The Michigan State University Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology will celebrate its 50th anniversary this fall with a weekend of special events.
Students, current and retired faculty, and alumni are invited to return to East Lansing September 9 and 10 for a celebration symposium, a banquet and family activities. Everyone who has been part of the department since its establishment is welcome.
A leader in exploring innovative therapies, the department was established in 1966 following its separation from the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. T.M. Brody was first to be named chair and work alongside three full and three junior faculty members.
Today, the department is home to more than 30 faculty members and chaired by Richard Neubig, who was recruited to his post from the University of Michigan. To date, 15 faculty and alumni members have led national organizations and the department boasts an active research program that brings more than $8 million in NIH support each year, much of it in team projects.
In addition to its online M.S. program, more than 40 doctoral students are studying and completing dissertation work. Those students can find guidance in planning their career paths through the department’s Broadening Experiences in Scientific Training program, an NIH-funded initiative that was developed and led by professor Stephanie Watts.
“This department has been – and continues to be – a leader in pharmacology and toxicology. Its faculty and students have made major contributions to cardiovascular and neuropharmacology, including autonomic pharmacology and hypertension,” said Neubig. “It has provided eight presidents of the Society for Toxicology and four for the American Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, among other national society leaders. I expect we will see as many, if not more, names and accomplishments added in the next 50 years.”
For more information, visit the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology website. Those interested in registering for 50th anniversary weekend celebration activities can visit https://phmtox.msu.edu/news/50th.