By Lori Carlson, Editor
Mary Mullett’s favorite activities involve the outdoors, which is just fine with her dog, Morgan.
The two run together daily throughout Prior Lake, stopping to talk to new and old friends along the way.
“I’ve made really good friendships through my running,” Mullett says.
Morgan isn’t exactly shy about meeting new people, either. Mullett explains how the pooch hopped into a police officer’s car once when the officer Mary Mullett and her dog, Morgan, like to
make friends with people they meet
on their daily runs. (Photo by Lori Carlson)opened his door to say hello.
“The police have been great – they really watch out for you,” she says.
Mullett and her husband, Terry, moved to Prior Lake 14 years ago from Burnsville. The lake drew them here.
“I love being close to the water, not necessarily even in the water, but just close to it,” she says.
For many years, Mullet, a scientist, has worked for the University of Minnesota, where she’s done everything from out-of-season sheep breeding to her current work with the U’s Center for Drug Design.
She and Terry have had dogs as pets for the last 20 years.
“I was raised with cats, and then my husband introduced me to dogs,” she says.
In addition to running, Mullett enjoys photography, yoga and nature. This summer, she took a course through the U of M’s Split Rock Art program and got to learn from nature photographer Craig Blacklock.
She also recently finished requirements to be certified in yoga training, and she hopes to someday combine her love of yoga and photography. Her other hobbies include cooking and traveling.
Q and A with
Mary Mullett
What three words would people use to describe you?
Friendly, persistent and caring.
What’s the best book you’ve read recently?
“No Shortcuts to the Top: Climbing the World’s 14 Highest Peaks.”
Who is your favorite musician?
I like a lot of music. When I’m working, sometimes I’ll put on Christina Aguilera. If I want something more relaxed, I’ll listen to Japanese music or Taiko drumming.
What do you like to cook?
Italian food is fun. I like to explore new recipes, and I like when the flavors blend together just perfectly.
What are your favorite restaurants?
We really like Legends. And we love the new restaurant at the Guthrie, Sea Change.
What’s your favorite movie?
“Julie and Julia.”
What would be your ideal vacation?
Galapagos.
If you could be governor or president for a day, what would you do?
The health care issue is a major thing we have to deal with. I think I’d put more emphasis on preventive care and reward people who take care of themselves, to give people more of an impetus to exercise.

Lori Carlson can be reached at (952) 345-6378 or editor@plamerican.com.