Drexel University College of Medicine
Biomedical Graduate Studies
Drexel University College of Medicine (Drexel Med), formerly MCP Hahnemann University, has been educating students in biomedical sciences for over 150 years and is committed to developing excellence in leadership, education and training. At Drexel Med, your education is our top priority and we are committed to preparing you for a career as an academic scientist or a successful professional. We believe that to be an effective and productive member of the scientific community, you must be trained with an extensive scientific knowledge. Our graduates leave Drexel Med with expertise in their own fields as well as an understanding of other disciplines; education and training that best prepares you to meet the healthcare needs of today and tomorrow.
The Community
Located in the vibrant City of Philadelphia, Drexel University College of Medicine represents a union of the two oldest medical colleges in the United States: the Medical College of Pennsylvania (MCP; formerly Women's Medical College - founded in 1850) and the Hahnemann University (founded in 1848). Today, with an enrollment of more than 1000 medical and over 300 graduate students, Drexel Med is the largest private medical school in the country.
In addition to fulfilling its mission in clinical care and education, the medical school is committed to the excellence and vitality of its research enterprise. We take great pride in the dedication and enthusiasm of our graduate faculty who employ extraordinary measures to educate, train and mentor the outstanding research scientists of tomorrow. Such a diverse and prolific research environment serves as an exciting backdrop for a multitude of opportunities in graduate education and research training which have been further fortified by our merger in July 2002 with Drexel University. This merger with Drexel, a preeminent computing and engineering University, has further expanded our opportunities and has culminated in the development of many new undergraduate and graduate programs interweaving medicine with biomedical engineering, robotics, computing, education, and business. At Drexel Med we believe that INNOVATION IS AT THE INTERFACE OF DISCIPLINES, and this merger affords you the opportunity to discover and invent.
Programs of Study and Degree Requirements
The Biomedical Graduate Programs at Drexel University College of Medicine are based in the College of Medicine and are administered by the Office of Biomedical Graduate Studies. An integrated program of formal course work and laboratory research leading to M.S. or Ph.D. degrees is offered by the following interdisciplinary/interdepartmental programs:
&Mac183; Biochemistry
&Mac183; Microbiology and Immunology
&Mac183; Molecular and Cell Biology and Genetics
&Mac183; Molecular Pathobiology
&Mac183; Neuroscience
&Mac183; Pharmacology and Physiology
&Mac183; Radiation Sciences
In both the M.S. and Ph.D. programs, students begin their coursework with a core curriculum consisting of modules in biochemistry, molecular biology and genetics, cell biology, signal transduction, cell cycle immunology, and systems biology. Students also complete lab rotations during this period to select their research advisor and subject matter for doctoral research. Both programs require a successful completion of a thesis before the degree is awarded.
Drexel Med also has an extremely competitive M.D./Ph.D. program for highly qualified students. The program is designed to train individuals in the fundamental clinical aspects of practicing outstanding medicine as well as offer advanced education and training in a specific field of research.
Drexel Med is also proud to offer the Master of Laboratory Animal Science Degree (MLAS)This two-year program, the only one of its kind in the nation, is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in animal science or a related field who are seeking advanced career positions in laboratory animal sciences. This program is equally valuable for students who wish to improve their credentials for admission into an accredited veterinary school in the United States.
Facilities & Resources
Drexel Med has three campuses within the city of Philadelphia. The main medical school campus (Queen Lane) is located in the East Falls section of Philadelphia. This is the location of all of the educational programs for the first two years of the medical school curriculum, as well as the home for the departments of Microbiology and Immunology and Neurobiology and Anatomy.
MCP Hospital, also located in the East Falls section of Philadelphia, is one of the College of Medicine's major teaching hospitals, operated by Tenet Healthcare Corporation. It is the site of clinical education programs and the Institute for Women's Health and Leadership
The Center City campus is home to the departments of Biochemistry, Pharmacology and Physiology, and Pathology. It is also the site for the premedical programs. At this location, Drexel Med also has another major teaching hospital, Hahnemann University Hospital, operated by Tenet Healthcare Corporation.
The main campus located near 30th Street train station is the primary home of the undergraduate education at Drexel University.
Four libraries serve the educational, clinical, and research needs of Drexel University. They house more than 185,000 volumes, have more than 2,000 electronic journal subscriptions, and use up-to-date information technologies to provide access to institutional and intramural sources.
