Message from the Pharmacology & Neuroscience Chair

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Yaping Tu, PhD headshot

Welcome to the Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience at Creighton University School of Medicine. Located in Omaha’s vibrant NoDo district, our department is part of a dynamic academic and cultural community that continues to grow and evolve.

Our strength lies in our people, a collaborative and dedicated group of faculty, students, postdoctoral fellows, and staff who are committed to excellence in research, education, and service. Together, we foster an inclusive and intellectually stimulating environment that encourages innovation, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary collaboration across the School of Medicine and the broader Creighton community.

Our research mission is centered on understanding drug action, disease mechanisms, and nervous system function through diverse and integrative approaches. Faculty expertise spans areas such as cell signaling, neurotransmission, ion channel biology, pharmacogenomics, and drug discovery. This work addresses a wide range of human health challenges, including neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and substance use. Our research programs are supported by funding from leading national agencies, foundations, and industry partners, reflecting both the quality and impact of our work.

Education and training are central to our mission. We are deeply committed to preparing the next generation of scientists, clinicians, and health professionals. Our faculty contribute extensively to the teaching of medical, dental, pharmacy, nursing, and undergraduate students, while also mentoring graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in a rigorous and supportive training environment. We take pride in the success of our trainees, who go on to make meaningful contributions across academia, industry, and beyond.

As Interim Chair, I am excited to support the continued growth and evolution of our department. We are building on a strong foundation while expanding our research and educational programs and strengthening collaborative opportunities.

I invite you to explore our website to learn more about our faculty, research, and training programs, and to discover the many ways our department contributes to advancing biomedical science and education.

Yaping Tu, PhD
Professor and Interim Chair