Pharmacology Education
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Train Where It All Began

Founded in 1891, Michigan Pharmacology was the first department of its kind in the United States. In our 130+ year history, we have awarded the largest number of PhDs in Pharmacology.

Welcome to Pharmacology

Pharmacology synthesizes the fields of chemistry, biochemistry, cell biology, physiology, and pathology to create a comprehensive framework for understanding and treating disease. As one of the most exciting and rapidly expanding areas of biomedical research, Pharmacology directly impacts public health through the discovery of new medicines. 

Our mission is to train the next generation of pharmacologists for careers in academia, government, biotech, and the pharmaceutical industry, as well as emerging novel careers in which their deep knowledge and expertise provide value. 

Our alumni have led the field as pharmaceutical company executives, research directors, senior scientists, directors of government research laboratories, and academic faculty, chairs, deans, and college presidents.

To accomplish our mission, we provide a rigorous but supportive learning environment where trainees receive individual mentorship, career development and placement advice, real world experience, and role models of work-life integration from outstanding faculty and alumni.

The breadth and depth of our synergistic research and training missions are extraordinary. Our diverse group of outstanding faculty partners with trainees to advance new knowledge. This collaboration is key to developing novel therapeutic approaches for the treatment of disease within diverse populations.

Education & Training Programs
PhD Program

Focus on specialized aspects of Pharmacology in a world-class laboratory.

Master's Program

This flexible, 1-year program is designed to benefit your future career through coursework and optional laboratory research.

Pharmacological Sciences Training Program

Graduates of this NIH-funded T32 excel as leaders in experimental therapeutics.

Biology of Drug Abuse Training Program

PhD and MD postdoctoral fellows train together in state-of-the-art approaches for studying mechanisms underlying the abuse of psychoactive drugs.

Undergrad Summer Research Program

Two summer programs offer a 10-week research experience for undergraduate students

Translational Research Education Certificate

The TREC program provides students with an overview of the principles of translational research.

Student Life & Resources

There are so many ways we support our students and help them to be successful. From professional development to parenthood to disability accommodation, we’re here to help. Find information, funding and programs to help you live and learn at U-M in our Student Life & Resources section.

Learn more about student life

I could not be more grateful for my training at Michigan Pharmacology. The foundational principles we were taught in our classes overlap perfectly with the knowledge I need to thrive in my current role in Toxicology at Eli Lilly. While successfuly navigating a very challenging and comeptitive job market, there were many times I said to myself "I am so thankful I earned my Ph.D. from Michigan Pharmacology." #TheMichiganDifference

Chiamaka Ukachukwu, PhD 2023
headshot of Chiamaka Ukachukwu
Connect with Us
Upcoming Events

Connect with students, faculty and staff during events throughout the year.

View all events
Pharmacology Seminar Series - Laurel Grisanti, Ph.D.
“Adrenergic Regulation of Inflammation in the Failing Heart”
Laurel Grisanti
Pharmacology 646 Student Seminars: Serenata Su
Pharmacology 646 Student Seminars: Serenata Su
Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Program Annual Symposium
The Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Program is hosting its annual symposium on Monday, May 13th, 2024 from 8:30am - 4:30pm! It will be held at the Rackham Graduate School (fourth floor). This year's symposium is extra exciting because we will also be hosting trainees and faculty from the Chemistry-Biology Interface Training Program at the University of Texas - Southwestern.
Doctoral Dissertation Defense - Liz Jaeckel
Doctoral Dissertation Defense - Liz Jaeckel
Doctoral Dissertation Defense - Zesen Lin
Doctoral Dissertation Defense - Zesen Lin
Pharmacology in Color Symposium
The Department of Pharmacology’s DE&I Committee invites you to attend the 2024 Pharmacology in Color Symposium.
Doctoral Dissertation Defense - Anne Lietzke
Doctoral Dissertation Defense - Anne Lietzke
2024 Department of Pharmacology Summer Picnic
Join us for the 2024 Department of Pharmacology Summer Picnic.
Pharmacology Retreat
The Department of Pharmacology Retreat will be held September 9 & 10.
Featured News & Stories See all news Michelle Hastings
Department News
Michelle Hastings, Ph.D., receives Pfizer Upjohn Research Professorship in Pharmacology
Michelle Hastings, Ph.D., receives Pfizer Upjohn Research Professorship in Pharmacology
Krystal Santiago Colon
Department News
Krystal Santiago Colon receives 2024 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship
Krystal Santiago Colon (Ph.D. Student, Mattis/Isom Lab) has recently been selected to receive a 2024 National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship.
Mike Holinstat
Department News
Michael A. Holinstat, Ph.D., is recognized as the recipient of the 2024 ACTS Distinguished Educator: Mentorship Innovation Award
The University of Michigan is pleased to announce that Michael A. Holinstat, Ph.D. was recognized as a recipient of the 2024 ACTS Distinguished Educator: Mentorship Innovation Award.
Cat Demery, James Teuber, Livia Stanger
Department News
Nominations for the 2024 OGPS Grad Student Awards- Congratulations to Cat Demery, Livia Stanger, and James Teuber
UM Pharmacology has recently submitted its nominations for the 2024 OGPS Graduate Student Awards/Phyllis M. Wise Graduate Student Awards in Biomedical Sciences - Cat Demery, Livia Stanger, and James Teuber.
Yating Zheng
Department News
Yating Zheng Selected as Major Symposium Speaker at the American Association of Immunologists’ IMMUNOLOGY2024™ Annual Conference
Yating Zheng, Ph.D. Student (Courtney Lab), was recently selected as a Major Symposium speaker for the American Association of Immunologists’ (AAI) IMMUNOLOGY2024™ meeting to be held in Chicago May 3-7, 2024.
Deb Paris
Department News
Deb Paris becomes the new Chief Department Administrator of Pharmacology
The Department of Pharmacology is delighted to share that Deb Paris has accepted the offer to become the new Chief Department Administrator of Pharmacology. Please join us in welcoming her!