Cheryl Rockwell

Cheryl Rockwell, PhD, is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology at Michigan State University (MSU). She holds dual affiliations with the College of Human Medicine and the College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her research focuses on environmental toxicology, immunity, inflammation, and gastrointestinal/hepatic pathologies. Dr. Rockwell’s work investigates how environmental pollutants and toxicants disrupt immune responses, particularly in T cells and macrophages, with implications for chronic diseases like metabolic disorders and fibrosis.

Her academic journey includes roles as an Assistant Professor (2011–2017) and current Associate Professor (2017–present) at MSU. She teaches advanced courses such as PHM 801 (Fundamental Principles of Pharmacology), PHM 803 (Chemical Disposition in Mammals), and PHM 816 (Integrative Toxicology), emphasizing mechanisms of toxicity and regulatory science.

Key research interests include the cellular and molecular mechanisms of toxicant-induced immune dysfunction, with studies on arsenic, cadmium, and PFNA. Her work bridges environmental exposures, immunology, and liver/gut pathophysiology. Notable projects involve single-nucleus analysis of adipose tissue, mechanotransduction in vascular systems, and the role of Nrf2 signaling in T cell activation.

Dr. Rockwell advises students like Saamera Awali and collaborates on training programs such as the Integrated Pharmacological Sciences and Environmental Toxicological Sciences initiatives. Her lab’s findings contribute to understanding how toxicants alter immune responses and tissue homeostasis, with implications for public health and therapeutic development.