A pharmacy student at Robert Gordon University (RGU) has spoken of her honour at being appointed to a key role in a national pharmaceutical body.
Mara Gilchrist, a third year student at the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences has been elected as Education Development Officer on the British Pharmaceutical Students’ Association (BPSA) Executive.
The BPSA is the national body that represents the interests of pharmacy students and pre-registration trainee pharmacists across the UK. As the official student organisation of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society (RPS), it exists to represent, educate and entertain its members.
Mara has represented the organisation over the past year as its Northern Area Coordinator, arranging two conferences and leading a team of representatives across four universities – RGU, Durham University, the University of Sunderland and the University of Strathclyde.
She will take up her new role as part of the national Executive in July, following an election that took place at the BPSA Annual Conference in Durham last month.
Mara said: “I am very excited for this opportunity and am really grateful to the BPSA for all the opportunities I have been given so far. I look forward to another year of educating, entertaining and representing pharmacy students.”
As Education Development Officer, Mara will be responsible for managing the organisation’s Professional Development Scheme, alongside working with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society to develop their joint Pre-Foundation programme.
Speaking on her new role, Mara said: “My aim for the next year is to support our students and help them develop their skills outside of the university setting. I look forward to working with a great team of Executive members to engage with our members across the country.”
Mara will join recent RGU alumna Bryony Drummond as part of the 2017-18 Executive. Bryony – who graduated last year – was elected as the BPSA Treasurer.
Professor Donald Cairns, Head of the School of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, said: “All of us in the school are incredibly proud of Mara and Bryony and would like to wish them both luck as they take on these new roles.
“Each role involves significant contribution to this vital national organisation and it is highly pleasing to see a current student and recent graduate represent RGU at such a level.”