Pharmacology and Toxicology Alumni

Pharmacology and Toxicology Alumni

Pharmacology and Toxicology alumni have pursued careers in a variety of settings, including colleges and universities, pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, government laboratories, and private research institutes and foundations. 

a photo of 3 PHTX graduates
May 2024 Pharmacology and Toxicology PhD Graduates, Left to Right, Uzoamaka Nwagbo, Jeffrey Mensah, and Karen Acuna Pilarte.
5 people in caps and gowns on graduation day
May 2004 Pharmacology and Toxicology PhD Graduates from Left to Right: Aaron Rowland, Purba Marik, Jason Biggs, Laura Klimowski, and Jim Otto.
graduate students in PHTX department
PHTX PhD Graduate Students in May 2000.

The University of Utah’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology is a nationally recognized leader in these disciplines. Our department is committed to excellence in research, graduate education, and service.

Gifts to the Pharmacology and Toxicology Development Fund are strategically managed by the Department Chair and allocated to the Area of Greatest Need, which evolves over time to meet emerging priorities.

Recent contributions have supported:

  • Scholarships for students in our one-year master’s program
  • Funding for innovative research projects
  • Travel stipends for faculty, staff, and students to attend conferences and symposia

Your support ensures we can continue advancing scientific discovery and providing exceptional training opportunities for future leaders in pharmacology and toxicology.

