Directory Profile
Michael A. Zemaitis, PhDProfessor, Pharmaceutical Sciences
Research Areas of Interest and Highlights
Dr. Zemaitis' current area of research interest is in biochemical pharmacology with special interest in drug and metabolite analysis in biological fluids. Over the past 4-5 years, he has developed an analytical lab that utilizes HPLC, gas chromatography, immunoassay and GC-mass spectrometry to analyze a wide range of drugs and hormones. Precise assays have been developed in support of several departmental studies of cytochrome P-450 (CYP) mediated drug metabolism.
He is actively involved in several pharmacy related policy issues. Specifically, in the establishment of a prescription drug monitoring program in Pennsylvania designed to reduce drug diversions and abuse, and “Project Life Line” which is a program to have community pharmacies provide the narcotic antidote Naloxone to high risk opiate users to prevent overdose deaths.
Education and Background
PhD, Pennsylvania State University, Pharmacology
BS, University of Pittsburgh, Pharmacy
Dr. Zemaitis is Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy. He has been a faculty member since 1975 and served as Department Vice-Chair and Interim Chair between 1998 and 2005.
He teaches in the professional and graduate programs in the School of Pharmacy. He is principal instructor in two four credit courses and lectures in four other courses. He also teaches portions of the pharmacology course offered to second year students in the School of Dental Medicine and Pharmacy School Graduate Students. Dr. Zemaitis is extensively involved in classroom improvements and the use of new technology in teaching in the School of Pharmacy.
Dr. Zemaitis is involved in many areas of the curriculum including course development, course evaluation, and teaching assignments. He is a member of the following University and School-wide committees: Graduate Faculty, School of Pharmacy Promotion and Tenure Committee (Chairman), School of Pharmacy Academic Performance Committee, School of Pharmacy Academic Intefrity Committee, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences Equipment and Safety Committee (Chairman) and the University Information Technology Steering Committee.
Service
He has served as an analytical toxicology consultant to local clinical laboratories and as a pharmacology consultant to the Pennsylvania Department of Welfare, the Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, the DEA and the US Attornry's Office. He was also a charter member of the Pennsylvania Drug Utilization Review (DUR) Board. Dr. Zemaitis is an active member of several scientific societies such as: the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, the Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, the Society of Toxicology, the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy and the American Pharmacists Association.