Student Spotlight: Jacob Krah, Class of 2027

 

Howard University College of Pharmacy Spotlight Jacob Krah, Class of 2027

At Howard University College of Pharmacy (HUCOP), we take pride in showcasing our incredible students and their journeys, passions, and aspirations for the future. This month we spotlight Jacob Krah, Class of 2027 Doctor of Pharmacy candidate, who is not only excelling in his studies but also exploring opportunities to shape the future of academic pharmacy. 

In May 2023, Jacob graduated from Brandeis University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a minor in Creativity, the Arts, and Social Transformation. His interest in chemistry, particularly its role in biology, sparked his curiosity about pharmacy. He began shadowing pharmacists at NYU Langone Health, where he witnessed firsthand how disease impacts quality of life and how medication can transform patient outcomes. “I want to be someone who can improve patient health,” Jacob reflects. 

While at Brandeis, Jacob discovered his love for mentoring and tutoring other students. This experience ignited a passion for academic pharmacy, showing him how educators play a vital role in training the next generation of healthcare leaders. At the same time, his commitment to social advocacy and uplifting Black professionals deepened his desire to pursue health equity. These values, combined with his drive to make an impact, led him to Howard University College of Pharmacy. 

During his second year in the Pharm.D. program, Jacob met Dr. Monika Daftary, Pharm.D., BCPS, AAHIVP, Professor and Department Chair, through an Integrated Therapeutics module. He credits her as a guiding force in his journey. “I really admire Dr. Daftary. She has a love for learning, and she balances academia and clinical practice so elegantly,” he says. With her encouragement, Jacob began exploring the possibilities of pharmacy academia. 

This exploration led him to apply and be accepted into the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy (AACP) Aspiring Academics program. As part of the process, he reached out to Dr. Daftary to serve as his faculty mentor. The program accepts up to twenty-eight (28) student-faculty pairs from AACP member schools for the 2025-2026 program. Participants engage in direct mentorship, networking, group projects, and seminars to prepare for careers in academia. Jacob looks forward to learning from this experience and hopes to bring valuable knowledge back to the HUCOP community. 

When asked what motivates him, Jacob shared: 
“The more clinical experience I obtain, the more I realize how important medication experts are. They’re integral to improving health outcomes. Marginalized communities rely on us for accurate counseling and proper treatment options that work for them. That’s my motivation, to become an expert my community can lean on.” 

He also offered words of reflection and encouragement: 

To his past self.
“All closed doors were God’s blessing to you, guiding you to the career you are supposed to be in.” 

To his classmates, peers, and pharmacy students everywhere.
“Don’t be afraid to be passionate about your career. It’s okay to share your interests and ask for opportunities. Go be great, because you are great!” 

At Howard University College of Pharmacy, we believe every student’s journey begins the moment they choose pharmacy, but their story continues long after they walk across the stage. Jacob’s path is a reminder of why we pursue this profession and how each step can inspire the future of healthcare.