Division of Pharmacology

Note For the Current Academic Year:
Incoming PhD students should refer to the Integrated Biomedical Sciences section of this catalog. The following information is intended for incoming MS students, current MS and current PhD students. Questions about the future plans should be directed to the program director.

Pharmacology: Philosophy

The Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and Master of Science (MS) programs offer training in pharmacology and biomedical research. The Division of Pharmacology believes that a sound training in medical pharmacology and cell biology should be integral to a pharmacology research degree and students are trained in both disciplines in the first year. A student then does research in a selected area of biomedical sciences. During the course of the research, emphasis is placed on developing the student’s understanding and communication of research.

Master’s students complete all coursework and research in two years and submit a thesis. Graduates of the master’s program have the skills necessary to work in laboratories both in academia and industry, and have a fundamentally sound knowledge of Pharmacology. The vast majority of MS graduates find job opportunities or successfully matriculate in advanced training programs within three months of graduation.

For PhD students, the research in the first two years is aimed at developing a novel research proposal. PhD students continue research over the next three years and are required to complete a dissertation and publish novel scientific findings in peer-reviewed journals with at least one first author manuscript submitted by the student. The ultimate outcome of the PhD research experience is the development of an independent investigator who has the necessary scientific skills and credentials to pursue a career in either an industrial or academic setting.

Pharmacology: Faculty Research Interests

Abde Abukdeir, PhD Interest include the Identification of tumorspecific genetic alterations that may be exploited as targets for therapy, the early detection of breast cancer, and the identification of treatment resistance. The goals are to perform research that is translatable to the clinic and to train next generation of biomedical researchers through classroom instruction and laboratory mentorship.

Dr. Animesh Burea is working to establish an early detection tool for ovarian cancer targeting tumor associated neo-angiogenesis, Because it is difficult to study in humans, research is using laying hens-the only widely available spontaneous model of ovarian cancer. Focus is on developing an early detection method based on noninvasive contrast enhanced targeted ultrasound imaging in combination with circulatory and cellular markers of tumor associated neo-angiogenesis.

Dr. Xiu-Ti Hu investigates the cellular mechanism of cocaine withdrawal, which is associated with the chronic cocaine-induced neuroadaptations in voltage-gated ion channel function and signaling in the mesocorticolimbic system (as known as the reward pathway), particularly in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and nucleus accumbens (NAc). Recent work has expanded to include investigations into Neuro AIDS

Dr. Hazel Lum investigates mechanisms of inflammatory injury of vascular endothelium, leading to increased permeability and leukocyte extravasation. Specific projects include study of pro-inflammatory lipids such as lysophospholipids and their receptors, signaling intermediates (i.e., Rho GTPases, PKC) and remodeling of endothelial junctional complexes.

Dr. Celeste Napier examines changes in the adult mammalian brain that alter motivative behaviors, including those associated with drug addiction. Behavior, electrophysiological and biochemical approaches are used in rodent models of the human addict to ascertain neuronal substrates that are altered during this disorder. Also: Director, Center for Compulsive Behavior and Addiction

Dr. Dan Predescu performs research in vascular biology with emphasis on endothelial heterogeneity cellular signaling, signaling to and from cytoskeleton, inter-endothelial communications and endothelial interaction with themselves and with their surroundings. His special interest is on the development and adequate usage of molecular methods, particularly the one related to gene expression and gene activity control.

Dr. Sandra Predescu uses cell and molecular biology approaches, imaging techniques and animal models to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms of transendothelial exchanges between the blood plasma and the interstitial fluid in normal and pathological states. Emphasis is on the role of intersectin proteins in regulating caveolae endocytosis and transcytosis in the lung microvasculature, the signaling events that regulate endothelial cell survival, growth and proliferation, vesicular trafficking and actin cytoskeletal remodeling.

Dr. John Somberg is interested in cardiovascular pharmacology with specific interest in drugs that affect the rapid potassium channel (IKr). His interests also include chiral separation of drugs and how this affects drug action and the role of the nervous system in facilitating cardiac arrhythmias.

Dr. Chunxiang (Kevin) Zhang, is the chair of the Department of Pharmacology. Dr. Zhang has 20 years of experience and expertise in basic, clinical and translational research in the area of cardiovascular diseases. The primary focus is the biological roles of microRNAs in cardiovascular diseases.