Physiology

Physiology Grad Student
Physiology

Understanding Physiology

Building on the fundamental principles of chemistry, physics, biology, and mathematics to discover functional activities that support life itself. 

“Our overarching goal is to understand the process by which molecules, cells, and organs interact to maintain vitality and good health... and then leverage this knowledge to gain insights on the mechanism of disease and new opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Chair's Welcome ”

New Faculty

Hao Zhang, MD

Welcome to our newest faculty, Dr. Hao Zhang

He will be starting with us March 2, 2026, as an Assistant Professor!

News

Physiology Outreach Program students 2025

Physiology Outreach Program 2025

This Year's POP Students & Mentors

UCLA POP Website
Chuchu Zhang Physiology

Chuchu Zhang Awarded a Hypothesis Fund seed grant

July 2025 - Dr. Chuchu Zhang has been awarded a Hypothesis Fund seed grant for her innovative research project, "Exploring interoceptive sensory logic reshaped by pregnancy."

Click Here to Learn More!

Awards

Vanessa Casha, PhD

Vanessa Casha Awarded 2025 Nancy S. Wexler Young Investigator Prize

June 2025 – Vanessa Casha has been awarded the Hereditary Disease Foundation's 2025 Nancy S. Wexler Young Investigator Prize! This distinctive recognition, selected by the HDF Scientific Advisory Board, is presented annually to an early-career researcher whose work reflects the highest caliber...

Find Out More Here!
Dr. Bal Khakh

Bal Khakh - Election to the Royal Society

May 2025 - Baljit Khakh has made fundamental contributions to understanding astrocyte-neuron interactions. He made important advances in our understanding of brain function by discovering mechanisms of bidirectional signaling between astrocytes and neurons...

Learn More Here!
Laura Denardo

Laura DeNardo receives Vallee Scholars Award

Sept 2024 - Recognizing that outstanding, young, independent investigators are the source for future advances in the biomedical sciences and of their need for flexible, unrestricted funding to conduct their research...

More Information Here!

Discovery Spotlights

Joselyn Soto, Graduate Student, in Khakh Lab

Our Research Programs

The Department has a rich history of landmark discoveries in membrane transport, ion channel biophysics, membrane receptors, contractility, and the electrophysiology of nerve, muscle, and heart.

Research
The UCLA Health community in a moment of solidarity: Summer 2020

A Culture of Caring, Inclusion, and Community

We believe access to education and healthcare is a human right. This core belief guides our approach to educating the next generation of scientists, physicians, and physician-scientists.

Community and Equity