Kenny Simansky

Kenny Simansky, PhD is a Professor in the Departments of Pharmacology & Physiology and Psychiatry at Drexel University College of Medicine and serves as the Senior Vice Dean for Research. He holds leadership roles in research administration, including directing graduate programs in pharmacology and neuroscience, and chairs NIH peer review panels. His research focuses on cellular mechanisms regulating eating, particularly serotonin’s role in satiation and how cannabinoids/opioids influence dietary choices, with relevance to obesity and addiction.

Education:

• PhD in Biopsychology, University of Iowa (1979)
• MA in Biopsychology, University of Iowa (1975)
• BA in Psychology, Queens College of CUNY (1972)

Research Contributions: Dr. Simansky’s work bridges neuroscience and clinical applications, including organizing international symposia and securing NIH grants. His lab explores brain-gut interactions and reward pathways, with implications for psychiatric disorders and substance abuse.

Leadership & Awards:

• Recipient of the 2024 Daniel V. Schidlow Leadership Award
• Key contributor to the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center Research Consortium’s NCI comprehensive designation bid
• Oversees the TriNetX clinical research platform, enhancing collaboration across Drexel’s regional campuses

Labs & Affiliations: Active in the Drexel Medical Cannabis Research Center and collaborates with multidisciplinary teams across the university’s schools, including Nursing, Public Health, and Pharmacy.