Thomas M. Louis, Ph.D.

Thomas M. Louis, Ph.D.

Professor

B.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute
M.S., Virginia Polytechnic Institute
Ph.D., Michigan State University
Research Fellow, Oxford University
Visiting Research Fellow, Institute Pasteur

office: Brody 8E-14
telephone: 252-744-2838
e-mail: louisth@ecu.edu

| Research | Selected Publications | Staff and Students |

Research
Mechanisms of Neuropathogenicity to Hypoxic Ischemia in the Neonate (1978-2001)
The relationship of hypoxia and cerebral ischemia to brain damage is of paramount importance. The susceptible hypoxic-ischemic brain damage in premature infants varies with the perinatal period of neuronal development. The premature piglet have similar neuronal development pattern to these infants. For these reasons studying the newborn piglet and premature piglet is relevant.

Development of Interactive Multimedia Modules for Computer-Based Training (1997-present)
Since 2001, I have concentrated my creative efforts on development of distance learning platforms for Gross Anatomy, Histology, and Embryology. Along with my colleagues and graduate interns, we have developed a series of multimedia modules that are the basis of several web-based anatomy courses. These feature video prosections, interactive case studies, lectures, and laboratory presentations on the broadband World Wide Web.

More recently (2002-2006), we have developed and successfully tested an E-learning gross anatomy courses for physician assistant (PA), occupational therapy, and medical students with support from the Robert Wood J Foundation and Distance Learning Contracts to other Schools of Health Science. These courses have video cadaver prosections and cadaver images that allow the student to study gross anatomy at home or at the hospital site. Board scores (2003-2006) of PA distance learning graduates and those trained on in the cadaver lab are equivalent to those previously trained in the cadaver laboratory. Presently (2003-2006) we are continuing our studies into the effectiveness of teaching gross anatomy to allied health and medical professionals on line using broadband video presentation. Live lecture and asynchronous lecture web cast and video conference web-based modules that have interactive questions and answers are also now used for preview for national licensure exams. Since 2001 we have also been training masters IT graduate students on how to present this material via Blackboard and WebCT.

Selected Publications
Louis, T.M. and D.L. Barnum. 1998. Problems and Pitfalls of CBT and Distance Learning (Webcast) ©.

Louis, T.M. and F. Winn. 2001. To CD or not to CD: Is that the real question that should be addressed? Invited presentation at the American Academy of Physician Assistants Annual Conference, Reno, NV.

Winn, F.J. and T. M. Louis. 2001. Distance learning training and relevance to address agricultural health problems. Adv. Occ. Ergonomics and Safety. IOS Press. 234-239.

Busija, D.W., F. Domoki, F. Bari, and T.M. Louis. 2002. Effects of activation of glutamate receptors on neurons and blood vessels. Brain activation and CBF control (Tomita, M. ed.), Elsevier,St. Louis. 305-312.

Louis. T.M., P. McMillen,E. Huechtker, and F. Winn. 2003. Distance learning vs. on campus gross anatomy (GA) instruction: are the demand characteristics leading to terminal performance the same? FASEB J. 17: A392.

McMillen, P.D., E. Huecthtker, T.M. Louis, and K. O'Brien. 2004. Teaching Human Gross Anatomy to the Home-Based Electronic' Learner without Cadaver Dissection (1998-2002). Perspective on Physician Assistant Education 15: 147-149.

Staff and Students

Former Students and Post-Doctoral Fellows:

Name	Title	Location
Charles Easley, Ph.D.	Instructor	Department of Anatomy, Wright State University (OH)