2026 Student Fellowship Spotlights
As the end of the school year is approaching, the class of 2026 is looking towards their life post-grad. One path that students at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy can follow is a fellowship after their last year in school. The application process is rigorous and it is a great accomplishment. Here we have spotlighted some of the amazing students who have been placed in a fellowship.
“It is a privilege to chair the RF prep committee now in its 14th year. The goal of the program is to pair students with mentors consisting of faculty, clinical partners and alumni to provide students with guidance for completing the residency and fellowship application process. We are elated that our students have been matched with such varied residencies and fellowships throughout the country and we look forward to their contributions to our profession,” says Amy Kennedy, PharmD, an associate clinical professor in the Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science and a practicing clinical pharmacist.
Brayden Kraiss
Where is your fellowship?
My fellowship is with Sanofi in Cambridge, Massachusetts.
What sort of work will you be doing?
In this fellowship, I’ll be working closely with the medical strategy team, supporting projects across multiple therapeutic areas within Sanofi’s Specialty Care portfolio. My work will focus on using AI and digital innovation to improve how clinical data is generated, analyzed, and shared, as well as contributing to broader portfolio strategy and omnichannel engagement efforts. I’m especially excited to be involved in initiatives that help translate scientific insights into meaningful impact, whether that’s advancing research and development or improving how information reaches medical teams across Sanofi. Overall, the experience will allow me to build both strategic and technical skills while contributing to innovation in patient care.
How did the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy prepare you for this opportunity?
The R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy gave me a strong foundation not only in clinical knowledge, but also in critical thinking and communication. Through various hands-on experiences, I learned how to approach complex problems, work collaboratively, and clearly communicate scientific information. I also had opportunities to explore innovation and stay current with emerging trends in healthcare through my Advanced Pharmacy Practice Experiences (APPE). Altogether, these skills and experiences prepared me to step into a role focused on strategy and innovation.
What advice would you give to other students preparing to apply for fellowships?
I would highly encourage students to explore the areas of pharmacy that genuinely interest them and seek out mentors in those spaces. Being curious and authentic goes a long way. When it comes to the application process, set up mock interviews with mentors and keep a few key experiences in mind that you can draw on for storytelling. It’s also helpful to write down meaningful experiences throughout pharmacy school that can help you answer common “Tell me about a time when…” questions. Doing this early will save you from scrambling to remember examples later on. Most importantly, trust the process, everything works out the way it’s meant to, and every experience is helping prepare you for the right opportunity.
How do you feel this fellowship will contribute to your future successes?
This fellowship will give me the opportunity to develop both strategic and technical skills while working on meaningful, real-world projects. I’ll gain experience in medical strategy, cross-functional collaboration, and the use of innovative tools like AI in healthcare. Just as importantly, I’ll be learning from experienced mentors and building a strong professional network. All these experiences will help position me to contribute thoughtfully to the future of healthcare and continue growing as a leader in the field.
Tania Nguyen
Where is your fellowship?
My fellowship is with Alnylam Pharmaceuticals in Cambridge, Massachusetts
What sort of work will you be doing?
I’ll be working in U.S. Medical Affairs within the TTR space, supporting overall medical strategy and execution. That includes gaining a better understanding of patient pathways and care gaps, helping develop regional field plans, and supporting Alnylam’s work in ATTR amyloidosis. I’ll also be involved in medical communications, including publications and training materials.
How did the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy prepare you for this opportunity?
The R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy helped prepare me by giving me a strong foundation and connecting me with a great network of mentors, alumni, and peers. That network really supported me throughout the entire fellowship process, from sharing advice to reviewing my application materials. Through rotations, presentations, and leadership opportunities, I also developed my communication skills, built confidence, and learned how to think critically, which all translate well into the industry setting.
What advice would you give to other students preparing to apply for fellowships?
The biggest thing is to believe in yourself and be confident in what you bring to the table. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by how competitive the process is, but at the end of the day, programs are looking for people with potential and transferable skills. Focus on your story, practice how you communicate your experiences, and don’t be afraid to put yourself out there!
How do you feel this fellowship will contribute to your future successes?
I see this fellowship as the perfect bridge between my education and career. It will allow me to build a solid foundation in Medical Affairs, deepen my ability to translate clinical data into meaningful insights, and gain experience supporting cross functional collaboration. Ultimately, I believe this will position me for a meaningful and long-term career in industry.
Misk Al Qaderi
Where is your fellowship?
I will be completing my fellowship in Boston, Massachusetts, with Sanofi in partnership with MCPHS.
What sort of work will you be doing?
I’m going to be a Commercial Strategy Oncology Fellow with Sanofi, where I will contribute to the strategic planning of innovative oncology therapies. The fellowship provides exposure to global marketing, product strategy, and market access, helping shape how groundbreaking cancer treatments are developed, positioned, and delivered to patients around the world.
How did the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy prepare you for this opportunity?
The College provided me with opportunities to pursue strong leadership experiences and mentorship that helped me develop the skills and confidence needed to pursue a competitive fellowship.
What advice would you give to other students preparing to apply for fellowships?
Get involved early, seek meaningful leadership and research experiences where you are able to make a strong impact, combine your passions with pharmacy, build strong relationships with mentors, and be authentic when sharing your story and career goals.
How do you feel this fellowship will contribute to your future successes?
This fellowship will allow me to grow professionally, gain valuable industry experience, and develop the skills needed to make a meaningful impact in commercial strategy throughout my career. I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and excited for the experiences and growth that lie ahead.