BSPS Student Spotlight: Molly Makori

Jan. 23, 2025
Molly Makori

Degree: 
Bachelor of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences

Molly is a third-year pharmaceutical sciences student with a minor in biochemistry. She currently works at the Functional Genomics Core Lab as a student researcher and as a student assistant for Arizona’s Science, Engineering, and Math Scholars Program (ASEMS). Molly aspires to have a career that contributes to the advancement of autoimmune disease therapeutics and research. Outside of school and work, she loves hiking, being outdoors, attending concerts, exploring new places, and trying new things. A fun fact about Molly is she was born and raised in Kenya.

Q & A

What area of pharmaceutical sciences are you most interested in, and why?
  • I’m most interested in autoimmune disease therapeutics because it’s one of the few ways to significantly improve the quality of life for people living with these conditions. Since autoimmune diseases are incurable (for now), contributing to research that has the potential to transform lives is incredibly fulfilling.
     
Which course or subject has been the most challenging for you, and how did you overcome it?
  • Human Anatomy and Physiology (PSIO 201/202) was the most challenging course for me due to the sheer volume of content we covered. While I found the material fascinating, it required a significant amount of time and energy to master. To overcome this, I stayed disciplined with my schedule, dedicating focused study sessions to the material. I also made the most of the daily office hours, where I could ask questions and engage more deeply with the content.
     
What’s your dream job, and what makes it so appealing?
  • My dream job is one where I can actively contribute to advancing autoimmune disease therapeutics and research. I find it appealing because it combines my passion for science with the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.
     
What’s one study habit or routine that has been essential to your success?
  • Scheduling and planning out my days has been essential to my success. Google Calendar has become my go-to tool for keeping track of exams, assignments, and commitments. I also create weekly to-do lists, which help me stay on top of my tasks and prioritize effectively.
     
What’s your favorite spot on campus to relax or study?
  • The Health Sciences and Innovation Building is my favorite spot to study. It’s not only a great place to focus but also absolutely breathtaking during sunset, with the view of the Tucson mountains in the background.
     
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received from a professor or mentor?
  • One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is, “Don’t let the time it will take to achieve something stop you from pursuing it. The time will pass anyway, so you might as well use it to chase your goals.” This advice has encouraged me to be bold in pursuing my passions and to focus on the bigger picture, even when the journey feels long.