Donate Now to the Pharmacology and Toxicology Development Fund

Alumni by Decade

    2020 - Present Graduates
    Name Advisor Graduation
    Year              		 LinkedIn 
    Acuna Pilarte, Karen Dr. Mei Koh 2024 Karen Acuna Pilarte, PhD
    Almestica-Roberts, Marysol Dr. Christopher Reilly 2023 Marysol Almestica-Roberts, PhD
    Bell, Laura * Dr. Karen Wilcox 2023 Laura Bell, PhD
    Burrell, Katie Dr. Christopher Reilly 2022 Katherine Burrell-Gerbers, PhD
    Giangrasso, Danielle Dr. Kristen Keefe 2021 Danielle Giangrasso, PhD
    Goh, Min-Jee Dr. Cameron Metcalf 2023 Min-Jee Goh, PharmD, PhD
    Mensah, Jeffrey Dr. Karen Wilcox 2024 Jeffrey Mensah, PhD
    McKnite, Autumn Dr. Kevin Watt 2023 Autumn McKnite, PhD
    Nwagbo, Uzoamaka Dr. Paul Bernstein 2024 Uzoamaka Nwagbo, PhD
    Veros, Kaliana * Drs. Kristen Keefe and Karen Wilcox 2025 Kaliana Veros, PhD
    Wallis, Glenna Dr. Karen Wilcox 2021 Glenna Wallis, PhD
    Zachery-Savella, Ashley *  Dr. Karen Wilcox 2025 Ashley Zachery-Savella, PhD
    * indicates Neuroscience PhD degree      
    2010s Graduates
    Name Advisor Graduation
    Year    		 LinkedIn
    Arch, Dorinda Dr. Michael Franklin 2010 Dorinda Arch, PhD
    Barker-Haliski, Melissa Dr. Kristen Keefe 2013 Melissa Barker-Haliski, PhD
    Bevans-Warren, Tatjana  Dr. Christopher Reilly  2016 Tatjana Bevans-Warren, PhD, CRNA
    Borges, Chad Dr. Douglas Rollins 2011 Chad Borges, PhD
    Brock, Paula Dr. Annette Fleckenstein 2015 Paula Brock, PhD MSCI
    Campbell, Sarah C. Dr. Diana Wilkins 2011 Sarah Campbell, PhD, DABT
    Constance, Jonathan Drs. Carol Lim and Michael Franklin 2012 Jonathan Constance, PhD
    Cook, Sarah Dr. Diana Wilkins 2015  
    Fidler, Trevor Drs. E. Dale Abel and Kristen Keefe  2016 Trevor Fidler, PhD
    Flynn, Sean Dr. H. Steve White 2012 Sean Flynn, PhD
    Gagangras, Saurabh  Dr. H. Steve White 2017 Saurabh Gagangras, PhD
    Hadlock, Gregory C. Dr. Annette Fleckenstein 2010 Gregory Hadlock, PharmD, PhD, BCPS
    Hasenoehrl, Meredith Gibbons * Dr. Karen Wilcox 2017 Meredith Hasenoehrl, PhD
    Hill, Cameron Dr. H. Steve White 2018 Cameron H., PharmD, PhD
    Kwon, Sun Dr. Donald Blumenthal 2014 Sun Hyung Kwon, PhD, RPh
    Larson, Erica Dr. Louis Barrows 2018 Erica Larson, PhD
    Little, Jason G. Dr. Steven Bealer 2011 Jason Litte, PhD
    Loewen, Jaycie Dr. Karen Wilcox 2018 Jaycie Loewen, PhD
    McGinn, Arlo N. Drs. Sun Wan Kim and William Crowley 2013 Alro McGinn, PhD
    Patel, Dipan Dr. Karen Wilcox  2016 Dipan Patel, PhD
    Poerschke, Robyn Dr. Philip Moos 2011 Robyn P., PhD
    Radwanski, Przemyslaw B. Drs. Poelzing and Steven Bealer 2010 Przemyslaw Radwanski, PhD
    Remigio, Gregory Dr. Peter West 2016 Greg Remigio, PhD
    Roberts, Jessica Dr. Gary Yost 2013  
    Rock, Colleen Dr. Philip Moos 2010 Colleen Rock, PharmD, PhD
