Image Source: VCU News
Sunny Makwana, a first-generation college student from Abingdon, Virginia, has evolved from an introverted newcomer to a leader at Virginia Commonwealth University's School of Pharmacy. As he is set to graduate with a Pharm.D. and pursue his doctoral research, Makwana's path is one of personal transformation, academic success, and dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion within the pharmacy profession.
Background and Early Life
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Grew up in Abingdon, a tight-knit Indian community but otherwise not very diverse small town.
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First-generation college student whose parents immigrated to the United States from India.
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Initially pushed by parents toward medicine but developed interest in pharmacy through undergraduate lab experience at Virginia Tech.
Academic Background and Accomplishments
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Received a Bachelor's degree in Biochemistry from Virginia Tech.
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Enrolled in VCU’s Pharm.D./Ph.D. dual degree program, earning his Pharm.D. in 2025 and continuing toward a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences.
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Focuses doctoral research on respiratory pharmaceutics, particularly how inhaled medications affect the lungs and body.
Leadership and Campus Involvement
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Broke out of his shell at VCU, becoming class president in his second year and later serving as student body president.
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Gave a speech at the School of Pharmacy's Galen Society donor event, overcoming public speaking fear.
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Active participant in the SCIE Ambassador Program, advocating for inclusion on the medical campus.
Personal Growth and Impact
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Evolved from a self-proclaimed introvert to a confident campus leader, now feeling at ease approaching strangers and leading peers.
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Acknowledged by faculty, such as Dean Kelechi "K.C." Ogbonna, for his work ethic, proficiency, and selfless leadership.
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Friends and peers comment on his incredible transformation since coming to VCU.
Future Plans
Will remain at VCU to work towards a Ph.D., with research goals in respiratory pharmacokinetics and drug delivery.
Hopes to contribute to developments in inhaled medication therapies.
Source: VCU News, LinkedIn announcement
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