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
Upcoming Symposium: Visceral and Interoceptive Systems Physiology (VISP)
The Department is hosting the first annual Visceral and Interoceptive Systems Physiology (VISP) Networking and Research Symposium on October 29. View the full program.
Publication Highlights
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
Monique Peña receives Wildcat award
Monique Peña, MEd, an academic advisor with the Department of Physiology, was selected as the Wildcat Achievement Award winner as part of the 2025 Student Success Awards. Read more about the award.
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
Alumni Q&A: Dr. Mandy Agbannawag
Recently, the Department of Physiology caught up with Mandy Agbannawag, PT, DPT, for a Q&A. Dr. Agbannawag is a 2015 alumna of the University of Arizona Department of Physiology who went on to earn her doctorate in physical therapy from Northern Arizona University in 2018. Read more about Dr. Agbannawag.
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.
The Crunchometer: Hearing the crunch of hunger
The University of Arizona's College of Medicine-Tucson Department of Physiology presents the Seminars in Translational and Advanced Research (STAR) series, hosting Dr. Ranier Gutierrez from National Polytechnic Institute of Mexico.
Join us in-person at 11 a.m. on Friday, October 24, 2025 in Arizona Health Sciences Center, Room 8403.
The lecture will also be available via Zoom at https://arizona.zoom.us/j/85062222452.
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.