Library collections are searchable through online catalogs at all library sites, or remotely via the campus network or modem. Also available are MEDLINE, the primary database of biomedical information; Current Contents; and specialized databases, including PSYCLit (psychology) and PDQ (cander).
PC’s and Macintosh computers are available, as well as computer-assisted instruction and simulation programs. All our campuses have broad band wireless access to the internet and to online library, teaching, and research resources.
Expenses and Aid
Tuition and fees are as follows: tuition, $8500 per semester for the first two years of study and $2,637 for each additional year, with a $100 nonrefundable deposit; a university fee of $36.00, student activity fees of $32.50 per semester. Tuition per credit hour for non-matriculating and part-time matriculating students is $975 per credit. Students are required to maintain adequate medical insurance. All particulars relating to tuition, fees, and financial aid are subject to change.
Tuition scholarships may be awarded to qualified doctoral students in each of the graduate programs. Stipends, currently providing up to $24,900, are available to qualified doctoral students. Students receive a supplement of $1,400 to offset the cost of health, dental, and vision insurance. Students may also apply for financial assistance through the Financial Aid Office.
Graduate students enrolled in the MS and MLAS programs do not qualify for tuition remission. For these students, financial aid may come from outside sources, such as the federal government and private organizations, or from the University itself. Aid may be in the form of loans, grants, scholarships, or part-time employment. University aid (FAFSA) is awarded to students based on financial need and must be completed by May 1st. The application is available from the Office of University Student Financial Affairs. Scholarship awards are based on need and academic performance.
How to Apply
Biomedical Graduate Studies at the Drexel Med has a rolling admissions policy. Applications are reviewed upon completion, and the decision to accept or deny admission to a prospective student may be made before the deadline. All application are due by February 1 with the following exceptions.
November 1
M.D./Ph.D. program
July 1
M.L.A.S program
V.M.S program
All applicants are advised to apply early because the number of students accepted is limited.
Application forms may be obtained from the Office of Biomedical Graduate Studies by calling 1-866-6BIOMED, the Office of Enrollment by calling 1-800-2DREXEL, online at http://www.biograd.drexel.edu/admissions.htm or by emailing biograd@drexel.edu. The completed form must be accompanied by:
Official transcripts from all colleges and universities attended
Official copies of entrance test scores and official test scores from the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) (except as noted)
References from at least three instructors or professionals
Applicants for the M.D./ Ph.D. program must first complete the Drexel Med application to the medical school (M.D.)as well as the application for the Biomedical Graduate Studies program.
Some programs accept scores from the Medical College Aptitude Test (MCAT) or the Veterinary College Admission Test (VCAT) instead of or in addition to the GRE (including M.D. /Ph.D., M.L.A.S., V.M.S., M.M.S., and M.B.S.) Please refer to the application instructions for further details.
Who to Contact
Office of Biomedical Graduate Studies
2900 Queen Lane
Philadelphia, PA 19129
1-866-6BIOMED
biograd@drexel.edu
www.biograd.drexel.edu
Research and Faculty
Mazin Alexander Ph.D. biochemistry of homologous recombination, mechanisms of DNA homologous pairing and DNA strand transfer, RecA protein, a prototypic recombinase, Rad51, a RecA-like protein from yeast and human
Pelleg Amir B.Sc. M.S. Ph.D. " Cardiovascular physiology; cardiac electrophysiology, in particular. Mechanisms of action of ATP and adenosine in the cardiovascular system. Autonomic neural control of cardiac function. Mechanism of cardiac arrhythmias. P2 purinergic signal transduction. The use of P2 receptors agonists and antagonists as diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
Nunez Ana B.S. Women's Health, Cross-Cultural Education, Medical Education, Curricular Reform, Ambulatory Care Education
Castellanos Andres M.D. Minimally invasive surgery, Applications of robotics in surgery, Telesurgery, Design of laparoscopic tools,
Wechsler Andrew M.D. Myocardial ischemia and reperfusion injury, Apoptosis, Cardiac failure
Romano Anthony M.S. B.A. Ph.D. Associative learning, Attention, Classical conditioning, Learning and memory
Brooks Ari M.D. Clinical Trials in Oncology, Databases for education, Databases for clinical research, New devices for laparoscopic and robotic surgery
Schindler Barbara M.D. Psychosomatic medicine, esp outcome studies in patients with co-morbid medical and psychiatric/addictive disorders, Women with addictive disorders, Outcome assessment in medical education, Impact of stress on health of academic faculty
Waterhouse Barry BS PhD "The role of central monoaminergic systems in brain function and behavior."
