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).
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
· Pharmacology
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 (in drug discovery and development or pharmacology and physiology) 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. Romano Earns ACS Research Scholar Grant
Congratulations to Dr. Gabriele Romano for earning a prestigious Research Scholar Grant from the American Cancer Society! This multi-year grant will support Dr. Romano’s project: Immune Profiling and Therapeutic Interventions in PLWH with Cutaneous Melanoma.
Pharmacology & Physiology Faculty Awarded MPI R01
Congratulations to Drs. Jacqueline Barker and Peter Gaskill for earning a new multi-PI R01 award from the NIH National Institute on Drug Abuse! The award will support a collaboration between the Gaskill and Barker Labs on their new project, “Cross-Model Investigation on the role of Inflammasomes in the Neurobehavioral and Transcriptomic Effects of Cocaine Exposure and HIV Infection.”
Dr. Mathiasen Awarded Drexel’s Top Teaching Honor
Dr. Joanne Mathiasen received the 2026 Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Award for Distinguished Teaching, the University’s most prestigious award for teaching. The award recognized Dr. Mathiasen’s outstanding contributions in the classroom and as a longstanding contributor and leader of our Drug Discovery and Development programs. Congrats Dr. Mathiasen!
Dr. Barker Receives Drexel PEG Grant
Dr. Jacqueline Barker was selected for a Professional Enrichment and Growth (PEG) Grant from Drexel University College of Medicine. The grant will support Dr. Barker’s efforts to increase engagement in biomedical research with her project “SURF-BOARD – Expanding Participation in DUCOM Research Through Community College Connections.”
Dr. Romano Invited for Featured Talk at PASPCR Meeting
Dr. Gabriele Romano gave an invited presentation at the Pan American Society for Pigment Cell Research 2026 meeting in Tampa, Florida. He presented his lab’s work on HIV and melanoma comorbidity in his talk: HIV under the skin: immune landscape, population analysis, and pre-clinical models of melanoma in people living with HIV.
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Pharmacology and Physiology Department Annual Retreats
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