Sean Avedissian, Ph.D., Pharm.D., MSCI

Sean Avedissian’s research focuses on the pharmacology and neuropharmacology of antimicrobial agents, with an emphasis on optimizing pharmacotherapy within central nervous system (CNS) viral reservoirs to improve patient outcomes. He previously served as Principal Investigator of an NIH/NIMH K23 award investigating antiviral penetration into cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), Principal Investigator of an NIH P30 CHAIN pilot project, and Project Co-Director on an NIH U01 award. He is also supported through multiple additional active NIH-funded research projects (i.e., R21, R61, R01). Dr. Avedissian has authored or co-authored more than 65 peer-reviewed publications and three book chapters, primarily in the areas of antimicrobial PK/PD and Infectious Diseases.

His broader research interests include pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) modeling of antiviral and antimicrobial agents in both clinical and preclinical settings. His work seeks to characterize drug distribution from plasma to target tissue compartments and to define how patient-specific factors influence pharmacokinetics and tissue penetration.

In 2024, Dr. Avedissian received both the UNMC New Investigator Distinguished Scientist Award and the College of Pharmacy Department of Pharmacy Practice and Science Scholar of the Year Award. Most recently, he was recognized with the University Outstanding Teacher of the Year Award for 2024–2025 and the Outstanding Early Career Investigator Award from the Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists.