Welcome to Molecular & Cellular Physiology
Physiology is the study of how biological systems perform their functions to maintain the steady-state internal environment of living organisms. We can study these processes at the genetic, cellular, organ system or whole-animal level.
Our departmental name reflects the increasing application of molecular biology techniques in the understanding of physiological function.
Join us as we
TEACH • HEAL • DISCOVER
Understanding the basic concepts of physiological control of organ systems in the human body is key to identifying regulatory processes during organ dysfunction and disease states which, in turn, may elucidate a novel approach in therapeutic intervention.
Our PhD Program
The Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology recruits highly motivated individuals from undergraduate biomedical backgrounds who wish to pursue a rewarding career in biomedical research. Our PhD program provides individualized training for each student to successfully fulfill the requirements leading to the attainment a PhD degree. This provides highly skilled graduates with the investigative tools necessary for an intellectually challenging and rewarding career in an ever-evolving field at academic, industrial or government institutions.
Hear from our students ...
Physiology - Brenna Pearson-Gallion testimonial
“I chose to attend LSUHS for grad school because I really appreciated how collaborative the campus is. If I don’t know how to do something, the chances are that someone on campus does and they’re always willing to help out.” - Brenna Pearson-Gallion
Physiology - Gerardo Ali Cruz Marquez testimonial
“I decided to come train in the LSUHS PhD program because it presented an excellent opportunity for professional development and to make important connections that will be important for the fulfillment of my goals. So far, I’ve received a lot of research training both theoretical and practical and I’ve become more familiarized with the work style of the laboratory researcher.” - Gerardo Ali Cruz Marquez
Physiology - Shripa Amatya testimonial
“I chose to attend LSUHS for my PhD training because of the expansive areas of research and the opportunities for translational research. The facilities and variety of individuals here excited me about the knowledge and opportunities I could gain, by joining this institution.” - Shripa Amatya
The Application Cycle for Submitting Graduate Program Applications
for the 2026 / 27 Academic Year will open September 18th.
Our Research
Our faculty are performing ground-breaking research, winning awards, gaining world recognition and making a difference in lives. Visit the labs of our scientists and learn more about their research, publications, news and consider joining their team.
Latest Department News
![Dr. El Saafien receives the Gill Award presented by The Gill Heart and Vascular Institute at the University of Kentucky]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1759506745/lsuhscshreveportedu/gufz6fvzxtavd37y06ky/ElsaafienGillAwardnews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1759506745/lsuhscshreveportedu/gufz6fvzxtavd37y06ky/ElsaafienGillAwardnews.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759506745/lsuhscshreveportedu/gufz6fvzxtavd37y06ky/ElsaafienGillAwardnews.png","width":520}])
![Dr. Khalid El Saafien secured a new ROO grant from the NHLBI]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1757368519/lsuhscshreveportedu/q6yhvrrzrmikrss1czey/KhalidElSaafiennews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1757368519/lsuhscshreveportedu/q6yhvrrzrmikrss1czey/KhalidElSaafiennews.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1757368519/lsuhscshreveportedu/q6yhvrrzrmikrss1czey/KhalidElSaafiennews.png","width":520}])
![Dr. Hongxue Shi secured an ROI grant for a new project]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1755184871/lsuhscshreveportedu/z9vs7qkdqrwrm4hbt7vs/XonghueShinews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1755184871/lsuhscshreveportedu/z9vs7qkdqrwrm4hbt7vs/XonghueShinews.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1755184871/lsuhscshreveportedu/z9vs7qkdqrwrm4hbt7vs/XonghueShinews.png","width":520}])
![Dr. Arif Yurdagul awarded an ROI grant for $2.6 million]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1727204153/lsuhscshreveportedu/vk3ynstpmcrabekbgxj2/YurdagulLabnews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1727204153/lsuhscshreveportedu/vk3ynstpmcrabekbgxj2/YurdagulLabnews.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1727204153/lsuhscshreveportedu/vk3ynstpmcrabekbgxj2/YurdagulLabnews.png","width":520}])
![Announcing Faculty Promotions]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1752009274/lsuhscshreveportedu/ixy1gqttdyvb0xuhuooo/Physiologynews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1752009274/lsuhscshreveportedu/ixy1gqttdyvb0xuhuooo/Physiologynews.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1752009274/lsuhscshreveportedu/ixy1gqttdyvb0xuhuooo/Physiologynews.png","width":520}])
![School of Graduate Studies awards Graduating Students for Academic Excellence]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1746800012/lsuhscshreveportedu/pdbhxkl8b8catnmk4ouu/2026SOGSawardwinnersnews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1746800012/lsuhscshreveportedu/pdbhxkl8b8catnmk4ouu/2026SOGSawardwinnersnews.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1746800012/lsuhscshreveportedu/pdbhxkl8b8catnmk4ouu/2026SOGSawardwinnersnews.png","width":520}])
![Graduate Student of the Month]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1744323465/lsuhscshreveportedu/et0iaoqh1ufnfdb5tkms/NiluDhangelnews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1744323465/lsuhscshreveportedu/et0iaoqh1ufnfdb5tkms/NiluDhangelnews.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1744323465/lsuhscshreveportedu/et0iaoqh1ufnfdb5tkms/NiluDhangelnews.png","width":520}])
![Two LSUHS Faculty Members Awarded Prestigious NIH R01 Grants to Advance Research]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1719326564/lsuhscshreveportedu/jqfttxbddrhyxjjla1vk/DragoiandBhuiyannews.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1719326564/lsuhscshreveportedu/jqfttxbddrhyxjjla1vk/DragoiandBhuiyannews.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719326564/lsuhscshreveportedu/jqfttxbddrhyxjjla1vk/DragoiandBhuiyannews.png","width":520}])
![Center for Applied Immunology and Pathological Processes COBRE attend NISBRE 2024 conference]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1719323591/lsuhscshreveportedu/gkz0m02r0gzfepwtool4/NISBRE2024Awards.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1719323591/lsuhscshreveportedu/gkz0m02r0gzfepwtool4/NISBRE2024Awards.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1719323591/lsuhscshreveportedu/gkz0m02r0gzfepwtool4/NISBRE2024Awards.png","width":520}])
