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), as well as a recently developed program in Drug Discovery and Development.
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 Pharmacology Educator Position Available
The Department of Pharmacology & Physiology is recruiting a full-time Pharmacology educator for our Philadelphia campus. Learn more.
Upcoming Seminar
April 4
Pancreatic Islet GRK2 Regulates Hormone Secretion and Glycemic Control by Regulating Metabolism and GPCR Sensitivity
Jonathan Snyder – Senior Pharmacology & Physiology Graduate Student (Sato lab), Drexel University College of Medicine
Janssen-Drexel “4D” Fellowship
The Diversity in Drug Discovery and Development, or “4D” Fellowship program is a joint effort between Janssen Oncology and Drexel’s Pharmacology and Physiology Department to support underrepresented minority students enrolled in Drexel graduate programs. The application cycle for fall 2023 4D Fellowships will begin during the 2023 admissions cycle of the Pharmacology and Physiology and Drug Discovery and Development graduate programs. 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
Romano Lab News
Dr. Gabriele Romano published his first manuscript as a Drexel PI. His collaborative study, titled “Microparticle-delivered Cxcl9 prolongs Braf inhibitor efficacy in melanoma” was published in Cancer Immunological Research this month. Congrats to the Romano Lab. Dr. Romano was also invited to participate in the NIH study section: “Mechanisms of Cancer Therapeutics A” [MCTA], and he has also become a co-director of Drexel’s Responsible Conduct of Research course. Well done, Dr. Romano.
Dr. Sanz-Clemente Nominated to Leadership Position in PCSfN
Congrats to Dr. Antonio Sanz-Clemente for being nominated as the next vice president of the Philadelphia Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience (PCSfN). The annual PCSfN meeting will be held March 13, 2023, at Temple University. Please see here for additional details.
Dr. Klase Presents at AAAS Meeting
Dr. Zachary Klase gave an invited talk at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) annual meeting. Dr. Klase discussed his work in a talk titled “The effect of benzodiazepines on HIV epigenetics in the CNS and beyond.”
Dr. Ajit and Dr. A. Mortensen Give Invited Seminars
Dr. Seena Ajit was invited to give a talk titled “The role of small extracellular vesicles in pain” to the pain interest group meeting hosted by the University of Minnesota Medical School’s Department of Anesthesiology. Dr. Andréia Mortensen was invited to give a talk titled “Allosteric Modulation of Glutamate Transporters: A Possible Avenue for Neuropsychiatric Therapies” to the Drexel’s School of BioMedical Engineering.
Dr. Jackson Receives W.W. Smith Grant
Congratulations to Dr. Josh Jackson for receiving a new grant from the W.W. Smith Charitable Trust. The funds will support Dr. Jackson’s project, “Astrocytic mitochondria control neurovascular coupling.” This is Dr. Jackson’s third W.W. Smith-funded project, including one collaborative grant with Dr. Hartsough.
Year in Review
The 2022 department report card was distributed at our department retreat this month, but please feel free to pick up another copy from the main office.
Read more.
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