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]
Upcoming Seminar
October 10
Cerebrovascular Mitochondria and Apoptotic Mechanisms as Targets in Alzheimer’s Disease
Silvia Fossati, PhD – Associate Professor & Associate Director, Alzheimer’s Center at Temple; Associate Professor, Department of Neural Sciences & Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics Research, Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine
Download seminar flyer
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. 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
Medical Cannabis Research Center at Drexel Announces Additional Pilot Study Award for 2023-2024
A new clinical study has been funded by the Medical Cannabis Research Center (MCRC). “Investigating the Analgesic Potential of Cannabidiol Combinations for Chronic Neuropathic Pain,” conducted by Dr. Mitchell Nothem of The Barker Lab will investigate the effects of chronic administration of cannabidiol (CBD) combined with cannabigerol (CBG) and/or cannabichromine (CBC) on chronic neuropathic pain in mice. Read more.
Faculty Awarded CURE Formula Grants
Dr. Andréia Mortensen earned a 2022 Formula CURE Grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The grant features Dr. Seena Ajit as a co-investigator and will fund the project: Sex Differences in Neuropathic Pain: The Role of Glutamate Transporters.
Katie Bryant Featured in eNeuro Blog
Recent PhD graduate Katie Bryant from the Barker lab was featured in eNeuro’s Beyond the Paper series, which interviews the authors of recent work published in the journal. Katie talked about her studies on how low-dose alcohol changed reward seeking behavior and discussed her experiences in the lab and future plans. The interview is available in full on eNeuro’s website.
Xuan Luo Earns Dean’s Fellowship
Pharmacology and Physiology senior graduate student Xuan Luo earned a Dean’s Fellowship for Excellence in Collaborative or Themed Research from the Graduate School. The funds will support her innovative research in the Ajit lab on how small extracellular vesicles resolve pain via epigenetic mechanisms.
MOTOR Center Writing Retreat
The MOTOR Center will host an all-day Writing Retreat on Tuesday, August 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All trainees are welcome to participate and work on scientific writing tasks. The event will feature goal setting and sharing, structured writing time and time for reflection. Check the MOTOR center site for a detailed agenda and other info.
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