T. Sean Vasaitis, Ph.D., M.S. EHS
Dean and Professor
School of Pharmacy and Health Professions
tsvasaitis@umes.edu
Office: 410-651-8350
Dr. Vasaitis became the Dean of the School of Pharmacy and Health Professions in 2023. He joined the UMES School of Pharmacy as a founding faculty member in 2010, and was Assistant Dean for Student Affairs in the School of Pharmacy from 2017 – 2021.
Dr. Vasaitis completed his doctoral work in Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2007. He holds a masters degree in Exercise and Health Science from Miami University, Ohio and a bachelors degree in Biology from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore. Prior to his appointment at the UMES School of Pharmacy, he completed two research fellowships. The first was in Cancer Drug Discovery with the world-renowned Dr. Angela Brodie and Dr. Vincent Njar, which continued his work in the development of novel inhibitors of androgen action for the treatment of prostate cancer. His second fellowship involved clinical & translational research in the Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center at the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center investigating the mechanisms by which exercise, vitamin D and complementary therapeutics affect metabolic function and glucose homeostasis. Dr. Vasaitis’ research goals follow the overarching concept of integrating Western approaches to medicine and pharmacological therapy with evidence-based complementary medicine to further a holistic approach to disease treatment.
Vasaitis is also a taijiquan (tai chi) enthusiast in the lineage of Chen Bing of Chenjiagou. In addition to his research in novel drug development and metabolic function, he has taught tai chi to patients with Parkinson’s disease, stroke, cancer, multiple sclerosis, cardiovascular disease and diabetes as part of studies with Johns Hopkins Prohealth, the University of Maryland School of Medicine, and within his own business practice. He previously held weekly classes through the UM Center for Integrative Medicine from 2005 to 2020 and continues to coordinate the Complementary and Alternative Medicine course in the UMES School of Pharmacy.
