At the UW School of Pharmacy, excellence takes many forms. We celebrate not only academic success and groundbreaking research, but also the passion, initiative, and innovation our students bring to every challenge. This month, we’re proud to honor six exceptional students who embody the very best of our community through their creativity, leadership, and dedication to making a difference.
HUI-HSUAN CHAN – 2025 MAGNUSON SCHOLAR
CHOICE PhD student Hui-Hsuan Chan was selected as the School’s 2025 Magnuson Scholar—an honor presented annually to one student from each of UW’s six Health Sciences schools. Funded by the Warren G. Magnuson Institute, the award recognizes both academic achievement and the potential for impactful research in fields like diabetes and public health.
“I’m honored to be selected as a 2025 Magnuson Scholar representing the School of Pharmacy,” Hui-Hsuan said. “This award provides generous support for my continued research into improving healthcare sustainability and managing high-cost chronic conditions like diabetes. I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, lasting impact.”
ZIZI ELSISI – OUTSTANDING DISSERTATION AWARD
Zizi Elsisi, a PhD graduate of the CHOICE Institute, was honored with the 2025 Outstanding Dissertation Award for her rigorous and timely work on subscription-based payment models for Hepatitis C treatment in Louisiana and Washington.
“It’s an incredible honor to receive the Outstanding Dissertation Award for my research on subscription-based payment models for hepatitis C treatment in Louisiana and Washington,” Zizi said. “This work highlights how innovative financing strategies can improve access to cure medications for vulnerable populations. I’m proud to contribute to research that bridges policy and real-world impact. I’m especially grateful to my advisor, Dr. Anirban Basu, and the CHOICE Institute for their invaluable mentorship and support throughout this journey.”
CHRIS ARIAN – OUTSTANDING DISSERTATION AWARD
Chris Arian, from the Department of Pharmaceutics, also received the 2025 Outstanding Dissertation Award for his development of an intestinal microphysiological system (MPS) using a long-term cultured enteroid monolayer model. His innovative research is poised to significantly advance the field of drug metabolism and drug–drug interaction (DDI) prediction.
“It is an incredible honor to receive the School of Pharmacy’s Outstanding Dissertation Award,” said Chris. “Achieving this award would not have been possible without the support of my mentors, Dr. Ken Thummel and Dr. Ed Kelly, my partner Marelle for her encouragement and presence in my life, and my lab mates for their friendship and scientific discussions.”
AURORA AUTHEMENT – GRADUATE STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD (PHARMACEUTICS)
PhD candidate Aurora Authement was recognized with the School’s 2025 Graduate Student Leadership Award for her outstanding contributions to the Pharmaceutics Department and her mentorship within the student community.
“I’m honored to receive the Graduate Student Leadership Award,” said Aurora. “This recognition affirms the importance of fostering an inclusive, collaborative scientific community, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the growth and success of my peers. I’m also deeply thankful to my mentors, including Ken Thummel and Nina Isoherranen, whose guidance and support have been instrumental in shaping my development as a leader.”
ALESI ESCOBEDO – GRADUATE STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD (MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY)
Medicinal Chemistry PhD candidate Alesi Escobedo was selected for the 2025 Graduate Student Leadership Award in recognition of her exceptional service, mentorship, and positive impact across the department.
“I’m truly honored to receive this award,” said Alesi. “It’s been a privilege to contribute to our department and support the next generation of scientists coming up behind me. Receiving this recognition reinforces my belief that a supportive community empowers us all to grow and succeed together.”
TORI DAYER – GRADUATE STUDENT LEADERSHIP AWARD (CHOICE)
Tori Dayer, PharmD and current PhD student at the CHOICE Institute, received the 2025 Graduate Student Leadership Award for her lasting impact on the program and her peers.
“Being part of the CHOICE and School of Pharmacy community has continually inspired me to grow and collaborate,” Tori said. “I am very honored to receive this award and to have had the opportunity to contribute to such a wonderful community!”
These students represent the best of what our School stands for: academic excellence, leadership, and a deep commitment to improving healthcare for all. Please join us in congratulating Hui-Hsuan, Zizi, Chris, Aurora, Alesi, and Tori on their outstanding accomplishments. Their work is shaping the future of pharmacy and public health—and we couldn’t be prouder.