Nominations for the Student Leadership Spotlight will re-open early September 2025. The link will be shared on the UBC Pharmacy Facebook Hub as well as via email if you are a PLS member. For more information regarding PLS, please contact ubc.philambdasigma@gmail.com
Featured leaders are solely selected by UBC PLS and the BCPhA Student Ambassadors following self or peer nomination. BCPhA is not involved in selecting candidates featured in our Leadership Spotlights but has generously agreed to sponsor this initiative to recognize and reward student leaders for their outstanding contributions to the pharmacy community.
Serine George
Instagram: @serinegeorge
Serine exemplifies dedication and leadership within the pharmacy profession, actively engaging in various extracurricular initiatives aimed at promoting its advancement.
As a key member of the marketing team for the Pharmacy Women’s Health Club, she emphasized women’s healthcare in the club’s inaugural year. In her role as Fundraising Officer for LKS, she organized successful fundraising events, and she has also contributed to social pharmacy events through the PhUS Social Committee.
Her summer research project focused on analyzing inhaler weights to reduce waste and improve patient usage, with the program currently piloted in clinics across the Lower Mainland.
Looking ahead, Serine is determined to continue her involvement in leadership opportunities within the pharmacy sector. She aspires to network with fellow pharmacy leaders through the Pharmacy Leadership Society (PLS) and to advance the profession through her commitment to kindness and collaboration.
Jeevan Gill
Instagram: @jeevan__gill
Jeevan has demonstrated strong leadership throughout her time in pharmacy school. Starting as the First-Year Representative for the Canadian Association of Pharmacy Students and Interns (CAPSI), she quickly became a passionate advocate for the profession.
She was later elected as the Junior and now Senior Representative for CAPSI UBC, inspiring her peers and playing a key role in organizing this year’s CAPSI competitions and hosting weekly meetings.
Her dedication extends beyond CAPSI, as she was elected the Pharmacy Undergraduate Society’s Second-Year Representative for the Class of 2026.
Jeevan’s passion for pharmacy shines through her work, including her impactful role as Pharmacy Appreciation Month Co-Chair in 2024, where she contributed to promoting the profession through innovative events and initiatives. Her ability to motivate and support others has left a lasting impression on her peers.
Looking ahead, Jeevan plans to continue her advocacy and leadership as a pharmacist in the Okanagan.
Meghan MacLaren
Instagram: @meghan.maclaren
During Meghan’s time in the UBC PharmD Program, she has developed a passion for leadership, professional development, and contributing to the pharmacy community.
As the current president of the Delta Gamma Chapter of Rho Chi, she has helped plan events like senior outreach and fundraising for BC Children’s Hospital. She has also represented Phi Lambda Sigma at UBC Clubs Night and first-year orientation. She was previously a member of the PhUS council for two years and helped plan first-year orientation to foster a sense of belonging for incoming pharmacy students.
Her research experience in antimicrobial stewardship was awarded with the CSHP-BC Branch Pharmacy Practice Poster Award.
Finally, she was given the opportunity to represent UBC at CAPSI Professional Development Week in Halifax, where she won the national Patient Interview Contest. Meghan looks forward to carrying her leadership experience into future research projects which bring positive changes to the pharmacy community.
Sunny Qin
Instagram: @sunny.qn
Sunny Qin is the President of UBC’s Pharmacy Leadership Honours Society, Phi Lambda Sigma, where she leads a team committed to developing the next generation of pharmacy leaders through impactful events and mentorship initiatives. These include the annual leadership conference and various workshops aimed at enhancing pharmacy students' leadership skills.
She also serves as Vice President of Rho Chi, an academic honours society, where she contributes to organizing academic support initiatives such as mock OSCEs, Rho Chi Pi Day, and journal clubs, all designed to promote student learning and professional growth.
Sunny's dedication to pharmacy education is demonstrated in her work creating pharmacist facilitator training programs, enhancing curricula, and developing educational resources to bridge learning gaps.
Looking ahead, she aims to continue driving meaningful change by developing innovative learning strategies, strengthening leadership opportunities, and advocating for student-centered education that ultimately improves patient care.
Carmela Sangalang
Instagram: @s_caramels
Carmela is a dedicated leader who makes meaningful connections across the pharmacy profession. In her role as LKS co-president, she leads and builds a strong sense of community by motivating members, recognizing their contributions, and addressing any concerns.
As the PhUS VP Internal, she facilitates room bookings, student fundings, maintaining the student lounge, planning Club’s Night and more. As this year’s PLS VP Events, she plans events that contribute to student growth such as Skills for Success Workshops and the PLS Leadership Conference.
As a LEAP student, her project encourages students to be active, reduce stress and increase confidence. Furthermore, she is also involved in student-led Parkinson’s Disease support groups that increase patient education on medication management.
Lastly, her clinical research focuses on addressing shared-decision making and antimicrobial stewardship. Her future plans involve continuing to advocate for student success and wellness, as well as fostering an empowering environment.
David Wang
Instagram: @davidwaang
David Wang exemplifies exceptional leadership in the UBC Pharmacy community, driven by his passion for teamwork, synergy, and fostering a vibrant culture.
As President of the UBC Pharmacy Undergraduate Society (PhUS), he advocates for student concerns, chairs council meetings, and represents students in external associations, promoting inclusivity and collaboration. His role on the AMS Presidential Council further amplifies pharmacy students’ voices university-wide.
David’s leadership journey began as First Year Representative, bridging gaps between students and faculty. As VP Finance, he managed a $100,000 budget and co-led the Sponsorship Committee, securing crucial support for PhUS initiatives. 4
Active in Lambda Kappa Sigma, Phi Lambda Sigma, and PITECH, David continuously broadens his impact. Currently, he is leading a passion project to provide free backpacks to PharmD students, enhancing the student experience and fostering a stronger sense of community within the program.