken a huge weight off of my shoulders and allowed me to really focus on my studies and finding new experiences to help me grow professionally. I have been able to attend pharmacy conferences each year because of this. Money has always been a stressful topic in my family, and as a first-generation student, there were times when I didn’t know if pursuing a doctorate degree would be possible. Trying to find a way to pay for my tuition and life expenses outside of school was extremely stressful for me, and I cannot express how grateful I am for this scholarship. My parents and I cried when I received it, and it still brings us to tears when we think about it. Receiving this scholarship motivated me to work even harder towards growing my future, so I maintained a 4.0 GPA and served as the Student Society of Health-System Pharmacy Chapter President. This scholarship completely changed my life, thank you so much for this opportunity.

Best,

Kelly Bishop

PharmD Candidate | Class of 2026 University of Florida, College of Pharmacy, Gainesville Campus

SSHP President

Kappa Psi Gamma Sigma Vice Regent

Kelly L. Bishop, B.S.

PharmD Candidate Class of 2026

University of Florida Gainesville, FL

kellybishop1@outlook.com 321-446-3290

Education & Training

Graduate

Doctor of Pharmacy (candidate) Anticipated graduation May 2026

University of Florida Gainesville, Florida

Undergraduate

Bachelor’s of Science in Nutritional Sciences August 2018 to May 2022

University of Florida Gainesville, Florida

Professional Licensure and Certifications

“Stop The Bleed” Certification March 2025

CPR/BLS Certification August 2024

Pharmarcy Intern License – Florida Board of Pharmacy September 2022-present

APhAImmunization Certification January 2023

Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Online Training and Certificate December 2022

Point of Care Testing – Blood Glucose Monitoring Certification November 2022

Professional Work Experience

Community Pharmacy Cashier May toAugust 2021

Rockledge Discount Pharmacy Rockledge, Florida

Pharmacy Practice Rotations

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences – Ambulatory Care September – October 2025

UF Health Shands Hospital – CareOne Clinic, Internal Medicine Anti-Coag Clinic, UF

Endocrine Clinic

Gainesville, Florida

Preceptor: Tracy Leonard, RPh, BCACP, BCPP, CPh; Joy Wright, B.Sc.Phm, Pharm.D, CPh, BCPS, TTS, CFMS; Lihui Yuan, PharmD, Ph.D

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences – Critical Care

UF Health Shands Hospital - (Cardiac Surgery ICU & Trauma ICU)

Gainesville, Florida

August – September 2025

Preceptor: Angad Sodhi, PharmD; Bethany Shoulders, PharmD, BCCCP

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences – Critical Care

UF Health Shands Hospital - (Surgical ICU & Thoracic ICU)

Gainesville, Florida

Preceptor: EricaAllen, PharmD; Gabrielle Bradley, PharmD, BCPS

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences - Hospital Practice

UF Health Shands Hospital

Gainesville, Florida

Preceptor: Jamie Ziggas, PharmD, MS, BCOP

Hospital Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience

Parrish Medical Center

Titusville, Florida

Preceptor: Heather Petrie, PharmD, MBA, BCPS, CPh

Community Introductory Pharmacy Practice Experience

Publix @ Hunter’s Crossing

Gainesville, Florida

Preceptor: Michael Fanus, PharmD

Presentations

June –August 2025

May – June 2025

May – June 2024

June – July 2023

Fournier’s Gangrene Overview & Treatment August 2025

Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences – Critical Care

UF Health Shands Hospital - (Surgical ICU & Thoracic ICU)

Gainesville, Florida

Sexual Health Disparities – Developmental & Intellectual Disabilities October 2022

Population Health

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

Professional Involvement & Leadership Opportunities

Chapter President April 2024-April 2025

Student Society of Health-System Pharmacy (SSHP)

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

FacultyAdvisors: David DeRemer, PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA Lindsey Childs-Kean PharmD, MPH, BCPS

Vice-Regent April 2024-April 2025

Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc.

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

FacultyAdvisor: James Taylor, PharmD, CDE, BCACP

Sponsorship Committee Leader April 2024-April 2025

Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc.

