Welcome to the Department of Physiology at the University of Arizona!
Nestled in the heart of the vibrant Tucson community, our department stands at the forefront of groundbreaking discoveries and innovative teaching methods that shape the future of healthcare and biomedical sciences.
Whether you are a student, a researcher, or a visitor, please explore our website and join us on a journey of discovery, learning, and innovation as we continue to push the boundaries of knowledge in physiology.
Welcome, and enjoy your exploration!
Explore all positions and shape the future of physiology with us.
Join our team and contribute to advancing the field of physiology!
News
Using AI to power real-world learning in physiology
AI is not treated as a novelty or a shortcut. Instead, Deparatment of Physiology instructors integrate it deliberately to support applied learning, strengthen clinical reasoning and require students to evaluate information critically. Together, these approaches reflect the department’s ongoing effort to prepare students for the demands of modern science and medicine.
Publication Highlights
What the gut is telling the brain
A study recently published in Nature by Physiology PI Maya Kaelberer describes a “previously unrecognized” sense that facilitates communication between the gut and the brain. Kaelberer has also been featured on the Science Talks podcast.
Read More
Major Grants
Patricia Thompson, PhD, Professor of Physiology at the UA College of Medicine - Tucson, has just received an award for over $10.1 million to fund her research on “University of Arizona Cancer Prevention Clinical Trials Network”. The grant award comes from the National Cancer Institute.
Awards
Physiology faculty honored in College of Medicine–Tucson awards
Dan McNabney, PhD, Allyson Roof, PhD, Claudia Stanescu, PhD, and Mattie Klass, PhD, were recognized for excellence in teaching at the 2026 College of Medicine–Tucson awards. Read more about their honors.
Research Spotlight
How do we breathe?
The Fregosi Laboratory studies how the motor neurons that control the muscles of the breathing develop, and how perinatal exposure to neurotoxins alters their normal development. Read more.
Student & Alumni Highlights
Embarking on residency, physiology graduate hopes to inspire others
Inspired by his family’s roots in health care, physiology graduate and fourth-year College of Medicine –Tucson medical student Kobe Saldana, found mentorship, preparation and purpose on his path through medical school. Meet Saldana and learn more about his journey.
Explore all positions and shape the future of physiology with us
Join our team and contribute to advancing the field of physiology!
Undergraduate Program
Explore the wonders of the human body and its intricate functions with our highly-regarded Physiology & Medical Sciences program at the University of Arizona! Learn about our curriculum and how you can customize your degree to prepare for your unique career and professional school goals.
Graduate Programs
Unlock your potential and become a trailblazer in your field with the University of Arizona's Graduate Program. At the University of Arizona, physiologists are at the frontier of biomedical research. Our discoveries and techniques rapidly translate into clinical breakthroughs to treat and cure human diseases.
Faculty
Where Expertise Meets Inspiration: Our diverse and accomplished faculty at the University of Arizona are shaping minds and advancing knowledge to build a brighter future for all.
Alumni
Proud Alumni, Powerful Legacy: The University of Arizona's graduates are leaders, innovators, and change-makers, driving positive impact worldwide.
Control of ingestion by the caudal brainstem Image
The University of Arizona's College of Medicine-Tucson Department of Physiology presents the Seminars in Translational and Advanced Research (STAR) series, hosting Dr. Zachary Knight, Professor of Physiology, University of California San Francisco.
Zachary Knight is a Professor of Physiology at UCSF and an Investigator of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute. His lab studies the neural mechanisms that control hunger and thirst.
The seminar will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, at 11:00am in Arizona Health Sciences Center room 8403.
The lecture will also be available via Zoom.
Support Physiology at the UA!
Funds from private philanthropy and government and institutional grants support the Department of Physiology at the University of Arizona. While every source of funding is important, private philanthropic support is especially vital to the success of the department's research and teaching efforts.