Robert Pechnick

Robert Pechnick, PhD, is a Professor of Pharmacology and Pharmacology Discipline Leader at the College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences. He joined in 2012 and holds adjunct roles in multiple institutions. His academic journey includes postdoctoral training at UCLA and tenure at Louisiana State University and Cedars-Sinai Medical Center.

• B.A. in Psychology (UC San Diego, 1973)
• Ph.D. in Pharmacology (UCLA, 1982)
• NIH/NIMH Postdoctoral Fellowships (UCLA, 1983-1986)

Research focuses on neuropsychopharmacology, drug addiction, hippocampal neurogenesis, and cognitive dysfunction linked to chemotherapy. His work includes defining cytokine/stress roles in depression and developing treatments for 'chemobrain.'

Recent grants involve Alzheimer's therapy, neurogenesis, and animal research statistical tools. Notable awards include the 2024 Distinguished Teacher of the Year and multiple teaching excellence recognitions.

He advises on curriculum reform, chairs faculty search committees, and collaborates with organizations like the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology. His teaching spans foundational osteopathic medicine courses and psychiatric education.