Dr. Clinton Canal
Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences
Education
- B.S., Psychology; Minor, Philosophy, University of Florida
- Ph.D., Neuroscience, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
Courses
- PHA 334 Foundations in Pharmacology and Immunology
- PHA 375 Comprehensive Patient Centered Care I
- PHA 546 Nervous System Pharmacotherapy
- PHA 548 Project Development
- PHA 549 Introduction to Research
- PHA 744 Scientific Writing
- PHA 799 Masters Thesis Research
- PHA 846 Current Topics in Pharmaceutical Sciences
- PHA 847 Molecular and Behavioral Neuropharmacology
- PHA 899 Doctoral Research
News
College of Pharmacy Receives $425K NIH Grant to Support Research on Fragile X Syndrome – The Den, 7/28/2020
Research Background and Interests
Serotonin Receptor Pharmacology and Neurobiology. Dr. Canal’s research utilizes in vitro molecular pharmacology, in vivo behavioral pharmacology, and in vivo/ex vivo neurobiology to understand central mechanisms and functions of unique serotonin (5-HT) receptors, specifically regarding their modulation of molecular systems impacted in central nervous system disorders. The purpose is to guide central nervous system drug discovery targeting 5-HT receptors. This work has led to the development of novel compounds for the treatment of autism spectrum disorders (targeting 5-HT1A and 5-HT7), Fragile X syndrome (targeting 5-HT7), psychotic disorders (targeting 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C) and substance use disorders (targeting 5-HT2A and 5-HT2C).
Teaching Philosophy
Today’s fast-paced, multimedia, and interconnected, online world has permitted quick access to practically all information. With a few clicks of a mouse and a visit to YouTube, Khan Academy, or Wikipedia, we can search and find the information we seek. Consequences of easily accessing this trove, however, are a greater number of distractions, and the common misconception that we can multitask, or focus attention on more than one thing at a time. This often highly distracting reality is why the classroom remains a vital place of learning. It is a place that can be used to filter out the “noise,” while stimulating curiosity, and facilitating attention. To this end, I believe it is my job to carefully prepare and organize classroom lectures, by mindfully selecting from an array of traditional and technological tools that facilitate active learning, which increases attention and performance in scientific disciplines.