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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

May 20, 2025

Targeting the Non-Canonical Functions of E2f as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy in Inflammation and Cancer
Patrick Viatour, PhD – Associate Professor, Main Line Health, Lankenau Institute for Medical Research
Download seminar flyer

Patrick Viatour, PhD

Johnson and Johnson Innovative Medicine

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.


Gabriele Romano, PhD

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

Dr. Console-Bram and Dr. Ajit Elected to MAPS Leadership

Congratulations to Dr. Linda Console-Bram and Dr. Seena Ajit for being elected as the next president and vice president of the Mid-Atlantic Pharmacology Society. Dr. Console-Bram and Dr. Ajit will serve two-year terms to help the organization provide useful forums to discuss advances in pharmacology, support trainees in the pharmacological sciences, and honor local pharmacologists with significant contributions to the field.

Dr. Hartsough Earns SKCC Pilot Funding

Dr. Ed Hartsough was awarded a Gregory Fairhurst Uveal Melanoma Pilot Award from the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center. The funding will support his project: Leveraging Syngeneic Uveal Melanoma Models to Assay a Novel Immune Checkpoint Target.

Dr. Ho Wins Microscopy Competition

Dr. Chunta Ho, postdoctoral fellow in the Meucci lab, was awarded 1st place for his entry in the 2024 Taiwan Microscopy Competition. Chunta’s micrograph “Lethal Beauty: The Dual Performance of a Cancer Cell” captured a cancer cell with extensive, actin-rich processes navigating the culture. Dr. Ho was also interviewed about his confocal images and his scientific journey to accompany his 1st place prize.

Dr. Matt Attended Eureka International Course

Dr. Stephanie Matt was selected to attend the Eureka Institute’s International Certificate Course in Translational Medicine. The annual course in Siracusa, Italy, brings together a group of scientists, medical professionals, and business executives/professionals for an educational experience that centers translational medicine.

New Grants from the W. W. Smith Charitable Trust

Department faculty members were awarded two new medical research grants from the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust. Dr. Rachel Van Duyne and Dr. Stephanie Matt earned a grant for their project “Impact of chronic benzodiazepine use on epigenetic and inflammatory regulation in people living with HIV” and Dr. Joshua Jackson earned another grant for his project “Astrocyte CREB signaling promotes metabolic remodeling and functional recovery post-stroke.”

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Olimpia Meucci, MD, PhD, Professor & Chair, Department of Pharmacology & Physiology

Olimpia Meucci, MD, PhD
Professor & Chair

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