Thomas Keck

Thomas Keck is an Associate Professor and Department Chair at Rowan University’s College of Science & Mathematics, Biological & Biomedical Sciences. His research focuses on pharmacology, neuroscience, and biochemistry, specifically targeting dopamine D4, µ opioid, and TAAR1 receptors for neuropsychiatric disorder treatments including Alzheimer’s, schizophrenia, ADHD, anxiety, and drug addiction.

• BS (Biomedical-Biochemical Engineering), University of Southern California
• PhD (Physiology & Pharmacology), Oregon Health & Science University
• Postdoctoral (Medication development for drug addiction), NIDA-IRP (NIH)

Keck’s work integrates molecular and behavioral pharmacology with medicinal chemistry to develop novel drug-like molecules. His lab prioritizes dopamine D4 receptor-targeted compounds, bioisosteric triazole-linked analogs, and pharmacokinetic optimization strategies for addiction therapies.

Recent publications highlight advancements in opioid analgesia, dopamine receptor ligand design, and sigma receptor purification for drug screening. Key areas include Dopamine receptor pharmacology, Opioid therapeutic window expansion, Triazole-based bioisosteres, and Transcriptomic effects of antidepressants.

Scientific awards:

• 2017 Maharaj Ticku Memorial Travel Fellowship
• 2015 Frances R. Lax Faculty Development Award
• 2013 NIH Mentoring Awards
• 2013 NIH Fellows’ Award for Research Excellence

Keck’s research bridges academic and translational studies, emphasizing collaboration with medicinal chemists and behavioral pharmacology teams to address substance use disorders and neuropsychiatric conditions.