If you ask Stephanie Arnett, PharmD, about her passions, you might expect her answer to include something about helping others. You’d be right, but maybe not necessarily in the ways you’d expect. A pharmacist turned academic career professional and mentor, Dr. Arnett dedicates her time to guiding Purdue Pharmacy students as their small steps culminate with next giant leaps into their careers. Originally from Illinois, Dr. Arnett’s career journey began in Kentucky, where she made a profound impact on rural communities with her focus on caring for diabetic patients. As her career evolved, she transitioned into management in retail pharmacy, honing her leadership and mentorship skills—skills that would become the foundation for her next chapter. Today, Dr. Arnett serves as the Director of Student Career Development and Engagement at the Purdue College of Pharmacy. In this role, she does more than just guide students toward career success—she helps them uncover their “why,” encouraging them to explore their passions and preparing them for a future of meaningful impact. Don’t miss this episode of Living the Pharm Life, where Dr. Arnett opens up about her journey, her passion for people, and how she’s empowering the next generation of pharmacy professionals.

Throughout this episode of Living the Pharm Life, listeners get a clear picture of what sets Purdue’s pharmacy program apart—its close-knit environment, affordability, and student-centered approach. Maggie Rose, a third-year professional student and President of the Purdue Pharmacy Ambassadors, along with Steve Myszak, Assistant Dean for Student Affairs at Purdue’s College of Pharmacy each offer valuable advice for prospective students navigating the college selection process, encouraging them to look beyond rankings and focus on fit and support. The conversation focuses on the strong sense of community within the College of Pharmacy, often affectionately referred to as the “Pharmily.” Maggie and Mr. Myszak discuss how the Office of Student Services functions as a central hub, offering academic guidance, emotional support, and personal development resources. These services help students manage the pressures of pharmacy school while feeling connected and supported. Maggie also highlights her leadership role in the Pharmacy Ambassadors and how it has helped her grow both personally and professionally through mentorship, outreach, and community engagement.  Whether you're a prospective student or already deep into your pharmacy journey, this conversation is full of helpful insights and encouragement for making the most of the Purdue experience.

In this episode of Living the Pharm Life, guest host Claire Reyes, a fourth year professional student in the Purdue College of Pharmacy, sits down with one of the pharmacy world’s rising stars — Dr. Libby Shelton. Recognized as one of the Pharmacy Podcast Network’s 50 Most Influential Leaders of 2023, Libby shares her inspiring journey from first-generation college student to founder of the influential educational platform, Learn with Libby. Listeners will hear how her early passion for pharmacy and decision to attend Purdue helped shape her personal and professional growth. Libby opens up about the challenges and triumphs of navigating college life, the importance of mentorship, and how she turned personal obstacles into a resource that now supports students across the country. The conversation explores the evolution of Learn with Libby, from its humble beginnings as study guides and social media posts to its current state as a thriving community for academic and professional development. Claire and Libby also reflect on their shared experiences as pharmacy students, offering a unique and heartfelt perspective on resilience and self-discovery. The episode wraps with advice for aspiring pharmacy students, insights into Libby’s pharmacy industry career, and a few fun behind-the-scenes moments — including Libby’s early pitch for a college-level podcast that helped inspire this very show. Whether you’re a current student, a health care professional, or simply someone looking for motivation, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical wisdom, and genuine enthusiasm for shaping the future of pharmacy.

Emme Langefeld, a second-year pre-professional pharmacy student at Purdue and proud member of the Purduettes, shares her experience landing in one of the nation’s top pharmacy programs while continuing to pursue her passion for performance. Emme talks about balancing the rigor of her academic journey with the challenges of applying to the PharmD program—all while navigating life as an out-of-state student from Illinois. She discovered her love for singing back in middle school and has carried that creative passion with her to college. She reflects on how the discipline, teamwork, and confidence she’s developed through music have helped her thrive in the classroom. Emme also offers practical advice for students trying to stay involved on campus without falling behind academically. From insights on the pharmacy application process to favorite musical memories, Emme’s story is a shining example of how Boilermakers make the most of their time at Purdue—both academically and personally.

