We're getting to know students from every program at the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. Submit your own details for Student Spotlight consideration by filling out our brief form.

Today's spotlight is on Savannah Dellach, who earned a Wayne State bachelor of science in Public Health with university honors in 2020 before entering the Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences Pathologists' Assistant program.

Q: How would your biggest fans describe you?

A: Creative, resourceful, detail-oriented and motivated.

Q: What is your favorite way to spend free time?

A: I love shopping with friends, hiking and doing yoga.

Q: Why did you choose Wayne State University?

A: I love the city atmosphere, and I really love that this program offers many different clinical sites to gain as much experience as possible. It is also close to home, so staying with family and commuting to save money is a perk too.

Q: Why did you pick the WSU Applebaum Pathologists' Assistant program?

A: I chose this field because of my fascination of anatomy. I think seeing a variety of specimens, for all kinds of reasons, is super exciting and not knowing what you are walking into for the day keeps you on your toes too. I love the lab atmosphere as well.

Q: Tell us about a classroom, lab or clinical experience you enjoyed or excelled in.

A: I really enjoy our Methods Lab, where we practice grossing specimens. Professor Smith goes above and beyond mocking up specimens with tumors. After working and shadowing in a lab for over three years, it's exciting to actually get hands-on practice, even if it is a tumor made of clay.

Q: Do you hold any leadership roles?

A: I am the vice president of the Pathologists' Assistant Class of 2024. I have never had a formal leadership role before, but I was very eager and excited to start in a program I am passionate about. I love communicating with and addressing the needs, wants and concerns of my class. I really enjoy seeing things get done or put into the works, so I am very honored to represent my class.

Q: Tell us about a community engagement or volunteer experience you had through WSU.

A: My class recently went to Almont High School to teach their students anatomy. I know when I was in high school I would have loved an experience like this, so interacting with students who are interested in the medical field was super fun.

Q: What are your career goals?

A: I would love to end up working in a large academic hospital as a surgical pathologists' assistant. Currently I don't have too much of a preference on location - somewhere with no snow would be great! But I have always loved the hospital atmosphere, so I can definitely see myself making anywhere a home.

Q: Do you have any words of wisdom for students following in your footsteps?

A: Don't give up! I had to apply twice to this program, and although it can be easy to feel defeated, I am so thankful for the additional work experience I got in between. If anything, it made me want to work harder and prove to not only Admissions but myself that I am worthy of being in this program and deserve to be here. I constantly remind myself that if I can put in the time and effort to get into this program, then I can apply that same enthusiasm to all aspects of my life.

Established in 1989, the WSU Applebaum Master of Science in Pathologists' Assistant program is one of only 13 in the United States and Canada accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS) to train students in the highly specialized field of anatomic pathology. Information meetings for prospective students take place at 6 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. The priority application due date for spring 2023 is Jan. 15, 2023. The final application deadline has been extended to March 1, 2023, with an adjusted application procedure due to issues with GradCAS. All prerequisite coursework must be complete by Dec. 30, 2022.

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An anchor in urban health care

The Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences is built on more than 100 years of tradition and innovation in the heart of Detroit. We have grown deep roots in our city, harnessing its powerhouse hospital systems and community service organizations as vibrant, real-world training grounds for students, with an ongoing focus on social justice in health care. And our research at all levels - from undergraduates to veteran faculty members - translates into creative solutions for healthier communities.

Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution offering approximately 350 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to more than 25,000 students.