When Sydney arrived at Barton College from Columbus, Ohio, she brought with her a competitive spirit, a love of science, and a heart shaped by stories from her mother’s career in physical therapy. She was drawn to healthcare early on, but it was Barton’s blend of personal mentorship, hands-on learning, and athletic commitment that helped her discover her calling in clinical pharmacy.
“I didn’t end up deciding for sure what I wanted to do with my career until my junior year,” she said. “I was very lost and felt that there were many passions of mine I could follow to be successful.” With guidance from faculty, advisors, and her parents, she leaned into her natural talent for chemistry and began researching careers that would allow her to serve others. “Becoming a clinical pharmacist was the path I ultimately decided to take.”
At Barton, Sydney gained hands-on experience with chemical instrumentation that mirrors what professionals use in the field.
“I was exposed to various chemical instruments (FTIR, UV-Vis, HPLC to name a few) that chemists are using in graduate and professional environments,” she said. “Without Barton providing me with some of these instruments and the professionals equipped with the knowledge of operating them, I would not be as prepared as possible when transitioning into the workforce and graduate school.”
One of her most meaningful academic experiences came through a research project focused on neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that had deeply affected her family.
“This past semester, I completed a project focusing on a type of cancer called the neuroblastoma where I specifically took a look at the structure of a chemotherapy pharmaceutical (Crizotinib) and structurally modified it,” said Sydney. “In doing so, I was able to theoretically improve many of the positive side effects (shorter onset time, easier penetration into the tumor, and a slower metabolism of the drug for elimination).”
“Unfortunately, in the spring of 2022, my fifteen year old cousin passed away from this cancer. She had been diagnosed with it when she was nine and underwent many treatments and clinical trials to cure the cancer for six years. When my advisor, Professor Nicole Mazuroki, presented this to me with no knowledge of my cousin, I knew it was a sign. Being able to look into my cousin’s condition combined with my passion for both chemistry and medicine gave me a solace of knowing what I was creating was more than just words on a paper. It means something to someone out there.”
Throughout her time at Barton, Sydney was guided by faculty who took her success personally. In the Whitehurst Family Honors Program, Dr. Gerard Lange became a key influence. “He taught with a caring heart for my success—no matter what the end goal was. It was here where I feel as though I genuinely learned how to think, be curious, and ask the right questions at the right time.”
Two faculty members stood out for their commitment to her growth and well-being.
“Professor Nicole Mazuroski and Dr. Dave Dommer, the dean of the School of Health Sciences, felt like they were more than just teachers,” she said. “They showed up for me in situations where they truly did not have to if they did not care for my well-being. I genuinely don’t think that anywhere but Barton could have given me such amazing teachers in the fact that they were not just concerned with my academics, but me as a human being.”
One of Sydney’s proudest moments came at the end of her senior year when she was awarded the Hilley Cup, presented annually to the graduating senior with the highest cumulative grade point average.
“Since I was about twelve years old, I decided that I wanted one chance to be the best at something. I did not care what it was whether it be swimming, lacrosse, school, or any other clubs, but that I wanted to know that I could be the best at something through hard work and not just natural talent.”
“After hearing my name be called, it felt like the inner child in me was proud of the adult I have transformed into. It takes a special type of person to recognize their hard work and to finally have that moment was amazing. Even in the face of those who did not believe in me, knowing that my work was worth something brought me such pride and joy that I cannot even begin to describe.”
Sydney leaves Barton with a sense of purpose and a desire to help others. “I hope to be able to provide my patients and their families with solutions to problems life creates,” she said. “I know that this field is one of self service towards others, and my goal is to fulfill this to the best of my ability to make people whole again.”
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