Keene State College Hosts Dartmouth Medical School Professor and Research Partner Dr. Leslie Henderson

College Collaboration Encourages Undergraduate Research Excellence

Keene, NH, November 9, 2011: Today, Keene State College hosts Dartmouth Medical School professor Dr. Leslie Henderson who is giving a lecture presentation titled “Effects of Chronic Anabolic Steroids on the Brain and Behavior: Implications for Anxiety and Alcohol.” Dr. Henderson is a Professor of Physiology and Biochemistry and also serves as the Senior Associate Dean for Faculty Affairs at the medical school. She will meet with Keene State students to share ideas on undergraduate research efforts and to provide advice for graduate studies.

Dr. Henderson serves as a mentor to Dr. Susan Whittemore of the Biology Department on her pilot project that is funded through New Hampshire’s award from the IDeA Networks of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program, administered by the National Center for Research Resources of the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Professor Whittemore is working with several Keene State College students on the project. Keene State has received close to $500,000 for biomedical research from NH-INBRE since its inception in 2010.

“The NH-INBRE grant provides Keene State faculty and students with a greater opportunity to collaborate with other schools on research - no longer are we working in isolation,” said Professor Whittemore. “Students are presented with the chance to conduct research that can potentially impact the lives of others

• the outcomes of our research will help shed light on environmental health issues.”

Professor Whittemore is leading a study of the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) on early development, using African clawed frogs as a model organism. PAHs are deposited in soil, water, and air as a result of incomplete combustion of fossil fuels. Her student researchers, all biology or chemistry majors, are learning the hands-on techniques and lab skills for graduate school or a job in the biomedical industry.

Professors Loren Launen and Susan Whittemore collaborated in writing the Keene State portion of a statewide NH-INBRE grant proposal. Dartmouth Medical School and University of New Hampshire, the lead institutions, oversee the grant, which offers funding for faculty and students at partner institutions. In addition to Keene State, partner schools include Plymouth State University, Colby-Sawyer College, St. Anselm College, Franklin Pierce University, New England College, River Valley Community College, and Great Bay Community College.

About Keene State College

Keene State College is a preeminent public liberal arts college that ensures student access to world-class academic programs. Integrating academics with real-world application and active community and civic engagement, Keene State College prepares graduates to meet society’s challenges by thinking critically, acting creatively, and serving the greater good. To learn more about Keene State College, visit www.keene.edu.

Keene State College: Wisdom to make a difference.