More Than 80 Students Become Published Authors Through Innovative PCOL 305 Course
The PCOL 305 course at the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy has become a distinctive part of the student experience, offering participants the unique opportunity to become independently published authors. Since the initiative began in 2018, more than 80 students have achieved publication, transforming classroom assignments into tangible, real-world accomplishments.
The course is designed to guide students through the full process of developing, writing, and publishing their own work. Through structured mentorship and iterative feedback, students learn how to translate complex scientific and healthcare concepts into accessible, engaging content for broader audiences. This emphasis on communication allows students to expand beyond traditional coursework and develop skills that are increasingly valuable across all areas of pharmacy and healthcare.
Jennifer Schnellmann, PhD, professor and director of undergraduate studies, emphasized the intentional rigor and impact of the course. "PCOL 305 exists to instill the discipline future scientists and healthcare professionals need—mastering relentless deadlines, exhaustive detail, and unyielding rigor that separate competence from mastery. Students don’t just learn to write scientifically—they learn to think, defend, and publish like scientists.”
Olivia Volland
Recent student authors reflect the wide range of creativity and perspectives within the program. These publications span topics from patient education to fictional storytelling, demonstrating how students are able to integrate their scientific knowledge with personal interests and experiences.
Recent authors include Taylor O’Brien, author of "Going Under: The History of Anesthesia"; Benjamin Ho, author of "Forbidden Blossom"; and Olivia Volland, author of "Just Within Reach: A Guide to Over-The-Counter Drugs". Each of these works highlights the students' ability to take ownership of their ideas and bring them to life through publication.
For Olivia Volland, the experience was both demanding and transformative. “It was a labor-intensive process to research and assemble all the necessary information, but I had great support along the way,” she shared. “I spent about 15 to 20 hours a week writing each chapter, but it ended up being one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had.” She also noted that the experience shaped her future career goals. “Everything I learned while writing this book sparked my passion for pharmacy instead.”
The growing list of student authors also includes many alumni and current students who have pursued publication alongside their academic work. Past authors include Katrina Zearley, Ileana Bustamante, Aileen Munoz, Baden Cruickshank, Nanase Toda, Teresa Noll, Ines Studer, Brianna Hunt, Lauren Thompson, Jason Canizales, Bridie Li, James B. Froio, Jack Hooker, Caitlin Mansfield, Alanis Dilic, Rishi Chunduru, Maryam Al Mohammed, and Joseph Hooker among many others.
Benjamin Ho
Beyond publication itself, the course emphasizes the importance of storytelling, critical thinking, and effective communication in healthcare. By encouraging students to share their perspectives and experiences, PCOL 305 helps build confidence and fosters a sense of accomplishment that extends beyond the classroom.
Benjamin Ho described the creative challenges of the process, particularly when blending history with storytelling. “Writing and publishing 'Forbidden Blossom' was both rewarding and creatively draining,” he said. “I spent a lot of time researching and shaping a story that felt authentic, especially when trying to capture emotion through subtlety and unspoken details.” Despite the challenges, he emphasized the growth that came with the experience. “The course taught me valuable skills in structuring a manuscript and organizing my writing, and I’m proud of the final product and the growth that came with it.”
Taylor O’Brien
Similarly, Taylor O’Brien reflected on how the experience pushed her beyond her comfort zone. "Writing and publishing 'Going Under: The History of Anesthesia' is something I never thought I would have the opportunity to do,” she shared. “It challenged me in new ways and turned something that once felt intimidating into something I am proud of.”
As Schnellmann further noted, “This course allows us to shape graduates who not only extend their education in meaningful ways, but redefine the standards for graduate school and professional program applicants. They are highly desirable and exceptionally well prepared.”
Through this experience, students not only gain authorship credentials but also develop the ability to communicate complex ideas in ways that resonate with patients, professionals, and the broader community. As the number of published student authors continues to grow, PCOL 305 remains a powerful example of how innovative coursework can shape the future of pharmacy education.
Learn more about PCOL 305 and all the other classes available on the undergraduate course descriptions page.