Molecular and Integrative Physiology

Among the biomedical sciences, physiology is uniquely positioned to explore the most fundamental aspects of biology and the most practical and applied problems of human and animal health.  It spans the range from molecular mechanisms to medical problems.

Welcome

Welcome to the Division of Molecular and Integrative Physiology. Our faculty strive to improve understanding of the function of molecules, cells, tissues and organisms in relation to human biology and medicine, and to contribute to the training of the next generation of research scientists, physicians and educators. 

Our teams are involved in interdisciplinary research and teaching that focuses on developmental biology, endocrinology, neuroscience and reproductive biology. Our goals include strengthening our already outstanding basic science research programs by encouraging collaborations with clinicians and industry.

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Our faculty

The faculty at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine is focused on educating the region's top physicians, researching new models of care, and providing expert clinical services that address the health care needs of central and southern Illinois.

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Mission

Our mission is to enhance understanding of the function of molecules, cells, tissues and organisms with an emphasis on their relation to human biology and medicine; and to contribute to the training of the next generation of research scientists, physicians and educators. Toward this end we have developed a graduate program in Molecular and Integrative Physiology and post-baccalaureate certificate programs in Anatomy. Our department is devoted to outstanding research and is committed to excellence in education. The Department of Physiology is a vibrant, growing department that seeks to provide the most exciting environment for cutting-edge science.

Our staff

Our roster lists over 14 primary faculty members who are involved in research and teaching and have expertise in behavioral neuroscience, cell physiology, developmental biology, mammalian physiology, molecular biology, molecular endocrinology, molecular neuroscience, molecular physiology in sensory organs, neuroendocrinology, reproductive biology, reproductive endocrinology, vascular physiology and human anatomy. Members of the department have their principal appointments in the School of Medicine and are involved in interdisciplinary research with faculty in the Colleges of Agriculture, Life, and Physical Sciences, Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Applied Sciences and Arts.  Our vision for the Department is to continue building and expanding our already strong research programs by reaching out to clinicians and other academic and industry scientists. 

Medical Student Library

Latest articles

Seed grants, light bulb with seedlings

Small dollars, big discoveries

Fall 2025 SIU Seed Grants have been awarded. These seed grants reflect SIU School of Medicine’s broader commitment to research that matters locally and resonates globally.
Nafisa Jadavji, PhD in her lab

USDA funding supports SIU research linking nutrition and stroke recovery

A stroke can change a life in a matter of minutes. Recovery, however, unfolds over months and years and is shaped by many factors that people can influence, including what they eat. With new funding
Don Torry speaking at podium

Senator Durbin, SIU Medicine leaders express concerns about federal budget cuts

Health care leaders and Senator Dick Durbin gathered at SIU School of Medicine on July 25 to strongly denounce sweeping federal budget cuts to Medicaid, student loan support and medical research—pillars that sustain both local patient care and the next generation of physicians.