James Thurston

UConn School of Pharmacy

I was born and raised in Stillwater Township, New Jersey. I am currently working on finishing my B.S. in pharmacy studies, after which I plan to work towards my Pharm.D.

At UConn, I have been active in volunteering through UConn’s chapter of the American Pharmacists Association (APhA), of which I am the Policy Vice President. For example, I attended Pharmacy Day at the Capitol, an event designed to bring together state legislators, pharmacists, and student pharmacists to advocate for the pharmaceutical profession and for higher public health standards for all Connecticut residents. I also plan to further develop the APhA’s public health initiatives and to provide more outreach to underserved populations.

I applied to UConn’s School of Pharmacy in part to attend the Urban Service Track/AHEC Scholars Program. I see it as a unique opportunity to gain hands-on volunteer experience with underserved populations in a collaborative, interdisciplinary setting.  Through my experience in the UST/AS Program, I hope to learn how better to serve members of my future community and to provide the support and expertise they need to lead happy and healthy lifestyles. I believe that the UST/AS Program will broaden my view of the public health problems our society faces and grant me the skills and knowledge needed to overcome these obstacles.