Karen L. Houseknecht

Karen L. Houseknecht is Professor of Pharmacology and Senior Associate Provost/Vice President for Research at the University of New England. With cross-appointments in Osteopathic Medicine and Pharmacy, her research focuses on therapeutic development for diabetes, obesity, and mood disorders, with emphasis on drug safety and metabolic side effects.

Current NIH-funded projects investigate drug-induced bone loss mechanisms and safer analgesics for chronic pain. Career spans academic and pharmaceutical research, including roles at Pfizer Global R&D and Purdue University. Educational initiatives promote interprofessional healthcare training and global pharmacy education through international APPE programs.

Awards recognize scientific leadership, including recognition by the Connecticut Women's Hall of Fame. Research examines insulin signaling, leptin biology, and metabolic dysregulation from psychiatric medications.