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

FacultyAdvisor: James Taylor, PharmD, CDE, BCACP

Rho Chi Honor Society Inductee February 2024-April 2025

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

Chapter President-Elect March 2023-2024

Student Society of Health-System Pharmacy (SSHP)

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

FacultyAdvisors: David DeRemer, PharmD, BCOP, FCCP, FHOPA Lindsey Childs-Kean PharmD, MPH, BCPS

Gator Pharmacy Wellness Member March 2023

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

Industry Pharmacists Organization (IPhO) Member March 2023

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

New Member Educator January 2023

Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

FacultyAdvisor: James Taylor, PharmD, CDE, BCACP

Honors & Awards

Paul Magalian Student Scholarship Recipient August 2025 Florida Society of Health-System Pharmacists (FSHP)

Orlando, Florida

Claire Somera Duncan Memorial LeadershipAward Recipient April 2025 Student Society of Health-System Pharmacists (SSHP)

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

Brother of the Year Award Recipient April 2025

Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

FellowshipAward Recipient April 2025

Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

Debbie DeSantis Endowment Recipient April 2024

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

FellowshipAward Recipient April 2024

Kappa Psi Pharmaceutical Fraternity, Inc

University of Florida College of Pharmacy

Gainesville, Florida

UF College of Pharmacy Dean’s List August 2022-Spring 2025

Cum Laude (Graduation with Honors) - College ofAgricultural and Life Sciences May 2022

Professional Activities & Community Service

SSHP Mentor Night – Speed Dating with Clinical Pharmacists March 2025 Gainesville, FL

The Bread of The Mighty Volunteering November 2024-February 2025 Gainesville, FL

Road Clean-Up Volunteering October 2024-February 2025 Gainesville, FL

FSHPAnnual Meeting July 2024 Orlando, FL

The Giving Garden Volunteering April 2024 Gainesville, FL

SSHP Mentor Night – Speed Dating with Clinical Pharmacists March 2024

Gainesville, FL

EqualAccess Clinic Volunteering August 2023

University of Florida College of Pharmacy – EAC

Gainesville, FL

FSHPAnnual Meeting August 2023

Kissimmee, FL

UFCOP Short StudyAbroad May 2023

Italy & Malta

Faculty Member: Randall Doty, PharmD

SSHP Mentor Night – Speed Dating with Clinical Pharmacists March 2023

Baby Gators Volunteering March 2023

University of Florida College of Pharmacy - PediaGators

Gainesville, Florida

Ambulatory Care Pharmacist Shadowing February 2022

UF Health Family Medicine – Springhill

Gainesville, Florida

Christopher Piszczatoski, PharmD, BCPS

Intramural Softball 2022-2024

University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

Thank You!

A GLIMPSE INTO YOUR IMPACT

Future Plans

During my time at UF I have found a love for clinical pharmacy. I hope to pursue residency after I finish pharmacy school. I am currently interested in a variety of specialities including: pediatrics, critical care, and infectious disease. I will continue to pursue opportunities that allow me to explore each of these fields of pharmacy through working as an inpatient pharmacy intern, shadowing current pharmacists, and attending different organization meetings.

Recipient: Rebecca Neal

PharmD 2027

I am the youngest of five girls which led to a chaotic childhood, but one that I cherish every day. One of my older sisters, Alexandra, has had end stage renal disease since I was 3 months old. My childhood consisted of attending hemodialysis appointments at the hospital with my sister and picking up her medications from the pharmacy. From a young age I have been fascinated by how the medications my sister was taking kept her alive and relatively healthy. I always knew I wanted to learn more about those medications and help people like my sister leave a long and fulfilling life. The field of pharmacy gives me the opportunity to pursue my dreams and better the lives of all the patients I interact with.

Impact

I am incredibly grateful and deeply honored to have been selected for the Debbie DeSantis Scholarship. Words cannot fully express my appreciation for this generous support. This scholarship has granted me the opportunity to continue my journey into the field of pharmacy. It has eased a large financial burden allowing me to dive deeper into my academics and organizational commitments. This award was a reminder of my hard work which has gotten me to this point, while also increasing my drive for success. Your generosity is inspiring and I look forward to giving back to future students of pharmacy as you have donated to me. Thank you again for your support!

Thank You!

A GLIMPSE INTO YOUR IMPACT

Future Plans

Currently, I work at Publix Pharmacy as an intern, and I have signed an early job offer to continue my career at Publix Pharmacy. Long-term, I aspire to be a pharmacy manager, guiding technicians and interns through the field of pharmacy. I hope to serve as an easily accessible resource for my community by supporting my patients, providing knowledge, and forming lifelong relationships.

Recipient: Alexandra Vitello

PharmD 2027

Having the opportunity to develop professionally intrigues me, and I desire to expand my skill set throughout my career. As a lifelong learner, I am driven by challenges, and I am fond of the idea of pharmacy constantly changing as new medications come out. Pharmacy will also allow me to give back to my community through my friendliness and support. I am looking forward to continuing to form relationships with patients in my community and serving as a trustworthy source of knowledge and education.

Impact

I am extremely appreciative of your generosity and support of the professional development of student pharmacists at the University of Florida. This scholarship will allow me to focus on my academics and extracurricular activities without the stress of financial burden. I am honored to be recognized for my accomplishments, and I am grateful for this contribution as I continue to develop professionally and expand my knowledge and leadership during these last two years of pharmacy school. Thank you and go Gators!