A third-year student from the West Virginia University School of Pharmacy is among 28 applicants nationwide chosen to participate in a professional program exploring academic pharmacy careers.
The American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) selected Maegan Casimir, a native of Falling Waters, West Virginia, for its 2024-2025 Aspiring Academics Program. The Initiative aims to foster an understanding of various pathways in academic pharmacy and includes learning modules, networking opportunities, mentorship and collaborative projects.
Participants will engage in discussions and activities with a dual mentorship structure —one mentor from their home institution and another provided by AACP.
This dual-mentor system will help guide students through the nuances of academic pharmacy, including faculty roles, expectations and career advancement strategies. Clinical Assistant Professor Heather Johnson encouraged Maegan to apply for this program and will be her home mentor.
“When I was a student pharmacist, I participated in a similar program through AACP, so I knew Maegan would be a good candidate,” said Johnson. “I know she will learn new information and make connections that will be invaluable in her career.”
Casimir will contribute to a group project and present a poster at the AACP Annual Meeting in Chicago in 2025 as part of the program. She will also collaborate with peers from different pharmacy schools nationwide to broaden her perspective on academic issues and develop professional relationships.
Casimir credits the support and encouragement of her professors at the School of Pharmacy for this significant achievement. “The professors at the West Virginia School of Pharmacy are always pushing us to grow and seize new opportunities,” Maegan said.
“Not only do my professors support me in the classroom, but they continue to support me outside of lectures - and being selected for the Aspiring Academics program is an example of their around-the-clock support. I am very fortunate to have created such strong relationships with faculty, and because of them, I am receiving new opportunities and experiences.”
For more information about the AACP Aspiring Academics Program, please visit the AACP Aspiring Academics Program.