    Rowley, Nicole M. Dr. H. Steve White 2011  
    Shahrokh, Kiumars Dr. Gary Yost and Thomas Cheatham 2012  
    Sheth, Chandni  Drs. Sharif A. Taha and Kristen Keefe  2016 Chandni Sheth, PhD
    Thomas, Karen C. Dr. Christopher Reilly 2010 Karen Thomas, PharmD, PhD, MBA
    Thomson, Kyle Dr. H. Steve White 2014 Kyle Thomson, PhD
    Umpierre, Anthony Dr. Karen Wilcox 2018 Anthony Umpierre, PhD
    Vargas, Jay Dr. Karen Wilcox 2011 Jay Vargas, PhD
    Weems, Jessica Dr. Gary Yost 2010 Jessica Weems, PhD
    Woessner, Davd Dr. Kristen Keefe 2013 David Woessner, PhD, MSCI
    2000s Graduates
    Name Advisor Graduation
    Year    		 LinkedIn
    Adams, Amy C. Dr. Kristen Keefe 2000  
    Adams, David H.  Dr. Kristen Keefe 2002 David Adams, PhD
    Andjelic, Cynthia Dr. Kristen Keefe 2007 Cynthia A., PhD
    Barton, Matthew Dr. Kristen Keefe 2003 Matthew Barton, PhD
    Baucum, Anthony J. Dr. Kristen Keefe 2004 A.J. Baucum, PhD
    Bechtel, Laura Klimowski Drs. David Virshup and Donald Blumenthal 2005 Laura Bechtel, PhD, DABCC
    Bolduc, Timothy (M.S.)   2008 Timothy Bolduc, MS
    Biggs, Jason S. Dr. Garold Yost 2005  
    Biggs, Laura Dr. H. Steve White 2009 Laura Biggs, PhD
    Borges, Chad Dr. Douglas Rollins 2001 Chad Borges, PhD
    Brown, Jeffrey Dr. Annette Fleckenstein 2001 Jeffrey Brown, PhD
    Cadwallader, Amy Dr. Douglas Rollins 2008 Amy Cadwallader, PhD
    Carr, Brian Dr. Garold Yost 2003 Brian Carr, PhD
    Chapman, David Dr. Kristen Keefe 2003 David Chapman, PhD
    Daberkow, David Dr. Kristen Keefe 2006  
    Deering-Rice, Cassandra Dr. Garold Yost 2009 Cassandra Deering-Rice, PhD
    Elder, Michael Dr. Lou Barrows 2003  
    Ganguly, Anindita Dr. Kristen Keefe 2000 Anindita Ganguly, PhD
    Haughey, Heather Dr. Glen Hanson 2000 Heather May Haughey, PhD
    Hubbard, Deanna Dr. Douglas Rollins 2001  
    Johnson-Davis, Kamisha Drs. Annette Fleckenstein and Diana
    Wilkins    		 2004 Kamisha Johnson-Davis, Phd, MBA, DABCC (CC, TC)
    Kartha, Jaya Dr. Gary Yost 2007 Jaya Kartha, PhD, MBA
    Klien, Brian Dr. H. Steve White 2003 Brian Klein, PhD
    Koch, Michael Dr. Louis Barrows 2009  
    Marik, Purba (M.S.) Dr. Bruce Bamber 2005 Purba Marik, MS, MBA/MHA
    Marshall, Kathryn Dr. Louis Barrows 2004 Kathryn Marshall, PhD
    Matsumoto, Sandra Dr. Louis Barrows 2000 Sandra Matsumoto, PhD
    Metcalf, Cameron Dr. Steven Bealer 2008 Cameron Metcalf, PhD
    Metzger, Ryan Dr. Glen Hanson 2000 Ryan Metzger, PhD
    Moore, Chad Dr. Garold Yost 2009  
    Otto, James Dr. Karen Wilcox 2006 James Otto, PhD
    Pond, Chris Dr. Louis Barrows 2005 Chris Pond, PhD
    Qiao, Liang Dr. H. Steve White 2007  
    Riddle, Evan L. Dr. Annette Fleckenstein 2003 Evan Riddle, PhD
    Rowland, Aaron Dr. Bruce Bamber 2005  
    Sabnis, Ashwini Dr. Garold Yost 2007 Ashwini Sabnis, PhD, RPh, PMP
    Schnabel, Peter Dr. Louis Barrows 2009  
