Fabiana Crowley
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Assistant Professor BSc Bachelor of Pharmacy and Laboratory Medicine, Federal University of Minas Gerais Office: Medical Sciences Building, Room 202
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My academic journey began in pharmacy school, and while I loved the program, I soon realized that my passion was teaching. In my second year, I began working in a laboratory, which then sparked a love for research. At that moment, I knew that becoming a university professor was my career path.
This passion led me to join Dr. Marco Prado’s research team, where I completed a Master’s and Ph.D. in Biochemical and Molecular Pharmacology. Early in my Ph.D. training, Dr. Prado accepted a position at Western University and moved to Canada. A few months later, I made the difficult decision to follow him and continue my research, focusing on the molecular basis of Prion and Alzheimer’s diseases. Moving to a new country came with its challenges—adapting to a different culture, learning a new language, and being far from my family. But today, I am proud to call Canada home and thankful for this wonderful opportunity.
After defending my Ph.D., I pursued a brief postdoctoral fellowship in neuroscience, studying calcium channels. I then joined Dr. Stephen Ferguson’s lab as a research associate and imaging facility manager, furthering my expertise in molecular pharmacology.
While research kept me deeply engaged, my love for teaching never wavered. During my Master’s, I taught several courses at a college. When I moved to Canada, I actively sought opportunities to refine my teaching skills, completing various training workshops. I was also fortunate to teach first- and second-year medical science students, which deepened my commitment to education. Then, in 2015, when the right opportunity came along, I fulfilled my long-awaited dream of becoming an assistant professor in the Department of Physiology & Pharmacology at Western University.
Why Science?
In high school, I was fascinated by biology and chemistry and knew I wanted a career that combined both. Pharmacy school was the perfect fit as it was a good blend of these disciplines. Early on, I discovered that I loved working in the lab and mentoring students, which ultimately led me to pursue teaching as a career.
Research/Teaching Goals
As an educator, my goal is to create a meaningful and engaging learning experience for students. I strive to empower learners and contribute to the advancement of pharmacology education.
Specific Research Interests
My current research focuses on core competencies in pharmacology and adaptive expertise. Specifically, I aim to:
- Develop national Core Competencies for Undergraduate and Graduate Pharmacology Programs
- Investigate whether and how medical students develop as master adaptive learners and explore how this framework can enhance prescribing competency
- Develop a framework grounded in adaptive expertise to support educators in responding to emerging changes in education
Undergraduate Teaching:
- PHARM 3620 – Human Pharmacology & Therapeutics Principles (Instructor and Course Co-Manager)
- PHARM 2000 – Introduction to the Integration of Physiology and Pharmacology (Instructor)
Graduate Teaching:
- MEDSCI 5160 – Foundations of Medicine (Instructor and Week Lead)
- MEDSCI 5161 – Principles of Medicine 1 (Instructor)
- MEDSCI 5260 – Principles of Medicine 2 (Instructor)
- MEDSCI 5261 – Transitions to Clerkship (Instructor)
- DENT 5102 – Dental Pharmacology (Instructor)
- DENT 5161 – Dental Physiology (Instructor)
Most Rewarding Moments
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my career is seeing the impact I have on my students. It is incredibly rewarding when a student tells me that my advice has helped shape their education or career. Knowing that I’ve made a difference in their learning journey is what drives me as an educator.
Advice to Students
Academic success is important, but self-care is just as essential. Burnout is real, and with so many competing demands, it’s easy to neglect your well-being. Prioritize rest, nutrition, connecting with the people you love, and time to recharge—these are just as crucial as studying. Remember, grades are only one part of the bigger picture.
Interests Outside of Academia
Outside of my academic career, I love spending time with my family. I recently started skating lessons with my eldest daughter and plan to take ski lessons with my youngest next year. Coming from a family of music lovers, I’ve always wanted to learn how to play the guitar, and watching my daughter dance has even inspired me to take up dance lessons one day!
Awards and Recognitions:
2024: The class of ‘62 Award, Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry. Recognizes the faculty who has contributed the most to the graduating class’s education over the previous four years.
2022: The Douglas Bocking Award for Excellence in Medical Teaching. One of the highest teaching awards at the Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, this award is given annually to a faculty member who has made an outstanding contribution to the development of medical education over the last four years.
2022: The Schulich Leader Award of Excellence in Education (Undergraduate)
2020:Marilyn Robinson Award for Excellence in Teaching
2019: The Canadian Association for Medical Education Certificate of Merit Award
2018: The Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry Quality Committee UME Scholar of Merit Award
2017: Faculty Development Mini Fellowship by Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University. Award: $1250.
2015: Faculty Development Mini Fellowship by Schulich School of Medicine & Dentistry, Western University. Award: $2600.
2020: Nominated by the Schulich Medicine Class of 2022 for the Hippocratic Council Basic Science Teaching Award. This award is given annually to one outstanding London or Windsor faculty who has taught/lectured us during our pre-clerkship.
2019: Nominated by Schulich Medicine Class of 2023 for the role of Honorary Class President. The Class Council Honorary President is a faculty member at Schulich who has been recognized for their mentorship and connection to the class and is invited to attend and provide input in all council and class-related discussions.
Publications:
See all my publications on PubMed.