Tortella Bartholomew M.D. Trauma, Critical Care, Infections, Venous Thromboembolism
Jameson Bradford Ph.D. Structure-based Drug Design, Regulation of T cell activation, Development of New Therapeutic Strategies for Treating Autoimmune Diseases,
Dampier Carlton B.S. MD "The pathophysiology of Sickle Cell Disease and its many complications, particularly pain. In the broader context of pain
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Liviningston Cynthia MSW Access to healthcare for diverse populations. Health promotion and disease prevention at the community and individual level. Understanding and motivating for health behavior changes. Smoking cessation interventions.
Alvarez Daniel Ph.D. Clinical HIV Research: HIV pharmacokinetics, pahrmacodynamics, HIV/Hepatitis C coinfection
Bennett David Ph.D. Emotional regulation and development, Child antisocial behavior, Child depression, Effects of prenatal cocaine exposure on child development, Maltreatment, Pediatric psychology
Baird Douglas B.S. Ph.D Axon Guidance, Cerebellar Development, Semaphorin function, In vitro assays of axonal growth and guidance,
Reddy E Shyam Ph.D. "Study the structure and functional analysis oncogenes, tumor suppressors and aberrant chimeric proteins involved in human chromosome translocations. Understanding the apoptotic pathways used by oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Development of therapeutic strategies for Ewing family of tumors, malignant melanoma of soft parts, breast cancer. Analysis of target genes of oncoproteins, tumor suppressors."
LaBelle Edward Ph.D. Lipid-Dependent Second Messengers in Vascular Smooth Muscle, Mechanisms of Apoptosis, Mechanisms of Smooth Muscle Contraction, Biochemistry.
Abrutyn Elias MD Infective Endocarditis, Urinary Tract Infections, Hospital Onset Infections
Gardner Elizabeth Ph.D. Aging, Influenza vaccination, Nutrition, Caloric restriction,
Blankenhorn Elizabeth Ph.D Mapping and identifying complex trait genes in animal models of MS, diabetes, wound healing, ALS, and airway disease.
Besa Emmanuel MD Myelodysplastic syndrome, Multiple myeloma, Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Chronic myeloid leukemia
Mohamed Feroze Ph.D. Design and Implementation of functional MRI and Ultra fast MR Image Data acquisition methods. Current Density functional magnetic resonance phase imaging. Collection and Fusion of EEG and fMRI data;
DiGregorio G John Ph.D. Human salivary kinetics of drugs of abuse, Clinical pharmacology of Amiodarone levels in explanted human hearts, Hair and urine analysis of herbal preparations, Determination of carcinogenic exposure using human hair
Soslau Gerald Ph.D. Platelet Biochemistry, Platelet Thrombin receptors, Platelet ATP receptors, Hemostasis
Gallo Gianluca Ph.D. My laboratory investigates the role of the neuronal cytoskeleton in the process of axon extension using imaging, biochemical and molecular techniques.