    Sandoval, Veronica Dr. Annette Fleckenstein 2002  
    Simeone, Timothy Dr. H. Steve White 2003 Timothy Simeone, PhD
    Skordos, Konstantine W. Dr. Garold Yost 2002 Konstantine Skordos, PhD
    Skradski, Shana Dr. H. Steve White 2000 Shana Skradski, PharmD, PhD
    Smeal, Stacy Dr. Douglas Rollins 2007 Stacy Smeal, PhD
    Stewart, Kerry-Ann Dr. H. Steve White 2009  
    Sun, Hao Dr. Garold Yost 2007 Hao Sun, PhD
    Truong, Jannine G. Dr. Annette Fleckenstein 2004  
    Westwood, Scot C. Dr. Glen Hanson 2001 Scot Westwood, PhD
    Yeh, Joseph Dr. Donald Blumenthal 2003 Joseph Yeh, PhD
    90's Graduates
    Name Advisor Graduation
    Year    		 LinkedIn
    Chaudhry, Imtiaz Dr. Ralph Karler 1990 Imtiaz A. Chaudhry, MD, PhD, FACS
    Edwards, James A. Dr. H. Steve White 1994 James A. Edwards, PharmD, PhD
    Elayan, Ikram Dr. James W. Gibbs 1994  
    Gygi, Melanie P. Dr. Glen Hanson 1996  
    Gygi, Steven Dr. Douglas Rollins 1996  
    Harmsworth, Wendy Dr. Michael Franklin 1991  
    Hutabarat, Renta M. Dr. Gary Yost 1990 Renta Hutabarat, PhD
    Jenkins, Julee   1996  
    Kaster, JuLee Kay Dr. Gary Yost 1996  
    Kokoshka, Jerry Dr. Glen Hanson 1998 Jerry Kokoshka, PhD
    Law, Michael   1994 Michael Law, PhD
    Le, Hau  Dr. Michael Franklin 1998 Hau Le, PharmD, MS
    Manning, Bradford Dr. Michael Franklin 1991  
    Manning, Janice Thornton Dr. Garold Yost 1992  
    McMillin, Gwendolyn Dr. H. Steve White 1994 Gwen McMillin, PhD
    Meixell, Glenn  Dr. Donald Blumenthal 1995  
    Midgely, Leonora Parks Dr. Glen R. Hanson 1993  
    Pappas, Jannette   1994  
    Perrin-Wangsgard, Wendy Dr. Donald Blumenthal 1995 Study Director, Radiation and Sterilization, Nelson Laboratories
    Raftogianis, Rebecca Blanchard Dr. Michael Franklin 1995  
    Ruangyuttikarn, Werawan Dr. Garold Yost 1991 Werawan Ruangyuttikarn, PhD
    Singh, Nanda  Dr. Glen Hanson 1992 Nanda Singh, PhD
    Skeen, Gwendolyn Appell Dr. H. Steve White 1994  
    Skiles, Gary L. Dr. Garold Yost 1992 Pharmacokinetics and Drug Metabolism, Amgen
    Slawson, Matthew H. Dr. Douglas Rollins 1997 Matthew Slawson, PhD
    Smiley, Patricia Dr. Thomas McIntyre 1992 Patty Smiley, PhD
    Sudweeks, Sterling N. Drs. Roy Twyman and H. Steve White 1997 Sterling Sudweeks, PhD
    Swaffar, Diane S. Dr. Garold Yost 1991  
    Swayampakula, Ramakanth Dr. Garold Yost 1995 Ramakanth Swayampakula, PhD
    Terry, Christi M. Dr. Carlene Callahan 1997 Christi Terry, PhD
    Manning, Janice Thornton   1992  
    Vargas-Ganell, Gricelly Drs. Mary Lucero and Kristen Keefe 1999 Gricelly Vargas, PhD
    Wagstaff, John David   1995 John Wagstaff, PhD
    Wangsgard, Wendy Dr. Don Blumenthal 1995 Wendy Wangsgard, PhD
    Wang, Huifen Faye Dr. Gary Yost 1996 Huifen Faye Wang, PhD
    Wilkins, Diana Dr. Eric P. Trunnell 1991 Diana Wilkins, PhD
         

