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).

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]

Tenure-track Faculty Educators
· Physiology
· Drug Discovery and Development

Upcoming Seminar

July 9, 2024
Modulation of Astrocytic Calcium Dynamics in Ischemic Stroke Recovery
Geena John – Senior Pharm/Phys Student, Jackson Lab – Drexel University College of Medicine
Download seminar flyer

Johnson & Johnson 4D Fellowship Program

The Drexel Drug Discovery and Development (4D) Fellowship Program is a joint effort between Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine and Drexel’s Pharmacology and Physiology Department to support Master’s students (DDD or Pharm/Phys) who have experienced challenges that limited their access to academic training and career opportunities in the pharmaceutical industry. Learn more.

Meet Gabriele Romano

"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

2024 Faculty Awards

Dr. Kenny Simansky, senior vice dean for research, was awarded the Daniel V. Schidlow, MD, Transformational Leadership Award, which recognizes a senior faculty member who exhibits substantial leadership to transform and make change through example. The award particularly highlights Dr. Simansky’s role in partnering with Thomas Jefferson University to create the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Research Consortium, his ongoing efforts to champion the consortium and grow Drexel’s presence within it, and his efforts to help the consortium obtain comprehensive status from the National Cancer Institute.

Dr. Edward Hartsough was selected to receive the Early Career Basic Science Investigator Award, which recognizes a promising and outstanding evolving investigator in the early stages of their career. The award recognizes Dr. Hartsough as the driver of an innovative and respected research program and a dedicated educator committed to serving Drexel across its missions.

Dr. Andréia Mortensen was selected to receive the Early Career Mentoring Award for Basic Science Faculty, which celebrates assistant or associate professors who demonstrate excellence in mentoring of graduate students, postdoctoral trainees, and/or faculty colleagues. The award recognizes Dr. Mortensen as a sought-after mentor, trusted adviser, and role model for students in Drexel’s graduate programs.

Faculty Promotions

Congratulations to Dr. Joshua Jackson and Dr. Edward Hartsough, who were both promoted to associate professor. The promotions reflect their strong research programs, cutting-edge scientific collaborations and success in obtaining extramural funding from NIH and other sources.

Dr. Namba Earns NIH F32 Fellowship

Dr. Mark Namba, postdoctoral fellow in the Barker lab, earned a new F32 fellowship from NIH-National Institute on Drug Abuse. The fellowship will support Dr. Namba’s innovative project: Corticolimbic circuit and neuroimmune mechanisms of comorbid HIV and cocaine use. Congratulations and well-deserved, Mark.

Faculty Earn New Funding from Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center

Several department faculty members obtained funding from the Interconsortium Pilot Funding Opportunity for Cancer Research Programs from Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center. Read more.

Ms. Curran-Alfaro Gives Keynote Talk

Christina Curran-Alfaro, a PhD student in the Barker lab, gave the invited keynote at the Rutgers-Camden Biology Day. Her talk "Adding Value Through Diversity: Expanding boundaries and innovating science" emphasized her nontraditional path to the PhD and how her experience strengthens the lab's research program and informs her ongoing PhD work.