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through Season Two of Living the Pharm Life! The time has flown by, and we are incredibly grateful for our listeners. You have encouraged us to keep producing standout episodes with guests whose stories inspire others to dare to dream—after all, that’s what living the Purdue pharm life is all about. This season also marks a transition. Inaugural host Isabella Tobin is heading into her fourth professional year, which means embarking on a series of rotations around Indiana and beyond. Isabella took the small idea of a podcast and elevated it to something impactful and lasting. She laid the foundation with true Boilermaker perseverance, and we can’t thank her enough for her creativity and dedication to the project. She now passes the baton to Alex McQuade, a third-year PharmD student from Pennsylvania. Alex brings enthusiasm and a fresh perspective to the podcast. His curiosity and drive to explore the pharmacy profession while telling impactful stories make him the perfect voice to carry the podcast forward. Tune in as Isabella and Alex talk transitions and what Living the Pharm Life means to them both.

Talk about taking giant leaps! Warren Moore embodies the Boilermaker spirit every single day. A 2002 PharmD graduate from Purdue’s College of Pharmacy, Warren brought the lessons he learned as both a pharmacy student and a Division I college football player into every chapter of his career. In this episode, he reflects on his decision to attend Purdue, showing up as a freshman for football camp, finding his stride as a pharmacy student, and culminating his college career playing in the legendary Rose Bowl. Balancing classes and football wasn’t easy, but it helped him build the discipline and grit that continue to shape his leadership style. Additionally, Warren shares practical advice for students—like successful time management, ways to stay motivated, and how to continuously adapt in a fast-changing field like pharmacy. He also dives into his impressive career journey at Walmart, from working in-store to taking on executive leadership roles. As the former VP of Social Determinants of Health Actions, he focused on making healthcare more equitable. Now, as VP of Dedicated Delivery, he’s taken a bold pivot from traditional pharmacy to lead innovation—using tech and data to improve how Walmart serves people every day.

From a young age, Lisa Taylor (PharmD 2004) knew she was destined for serving in the world of medicine. She hails from a family of healthcare providers—her dad a dentist, her mom a pharmacist, and most of her extended family in some form of medicine.  As a lover of science with a passion for serving others, the medical field just made sense. But with little desire to handle blood on a daily basis, pharmacy was the perfect fit. With several Boilermakers in the family, Lisa says Purdue’s PharmD program was the obvious choice. Now a compounding pharmacist, Lisa spends her days helping improve the health and lives of the people—and pets—in her community and beyond. Want to hear more about Lisa’s journey and how she’s helping shape healthier futures? Check out her episode on Living the Pharm Life.

Brooke Patterson has made a few stops in her career—from serving the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to work in HIV/AIDS, and now focusing on oncology—it was her parents’ battles with cancer that made her current work deeply personal. In this episode of Living the Pharm Life, hear from a highly motivated Purdue College of Pharmacy alumna who is currently leading the Lymphoma & Myeloid Therapeutic Area at Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine. Hailing from Iowa City, Brooke’s decision to study pharmacy was heavily influenced by her mother’s dedication to giving back to others—a value she has carried with her throughout her life. Brooke’s journey led her to Purdue. Now, as a leader in oncology at Johnson & Johnson, Brooke heads a diverse team committed to making giant leaps every day in the fight against cancer. In this episode, Brooke opens up about her role in the oncology space, the future of pharmacy, her commitment to health equity, and the profound difference she is making in the world of healthcare. Tune in to hear her incredible passion for innovation and patient care!

A teenage Leslie Leins growing up in small-town Illinois needed a summer job. Her priorities were simple: Air conditioning and a paycheck. She never dreamed her role at an independent pharmacy would set her on a path that would shape her entire career. Not only did that summer experience help Leslie realize a pharmacy career perfectly combined her love of math and science with the opportunity to help others, but she met Purdue Pharmacy alumni who piqued her interest in the college. In this episode of Living the Pharm Life, Leslie reflects on her journey from summer job to fast-paced and fulfilling ER pharmacy career. But that’s not all. Leslie has also built a social media following with her educational videos about the world of emergency department pharmacy. Don’t miss this dynamic discussion!

Dr. John Allen, the new Marvin and Melanie Richardson Department Head of Pharmacy Practice, came to Purdue with three things at the top of mind: academic excellence, research innovation, and community. Dr. Allen comes to Purdue following a decorated tenures in academia and industry, with a clear vision for leading Pharmacy Practice into the future and training the next generation of pharmacy clinicians. In this episode of Living the Pharm Life, he discusses the importance of preparing students to be able to handle anything that comes their way over the course of an entire 40-50-year pharmacy career. Pharmacy is a continuously evolving field that stands to change immensely in the near-term as new technologies come online and the use of artificial intelligence grows. Listen in as Dr. Allen and podcast host, Isabella Tobin, discuss the ways Purdue prepares students to be leaders decades later with the skills they learn today.

