Why Choose Pharmacology and Toxicology at UB?

Our internationally recognized faculty and robust research facilities offer you the chance to conduct hands-on, highly interdisciplinary research supported by a strong culture of mentoring and professionalization.

Cutting-Edge Research That Counts

Our faculty have expertise in cutting-edge areas of research, from optogenetics to stem cell research to neuropharmacology. As a member of one of our labs, you will learn leading edge techniques and contribute to work to alleviate conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, drug and alcohol abuse and circadian rhythm disorders.

Interdisciplinary Expertise

Rasheen Powell PhD Student; Arin Bhattacharjee PhD; Garrett Sheehan PhD Student.

The lab of Arin Bhattacharjee, PhD, center, focuses on ion channel kinetics and structure, as well as membrane transport. Also pictured are doctoral candidates Rasheen Powell, left, and Garrett Sheehan.

Our department has the resources to theorize new compounds, design and produce them and test them on-site. Labs run by faculty with different backgrounds work together to perform research that elsewhere would require coordination with different university departments or private pharmaceutical companies. In our department, you will participate in translational research start to finish.

Hands-on Experience

Elisa Venturini.

Postdoctoral fellow Elisa Venturini, PhD, prepares to examine some specimens under a microscope.

In our department you will have access to our synthetic and computational resources and will learn how to synthesize your own molecules and discover the way they work in the body. We give you practical, hands-on experience at every stage of research.

State-of-the-Art Facilities

Umesh Sharma MD; Shirley Xu PhD Student.

Umesh Sharma, MD, PhD, left, and doctoral candidate Shirley Xu in one of our cutting-edge labs.

Our department houses the Toxicology Research Center, a technical resource for industry, government, community agencies, associations, the general public and universities in Western New York.

Our faculty labs give you access to equipment necessary to conduct research across the spectrum, from molecular studies through cellular, tissue, and in vivo studies.

Supportive Environment

Margarita Dubocovich & Jennie Lipinski BS/MS Master's Student.

BS-MS student Jennie Lipinski, left, is aided in her research by her mentor, Margarita L. Dubocovich, PhD.

Our faculty mentor you at every level, helping your generate hypothesis-driven research questions, write grants and scholarly papers and communicate with fellow researchers.

Excellent Careers

Alumnus Kevin Kransler, PhD ’08.

Kevin Kransler, PhD ’08, is a senior toxicologist for ExxonMobil.

Training in our cross-disciplinary research prepares you for a wide range of careers in industry and academia. Our graduates have gone on to pursue prestigious careers at universities such as Harvard and MIT, agencies including the FDA and NIDA, and companies such as ExxonMobil, Merck and Kimberly-Clark.