Opening the mysteries of drug actions, discovering new therapies, and developing new medicinal products

Cardiovascular regulation, cell signaling, structural and cancer biology, and environmental toxicology are just a few interests of the faculty at the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Vermont.

Students interested in the interaction of chemical substance with biological systems will benefit from direct contact with faculty researchers. Studies in Pharmacology at the College of Medicine serve medical and graduate students, post-doctoral trainees and undergraduates.

Learn more about Pharmacology as a Career at the American Society for Pharmacology & Experimental Therapeutics (ASPET).

Learn more about careers for scientists from the Science Careers Site at the American Association for the Advancement of Science.


Education

Graduate students and poster

Graduate Studies

Pharmacology and the Cellular and Molecular Biology Graduate Program offer a Ph.D program. Our department offers a Thesis Research based Masters in Pharmacology and a Non-Thesis Masters  in Pharmacology. We offer an Accelerated Masters Program for UVM students and an undergraduate 15-credit minor, course offerings include Toxicology, Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Pharmacological Techniques and Medicinal Chemistry.

Research

Researcher in a lab

Pharmacology Research

  • Brain and cerebral vascular studying the blood flow to the brain.
  • Cardiovascular Pharmacology and Physiology
  • Signal transduction
  • Medicinal chemistry/cancer chemotherapy

Seminars

Faculty giving presentation

Seminars

As the host of the weekly Seminar Series and the annual trustees visit and retreat, the Pharmacology department has an active schedule of seminars and events.

Recent News

Freeman Interviewed by WCAX for Story on Equine Therapy for TBI

April 18, 2024 by Lucy Gardner Carson

(APRIL 18, 2024) Kalev Freeman, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of emergency medicine and pharmacology, was quoted in a WCAX-TV story about equine-assisted therapy for people who have sustained traumatic brain injuries, or TBI.

Kalev Freeman, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of emergency medicine and pharmacology

(APRIL 18, 2024) Kalev Freeman, M.D., Ph.D., associate professor of emergency medicine and pharmacology, was quoted in a WCAX-TV story about equine-assisted therapy for people who have sustained traumatic brain injuries, or TBI.

The focus of the story is Kimberly Farms in Shaftsbury, Vermont, which offers a horse tending and riding program that helps people with physical and mental illnesses. Studies show that equine-assisted therapies can improve balance, well-being, quality of life, trust, self-esteem, and a sense of accomplishment.

Freeman says animals can provide social support, structure, and stress relief. “Having emotional connections, personal time together, and support from pets can be a powerful type of therapy for any medical problem and in particular for head injuries,” he said.

Read full story at WCAX-TV