Congratulations to Charles Pfeifer on winning the 2024 Dr. Philip Needleman Pharmacology Award!
Charles comes from the lab of Dr. Rajendra Apte, where he studied how eye diseases disrupt signaling pathways and alter microglia function and health. He was also able to introduce signaling proteins that restored communication lines to preserve visual function and reduce inflammation. With the continued guidance from his mentor, Dr. Apte, Charles is working to translate the therapeutic success of his work into the treatment of diabetic patients with retinopathy. The lab’s end goal is to generate a new treatment that will better preserve vision and quality of life in this growing patient population.
This award was established in 1991 by Mrs. Sima Needleman in honor of Dr. Philip Needleman and his family for their lifelong commitment to scholarship and education. Dr. Needleman was a former Professor and Head of the Department of Pharmacology to medical and graduate students here at Washington University. This annual award is given to one graduate student for outstanding research work and future potential.
Dr. Philip Needleman passed away on Monday, March 25, 2024 at the age of 85. Read more about his life and legacy.