From clinical skills excellence to projects to improve health outcomes in the local
community, the University of Houston College of Pharmacy Chapter of the Student National
Pharmaceutical Association (SNPhA) scored multiple honors at the national organization's
Region III, IV and V Conference March 20-21 in Houston.
UHCOP chapter members secured a near-sweep in the Walmart Clinical Skills Competition, with Pharm.D. students Keilana Nicholas and Khanh Nguyen earning first place, Fimi Akinkunmi and Aisha Ibrahim taking second place, and Vishwa Bhakta and Neha Patel receiving an Honorable Mention. In the competition, two-person teams utilize clinical knowledge, critical thinking, and decision-making skills to provide appropriate counseling based on their evaluation of a patient's medication profile.
In the Equity in Action Competition, chapters are challenged to make a presentation highlighting innovative programming, advocacy efforts, or service initiatives that address health disparities and reflect SNPhA's mission in action. The team of Nicholas, Michael Crichlow and Emetu Umah earned second place for their project, "Social Encouragers of Health," developing geographically focused resource flyers aimed at addressing various social determinants of health, ranging from primary care to food insecurity.
The chapter's team of Nicholas, Crichlow, Umah, Larisa Maddux and Han Van were recognized as finalists in the SNPhA x Walmart Prescription for Service competition, with the University of Houston being the only chapter from regions III, IV, or V to be considered. Aided by a $2,500 grant awarded from Walmart for their successful proposal in the fall, the team developed a multi-faceted campaign aimed to promote heart-healthy services and education in the community.
Following their regional success, the "Space City Scripts" team will continue their outreach efforts before traveling to Bethesda, Md., in July to find out where they place during the 2026 NPhA | SNPhA Annual Convention.
Led by Chapter Delegate Matthew Kim, the chapter's resolution in support of promoting awareness of the atopic triad — the coexistence of atopic dermatitis (eczema), asthma, and allergic rhinitis (hay fever) — successfully advanced through the regional House of Delegates.
Crichlow's friendly, social personality among participants from the more than 30 attending chapters — from Ohio to Hawaii — earned him the unique accolade Most Spirited: Regional Royalty Award, and UH chapter's throng of attendees secured the Man-Mile Award with the most members at the meeting.
"We look forward to attending the national conference as there will be many opportunities for our chapter members to network, forge meaningful connections with professionals across the nation, participate in competitions, and learn more about ways in which pharmacy students and pharmacists can positively impact underserved communities," said Nicholas, who serves as the 2025-2026 University of Houston Chapter president. "The chapter would like to express their deep appreciation for our faculty advisors, Drs. Louis Williams, Shantara Davis and Onyebuchi Ononogbu for their immense support of our efforts and successes."
