Academics

Program Goals

• Be a successful AAPS Student Chapter through continuing leadership and effective coordination.
• Enhance interaction and knowledge-sharing among members at the local, regional, and national levels through conventions, seminars, workshops, newsletters, and the chapter website.

Objectives

• Increase student participation in the activities of AAPS at the local, regional, and national levels.
• Spread awareness among the students about career opportunities in pharmaceutical sciences.
• Provide opportunities to students for professional advancement, networking, and leadership development.
• Increase awareness of the latest advances and discoveries.
• Foster participation in outreach activities that further the goals and objectives of the parent organization.
• Encourage interaction among the graduate students from universities under the “Southern Regional Discussion Group (SRDG).”

Eligibility

The AAPS-UM Student Chapter is made up of professional pharmacy students and graduates of varying disciplines who share an interest in pharmaceutical sciences and are in good standing as members of AAPS.

The Student Chapter:

• Conducts its activities in accordance with the bylaws of AAPS, the guidelines of the “Procedural Guide of Student Chapters of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists,” and subsequent rules and regulations.
• Conducts its activities so as to meet the objectives outlined in Section 2 of this proposal.
• Elects AAPS-UM student executive committee and submits annual reports on the activities and finances of the student chapter to the faculty representative.

Membership

Professional pharmacy students, graduate and post-doctoral students of UM are encouraged to join this student chapter.

Organization

Officers: Officers are elected to fill the positions outlined in the “Procedural Guide of Student Chapters of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.” Elections are held during the first week of the fall semester.

Faculty Representatives: Dr. S. Narasimha Murthy acts as faculty representative. The faculty representative serves on the Executive Committee and reviews the annual report of the chapter.

Executive Committee: The executive committee is comprised of the chair, the chair-elect, and faculty representatives. The committee conducts itself in accordance with the “Procedural Guide of Student Chapters of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.” The Executive Committee meets every other month or more frequently if necessary.

Standing Committees: The four standing committees include speaker, website, service, and social. Current members voluntarily serve on these committees.

Chair: Mihir Ghonge 

Provides strategic direction and leads all chapter activities. Chairs meetings, set agendas, and ensures effective chapter operation. Serves as the primary point of contact with faculty, administration, and the national AAPS organization.

Chair-Elect: Sujith Raj Bashetty

Supports the Chair by assisting with meeting preparation, project management, and chapter representation in the Chair's absence. Positions themself as the future leader of the chapter.

Vice-Chair: Achref Cherif

Collaborates with the Chair and Chair-Elect to manage chapter initiatives and committees. Offers strategic guidance and acts as a sounding board for ideas.

Secretary: Indrajeet Karnik

Maintains accurate and comprehensive chapter records, including meeting minutes and member information. Facilitates clear communication among chapter members and leadership.

Treasurer: Prateek Uttreja

Oversees the chapter's financial health. Manages budgets, tracks expenses, collects dues, and ensures adherence to sound financial practices.

Social Media Chair: Shravani Padhye

Develops and implements a social media strategy to engage chapter members, promote events, and cultivate a strong online presence for the AAPS student chapter at the University of Mississippi.

Event Manager: Muna Abdelrahman

Leads the planning, organization, execution, and evaluation of chapter events. Ensures events are successful and provide valuable experiences for members.

Event Coordinators: Janhavi Deshmukh and Suyasha Chaudhari

Collaborate with the Event Manager to plan and execute all chapter events. Responsibilities include securing speakers and venues, managing logistics, and promoting event attendance.