Mary Rouse's journey has been marked by dedication and a deep sense of purpose. After earning dual degrees in chemistry and natural resources and environmental management from Ball State University, she began her professional career as a nuclear chemist. While working as a nuclear chemist, her passion for research was sparked. Building on her foundation, she embarked on a new academic path taking a bold step toward achieving her goals.
Her passion for research coupled with a deeply personal motivation—her grandfather’s battle with dementia—led her to CU Pharmacy, where she began to shape her future. Watching someone she loved struggle with disease fueled her desire to pursue the Drug Discovery track of the Master of Science in Pharmaceutical Sciences.
Rouse found CU Pharmacy to be the perfect fit for her aspirations. Colorado’s beauty, CU’s stellar reputation for global reach, and her passion for Alzheimer’s research and nanomedicine drew her in but it was her interview with David Kroll, PhD, Director of Master’s and Certificate Program, that sealed the deal. Dr. Kroll’s ability to convey the program’s vision sparked her enthusiasm to return to academia and begin her mission-driven work.
Kroll continued working with Rouse alongside Philip Reigan, PhD, as they jointly served on Rouse’s advising and examination committee where they provided her with experimental suggestions and general career mentoring. Through Dr. Reigan’s connections on the world-class CU Anschutz medical campus, Rouse was able to work under the mentorship of Kimberley Bruce, PhD, at the CU School of Medicine.
“Dr. Reigan was part of my committee and has been a huge help in my journey,” Rouse said. These collaborations made possible by CU Pharmacy faculty have given her and other master’s students invaluable training advantages. Access to cutting-edge facilities and interdisciplinary resources have helped Rouse enhance her skills and widen the scope of her research.
Rouse started her thesis journey under the mentorship of Dr. Bruce. Together, they worked on making the endogenous lipoprotein lipase activator, ApoC-II, druggable—a critical step in addressing underlying factors in diseases such as Alzheimer’s and cardiovascular disease. Bruce described working with Rouse as an absolute pleasure.
“She works extremely hard, thinks carefully about her science, and truly cares about her project,” Bruce said. “It has been exciting to watch Mary grow into a scientist who independently designs and carries out experiments in such a short space of time.”
For Rouse, Bruce has been an extraordinary mentor. “Her thoughtful feedback and constant encouragement have been instrumental in helping me grow as a researcher,” Rouse said. “She’s taught me to think critically and always plan one step ahead. I’m forever grateful for her guidance.”
Rouse’s exceptional work ethic and determination are reflected in the breadth of her achievements. Through her thesis, she is working on publishing research and an invention disclosure, which means she and those she is working with discovered something new.
“What I’ve learned from Mary is to never set limits on what can be achieved during a master’s program,” Bruce remarked. “Her ability to balance these responsibilities while working part-time and supporting herself is a testament to her dedication.”
Looking ahead, Rouse aspires to a career in research, whether in industry, academia, or government. Inspired by her grandfather and equipped with extraordinary training at CU Pharmacy, Rouse is poised to make a lasting impact on the world.