The Oath of a Pharmacist is not just a ceremonial statement, but a cornerstone of professional ethics and responsibility in the field of pharmacy. It has long served as a powerful symbol of the pharmacist's unwavering dedication to both their patients and the integrity of the profession itself. In this insightful episode of Living the Pharm Life, Dr. Patti Darbishire, executive associate dean of Purdue Pharmacy, and Dr. Chelsea Baker, clinical associate professor of pharmacy practice and clinical pharmacist with Purdue’s Center for Healthy Living, come together to explore the deep significance of the Oath of a Pharmacist. They take a closer look at what the oath truly means and how it should drive pharmacist conduct. They explain the oath’s rich history and evolution over time, as well as its impact on the profession as we know it today. Through their discussion, they offer a comprehensive understanding of why the oath remains such an essential aspect of a pharmacist’s journey. As they delve into the oath’s role in the present day, they emphasize why it is more important than ever for the future of the pharmacy profession. The Oath of a Pharmacist serves as a constant reminder that, above all, their duty is to put patient welfare at the heart of everything they do. Read the Oath of a Pharmacist on the American Pharmacist Association's website at https://www.pharmacist.com/About/Oath-of-a-Pharmacist

Every Purdue College of Pharmacy student deserves a seat at the table. On this incredibly impactful episode of Living the Pharm Life, Marie Martin-Murphy, Director of Educational Opportunities and Student Success, and Claire Reyes, President of the Student Diversity Council, talk about championing the space where every student is welcome and every voice is heard.   The College of Pharmacy is staying true to Purdue’s Land Grant Mission of learning, discovery and engagement by making sure each student has the resources to thrive academically, socially, and beyond.   Marie, a native of the Bahamas born to Haitian imigrant parents, discusses her own rich cultural experiences and how they’ve shaped her passion for providing the many student success resources available within the college.   In parallel, Claire, a Filipina PharmD student hailing from southern Indiana, talks about why inclusion matters to her and highlights the work of the Pharmacy Student Diversity Council. She shares how students can and do play active roles in ensuring that everyone has a seat at the table.

On this episode of Living the Pharm Life, Purdue’s Vice President for Health Affairs and Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy Eric Barker, Purdue University’s One Health pillar.   This initiative, which takes an all-in approach to health, facilitates collaboration among plant, animal, human and environmental disciplines. As Indiana’s land-grant university, Purdue is uniquely positioned to lead the charge in this space.   Listen as Barker explains One Health and the profound impact it will have on improving health outcomes globally. He also discusses what the initiative means for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and friends.   For more than 140 years, the College of Pharmacy has been dedicated to building future healthcare leaders. As One Health develops, the collaboration with other health disciplines across Purdue’s campus offers a promising future for our students in terms of research, education and career options.   Listen as Barker explains Purdue’s next giant leap!

On this episode of Living the Pharm Life, two Purdue Pharmacy students on very different educational paths discuss how their shared love for music offers a creative outlet and compliments their studies.   Felicia Onawola, a junior majoring in pharmaceutical sciences, and Arianna Dollinger, a fourth-year professional student, both play the violin for Purdue Orchestras. Each started playing at the age of five and both have found unique synergies between the puzzles of pharmaceutical research and patient care and the determination it takes to play a difficult piece on the violin.   Podcast host Isabella Tobin leads the discussion from a unique vantage point as a flute player in Purdue Bands.   Be sure to stay until the end for a special surprise as the trio plays a Purdue favorite.

On this episode of Living the Pharm Life, Dr. Kara Weatherman discusses nuclear pharmacy—a lesser-known pharmaceutical sector that has endless potential in saving and improving lives. The Purdue College of Pharmacy is home to the oldest and largest radiopharmaceutical program in the country—and that hasn’t happened by accident.   Listen in as Dr. Weatherman, the current driving force behind Purdue’s radiopharmaceuticals programs, takes you on a journey of nuclear pharmacy’s evolution, the growth and history of Purdue’s storied program, and what the future holds for this extremely exciting new area of diagnostics and therapeutics.   Indianapolis is an ever-growing hub of radiopharmaceutical research and manufacturing. With the launch of Purdue University in Indianapolis in July 2024, the natural progression is to expand Purdue’s presence in the radiopharmaceutical space with new radiopharmaceuticals manufacturing programs in Indianapolis.   You won’t want to miss this exciting episode!

