SDSU psychology graduate contributing to vaping, cancer research
The path to graduation isn’t always a straight line, but for alumni like Seth Lewis, each step shaped a passion for research and discovery.
Seth Lewis is a 2024 graduate from South à£à£Ö±²¥Ðã State University’s School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies. A Sioux Falls native, Lewis began his educational journey in Marshall, Minnesota, studying clinical psychology. However, unsure of his direction, he decided to take a break to reassess his goals.
During those gap years, he realized that his educational interests were in psychology and neuroscience, leading him to complete his degree at SDSU, where he majored in psychology with a minor in human development.
His interest in neuroscience, neurophysiology and behavioral pharmacology deepened during his time at SDSU. One course in particular, “Drugs and Human Behavior,†sparked his curiosity about the molecular and biological aspects of psychology.
That curiosity grew into a calling when he began an independent study with Debra Spear, professor of psychology, focusing on depression.
As he researched past, present and future treatments, Lewis became particularly intrigued by the physiological effects of antidepressants. He uncovered information about neuronal desensitization caused by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, two classes of antidepressant medication.
“That’s where I really found my love for neuroscience,†Lewis explained. “How is it changing the physiology of the human body? What upstream and downstream changes are happening?â€
As he neared graduation, Lewis applied for a National Institutes of Health-funded postbaccalaureate program designed to support underrepresented communities in biomedical sciences. After spending time on the waitlist for several programs, he interviewed at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center for its biomedical sciences postbaccalaureate program.
Following that interview, his application caught the attention of researchers in the Scientific Training in Oncology — STRONG — program, a specialized scientific research and oncology training initiative. Soon after, he was accepted.
Now, Lewis is expanding his knowledge in molecular biology. Throughout his time in the STRONG program, he has completed four laboratory rotations, each offering unique insights into different areas of biomedical research.
His first experience was in a smoking and vaping lab, where he researched the effects of vaping marijuana and nicotine. From there, he transitioned to two pathology labs, studying how pancreatic cancer metastasizes to the liver and using exomes as transporters for specialized drug delivery. His work in one of those labs examined the process by which cancer spreads, particularly how it moves from the liver into the bloodstream, dramatically reducing survival rates.
His fourth rotation introduced him to the field of immunoengineering, where he worked with nanoparticle technology. In that lab, he studied the potential for nanoparticles to enhance drug delivery systems, conducting large-scale microscopy to see how gold particles are delivered within cells.
Currently, Lewis is focusing on research involving heavy metals found in electronic nicotine delivery systems. His team is treating cancer cell lines with chromium, nickel and other compounds commonly found in vaping devices, exposing the cells for extended periods to determine their impact and toxicity.
Lewis pointed out an interesting discovery of the relationship between nicotine and Cisplatin, a chemotherapy drug used to treat head, neck and throat cancers. Findings suggest that nicotine may alter the drug’s mechanism of action, a revelation that could have implications for cancer treatment.
Despite his shift into molecular biology, Lewis credits much of his success to the mentorship and education he received at SDSU in the field of psychology. Spear played a key role through her mentorship, as did other SDSU faculty and staff members like Paul Markel, director of the School of Psychology, Sociology and Rural Studies; Lacy Knutson, assistant professor of psychology; Shelly Bayer, director of multicultural affairs and accessibility; and the late lecturer of biology, Sam Smith.
“Being on campus, I got to make a lot of connections and do things that were personal to me and be part of a larger community,†Lewis explained.
His research methods coursework at SDSU provided the foundation for the data analysis he now relies on daily. Even resources like the Math Help Center proved invaluable.
“I spent 80 hours in the Math Center that semester,†Lewis recalled. “I was there every day for a couple of hours, working through problems. Now, I use algebra every single day in my lab. People always say, ‘When am I ever going to use algebra?’ but for me, it became essential.â€
Looking ahead, Lewis hopes to continue his studies in neuroscience, neurophysiology and behavioral pharmacology through a master’s or Ph.D. program.
His journey from psychology to molecular biology and from SDSU to the STRONG program, demonstrates the power of perseverance, curiosity and mentorship. Ultimately, Lewis hopes to make an impact in drug research and treatment innovation, bringing his unique multidisciplinary perspective to the field.
“Pain and struggle have always been agents of learning,†Lewis said. “While the details are never the same, the human condition is ours forever. As Sam Smith used to say to me, ‘Hugs and hang in there.’â€
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