PharmD Student Spotlight: Lakin Gardner
Lakin Gardner is a recent graduate of the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy whose leadership has centered on expanding access to healthcare through community outreach, interdisciplinary collaboration, and advocacy. Through the Area Health Education Center (AHEC) Scholars Program and her role as APhA-ASP Vice President of Patient Care, she helped coordinate and expand health fairs across Tucson and rural Southern Arizona, connecting underserved communities with preventive screenings, medication education, wellness resources, and interdisciplinary healthcare services. Her efforts also focused on developing partnerships with organizations including Arizona Poison Control, United Way, the University of Arizona College of Medicine Commitment to Underserved People (CUP) Program, and AHCCCS representatives to broaden the impact of these initiatives.
Beyond direct patient care outreach, Gardner served in leadership roles within the interprofessional Advocacy and Policy Club, where she collaborated with students across healthcare disciplines to promote conversations surrounding healthcare policy, advocacy, and community engagement. She has also been involved in sustainability initiatives through the Carnegie Sustainability Classification Advisory Team and research evaluating opportunities to reduce environmental waste in healthcare systems. Gardner credits much of her growth to the mentors, peers, and community leaders who continuously challenged and inspired her to pursue opportunities she once thought were beyond her abilities. She plans to continue her postgraduate training as a PGY1 pharmacy resident at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.
Recently, Gardner received the Student Leadership Award from the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP). Only twelve outstanding student pharmacists were recognized throughout the country in its 2025-2026 awards cycle. The ASHP Student Leadership Award Program recognizes and celebrates the outstanding leadership contributions of student pharmacists who represent the very best attributes and accomplishments of ASHP student members. "Receiving the ASHP Student Leadership Award is truly such an honor, and one that reflects the incredible mentors, peers, faculty, and communities who have supported me throughout pharmacy school," said Gardner. "Some of the most meaningful experiences of my education have come through serving others alongside passionate, inspiring people. This award represents far more than individual achievement to me; it reflects the power of collaboration, service, and the impact healthcare professionals can make when they work together to improve their communities."
It's clear from her nomination materials that Gardner is a natural leader and extends beyond the classroom and individual organizations. Her quiet confidence, clinical excellence, and genuine passion for patient care distinguish her among her peers. Mentors at University of Arizona and Banner University Medical Center Tucson describe her as one of the most exceptional learners they have worked with, noting her ability to lead complex projects with minimal oversight. From directing a sustainability-focused emergency medicine research initiative to completing a critical medication-safety project ahead of schedule, she has consistently demonstrated initiative, independence, and innovation. Her commitment to advancing health-systems pharmacy is further reflected in her active pursuit of professional leadership opportunities, including attendance at the ASHP Pharmacy Futures Conference, where she engaged with national conversations shaping the future of pharmacy practice.
Her nominator, Christopher Edwards, PharmD, said "Lakin is an exceptional student. She has a humble leadership style, genuine interest in acute care pharmacy practice, and ability to motivate her fellow students toward a shared goal. In addition to holding numerous leadership roles in various organizations, her research group was able to complete a complex retrospective clinical study and submit a manuscript prior to their graduation date. She is very deserving of this recognition and I look forward to seeing what she does with her promising career!"
Q & A
What inspired you to pursue a career in pharmacy?
- My interest in pharmacy was inspired by my family. Watching my grandmother navigate diabetes allowed me to see firsthand the impact a pharmacist can have on a patient's health and quality of life. I was also inspired by my aunt, whose dedication to caring for others showed me the difference healthcare professionals can make in their communities. Interestingly, I began college pursuing aerospace engineering with hopes of working for NASA. While I found the field fascinating, I realized I was most fulfilled by opportunities to directly help people. Pharmacy offered a unique combination of science, problem-solving, and patient care that aligned with both my interests and strengths, making it the perfect fit.
Can you describe a particular project or research you’ve worked on that you found especially rewarding?
- One of the most rewarding projects I worked on was an emergency medicine research study evaluating the impact of oral versus intravenous antibiotics for uncomplicated urinary tract infections. Our research demonstrated that using appropriate oral therapy could reduce emergency department length of stay by more than 100 minutes while also significantly decreasing plastic waste associated with intravenous medications. This project combined two areas I am passionate about: improving patient care and promoting sustainability in healthcare. It reinforced the idea that small, evidence-based changes can have meaningful impacts on patients, healthcare systems, and the environment.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a professor or mentor?
- The most valuable lesson I have learned is the importance of relationships. Whether with patients, colleagues, mentors, or family, genuinely caring about the people around you creates opportunities to make a greater impact than you could alone. The support, encouragement, and guidance I have received from others have challenged me to pursue opportunities I never thought possible. I have also learned the importance of keeping patients at the center of every decision and approaching challenges with humility, resilience, and empathy.
What’s one misconception about pharmacists that you wish more people understood?
- I wish more people understood the depth of pharmacists' training and the breadth of our expertise. Pharmacists are highly trained clinical medication experts who contribute far beyond dispensing medications. As healthcare becomes increasingly complex, pharmacists play a critical role in optimizing medication therapy, improving patient outcomes, and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. Greater awareness of the pharmacist's scope and value can help healthcare systems better utilize pharmacists to improve patient care.
What advice would you give to someone just starting out in pharmacy school?
- Be a sponge. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn from your classmates, mentors, preceptors, and patients. Get involved in professional organizations, research, service projects, and community outreach experiences that help you grow both personally and professionally. At the same time, remember to invest in your life outside of pharmacy. Maintaining your hobbies, relationships, and support system is essential for long-term success and well-being. Some of the most important lessons you learn in pharmacy school happen outside the classroom.