Graduate Programs

LIGAND Ambassador Program

What is a LIGAND Ambassador?

LIGAND Ambassadors are dedicated to supporting graduate program recruitment and professional development initiatives, while also enriching their own graduate training experience. Like a ligand binds to receptors with the best fit and initiates a biological response, student LIGANDs will help potential new applicants determine if PittPharmacy is the best fit for them to initiate their research career. By creating opportunities for leadership, ingenuity, growth, advocacy, networking, and professional development, the LIGAND program also enriches their own graduate training experience.

Program Overview

LIGANDs serve as the face of the School of Pharmacy graduate program, sharing personal experiences and insights with prospective students. LIGANDs participate in signature recruitment events — including the Virtual Open House, Admitted Students Day, Welcome Picnic, tabling events, school tours, and MS and PhD interviews. LIGANDs also create original social media content, virtual tours, live and virtual presentations, bulk emails, mailers, and help review and refresh website content. LIGANDs are encouraged to innovate and bring new ideas to support recruitment and marketing goals.

Professional Development Competencies

  • Public Speaking
  • Professionalism
  • Social Media Etiquette
  • Community Engagement
  • Communication
  • Marketing Skills
  • Innovation
  • Collaboration
  • Time Management

Program Responsibilities

  • School tours
  • Develop and lead experiment demonstrations
  • Lead virtual activities for prospective students
  • Participate in recruitment events
  • Participate in recruitment tabling events
  • Participate in MS and PhD interviews
  • Design and develop recruitment materials
  • Attend monthly meetings and training
    • Expected time commitment ≤ 8 hours/week

Membership Eligibility

  • MS and PhD students who have completed at least one semester of their respective program.
  • Appointments are for one year and may be extended to two consecutive years with approval.
  • LIGANDs will receive a supplemental award of up to $1,150 / semester.
  • Students must be in good academic standing.

* PhD students on student visas with a GSR or TA/TF appointment may participate during the summer term only.

How to Apply

Submit Your Application

100-word limit per response Applications reviewed monthly by the Graduate Program Committee

  1. Why do you want to join the LIGAND Program?
  2. What are the top 3 professional development skills you hope to develop, and why?
  3. Describe your experience and skill level with social media.
  4. Describe any prior experience you have in designing or creating marketing materials.
  5. Which recruitment or marketing initiatives are you most excited to contribute to, and why?


Applications are reviewed on a rolling monthly basis.