Message from the Chair
The disciplines of pharmacology and physiology touch on virtually every field of the biomedical sciences, presenting endless opportunities to discover disease mechanisms and develop new treatments. This translational approach is at the basis of our work, firmly rooted in the concept of promoting a seamless and continuous transition between the basic and the clinical sciences.
Our faculty pursue a variety of scientific interests in the areas of neurological disorders, cancer therapeutics, pain, cardiovascular physiology, metabolism, substance abuse, HIV neuropathology and comorbidities. We invite you to visit their laboratory pages and learn more about ongoing research projects and available openings. Feel free to inquire if you have any questions!
Our training programs provide students with a wealth of advantages in considering career opportunities within academic and biopharmaceutical settings. We offer both traditional, research-intensive graduate programs in Pharmacology and Physiology (MS and PhD) and a professional program in Drug Discovery and Development (MS).
Positions Available
New Faculty Positions Available
The Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at Drexel University College of Medicine announces the opening of tenure-track faculty positions. Read more. [PDF]
Upcoming Seminar
April 16, 2024
Neuropathogenic Microglia: Single Cell Analysis in SIV, ARV Treatment, and Drug Abuse
Howard Fox, MD, PhD – Professor, Department of Neurological Sciences; Senior Associate Dean of Research & Development, UNMC College of Medicine; Director, Center for Integrative and Translational Neuroscience; Co-Investigator, Co-Director, Great Plains IDeA-CTR, University of Nebraska Medical Center
Download seminar flyer
Janssen-Drexel “4D” Fellowship
The Diversity in Drug Discovery and Development, or “4D” Fellowship program is a joint effort between Janssen Oncology and Drexel’s Pharmacology and Physiology Department to support underrepresented minority students enrolled in Drexel graduate programs. Learn more.
"Not only do I enjoy the scientific research process, but I genuinely love the educational aspect of it. I love cultivating talents and contributing to the development of the scientists and health professionals of the future." Read more.
News and Announcements
Dr. Hartsough Receives First R01 Award
Congratulations to Dr. Ed Hartsough for earning his first R01 award as an independent investigator. The award is funded through the NIH National Cancer Institute and will provide Dr. Hartsough long-term grant support for his project: “Exploiting oxidative stress response in uveal melanoma liver metastasis.”
Deepa Reddy Earns Dean’s Graduate Student Travel Award
Deepa Reddy, graduate student in the Ajit lab, earned a Drexel Dean’s Graduate Student Travel Award for the spring 2024 cycle. The award will support her attendance at the International Association for the Study of Pain’s 2024 World Congress on Pain.
Dr. Van Duyne Earns Developmental Grant
Congrats to Dr. Rachel Van Duyne for earning a developmental grant from the Temple University Comprehensive NeuroHIV Center. The grant was awarded from the center’s Developmental Research and Mentorship Core and will fund Dr. Van Duyne’s project: “Recapitulation of myeloid models of HIV-1 infection in cerebral organoids.”
Barker Lab Student Awarded Research Mini-Grant
Julia Wiafe-Jackson, an undergraduate student in the Barker lab, was awarded a Research Mini-Grant from Drexel’s Undergraduate Research & Enrichment Programs. Julia will present her grant-supported research at Drexel’s 2024 Week of Undergraduate Excellence Virtual Poster Session.
Dr. Horwitz Honored by DUCOM
Dr. Horwitz has been invited by the Drexel University College of Medicine Class of 2027 Society presidents to deliver the keynote speech at this year’s Golden Apple awards ceremony. He was also chosen to be the macebearer at this year’s commencement ceremony, who traditionally leads the platform party onto the commencement stage. These invitations honor Dr. Horwitz’s 30+ year legacy as a researcher and educator at Drexel and the previous Medical College of Pennsylvania and celebrates his contributions to medical student training over his career.
Dr. Romano Earns Rising Star Award from SKCC Consortium
Dr. Gabriele Romano was honored with an Up & Coming Rising Star Award from the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center (SKCC) Research Consortium. The award recognizes his excellent work and strong funding in the early years of his independent research career.
Department Retreat 2023
Thanks to everyone who attended and participated in our 2023 department retreat at Drexel’s new Health Sciences Building! The event featured speakers geared toward scientific excellence and trainee career development, in addition to breakout groups aimed to “transform” the department towards broader, high-impact programmatic initiatives. The event concluded by recognizing our trainees with the annual Pharmacology department awards:
Ben Weiss Scholar Award:
Chair’s Awards:
*For unique achievements in research and service*
- Katelyn Reeb (A. Mortensen lab)
- Jason Wickman (Ajit lab)
Mary Hoffman Shaw Travel Awards:
- Qiaowei Xie (Barker lab)
- Olivia El Naggar (Romano lab)
- Ruxu Zhai (Fatatis lab)
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