Patrick Drew

Patrick Drew is a Professor in both the Department of Engineering Science and Mechanics and the Department of Neurosurgery at University Park, Penn State University. He currently serves as the Interim Director of the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, a multidisciplinary research institute at Penn State.

• University: Penn State University
• Departments: Engineering Science and Mechanics, Neurosurgery
• Academic Rank: Professor
• Leadership: Interim Director, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences (2024–present)

Dr. Drew’s research focuses on neurovascular coupling, hemodynamics, and neurodegenerative mechanisms. His work explores how brain activity influences blood flow, using mouse models and advanced imaging techniques like photoacoustic imaging and ultrafast ultrasound. A key project investigates olfactory neuron death in particulate matter-induced neurodegeneration, linking environmental pollutants to neurological disorders.

His recent publications span neurovascular dynamics, interneuron signaling, and brain fluid mechanics, with a focus on mouse brain studies. Collaborative work includes multimodal imaging systems and computational models of cerebrovascular networks.

Scientific Awards:

• AIMBE Fellow (2024)

Dr. Drew secured a $3.8M NIH grant (2024) for 3D tissue and organism visualization projects. He previously received Huck Institutes seed grants and was promoted to Professor in 2022.

His lab employs in vivo imaging and neurovascular modeling, with affiliations to the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences and Institutes of Energy and the Environment at Penn State.