Giving back: Dr. Robert Laprairie

Giving back to the college that helped shape his career is what excites Dr. Robert Laprairie most as he begins his new role as Assistant Dean, Division of Pharmacy, in the University of Saskatchewan (USask) College of Pharmacy and Nutrition.

“Our college has given me so much as a young faculty member and early researcher,” said Laprairie. “I see this role as an opportunity to serve our students, staff and faculty and pay it forward.”

A USask graduate, Laprairie earned a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry before completing a master’s degree and PhD in Pharmacology and Neuroscience at Dalhousie University. During his graduate studies, he discovered a passion for teaching through his work with pharmacy students.

After completing a postdoctoral fellowship at The Scripps Research Institute, Laprairie returned to Saskatchewan to join the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, where he has built a research program while teaching and mentoring students.

“Returning to USask felt like coming home,” he said.

The opportunity to advance his career in a supportive environment while contributing to the college’s success made the decision an easy one.

As assistant dean, Laprairie’s priorities include growing student enrolment while maintaining and enhancing student success in the PharmD program. He also sees opportunities to increase awareness of the evolving role pharmacists play in health care and to support students as they begin their professional careers.

Laprairie describes his leadership style as collaborative, emphasizing diverse perspectives and thoughtful decision-making. He believes education and scientific discovery are strengthened when people with different experiences and viewpoints are included in the conversation.

“I’m most looking forward to learning from our students, staff and faculty,” he said. “I myself am not a pharmacist, and I intend to learn a lot in the coming years so that I can serve our college.”

Outside of work, Laprairie enjoys exercising, cooking, gardening and playing video games. He also spends much of his free time cheering on his sons at sporting events.

A fan of live music, Laprairie said he is often in the crowd when a metal concert comes to town.

As he begins his new role, Laprairie is eager to continue learning while supporting the college community.

“I have always enjoyed learning and growing, and I really want to pay forward all of the positivity I’ve received from the college,” he said.