KINGSTON, R.I. — Nov. 22, 2024 — High school students with an interest in a career in pharmacy joined their teachers for a tour Avedisian Hall, home of the University of Rhode Island College of Pharmacy, and interacted with faculty members and URI students about the college and the pharmacy profession in general, during the college’s semiannual Exploration Day on Nov. 22.

Students from throughout Rhode Island—including a number of students in South Kingstown High School’s pharmacy technician program—visited to learn more about the role of a pharmacist, the opportunities available to them at URI, and the information they need to apply to URI.

Students broke into groups to tour the building and watch demonstrations by faculty members and students. Youngken Medicinal Garden Coordinator Elizabeth Liebovitz gave a presentation on the use of plants and herbs in medicine; simulation lab co-director Amanda Chichester demonstrated the use of life-like mannequins in the Patient Simulation Laboratory; URI students taught their high school counterparts how to make capsules in the college’s compounding lab; and professors and students demonstrated the use of epipens.

Exploration Day aims to give students the opportunity to:

• Learn the role of pharmacists and pharmaceutical scientists.
• Explore research opportunities.
• Participate in health and wellness activities.
• Tour the pharmacy building and medicinal garden.
• Experience the College’s simulation lab.

“It’s a great opportunity to showcase our programs and introduce pharmacy to high school students in our state,” said Clinical Professor Erica Estus, who organized the event. “It gives our students a chance to talk directly to potential URI students, and show them the high-tech equipment and all the advantages they’ll have in their career when they choose to come to school here.”