Dr. Alan Smrcka

Professor

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Biography

Alan Smrcka is a professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Michigan Medical School, where he holds the Benedict Lucchesi Collegiate Chair in Cardiovascular Pharmacology and serves as Associate Chair of Research. He received his Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Arizona in 1990 and completed his postdoctoral work in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, focusing on G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) and G protein signaling. Smrcka joined the University of Michigan in 2016 after a faculty position at the University of Rochester. He has served on various NIH study sections and currently holds the position of Associate Editor for Molecular Pharmacology. His research explores GPCR-mediated signal transduction using biochemical, biophysical, and in vivo methods to understand signaling pathways regulated by GPCRs, particularly focusing on phospholipase C isoforms and G protein beta/gamma subunits. Smrcka has contributed to the understanding of cardiac signaling and has developed pharmacological approaches to selectively block Gbeta/gamma-dependent activation. His work has implications for cardiac contraction, hypertrophy, endocrine secretion, and inflammation.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2016-01-01 — Present

University of Michigan Medical School • Ann Arbor, Michigan

Professor in the Department of Pharmacology and Associate Chair of Research, focusing on cardiovascular pharmacology and GPCR signaling.

Awards

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Making Difference Award

2023-01-01

Requirements for University of Michigan Medical School

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:22
Speaking
Required:22
Total
Required:84
IELTS
Listening
Required:6.5
Reading
Required:6.5
Writing
Required:6.5
Speaking
Required:6.5
Overall
Required:6.5
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree or equivalent Prior laboratory research experience Significant undergraduate coursework in chemistry and biology
Application Checklist
  • Online Application via Rackham
  • Academic Statement of Purpose
  • Personal Statement
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Official Transcripts
  • CV/Resume
Specialization Notes

Admission for Biological Chemistry, Cellular and Molecular Biology, Human Genetics, Microbiology and Immunology, Pharmacology, Molecular and Integrative Physiology, Cancer Biology, and Neuroscience is primary handled through the PIBS (Program in Biomedical Sciences) gateway.