    Note: Drs. Ralph Karler, Thomas McIntyre, Roy Twyman, Mary Lucero, Eric Trunnell, and Carlene Callahan were all faculty in the School of Medicine.

    80's Graduates
    Name Advisor Graduation
    Year    		 LinkedIn 
    Allen, James L. Dr. Fang 1981 Dept. of Regulatory Affairs, Immtech International
    Alburgues, Mario E. Dr. Douglas Rollins 1988 Research Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology,University of Utah
    Bakhit, Ivan Charles   1980  
    Bornheim, Lester M. Dr. Michael Franklin 1982 Lester Bornheim, PhD
    Brizgys, Marius Dr. Douglas Rollins 1986 Marius Brizgys, PhD
    Burton, Scott   1982 Scott Burton, PhD
    Coleman, James Dr. Dixon Woodbury 1984  
    Dawson, Ted Dr. James Wamsley 1986 Ted Dawson, PhD
    Dawson, Valina Camilli Dr. James Wamsley 1989 Professor of Neurology, Neurosciences, and Physiology, Johns Hopkins Medical Institute
    Dean, Robin Dr. Ralph Karler 1986 Robin Dean, PhD
    Deng, Jackson   1986  
    Engstrom, Fae L. Dr. Dixon Woodbury 1985 Fae Engstrom, MD, PhD
    Gehlert, Donald R. Dr. James Wamsley 1985 Donald Gehlert, PhD
    Gumbrecht, Judy Raucy Dr. Michael Franklin 1982  
    Harbut, Ronald Dr. Johanson 1983 Ron E. Harbut, MD, PhD
    Iverson, Patrick L. Dr. Michael Franklin 1983 Patrick Iverson, PhD
    Lim, Heng-Keng Dr. Rodger Foltz 1989 Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, Aventis
    Jederberg, Warren (M.S.)   1987  
    Kumar, Manju   1981  
    Liston, Dane R.   Dr. James Gibb 1981 Dane Liston, PhD
    Lloyd, Sarah Dr. Michael Franklin 1987  
    Matsuda, Lisa Asoko Dr. James Gibb 1987  
    Madsen, Parley Dr. Donald Franz 1982  
    McCabe, R. Tyler Dr. James Wamsley 1987 R. Tyler McCabe, PhD
    Melby, James   1980  
    Merchant, Kalpana M. Dr. Glen Hanson 1989 Kalpana Merchant, PhD
    Morgan, Michael E. Dr. James Gibb 1980 Michael E. Morgan, PhD
    Murphy, Vincent Dr. Johanson 1983 Vincent Murphy, PhD
    Myers, Ralph Dr. Donald Franz 1989 Ralph Myers, MD, PhD
    Peat, Michael   1980 Michael Peat, PhD
    Pershing, Lynn Dr. Michael Franklin 1983 Lynn Pershing, PhD
    Port, David Dr. Michael Bristow 1989 J. David Port, PhD
    Prosser, Frederick Dr. William Nichols 1981  
    Reinhold, Sandra   1989  
    Ritter, Joseph K Dr. Michael Franklin 1986 Joseph Ritter, PhD
    Schmidt, Christopher Dr. James Gibb 1984 Chris Schmidt, PhD
    Smith, Quentin R. Dr. Johanson 1980 Quentin Smith, PhD
    Snowhill, Elaine   1983 Elaine Snowhill, PhD
    Sonsalla, Patricia K. Dr. Glen Hanson 1985 Patricia Sonsalla, PhD
    Steffensen, Scott C. Dr. Donald Franz 1987 Scott Steffensen, PhD
    Stone, Donna    1988  
    Tramposch, Alan Dr. Donald Franz 1982  
    Ulloque, Rafael (M.S.)   1985  
    Weber, Donna Dr. William Nichols 1984 Donna Weber, PhD
    White, H. Steve Dr. Dixon Woodbury 1984 H. Steve White, PhD
         

