After five years of working as a research scientist in the pharmaceutical industry, Rahul Karuturi (PhD’25) wanted to expand his scientific horizons. Seeking more freedom to explore and contribute to cutting-edge research, he sought out the PhD program at the University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy.
“As a research scientist, I worked on pharmaceutical formulations and product development, but the role grew routine and execution-focused,” says Karuturi. “I wanted to focus on discovering and designing novel molecules while exploring innovative therapeutic strategies.”
Under the supervision of Dr. Praveen Nekkar Rao, Karuturi’s doctoral research focused on the development of a novel class of molecules as potential agents to combat Alzheimer's disease.
Alumni answers
UW: Why did you pick Waterloo Pharmacy to complete your PhD?
RK: I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy at The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University in Chennai, India. I moved to Canada in 2012 to further my education, where I completed a Chemical Laboratory Technician diploma from Durham College. Working in the pharmaceutical industry provided hands-on experience, but I realized my true passion was in research and innovation, exploring new ideas and creating solutions that could make a real impact on healthcare. Waterloo Pharmacy’s strong emphasis on applied research and collaborative environment stood out to me, where critical thinking and creativity are fostered.
UW: Tell us about your research. What was innovative about it?
RK: The brain is our main control centre, it helps us think, feel, communicate and make decisions. In Alzheimer's disease these functions slowly decline as brain cells break down, leading to memory loss, confusion and emotional disconnection. Current treatments primarily focus on treating the symptoms, rather than addressing the root cause of the disease. My research focuses on stopping the neuronal damage by targeting the formation of a toxic protein called amyloid-beta. Early intervention can stop or slow down the disease progression before significant damage occurs. My innovative discovery of a new type of small molecule that can stop amyloid-beta proteins from clumping together is proven to be a key process linked to Alzheimer's disease. These molecules could be a more affordable alternative to current, more costly, treatments. Ultimately, my work aims to improve our understanding of Alzheimer’s and support the development of better, more accessible treatments.
UW: What was your biggest challenge and how did you overcome it?
RK: I began my PhD right when the COVID-19 pandemic began, a time filled with uncertainty for everyone, but particularly challenging for early-stage researchers. This led to unexpected lab closures, restricted access to research facilities and major supply chain delays. These disruptions put months of planned experimental work on hold, which ultimately led to my original completion timeline pushed back nearly two years. Being far from home and family made the experience emotionally challenging, and staying focused wasn’t always easy. I learned to adapt by shifting my efforts toward literature review, writing, planning and data analysis when lab access was limited. Throughout this time, I was fortunate to be mentored by Dr. Nekkar, whose steady support and belief in my abilities helped me build confidence and navigate the complexities of research. His guidance reminded me that persistence, even in small steps, is meaningful. Overcoming these challenges taught me patience, adaptability, and self-awareness — qualities that will continue to shape my approach to science and problem-solving well beyond the lab.
UW: Why is your research important and who does it impact the most?
RF: Alzheimer’s disease is a complex and devastating condition that affects millions of people, primarily older adults. It causes memory loss, confusion and a decline in independence, where treatments only manage symptoms without addressing the root cause. My research focuses on developing small molecules that block amyloid-beta aggregation, a key process in the disease. These molecules could work on their own or alongside current drugs to improve treatment outcomes and help patients respond better. This work could make a real difference not just for those living with Alzheimer’s, but also for their families and caregivers, who often carry a heavy emotional and practical burden. In the long run, advancing better therapies for Alzheimer’s could also ease the pressure on healthcare systems as populations continue to age.
Future plans
Karuturi is currently focused on transitioning back into the pharmaceutical industry, now equipped with the advanced research, problem-solving and communication skills gained through his PhD.
“I would love to become a consultant, collaborating across academia and industry to help bridge the two,” he says. “There’s so much value in showing students how industry experience can inform research and how research can drive innovation in industry,” says Karuturi.
Alongside his industry goals, Karuturi is also passionate about teaching. He hopes to stay connected to academia, mentoring students and sharing real-world insights that support the next generation of drug discovery scientists.
“I am proud of what Rahul has done in his program despite many challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic. His razor-sharp focus on his thesis project and dedication to research led to the discovery of a novel class of molecules to study the mechanisms of Alzheimer’s disease which will help in developing innovative therapies” says Dr. Nekkar Rao.
Outside of work, he looks forward to playing badminton, hiking, travelling, and most importantly, visiting and spending time with his family.