JTC 26: Shift of Perspective Leads to Career Path

OXFORD, Miss. – For Esraa Al Shawakri, the journey to Commencement has been defined not by a single decision, but by a series of shifts in perspective. What began as a practical decision shaped by family influence has evolved into a career defined by purpose, adaptability and scientific curiosity. 

Al Shawakri, a Ph.D. candidate in the University of Mississippi School of Pharmacy, is preparing to graduate with a focus on pharmaceutics and drug delivery. It's an area she discovered not at the start of her journey, but along the way. 

“Initially, my decision to pursue pharmacy was influenced by my father,” she said. “But over time, what began as an external decision gradually became something much more personal.” 

During her PharmD training, Al Shawakri found herself drawn to patient care, working closely with individuals, reviewing medication profiles and participating in clinical decision-making alongside physicians. Those experiences grounded her understanding of health care and gave her a clear sense of purpose, but they also revealed something she hadn’t expected. 

As her coursework progressed, particularly in pharmacotherapy, and through her work as a research assistant studying patients with type II diabetes, she began to notice a gap between treatment and the outcome.  

“Many challenges in treatment outcomes were not solely clinical," she said. "They were rooted in how medications are designed, delivered and ultimately understood by patients.”  

That realization changed the direction of her career.  

Rather than focusing solely on direct patient care, Al Shawakri began to explore the systems behind treatment itself – how medications are formulated and how they function in real-world settings. It was this shift that ultimately led her to pursue a Ph.D., where she studied advanced drug delivery systems, including hot-melt extrusion and 3D printing technologies.  

Her work focuses not just on medications, but on how patients experience them. 

That perspective was also shaped by her experience navigating different health care systems. 

Originally from Jordan, Al Shawakri transitioned into the U.S. academic and professional environment during her graduate studies. The shift introduced new expectations and structures; but instead of seeing those differences as obstacles, she reframed them as opportunities. 

“Rather than viewing these differences as limitations, it became an opportunity to reassess my long-term goals and expand my perspective,” she said. 

At Ole Miss, that mindset translated into both academic and professional growth. 

Al Shawakri has contributed to multiple peer-reviewed publications, including serving as a first author, and has presented her research at conferences and competitions. One of her most notable accomplishments was earning first place at the university’s Graduate Research Symposium. 

“Esraa brings a rare combination of compassion and scientific drive to her work,” said Michael Repka, professor of pharmaceutics and drug delivery at Ole Miss. “With a background in patient care, she understands the importance of effective therapies and carries that perspective into her research.” 

For her, the recognition reflected more than achievement. 

“It demonstrated my ability to communicate complex scientific work into clear, impactful communication,” she said. 

Alongside her research, she also discovered a passion for teaching. As a teaching assistant, she supported student learning and developed the ability to break down complex concepts, an experience that reinforced her interest in education. 

Mentorship played a defining role throughout her journey, helping her build confidence, think critically and approach research with both curiosity and independence. 

Looking ahead, Al Shawakri plans to pursue a career in academia, combining research and teaching while continuing to advance drug delivery systems. 

What motivates her most is the connection between scientific discovery and real-world impact. 

“I am especially motivated by the ability to translate complex scientific concepts into meaningful learning experiences and practical solutions that improve patient outcomes,” she said. 

As she prepares to walk across the Commencement stage, her journey reflects more than academic achievement. It reflects transformation. 

What began as guidance has become intention – shaped by experience, driven by curiosity and grounded in a clear sense of purpose. 

Top: Esraa Al Shawakri, a Ph.D. candidate in pharmaceutics and drug delivery from Jordan, transformed an externally influenced decision to pursue pharmacy into a research career focused on advanced drug delivery systems, earning first place at Ole Miss's Graduate Research Symposium before setting her sights on a future in academia. Photo by Srijita Chattopadhyay/Ole Miss Digital Imaging Services