The 28th CU Pharmacy Research Retreat

The Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Retreat returned for its 28th year. A program agenda developed by the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies (ADRGS), Manisha Patel, PhD, and the 2025 ADRGS retreat advisory committee composed of students, staff and faculty welcomed several distinguished keynote speakers.

Dean Ralph Altiere, PhD, opened the day by highlighting CU Pharmacy’s research successes for the year which consisted of receiving over $18 million for funded research, ranking #12 in NIH funding, establishing the first endowed chair in Translational Pharmaceutical Sciences, and having the most competitive Skaggs Scholars Award since its inception in 2011. 

The full-day event was held in the CU Anschutz Health Sciences Center and brought together faculty from across the School of Pharmacy as well as students from the Pharmacy Graduate Programs. Guest keynote speakers Jennifer Richer, PhD, from the CU Anschutz Graduate School, talked about fostering a growth mindset and investing in scientific careers. Elizabeth Fowler, PhD, from Johns Hopkins University, talked about lessons learned from her work in health reform and advocacy.

Kris Fritz, PhD, and Heather Anderson, PhD, moderated the CU Pharmacy Research in Progress presentations where Gina Bouchard, PhD, Julio Aguado, PhD, Bryn Loutzenhiser, PharmD, Toral Patel, PharmD, and Antal Zemplenyi, PhD, discussed their current research projects. Breakout sessions allowed cross-discipline researchers to collaborate. The faculty breakout was led by panelists David Schwartz, MD, Leslie Berg, PhD, and Jacci Bainbridge, PharmD. Students participated in career panels hosted by alumni from both industry and academia. 

The retreat ended on a high note as multiple awardees were recognized for outstanding research and mentorship.

STUDENT AWARDS  

(L-R) Yue Li, and Nicholas Mendola and Lauren Rutt receiving their award from Dean Ralph Altiere.

Harold C. Heim Award: 

• Yue Li, Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD Program

• Nicholas Mendola, Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research PhD Program

• Lauren Rutt, Toxicology PhD Program 

(L-R) Harry Gyimah Gyamfi, Stephanie Bersie receiving her award from Dr. Jed Lampe, and Kyle Ross.

Best Research Poster by a Graduate Student Award: 

• Harry Gyimah Gyamfi, Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research PhD Program

• Stephanie Bersie, Toxicology PhD Program

• Kyle Ross, Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD Program 

(L-R) Natalie Carter and Ariana Crary receiving their awards from Dr. Laura Saba.

Best Research Poster by Other Professional Participants Award: Natalie Carter, Pharmaceutical Sciences Master's Program

Best Research Poster Pitch Award: Ariana Crary, Neuroscience PhD Program

FACULTY AWARDS 

(L-R) Dr. Brett McQueen receiving his award from Mouna Dardouri, Pharmaceutical Outcomes Research PhD Student Rep, AND Dr. Kris Fritz receiving his award from Chanapa Mann, Toxicology PhD Student Rep.

Excellence in Graduate Mentoring Award: Brett McQueen, PhD

Excellence in Toxicology Doctoral Teaching Award: Kristofer Fritz, PhD

(L-R) Dr. Laura Saba receiving her award from Alexandra Dunbar, Pharmaceutical Sciences PhD Student Rep, and Dr. David Kroll receiving his award from Sierra Coonts, Pharmaceutical Sciences MS Student Rep.

Excellence in Pharmaceutical Sciences Doctoral Teaching Award: Laura Saba, PhD

Excellence in Pharmaceutical Sciences Master’s Teaching Award: David Kroll, PhD

Photos from the retreat can be viewed here.