Congratulations to Class of 2021 B.S. in Pharmaceutical Sciences student Livija Broxson, who was selected as a UGA Presidential Award of Excellence recipient. The Presidential Award of Excellence is awarded to undergraduate students in their final year of study who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, strong extracurricular involvement, and/or service to and involvement in their respective school or college. Students selected for this award exemplify the best of UGA’s undergraduate student body.

During a recent cyber interview, Livija reflected on her UGA undergraduate experience at the College of Pharmacy.

How would you describe your work ethic? 

I would say I have a pretty strong work ethic. I try to balance my activities as best as I can. I really focus on school work during the week, so I have time on the weekends to work and decompress by participating in my hobbies and spending time with my family. I am very dedicated to being successful in my studies, which then rolls over into other aspects of my life. I commit a lot of work to school right now so I can reach my goals in the future.

Who have been mentors in your personal and academic endeavors?

Dr. (Randall) Tackett, Dr. (Gurvinder Singh) Rekhi, and Dr. (Wided) Missaoui are some of the faculty members who have really supported and motivated me throughout my time in this program. It has been really nice to have these people who I know I can ask questions and get advice, whether it be related to class or not. Of course, I also have to give a shout out my mom, who is my biggest role model and support system for every aspect of my life.

What have you been involved in at UGA and at the College of Pharmacy?

During my time at UGA, I have been involved in the Pre-Pharmacy Society, as well as some volunteer organizations such as Food to Kids and Butterfly Dreams Farm, a therapeutic horseback riding center. I also was on the UGA IHSA Club Equestrian team. In addition, I did my undergraduate research under the guidance of Dr. Randall Tackett. Together, we worked with Dr. Heather Lindell Tally ’93, ’94 at the UGA College of Veterinary Medicine to study drug regulation in performance horses.

What are your plans following graduation?

I am in a Double Dawg program at UGA, so after I graduate in May, I will continue my education to earn my Masters in International Biomedical Regulatory Sciences.

Any advice to a freshman considering this program of study?

I think the best advice I could give to students who are beginning in this program would be to build relationships with the professors and other students. Currently, this program is pretty small, so there is a lot of opportunity to make strong personal connections. There is a lot to learn from our professors about research, internship, and job opportunities, and they are able to give great advice based on their backgrounds and experience.