Shenoy applies KU Pharm.D. at Rutgers Fellowship

Mira Shenoy is one of two KU Pharmacy grads participating in the prestigious Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program. She shares her experience as a Fellow and her perspectives of how the KU School of Pharmacy was essential in preparing her for career success.

Where has your Pharm.D. taken you since graduating in May 2024?
I am a second-year fellow in the Rutgers Pharmaceutical Industry Fellowship Program. My position is unique as I'm afforded the opportunity to work with both the Solid Tumor U.S. Medical Network and Medical Science Liaison teams.

What do you like most about your position?
What I enjoy most is staying close to the science and contributing to work that moves the needle forward for patients. I appreciate the challenge of thinking strategically about evidence generation and applying medical tactics that help advance research and development.

How has your KU Pharm.D. helped prepare you for your pharmacy career?
The KU School of Pharmacy provided a strong clinical foundation through its rigorous coursework and robust clinical experiences. This training was essential for my professional development and gave me the perspective to bring the patient's voice and real-world clinical insights into the corporate pharmaceutical industry. It truly set me up for success in my career.

Would you recommend current KU students applying for the Rutgers Fellowship?
It has been an incredible experience. I would highly recommend it to any student interested in a career that is fast-paced, strategic and allows you to stay close to the science. The program provides unparalleled exposure to the industry.

We sometimes hear from prospective students that they think the only thing you can do with a Pharm.D. degree is dispense meds at a big box retail store. From your perspective, could you address the variety of options a Pharm.D. degree affords a graduate and why it’s a desirable career to pursue?
There is a tremendous amount of variety and opportunity available with a Pharm.D. degree that goes far beyond dispensing. My advice is to network, explore and talk to people in different fields like the pharmaceutical industry, consulting and beyond. It’s a desirable career because there is so much room for development. You can move between different functional areas—from benchside research to marketing, medical affairs, commercial, or clinical science. Opportunities for growth are everywhere, and you get to wear many different hats. The work is very strategic, and no two days or projects are the same. Interfacing with so many different professionals to advance drug development is something I'm very passionate about.

Anything else you’d like to share about your career so far and your time at the KU School of Pharmacy?
My time at the KU School of Pharmacy was foundational, not just for the knowledge I gained, but for the connections I made and the mindset it instilled. My career so far has been a testament to the versatility of a Pharm.D., and I'm excited to see where it takes me next. Rock Chalk!