    Note: Drs. Dixon Woodbury, Fang, Johanson, Rodger Foltz, Michael Bristow, James Wamsley, Ralph Karler, and Donald Franz were all faculty in the Pharmacology Department in the School of Medicine.

    70's Graduates
    Name Advisor Graduation
    Year    		 Current Position
    Blankenship, James Dr. Dixon Woodbury 1972 Professor, Thomas J. Long School of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, University of the Pacific
    Borys, Henry Klymens   1970 PharmD, PhD
    Buening, Mildred Kathryn Dr. Michael Franklin 1975  
    Buhrley, Louis, Jr. Dr. Louis Goodman 1971  
    Cely, William Dr. Ralph Karler 1977 OB/GYN Author, Pacific Women's Health Group
    Finkle, Bryan S. Dr. James Gibb 1977 Chief Forensic Toxicologist, NFL (retired)
    George, David J. Dr. Harold Wolf 1971 David George, PhD
    Gross, Garrett J. Dr. Dixon Woodbury 1972 Professor and Vice Chair, Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology Medical College of Wisconsin
    Hanson, Glen R. Dr. Lester Partlow 1978 Professor, School of Dentistry, University of Utah
    Hare, Bradford D. Dr. Donald Franz 1974 Associate Professor, Dept. of Anesthesiology, University of Utah
    Hatch, Gary E. Dr. Bill Nichols 1977 Gary Hatch, PhD
    Husted, Russ F. Dr. Reed 1976 Russ Husted, PhD
    Ingall, Glynnis B. Dr. Ralph Karler 1978 Glynnis Ingall, PhD
    James, Robert C. Dr. Michael Franklin 1977 Associate Scientist, Center for Environmental and Health Toxicity,
    University of Florida, and TERRA, Inc.
    Jones, Gary L. Dr. Dixon Woodbury 1974 Gary Jones, MD, PhD
    Jordan, Ronald A. Dr. Michael Franklin 1979 Ron Jordan, PhD
    Koda, Leonard Y. Dr. Ewart Swinyard 1974 Pharmacist, Student Health Service, Cal State San Marcos
    Kogan, Frederick J. Dr. James Gibb 1975 Gastroenterologist, Banner Arizona Medical Clinic
    McCarthy, Kenny D. Dr. Lester Partlow 1975 Professor, Dept. of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina
    Neumayr, Robert J. Dr. Donald Franz 1974 Internist, Yankton Medical Clinic
    Noordewier, Byron Dr. Clarence Withrow 1976 Professor, Dept. of Biology, Northwestern College
    Pallavicini, Maria Dr. Art Cohen 1977 Professor and Dean, School of Natural Sciences, UC-Merced
    Perry, Roger S. Drs. Ralph Karler and Donald Franz 1973 Emergency Room Physician Pioneer Valley Hospital
    Roberts, Stephen M. Dr. Michael Franklin 1977 Professor, Director Center for Environmental and Health Toxicity, University of Florida
    Rollins, Douglas E. Dr. Dixon Woodbury 1973 Executive Director, Sports Medicine Research and Testing Laboratory, University of Utah
    Russell, John M. Dr. Ewart Swinyard 1971 Emeritus Professor, Dept. of Biology, Syracuse University
    Sangdee, Chaichan Dr. Donald Franz 1978 Professor, Dept. of Pharmacology, Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
    Sangdee, Puckprink Dr. Lester Partlow 1978 Professor, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University
    Smiley, Kathleen, A. Dr. Stuart Turkanis 1977 Senior Medical Writer, Acusphere, Inc
    Thomson, Thomas Donald Dr. Donald Franz 1974 Veterinary Consultant
    Thueson, David O. Dr. James Freston 1976 David Thueson, PhD
    Wallace, Lane Dr. Lester Partlow 1977 Professor, Associate Dean, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University
    Watson, Eileen L. Dr. Dixon Woodbury 1970 Professor, Depts. Of Oral Biology and Pharmacology School of Dentistry, University of Washington
    Webb, Jerry Glenn Dr. Ralph Karler 1972 Professor, Dept. of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology Medical College of South Carolina
    Weinreich, Daniel Dr. Louis Goodman 1970 Daniel Weinreich, PhD
    Yagiela, John A. Dr. Dixon Woodbury 1976 Professor, Section Chair, Dental Anesthesiology, UCLA School of Dentistry
          Note: Drs. Dixon Woodbury, Louis Goodman, Ralph Karler, Donald Franz, Reed, Stuart Turkanis, and James Freston were all faculty in the Pharmacology Department in the School of Medicine. 
    In Memorium

    Dr. Ernst Herbert Behr, Class of 1971

    Dr. Jason Biggs, Class of 2005

    Dr. Henry Kymens Borys, Class of 1970

    Dr. Gary Gross, Class of 1972

    Dr. Adair Hotchkiss, Class of 1979

    Dr. Renta Hutabarat, Class of 1990

    Dr. Kenny McCarthey, Class of 1975

    Dr. Kevin McCloskey, Class of 1976

    Dr. Lewis Miner, Class of 1971

    Dr. Robert Neumayer, Class of 1974

    Dr. Roger Perry, Class of 1973

    Dr. Robert Peterson III, Class of 1979

    Dr. Robert Soderberg, Class of 1972

    Dr. Robert Shao-Chih Hsu, Class of 1976

    Dr. Daniel Weinreich, Class of 1970

    Dr. John Yagiela, Class of 1976