The University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM) community mourns the passing of distinguished long-time faculty member, Daniel Weinreich, PhD, Professor of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. He passed away on November 26, 2025, at the age of 83.  

In his 47 years at the School of Medicine, Dr. Weinreich conducted a wide range of neurophysiology research, while also teaching and inspiring the next generation of scientists and clinicians.

“Danny was a friend, mentor, and scientist of profound integrity and steadfast principle. His relentless drive to understand how things work — from complicated scientific instruments to biological mechanisms — carried over to his teaching,” said Brian Mathur, PhD, UMSOM Professor of Pharmacology and Physiology. “Generations of Program in Neuroscience students benefited from his tireless dedication to providing the deepest possible understanding of neuronal function.” 

Dr. Weinreich earned his PhD in pharmacology and electrophysiology from the University of Utah in 1970 before serving four years as a postdoctoral fellow at the City of Hope National Medical Center in Duarte, California. In 1974, Dr. Weinreich joined the University of Maryland School of Medicine as an Assistant Professor of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. He was promoted to Associate Professor in 1978 and to full Professor in 1986. Dr. Weinreich’s research on the electro- and chemophysiology of peripheral nerve signaling led to important papers on calcium homeostasis, chemoreception in the vagal nerve, and histamine signaling, among many other subjects in a publication record stretching from the 1970s into the 21st century. 

“The many years of positive contributions Danny made to the department and UMSOM are clear from the numerous trainees who have shared how his enthusiasm for science and friendly collegiality shaped their own love of science,” said Stuart Martin, PhD, Professor and Chair of Pharmacology and Physiology. “His engaging teaching and mentorship will continue to inspire new scientists through those he trained so exceptionally well.”

In 2019, Dr. Weinreich’s decades of mentorship earned him recognition as Teacher of the Year by the Graduate Program in Life Sciences. He officially retired in January, 2021.

“Danny’s devotion to educating the next generation of scientists was unparalleled,” said Margaret McCarthy, PhD, Professor of Pharmacology and Physiology. “His passion for rigor combined with a deep curiosity conveyed to students a respect for science and the privilege of being a scientist."

Among the many honors and recognitions during his career, Dr. Weinreich served as a panel member of the National Science Foundation Neurobiology Study Section from 1980 to 1983 and as a panel member for the NIH NLS1 Study Section from 1988 to 1992. 

Throughout the decades of his professional career, Dr. Weinreich was also an avid skier, squash player, fly fisherman, and devoted father of three. He is survived by his wife Debbie, his three children, and his four grandchildren.