Department of Pharmacology and Physiology
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).
Upcoming Seminar
August 11, 2026
Reactive Astrocytes Shape the Microenvironment of Melanoma Brain Metastases
Steve Rutledge
PhD Candidate, Jackson Lab – Drexel University College of Medicine
Download seminar flyer
"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
Faculty Awards
Congratulations to our Pharmacology & Physiology faculty members who earned awards at faculty day!
Dr. Seena Ajit earned the Award for Excellence in Basic Science Mentoring, which recognizes a basic science faculty member at the rank of professor who has demonstrated a long-term commitment to mentorship, career development and scientific growth of mentees beyond the laboratory and classroom. Dr. Gabriele Romano earned the Early Career Basic Science Investigator Award, which recognizes a promising and outstanding evolving investigator in the early stages of their career.
Dr. Barker Featured on NPR
Dr. Jacqueline Barker was featured in an NPR Science Friday episode on how different kinds of alcohol affect the body. Listen to the show here.
Faculty Promotions
Congrats to three faculty members who earned promotions this month! Dr. Gabriele Romano was promoted to associate professor, and Drs. Peter Gaskill and Ole Mortensen were promoted to professor with tenure.
Dr. Matt Receives SKCCC Pilot Award
Dr. Stephanie Matt was awarded a Community-Engaged Research Pilot Award from the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University. The award will expand Dr. Matt’s research into a new field via the project “Comparative Effectiveness of Antidepressants and Their Effects on Macrophages and Tumor Immunity in Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Cancer Outcomes.”
Dr. Barker Awarded New NIDA R01
Dr. Jacqueline Barker further extended her research funding with a new R01 award from the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse. This award will continue support of her lab’s research on brain circuit pathology in a new project “Neural Circuit Mechanisms of Inflexible Drug Seeking in a Model of HIV Infection.”
Dr. Hartsough Earns Goal Line Pilot Award
Dr. Edward Hartsough was selected for a Goal Line Award from the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Thomas Jefferson University. The award will support Dr. Hartsough’s melanoma research program via a new project “ST8SIA4-mediated Polysialylation Shapes the Melanoma Immune Microenvironment and Dictates Immunotherapy Response.”
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Pharmacology and Physiology Department Annual Retreats
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