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
June 30, 2026
The Effects of Dopaminergic Signaling on HIV Infection in Human Neural Organoids
Yash Agarwal
PhD Candidate, Gaskill Lab – Drexel University College of Medicine
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"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. 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.”
Faculty Reflections
The department held an event at The Study in University City to recognize our faculty members’ most important contributions over the past year. The event also honored Dr. Bob Rosenberg’s retirement and Drs. Zachary Klase and Rachel Van Duyne for their service to the department.
Gliadelphia Spring Salon at Drexel
The department hosted the third annual Gliadelphia Spring Salon on May 8. The event featured six presentations from local graduate students and researchers studying glial cells in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. Gliadelphia is organized by Dr. Joshua Jackson along with faculty members at Drexel and other local universities.
Dr. Jackson Presents at PC4C
Dr. Joshua Jackson gave an invited presentation at the Philadelphia Coalition for a Cure 7th annual meeting, held at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Dr. Jackson presented his recent work on melanoma brain metastasis with the TRaCES group in his talk, “Human Organotypic Brain Slice Cultures: A Platform for Investigating Metastatic Disease and Immune Infiltration.”
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Pharmacology and Physiology Department Annual Retreats
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