Pharmacology & Toxicology Track
The Pharmacology and Toxicology research track trains students to determine mechanisms of action for pharmaceuticals, identify potential drug targets, and define adverse effects of chemicals such as drugs, industrial chemicals and environmental pollutants.
Pharmacology and toxicology are allied scientific disciplines concerned with investigations of physiological and biochemical actions of endogenous compounds and xenobiotics on living tissues. These studies range in scope from investigations at the molecular level to clinical pharmacological and toxicological responses in humans. The ability of pharmacologists to explain basic mechanisms of drug action in living cells and biological systems has permitted the development of a rational approach to drug design and use. In addition, pharmacologists and toxicologists study compounds to gain a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms of toxicity.
Objective
The goal of the program is to train students in state-of-the-art approaches in basic research in pharmacology, toxicology, environmental toxicology, chemical pharmacology, proteomics and closely related sub-disciplines. The programs prepare students for careers in independent research or related careers in academia, industry or government.
Pharmacology & Toxicology Students
The degree offered in this track is the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Pharmacology and Toxicology.
Application Requirements
Students applying to this program should have a bachelor's degree in pharmacy, chemistry or the biological sciences or a doctor of pharmacy (PharmD) degree with adequate preparation in mathematics. Applications are accepted through the Arizona Biological & Biomedical Sciences Program (ABBS).
APPLY for the
Pharmacology & Toxicology track
Pharmacology & Toxicology Faculty

Qin Chen
Professor, Pharmacogenomics,Director, Pharmacogenomics
Holsclaw Endowed Professorship, Pharmacogenomics

Yin Chen
Professor, Pharmacology and ToxicologyAssociate Professor, BIO5 Institute
Member, Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center

Nathan Cherrington
Associate Dean, ResearchDirector, Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center
Director, Center for Toxicology
Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology
1885 Society Distinguished Scholar

Hongxu Ding
Assistant Professor, Translational Pharmacogenomics
Xinxin Ding
Department Head, Pharmacology and ToxicologyProfessor, Pharmacology & Toxicology
Professor, BIO5 Institute Professor
Cancer Biology Program Member, University of Arizona Cancer Center
Member, Southwest Environmental Health Sciences Center
R. Ken and Donna Coit Professorship in Drug Discovery

Bernard Futscher
Professor, Pharmacology and ToxicologyAssistant Research Scientist, UA Cancer Center

James Galligan
Associate Professor
Jason Karnes
Department Head, Pharmacy Practice and ScienceAssociate Professor, Pharmacy Practice and Science
Track Director, PharmD/PhD Dual Degree Program
Assistant Professor, Sarver Heart Center, University of Arizona College of Medicine
Assistant Professor, Division of Pharmacogenomics, Center for Applied Genetics and Genomic Medicine (TCAG2M)
Director of Scientific Programs, AllofUs Research Program, University of Arizona - Banner Health

Bernardo Lemos
Professor, Pharmacology and ToxicologyR. Ken and Donna Coit Endowed Chair in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Aikseng Ooi
Associate Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology
John Regan
Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Daekyu Sun
Associate Professor, Pharmacology and Toxicology
Gregory Thatcher
Professor, Pharmacology and ToxicologyR. Ken and Donna Coit Endowed Chair in Drug Discovery

Lei Wang
Assistant Research Professor
George Watts
Associate Research Professor, Pharmacology
Qing-Yu Zhang
Professor, Pharmacology & Toxicology
Haining Zhu
Professor, Pharmacology & ToxicologyR. Ken and Donna Coit Endowed Chair in Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases
Co-Director, Coit Center for Longevity & Neurotherapeutics
Professor, BIO5 Institute
Professor, Chemistry and Biochemistry