When asked what led her to frogs, Leslie responds, “I’ve always excelled in science and can’t think of a time when I didn’t want to do something science-related.” During her undergraduate studies, Leslie considered applying to medical school, but her love for research and teaching led her in another direction. She received her master’s degree in pharmacology from Louisiana State University, and in the fall of 1997, when OSU started its biomedical program, Leslie enrolled as one of its first students.

Leslie’s main reason for coming to OSU was to work with Craig Stevens, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology. Dr. Stevens’ research is unique in that he uses a non-mammalian model to test opioids and pain relief, creating his own “niche” in the research world. Through working closely with Dr. Stevens, Leslie has been at the forefront of exciting new research.

Her recently defended dissertation, entitled “Behavioral and Binding Characteristics of Opioids in Rana Pipiens,” describes noninvasive techniques used to test pain thresholds in frogs. Leslie’s experimentation included dropping acidic acid on a frog’s leg to test its immediate response to pain. Opioids (such as morphine) were then used to raise the frog’s pain threshold.

Several years ago, Leslie would not have had the chance to discover such novel findings. David John, Ph.D., associate dean for basic sciences and graduate studies, says that the biomedical graduate program was the first Ph.D. program approved by the Oklahoma State Regents in 16 years. Currently, it is the only Ph.D. program of its kind in Oklahoma.

The biomedical program, which focuses on a human medical perspective to the biological sciences, offers 22 graduate courses to its current 13 Ph.D. students. Three students are enrolled in the dual D.O./Ph.D. program with an emphasis in academic medicine. The students come from various career backgrounds and include college instructors, public school teachers, and even a forensics detective. The majority of the students begin the graduate program part-time in order to continue their full-time jobs. Their work experience and maturity are assets to the program.

Dr. John has optimistic goals for the biomedical program with expanded course offerings, additional faculty and increased enrollment. He believes the most exciting aspect of this growth is OSU’s distinction as a “complete medical school, where medical studies and original research go hand in hand.”

Dr. Stevens is all for the growth. “It’s not by chance that research and teaching go together. As I research, I become a better educator.”

Leslie’s assistance with his opioid research has been a great advantage for Dr. Stevens. He was recently awarded a prestigious grant from the National Institutes of Health and attributes much of this success to Leslie. Without her help, he would have had to work harder and longer to establish funding.

Those who worry that the new graduate program may detract from medical training need not fear. Dr. John notes that more residency programs are incorporating a required research-based component into training.

Dr. Stevens agrees it is essential to provide research opportunities to medical students. “Exposure to research is helpful to all physicians to increase their proficiency in accessing scientific journals so that they can stay up-to-date with medical advances.”

Leslie Newman leaves OSU at an exciting time when expansion is imminent and the quality of education far-reaching. Her future plans include teaching at a university and continuing her research. In what, specifically? “Probably something in neuropharmacology, since that’s my area. But any type of science would be interesting. After all, [science] is all so interrelated.”

Like Leslie’s view of science, the biomedical program and the medical training component of OSU are also interrelated. That is why faculty, Ph.D. students, and medical students are fortunate to finally see researching, teaching and learning come together at OSU.

by Shannon Howard