Research Group Lab Hall

About the Medical College of Wisconsin Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology

Welcome

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Medical College of Wisconsin is a leader in pharmacology research and education and has a long history of research excellence in cancer, cardiovascular, and neuro- pharmacology with emphases on signaling and therapeutic. Under new leadership, the department is entering an exciting phase of growth that will include the recruitment of a cohort new scientists in each research theme, new educational and research initiatives, newly renovated space that will support cutting-edge science and a collaborative research culture, and a growing emphasis on therapeutics. If you are seeking a faculty position, looking for graduate or post-doctoral training opportunities, or interested in staff-level employment, we encourage you to take a look at our department and all that it offers. We are committed to creative, cutting-edge, and collaborative science aimed at identifying opportunities to improve human health through therapeutics and to maintaining a vibrant, collegial, and inclusive culture that supports diversity, wellness, trainee development, and – of course - good science.

Learn more about Pharmacology and Toxicology

We have a long history of research excellence.

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at MCW, then the Marquette University School of Medicine, was established in 1925. Prior to the current Chair, Dr. Mantsch, the Department thrived under the leadership of three long-serving Chairs: Dr. Harry Beckman (1925-1962), Dr. Harry Hardman (1962-1998), and Dr. William Campbell (1988-2020).

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Key discoveries from Pharmacology and Toxicology faculty

(1992) The ATP-sensitive potassium channel is a key component in protecting the heart from ischemic injury and mediates ischemic preconditioning of the heart. (Garrett Gross, PhD, and John Auchampach, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology)

(1995) Opioid drugs, such as morphine, have powerful cardioprotective properties and may reduce the severity of cardiac damage in patients with a heart attack. (Garrett Gross, PhD, and Joel Schultz, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology)

(1996) Identification of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids as endogenous endothelial vasodilators (William B. Campbell, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology)

(1998) Identified novel endothelial lipoxyenase metabolites that dilate arteries and regulate blood pressure (Sandra Pfister, PhD and William B. Campbell, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology)

(2002) Discovery of specific epoxyeicosatrienoic acid agonists and antagonists (Kathryn Gauthier, PhD, John R. Falck, PhD and William B. Campbell, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology)

(2003) Discovered that infra-red light from Light Emitting Diodes reverse retinal damage caused by ingestion of methanol. (Janis Eells, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology)

(2004) Identification of 2-arachidonylglycerol as an endogenous inhibitor of prostate cancer cell invasion (Kasem Nithipatikom, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology)

(2004) Cardiac cytochrome P450 omega-hydroxylase contributes to heart injury following ischemia and omega hydroxylase inhibitors are cardioprotective (Garrett Gross, PhD and Kasem Nitipatikom, PhD Pharmacology and Toxicology)

(2004) Endocannabinoid pathways in the brain reduce stress and drugs that increase endocannabinoids represent new treatments for depression and post-traumatic stress disorders. (Cecilia Hillard, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology and Neuroscience Research Center)

(2006) Cardiac cytochrome P450 epoxygenase protects the heart from ischemic injury through synthesis of epoxyeicosatrienoic acids. (Garrett Gross, PhD and Kasem Nithipatikom, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology)

(2006) Discovered dramatic differences in way adults, infants, and children process drugs. (Ronald Hines, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology)

(2008) SmgGDS is a protein that increases the growth of lung, prostate and breast tumors and reducing SmgGDS slows the growth of cancer cells and diminishes tumor formation (Carol L. Williams, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology)

(2009) Inhibition of soluble epoxide hydrolase lowers blood pressure and protects the kidney from damage in hypertension (John D. Imig, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology)

(2011) Invented novel epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (EET) analogs and soluble epoxide hydrolase inhibitors (SEHI) with therapeutic value for the treatment of inflammation and of cardiovascular, renal and other diseases. (John Imig, PhD, and William Campbell, PhD, Pharmacology & Toxicology, Camille Falck, PhD, UT Southwestern)

(2012) Comparing whole genome sequences for non-small cell lung tumors and adjacent normal tissue, alterations in 5 novel genes were discovered and may lead to new treatments for lung cancer. (Ming You, MD, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology and Cancer Center)

(2012) A novel gene called CSMD3 is the most frequently mutated gene in lung cancer. (Ming You, MD, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology and Cancer Center)

(2013) Discovered a way to block adenosine, produced by tumor cells, which may be responsible for signaling lung, breast, and pancreatic cancer metastasis. (Carol L. Williams, PhD, Pharmacology and Toxicology)

Learn more about MCW's history

We are committed to diversity and inclusion

Diversity Statement

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the Medical College of Wisconsin values diversity, equality, and inclusivity in our community. We are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and culture environment for all the members of our department.

An overview of institutional resources and initiatives that support diversity and inclusion can be found on the MCW Office of Diversity and Inclusion website.

If you are an individual with a diverse background and are interested in career opportunities in our Department, we encourage you to contact us at bstauffer@mcw.edu.

 

We are committed to a healthy work environment in which harassment in any form is not tolerated.

Commitment to a Healthy Work Environment

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology is dedicated to maintaining a culture that is inclusive, supportive, and equitable in which harassment in any form is not tolerated. Further, we are committed to fostering a community of trust and advocacy in which all members are empowered and encouraged to speak up when witnessing harassment and have access to the resources and support needed to address harassment if it occurs.

 

Statistics

18
Faculty Members
17
Number of department trainees (graduate students and post-doc)
21/yr
Grants awarded (5-yr average)
$8.3M/yr 
Average departmental funding (5-yr average)

Faculty and Staff Resources

The Medical College of Wisconsin's Pharmacology and Toxicology faculty and staff have access to comprehensive and collaborative research resources. Our LabArchives Electronic Lab Notebook software aids researchers in good data managing practices and is available in every MCW lab for free. Additionally, the Faculty Collaboration Database allows for partnership between MCW faculty and members of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute on research projects and proposals. Scroll through for more information and don't hesitate to contact us with questions.