Seena Ajit

Seena Ajit, PhD, is a Professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Physiology at Drexel University College of Medicine. She leads the Ajit Lab, which focuses on epigenetic mechanisms of pain, particularly involving microRNAs and extracellular vesicles. Her research investigates biomarkers for chronic pain conditions like complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and the role of exosomes in intercellular communication.

Education: PhD from Rutgers University.

Research Interests: Molecular mechanisms of neuropathic and inflammatory pain, epigenetic regulation, miRNA expression, and biomarker discovery. The lab explores exosome-mediated signaling and the role of noncoding RNAs such as XIST in pain pathogenesis, with a focus on sex-based differences.

Awards: Mary DeWitt Pettit Fellowship (2017), Faculty Mentoring Award (2016), Rita Allen Foundation Grant (2010–2013).

Advising & Grants: Supervises PhD and MS students in pharmacology, physiology, and related disciplines. Collaborates on grants including a CURE Formula Grant with Dr. Mortensen on sex differences in neuropathic pain. Mentored numerous students, many of whom hold academic or industry roles.

Labs & Teams: Director of the Ajit Lab, part of the Pharmacology & Physiology Department. Active in the Drexel University College of Medicine’s research community, contributing to drug discovery and translational pain research initiatives.