Ellis-Davies Graham Ph.D. Organic synthesis, photophysics
Snyder Gretchen Ph.D. Signal transduction, Protein phosphorylation, Basal Ganglia Neurochemistry, Biochemistry of Estrogen/Dopamine Interactions
Fischer Itzhak Ph.D. Development of cellular and molecular strategies in spinal cord injury, Grafting of neural stem cells and bone marrow stromal cells into spinal cord, Ex vivo gene therapy, The structure and function of the neuronal cytoskeleton
Kresh J Yasha Ph.D. Regenerative potential of adult stem cells and cardiac myoblasts, Dynamics of cellular organization and live-cell microscopy, Computer-assisted surgical robotics, Extracorporeal life support technologies
Witek James M.D. HIV/AIDS, Antiretroviral Therapy, Opportunistic Infections, HIV Resistance
Burns James M.D. Immunoparasitology, Malaria Vaccines
Clifford Jane Ph.D. Regulation of gene expression, Cell cycle control, Effects of viruses on host transcription and proliferation
Shumsky Jed Ph.D. Behavioral pharmacology, Developmental neurobiology, function following spinal cord injury, Operant models of cognitive function
Posner Joel M.D. Exercise, nutrition, medication
Horwitz Joel Ph.D. The role of oxidative stress in the etiology of Parkinson's disease. The role of reactive oxygen molecules in neurodegenerative disease, The effect of chronic ethanol on signal transduction in neuronal tissue,
Entwistle John M.D. Cellular cardiomyoplasty, Surgical management of heart failure, cellular cardiomyoplasty, heart failure, artificial heart, heart, cardio, cardiac, heart surgery, surgery, transplantation,
Harvey John Ph.D. Molecular basis of learning and memory as measured by classical (Pavlovian) conditioning of the rabbit’s nictitating membrane response, Role of endogenous neurotransmitters in learning and memory, Neurochemical and behavioral consequences of prenatal cocaine exposure, Role of mitogen activated protein kinases and transcription factors in learning and memory
Clarke John Ph.D. surgial jugement, decision analysis, artificial intelligence, real-time quality assurance
Nickels Joseph Ph.D. Signal Transduction, Glucose Signaling Regulation, Meiosis, Yeast Genetics
O'Donnell Judith M.D. Sexually Transmitted Diseases, including syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, herpes, and human papillomaviruses, Vaginitis including candida, trichomonas, and bacterial vaginosis, Urinary tract infections in women, Lyme disease
Cooper Katrina Ph.D. Control of meiotic divisions, Meiotic Checkpoints, Non-dysjunction events leading to congenital chromosomal abnormalities
Simansky Kenny Ph.D. "neurochemistry of reward mechanisms in eating disorders, depressionand schizophrenia, neurobiology of addiction and other compulsive disorders, serotonin – neuropeptide interactions in eating and obesity, brainstem integration of sensorimotor function"
Bergman Lawrence Ph.D. "The characterization of the protein-protein interactions between parasite proteins and between parasite proteins and proteins on the surface of the host red cell. T"
Nunes, MD, MPH Linda M.D. MPH Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) - Body and Musculoskeletal System, Computed Tomographic Imaging of the Body and Musculoskeletal System, Ultrasound Imaging of the Body and Musculoskeletal System
Haber Marian Ph.D. Gastric endocrine cell growths, Barrett’s esophagus, Ischemic injury in the bowel, Graft vs host disease in the gut
Jorns Marilyn Ph.D. Enzyme structure-function relationships, Flavin- and folate-dependent enzymes, Molecular basis of genetic diseases involving defective enzymes
Stearns Mark Ph.D. Prostate cancer, gene discovery, diagnostics, therapeutics
Alden Mark M.D. Stereotactic radiation/Gamma Knife radiosurgery, Bile duct brachytherapy, Amiphostine radiotherapy protectant, Radiation skin reactions, use of Neuroskin products to treat them
Delaney Mary M.D. Systems of Care for Children and Adolescents with Serious Emotional Disorder, Psychopharmacology, Autism, Aggressive Behaviors
Levison Matthew M.D. Antibiotic resistance mechanisms, Antibiotic pharmacodynamics in experiment endocarditis, Infective Endocarditis
Greenberg Michael M.D. Medical toxicology, occupational toxicology, evironmental toxicology, bio-chemical terrorism
White Michael B.S. Ph.D. structure-function relationships in ligand-gated ion channels, molecular basis for myasthenic syndromes, stimulus–secretion coupling in human lung mast cells
Page Michelle Ph.D. Monoamine Neurotransmitter Systems & the Regulation of Behavioral State, Interactions of Norepinephrine and Serotonin in Depression, Locus Coeruleus and Affective Disorders, Electrophysiolog
Amin Milan M.D. Tissue Autofluorescence, Dysplasia, Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease, Laryngeal Biomechanics
Wang Min Ph.D. Molecular Biology
Abedin Mohammad M.D. molecularbasis of gallstone pathogenesis, second messenger regulation of ion transport, biliary physiology and disease, calcium-calmodulin
Schwann Nanette M.D. Perioperative Myocardial Preservation, Perioperative Cardiovascular Outcomes, Hormone Replacement and Cardiovascular Surgery, Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS)
Meucci Olimpia MD Ph.D. Chemokine receptors in the CNS, HIV-neuropathogenesis and other neurodegenerative diseases, Cellular and molecular mechanisms of neuronal apoptosis and survival, Calcium homeostasis in neuronal and glial cells
Loll Patrick Ph.D. Protein crystallography, Membrane protein structure and function, Structure based drug design, Polyglutamine diseases
Rapp Paul Ph.D. Dynamical characterization of physiological signals, including EEGs, heart interbeat intervals, and neural spike trains, Quantitative EEG and psychopharmacology, Event related potentials and the analysis of receptive language deficits, Analysis of fish motor behavior in toxin-contaminated water
Baas Peter Ph.D. Cytoskeletal Structure of the Neuron, Microtubules and Motor Proteins, Neuronal Development and Polarity, Axonal Transport
Katsikis Peter Ph.D. HIV infection, Cytotoxic CD8+ T cells, Cytokines, Autoimmunity
Malone Richard Ph.D. Aggression in children and adolescents, Autism, Psychopharmacology
Rest Richard B.S. Ph.D. pstdc "Molecular & cellular mechanisms of the pathogenesis of Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Bacillus anthracis. Role of the Opa outer membrane protein family in the cell association and intracellular survival of N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis. Regulation of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) sialylation in N. gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis. The role of LPS sialylation in gonococcal and meningococcal virulence. The role of Anthrolysin O in B. anthracis-macrophage and B. anthracis-neutrophil interactions."
