Dr. Shacka obtained his B.S. degrees in Biochemistry and Biology from Virginia Tech, and his Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Virginia Commonwealth University. He joined the faculty at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) in 2008 and currently holds the rank of Associate Professor in the Dept. Pharmacology & Toxicology. Dr. Shacka directs the MS Program in Multidisciplinary Biomedical Science (MBS) and co-directs the NIH-funded UAB Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP), as well as the NIH-funded Blazer BRAIN (Broadening Representation And Inclusion in Neuroscience) research experience for undergraduates. Through his service to these programs, Dr. Shacka is focused on research education efforts that promote effective teaching and learning to diverse populations of students.