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
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.
"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 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.”
Dr. Nothem Renews Pilot Funding
Dr. Mitch Nothem was awarded a renewal of his Drexel Medical Cannabis Research Center Pilot Award. This will provide a second year of funding for his project, “Investigating cannabinoid combinations in the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain and alcohol use disorder.”
Discovery Day 2024
The department contributed to another accomplished Discovery Day at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. Department trainees at all levels contributed poster and platform presentations, and faculty members and alumni devoted their time and expertise as judges for a variety of sessions.
Awardees from our department:
- Katelyn Reeb (A. Mortensen lab) – Bondi Fellowship
- Oluwatofunmi Oteju (Gaskill lab) – Honorable Mention, Outstanding Senior Graduate Student Poster
- Alyssa Sanders (Hartsough lab) – Honorable Mention, Outstanding Senior Graduate Student Poster
- Jason Wickman (Ajit lab) – 2nd place, Outstanding Postdoctoral Fellows Poster
- Denney Garrett (Barker lab) – 1st place, Outstanding Undergraduate Poster
- Julia Danon (O. Mortensen lab) – Honorable Mention, Medical Student Award for Bench Research
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