Hamilton Richard M.D. Toxicology, Carbon Monoxide, Drug Withdrawal Syndromes, Chemical and Biological Terrorism
Nichols Robert Ph.D. "1. Presynaptic regulation via ligand-gated ion channels 2. Beta amyloid and presynaptic regulation via nicotinic receptors on nerve terminals in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex"
Moreland Robert Ph.D. smooth muscle contraction, antisense oligonucleotide approaches, signal transduction, mitogen-activated protein kinase
Preston Robin Ph.D. Membrane excitability, ion channels, ion currents, Sensory transduction mechanisms, Effects of magnesium on membrane excitability, Mechanisms regulating intracellular free magnesium concentrations
Wapner Ronald M.D. Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Genetics
Maulitz Russell Ph.D. Medical Informatics, Medical History
Bunce Scott Ph.D. Effects of childhood trauma on personality and emotional processes, Psychophysiological assessment of Central Nervous System response during implicit information processing, Borderline Personality Disorder, Narcissistic Personalities and Narcissistic Personality Disorder
Onn Shao-Pii Ph.D. Dopamine regulation of cortical-subcortical interaction, Hypofrontality & subcortical hyperdopaminergic activity, Animal models of drug addiction & schizophrenia, Single unit extracellular and intracellular recording and labeling techniques
Croul Sidney M.D. Ph.D. Central Nervous System Tumorogenesis, Neuro Aids
Giszter Simon BA Ph.D. "Motor Control, Limb biomechanics and control, Force-field Motor Primitives, Pattern generation, Spinal cord and Motor Cortex organization, Spinal cord injury, plasticity and recovery, Neuroprosthetics, Fiberoptic neural activity controller development"
Fiel Stanley M.D. Cystic Fibrosis, Obstructive lung disease
Edlind Thomas Ph.D. Molecular microbiology; Yeast genetics; Antimicrobial drugs - mechanisms of action and resistance; Multidrug resistance; Opportunistic fungi - Candida, Aspergillus; Signal transduction; Gene regulation
Cunningham Timothy Ph.D. cell survival and death, neuronal development, CNS repair
Arkoosh Valerie M.D. Neuraxial labor analgesia/anesthesia, Neuraxial drugs and drug delivery systems, Physiologic effects of neuraxial analgesia/anesthesia on the parturient
Rao Veena Ph.D. Molecular Biology of breast, ovarian and prostate cancer, oncogenes, tumor suppressor genes, Transcriptional activators and repressors, protein-protein interactions, signal transduction
Lidz Victor Ph.D. "Evaluation of substance abuse treatment programs/modalities. Evaluation of adjunctive services at substance abuse treatment programs. Prevocational and vocational services for the unemployed. HIV risk behavior among injection drug users. Sociological theory with focus on the theory of social action and classical figures in the history of sociological thought."
Aloyo Vincent Ph.D. Regulation of several serotonin receptors (5-HT2A, 5-HT2C, 5-HT1D and 5-HT1B) and the serotonin transporter (SERT) and their relationship to behavior (learning, feeding and other behaviors). Dopamine transporter’s role in the production of prenatal cocaine-induced deficits, Opioid receptor regulation of pineal function, Estrogen modulation of serotonin receptors and serotonin mediated behaviors.