PhD in Neuroscience
Neuroscience PhD Integrated Program for Biomedical Sciences (IPBS)
In the first year of study, PhD students complete three elective rotations in the laboratories of faculty members of their choice, and select an advisor by the end of the second semester. After selecting a research advisor, students may select the Neuroscience track for specialized coursework. Required and elective courses are taken throughout the first and second years. The student must take and pass a qualifying examination by the end of the second year in order to be admitted to PhD candidacy.
Independent research is carried out in state-of-the-art laboratories under the direction of the student's advisor, with regularly scheduled meetings with the PhD committee selected by the student and advisor. A formal written dissertation on the student's research is required, and must be successfully defended at a public examination. The normal period required for completion of the degree ranges from four to six years.
In order to join the Neuroscience PhD track, students must apply to the Integrated Program for Biomedical Sciences (IPBS).
Course Catalog
Learn about the IPBS Core curriculum as well as the courses required for the PhD in Neuroscience in our Neuroscience PhD Course Catalog.
Faculty
JOANNA C. BAKOWSKA, PhD
Associate Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience
PhD- Molecular and Behavioral Neuroscience, Rutgers
Research Interests: Genetic, behavioral, and cellular mechanisms that underlie spastic paraplegias.
ED CAMPBELL, PhD
Professor, Microbiology and Immunology
PhD- Microbiology and Immunology, University of Illinois at Chicago
Research Interests: Understanding the mechanisms of cellular invasion by amyloid protein aggregates associated with neurodegenerative disease and the cellular dysfunction induced by such invasion.
EILEEN FOECKING, PhD
Associate Professor, Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery and Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience
PhD- Neurobiology and Physiology, Northwestern University
Research Interests: Mechanisms of peripheral nerve injury and repair with focus on therapeutic and surgical techniques to enhance regeneration.
ROCCO GOGLIOTTI, PhD
Assistant Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience
PhD- Biomedical Research, Northwestern University
Research Interests: Neurogenetics of autism and autism-associated disorders and the neuropharmacology of novel treatment strategies.
CELESTE GREER, PhD
Assistant Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience
PhD- Pharmacology, Yale University
Research Interests: Transcriptional mechanisms that influence learning and memory
SIMON KAJA, PhD
Associate Professor, Dr. John P. and Therese E. Mulcahy Endowed Professor in Ophthalmology
PhD- Leiden University, Ophthalmology and Molecular Pharmacology & Neuroscience
Research Interests: Identification of pathophysiological mechanisms underlying human ophthalmic, neurological and neurodegenerative disorders.
KELLEY LANGERT, PhD
Assistant Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience
PhD- Neuroscience, Loyola University Chicago
Research Interests: Targeted drug delivery to the inflamed peripheral nerve, identifying novel therapeutic targets at the blood-nerve barrier and the leukocyte-endothelial interface, elucidating the physiological and pathophysiological roles of monomeric GTPases in endothelial cells.
TONI PAK, PhD
James R. DePauw Professor and Chair, Department of Cell and Molecular Physiology
PhD- Neuroscience, University of Colorado (Boulder)
Research Interests: Neuroendocrine regulation of puberty; molecular mechanisms of nuclear steroid receptor function.
ERIKA PIEDRAS-RENTERIA, PhD
Associate Professor, Cell and Molecular Physiology
PhD- Physiology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of neuronal P/Q calcium channel function in normal and diseased states, including spinocerebellar ataxia type 6 (SCA6).
KARIE SCROGIN, PhD
Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience
PhD- Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health Sciences University
Research Interests: Anxiety, mood disorders and neural control of circulation in heart disease.
MEHARVAN SINGH, PhD
Vice Provost of Research and Professor of Cellular and Molecular Physiology
PhD- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Florida
Research Interests: Role of gonodal hormones in aging brain and age-assocaiated neurodgenerative diseases
MONSHEEL SODHI, PhD
Assistant Professor, Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience
PhD- Biochemistry, Kings of College London, U.K.
Research Interests: Post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression (RNA editing, alternative splicing, microRNAs) in mood disorders, psychosis and after exposure to stress.
EVAN B. STUBBS, JR. PhD
Professor, Ophthalmology
PhD- Biochemistry, University of Missouri
Research Interests: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms of Metabolic and Acquired Neuropathies, including diabetic neuropathy, glaucomatous neuropathy, and acquired inflammatory demyelinating neuropathies such as Guillain-Barré Syndrome.
GONZALO TORRES, PhD
Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience
PhD - Pharmacology and Physiology, Saint Louis University
Research Interest: Function and regulation of brain monoamine transporters in the context of psychostimulants and antidepressants actions
ERIC VILLALON LANDEROS, PhD
Assistant Professor of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience
PhD - University of Missouri, Neuroscience
Research interests: Cell and molecular basis of Neuronal Membrane Proteasome(NMP)-dependent signaling modulation of pain and itch sensation.
DEREK WAINRIGHT, PhD
Associate Professor, Cancer Biology
MS, PhD – Cell Biology Neurobiology, and Anatomy, Loyola University Chicago
Research Interests: Neuroimmunology and glioblastoma therapy
Current Students
- Vignesh Krishnamoorthy
University of Texas at Dallas Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry
Dr, Meharvan Singh Lab - Jacob Exline
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Dual Bachelors Degree in Biochemistry and Cellular & Molecular Biology
Masters Degree Loyola University Chicago, Neuroscience
Dr. Eileen Foecking Lab - Emily Krueger
Monmouth College, Bachelor of Arts
Dr. Gonzalo Torres Lab - Michael Volyanyuk
University of Michigan Bachelor's Degree in Neuroscience
Loyola University Chicago Master's Degree Neuroscience
Dr. Eileen Foecking Lab
News & Events
St. Albert's Day 2024
Salutes student research in the Graduate School, Stritch School of Medicine, Marcella Niehoff School of Nursing and Parkinson School of Public Health.
Super Resolution Microscope
Super-Resolution Microscope acquired by Health Sciences Campus is a game-changer for research in Loyola's Graduate Biomedical Programs.
.jpg "Graduate Students Win Society for Neuroscience Competitions")
Graduate Students Win Society for Neuroscience Competitions
Loyola Graduate Students have strong showing at Society for Neuroscience Conference winning presentation and poster competitions.
Neuroscience PhD Integrated Program for Biomedical Sciences (IPBS)
In the first year of study, PhD students complete three elective rotations in the laboratories of faculty members of their choice, and select an advisor by the end of the second semester. After selecting a research advisor, students may select the Neuroscience track for specialized coursework. Required and elective courses are taken throughout the first and second years. The student must take and pass a qualifying examination by the end of the second year in order to be admitted to PhD candidacy.
Independent research is carried out in state-of-the-art laboratories under the direction of the student's advisor, with regularly scheduled meetings with the PhD committee selected by the student and advisor. A formal written dissertation on the student's research is required, and must be successfully defended at a public examination. The normal period required for completion of the degree ranges from four to six years.
In order to join the Neuroscience PhD track, students must apply to the Integrated Program for Biomedical Sciences (IPBS).