Pharmaceutical Sciences
Chair message
Welcome to the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (PharmSci)! Our department has a rich history in basic and translational science of human health. Founded in 1940, the department’s expertise and vision have evolved over time, but the focus has consistently been on improving human health through cutting-edge research and comprehensive education.
Our PharmSci faculty members hold prestigious national fellowships, serve in elected positions within professional organizations, deliver research talks on an international stage, and consult for industry and for federal agencies. Recent research by faculty and trainees has been funded by National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and Department of Energy as well as by industry and private foundations. Together, these professional activities demonstrate excellence in the scholarly achievements of our faculty and provide strong networking opportunities for our trainees. As we move forward, we are constantly seeking innovative and ground-breaking opportunities in pharmaceutical sciences.
We look forward to sharing our research, knowledge, and passion for advancing human health with our community in Washington state and worldwide.
Sincerely,
John Clarke
Chair and Associate Professor, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences
What is Pharmaceutical Sciences?
Pharmaceutical sciences encompasses a broad range of scientific disciplines that are critical to the discovery, development, and manufacturing of drugs and therapies. This field integrates knowledge from chemistry, biology, and medicine to understand how drugs work, how they can be formulated, and how they can be delivered to patients effectively and safely.
About Us
Our Students
Students gain hands-on experience in research projects and are mentored by leading scientists. Through connections, skills, and knowledge they receive from the program, graduates have gone on to work in pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Genentech, and Gilead Sciences, or do post-doctoral research at renowned institutions such as Harvard Medical School, Salk Institute, and Los Alamos National Laboratory.
Finding Cures for Chronic Diseases
Our research focuses on understanding the mechanisms of drug action, metabolism, and interactions to develop precision medicine approaches for treating various diseases, including cancer, inflammation, liver, neurodegenerative, and heart disease.
Our Faculty
Our faculty have been published in more than 80 journals in 2024 and cited more than 41,000 times. As part of an R01 university, our faculty have consistently placed in the top tier in federal, NIH, and overall funding among peer institutions.
Technologies and Methodologies
We advance research using state-of-the-art technologies including advanced mass spectrometry, in silico modeling, complex in vitro systems, and clinical trials. Our faculty work closely with colleagues across disciplines, both within the university and with external partners, to drive forward impactful research projects.
Academic Programs
The Pharmaceutical Sciences Department oversees undergraduate and PhD programs, preparing students for leadership in biomedical and pharmaceutical sciences. Faculty also teach in the PharmD program and integrate research with education.
