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Welcome

The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology currently consists of twenty primary faculty members with varied and scientifically diverse research interests in neuropharmacology, molecular toxicology, cancer biology and pharmacology, and chemical biology. Departmental faculty members currently serve in directorship roles in the Center for Addiction Sciences and Therapeutics (CAST), the NIEHS Center in Environmental Toxicology, the Cancer Center, and the Chemical Biology Program. Read more of the Chair's welcome message >>


Lawrence Sowers, PhD

Pharmacology and Toxicology by the Numbers

Nationally Ranked Basic Science Department

27,000+ Citations

20 Full time Faculty and 22 associate members

Graduate Highlight Explore diverse research themes to advance our basic understanding of cancer biology, environmental toxicology, and drug abuse.

Master’s Programs

36 Credit Hour program in Pharmacology and Toxicology

PhD Programs

Designed to equip leaders to ask, test, and answer fundamental questions about disease and therapeutics. 

MD/PhD

Training Physician scientist since 1987 to advance the field of medicine. 

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News

2025 Chauncey Leake Memorial Lecture

Jul 29, 2025, 10:40 AM by Jenna Crosson

On Friday, July 25, the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology at the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) proudly hosted the annual Chauncey Leake Memorial Lecture, a distinguished event honoring excellence in research and education. This year, we were privileged to welcome Dr. John R. Mantsch as our esteemed guest lecturer and honoree.

Dr. Mantsch delivered a compelling and insightful presentation titled "Breaking the Cycle: Exploring the Link Between Stress and Drug Use." His lecture shed light on the complex neurobiological mechanisms that connect stress to substance use disorders, offering valuable perspectives that are both timely and impactful for the scientific and medical communities.

Following the lecture, a reception was held in recognition of Dr. Mantsch’s contributions. The photo below captures a special moment from the event, as Dr. Lawrence Sowers presents Dr. Mantsch with a commemorative award in appreciation of his outstanding work and participation in this year’s memorial lecture.

 

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