From humble beginnings to pharmaceutical industry powerhouse, Rebecca Vermeulen takes each giant leap while staying true to her passion for empowerment. Entering her freshman year at Purdue, Vermeulen thought she wanted to work in community pharmacy. A summer internship helped her to quickly find her passion for patient advocacy and leadership. There was no turning back.   Early on in her professional career, Vermeulen quickly learned that if she wanted to be a leader who could impact change on many levels, she couldn’t try to copy anyone else’s leadership style. She had to do it her own way. Since then, she has been forging a path for women in leadership while staying true to her passion and purpose.

It started out simply: Jim and Jeannie Chaney met at a singles’ gathering—their shared passion for helping others sparking a connection. Decades later, the two share an unbelievable legacy of generosity and service.   Jeannie grew up in a house of pharmacists. Her father, a pharmacist and drug store owner, asked her to start helping in the store when she was 13. By the time Jeannie was a freshman in high school, she knew pharmacy was the career path for her. She toured several universities, eventually making Purdue her home. The rest is history.   Years later, on a trip with the Purdue President’s Council, Jeannie and Jim would meet Purdue’s then-First Lady Jane Beering. Their discussion ignited something in the Chaneys. Their generosity has made indelible marks across Purdue’s campus and beyond, and has changed the lives of many Purdue students and alumni.   But it hasn’t stopped there. The couple is excited about what they can do next to help change lives for the better—not only at Purdue but around the world. At the 7:13 and 9:51 marks, the Chaney-Hale Hall of Science is inadvertently referred to as the “Chaney-Hale building.” The Chaney-Hale Hall of Science is an interdisciplinary STEM teaching facility that opened in 2020. This state-of-the-art facility is home to 33 teaching laboratories and offers lab-of-the-future learning space, providing a flexible, highly visible, and technology-rich environment for students.

Dr. Rola Kaakeh took her first giant leap at the age of 10 when she started taking courses in Purdue’s College of Pharmacy. Coming from a house of academics, she was drawn to health care and found pharmacy was the perfect fit.   As she progressed through Purdue’s PharmD program, Kaakeh found she had interests in solving issues with access to medicine—something that affects many people worldwide. She has dedicated her career to understanding the breadth of pharmacy, including industry, research, community, policy and entrepreneurial consulting.   As she spent time in these different spaces, Dr. Kaakeh has not only contributed, but made it a point to listen intently and learn from others across health care teams. She continues to share her passion for helping others every day.   Dr. Kaakeh is the 2024 Eaton Entrepreneurial Award recipient. The award recognizes alumni of the college who have excelled in entrepreneurial activities throughout their career.

Sam King knew he wanted to study pharmacy—that was a given. What he didn’t know was the way the Purdue University College of Pharmacy would ignite his passion for research and shape his future plans.   Instead of taking the PharmD route, Sam decided to pursue a pharmaceutical sciences degree – a degree that prepares students to work in research environments within the areas of drug discovery, development, and commercialization.   Sam has taken advantage of a plethora of opportunities to advance his skills through research-based summer internships across the country and has been recognized by the National Institutes of Health for his work—a rare feat for an undergraduate. In this episode, he highlights his experiences and the ways Purdue Pharmacy is helping him prepare for his next giant leap.   Tune in to hear how Sam King is Living the Pharm Life.

Growing up in a family with a legacy in pharmacy and at Purdue, it was only natural for John Voliva to pursue the same path. Voliva’s great grandfather, John A. Hook, was the founder of Hook’s Drug Stores, an Indiana-based chain founded in 1900 that eventually spread throughout the Midwest. In addition to the family’s rich pharmacy history, Voliva’s grandfather, August F. “Bud” Hook, attended Purdue in the College of Pharmacy and was a student athlete, participating football, polo and swimming. When it was time for Voliva to decide where to pursue his degree in pharmacy, Purdue was a no-brainer. While at Purdue, he discovered his passion was compounding pharmacy. He worked in a variety of roles in the compounding space and even advocated for patient health at the federal level. As time went on, his Indiana roots called him back home. He and his sister own Hook’s Apothecary, a compounding pharmacy located in Evansville, Indiana. One part about Voliva that will never change is his passion for giving back, especially when it comes to Purdue. Each Purdue Day of Giving, he and his family are excited to help prepare students for the future, support initiatives within the College of Pharmacy and simply see the university rally around a central purpose. Join Voliva and countless others in the College of Pharmacy’s persistent pursuit of its next giant leap during Purdue Day of Giving on April 24,2024.