West ‘24 Continues Legacy of Excellence as Astronaut Scholar, Emerging Leader in Pharmacy

Kennedy West, a 2024 North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University alumna and Astronaut Scholar, is continuing her trajectory of academic excellence and service as a graduate student at the University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy, where she is pursuing advanced training in patient-centered care and health equity.

West, who earned her B.S. in chemistry from N.C. A&T’s College of Science and Technology, was recently recognized with the Kappa Phi Award, an honor that celebrates outstanding academic achievement, leadership and commitment to service. The recognition underscores her sustained dedication to advancing STEM education, mentorship and equitable access to health care.

“The award reflects the work I’ve committed to in STEM, research and service,” said West. “It affirms that giving back, mentoring others and striving for excellence truly matter.”

While at A&T, West distinguished herself as a student leader and scholar. She served as a senator in the Student Government Association, president of the Chemistry Honor Society and an active member of Girls Like Me, an organization focused on introducing young girls to STEM through hands-on experiments, mentorship and community engagement. In her leadership roles, she helped expand scholarship opportunities and professional development pathways for chemistry majors.

As an Astronaut Scholar, West joined a nationally competitive cohort recognized for academic merit, research achievement and leadership potential in STEM fields. She described the experience as transformative, particularly as a student from a historically Black college or university (HBCU).

“As a Black woman from an HBCU, receiving recognition at that level was both validating and empowering,” she said. “It reminded me that the work I’m doing has purpose and that representation matters.”

The Astronaut Scholarship Foundation provided West with mentorship that helped shape her professional development and confidence as she prepared for graduate study. She credited her mentor with helping her refine her networking, interviewing and leadership skills as she transitioned into pharmacy school.

West credited Bishnu Bastakoti. Ph.D., her undergraduate research advisor at A&T, with introducing her to research and guiding her toward national opportunities, publications and graduate study.

At UNC, West is focused on hospital pharmacy and health care administration, with long-term aspirations of serving in executive leadership and policy-focused roles. Her academic and professional goals are deeply rooted in personal experiences that highlighted gaps in patient care and medication access, particularly for underserved and rural communities.

West continues to give back through service initiatives, including health screenings, vaccination clinics and outreach to high school students interested in pharmacy and STEM careers. She also remains an advocate for mentorship, encouraging students to seek opportunities beyond their comfort zones.

“Stay curious, ask questions and don’t be afraid to try new things,” she said. “Having mentors who will advocate for you can make all the difference.”

West expects to complete her PharmD in 2029 and plans to continue advancing initiatives that strengthen patient care, equity and leadership within the health care system.