David Pitts, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Office Location
EACPHS, Room 3124
Phone
313-577-0819
Department
Pharmaceutical Sciences
David Pitts, Ph.D.
Degrees and Certifications
Michigan State University
1975 Bachelor of Science
Psychology & Biology
Wayne State University
1977 Master of Science
Biology
Wayne State University
1985 Doctor of Philosophy
Pharmacology
Positions and Employment
- Chair of Assessment Committee, Pharmaceutical Sciences (2018-Present)
- Director of Curriculum, Pharmaceutical Sciences (2016-Present)
- Research Scholars Program Coordinator, Pharmacy Program (2016-Present)
- Associate Professor , Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences , Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy & Health Sciences , Wayne State University (1996-Present)
- Assistant Professor , Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy & Allied Health Professions , Wayne State University (1990-1996)
Awards and Honors
- 1988 National Research Service Award, National Institute of Mental Health
- 1990 National Institute of Mental Health First Award
- 1997 Career Development Chair Award, Wayne State University
- 2007 Teacher of the Year – P3 Pharmacy Class
- 2008 Teacher of the Year – P3 Pharmacy Class
- 2008 EACPHS Excellence in Teaching Award
- 2009 Teacher of the Year - P3 Pharmacy Class
- 2015 Pharmacy Graduating Class Faculty Recognition Award
- 2016 Professor of the Year – Pharmacy Class of 2018
- 2018 Faculty Recognition Award – Pharmaceutical Science
Primary Research Interest
- Environmental toxicology and mixture toxicology
- Impact of water contaminants on environmental health and human health
- Development of bioassay systems for evaluating water quality
- Regulatory role of neurotransmitter systems associated with the behavior and physiology of aquatic organisms (e.g., Daphnia, the waterflea)
Widespread anthropogenic contamination of water is a global problem of increasing concern. Combined with climate change and a crash in biodiversity, chemical contamination of water resources threatens environmental health and human health and contributes to food and water insecurity.
Water contaminants that are not routinely monitored or regulated are commonly referred to as contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). Many chemicals commonly used by society can be found in surface and ground water due to effluent discharge from wastewater treatment plants and urban and agricultural runoff. CECs include pharmaceuticals, personal care products, pesticides, plasticizers, fire retardants, and other organic waste. A subcategory of CECs that have suspected or known effects on endocrine function at low concentrations have been termed endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). One very important factor that complicates the evaluation of water quality and the effects of water contaminants on biological systems is the fact that many water samples contain complex mixtures of chemicals at relatively low concentrations (e.g., ng/L).
Our research effort is focused on evaluating the toxicity of individual CECs, mixtures of CECs, potential EDC activity of individual CECs and CEC mixtures, and the development of new bioassay systems. A critical component for developing the bioassay systems involves investigations that further our understanding of the physiology and behavior of aquatic organisms used as test subjects (e.g., Daphnia).
Courses taught by David Pitts, Ph.D.
Winter Term 2025 (future)
- PSC4225 - Autonomic Pharmacology
- PSC6910 - Pharmaceutical Waste: Environmental Impact and Management
Spring-Summer Term 2024
Winter Term 2024
- PSC4225 - Autonomic Pharmacology
- PSC6910 - Pharmaceutical Waste: Environmental Impact and Management