Faculty Member – Kim Light
Kim Edward Light, Ph.D. 
Professor and OAPAP Professor on Alcohol and Drug Abuse
Office: Biomed I, Room 238C
Phone: 501-686-6496
FAX: 501-686-6057
E-mail: KELight@uams.edu
Education & Training:
B.S Indiana State Univ. Terre Haute, IN
M.S. Indiana Univ. Medical Sci. Pgm., Bloomington, IN
(Pharmacology)
Ph.D. Indiana Univ. Medical Sci. Pgm, Bloomington, IN
(Pharmacology)
Postdoctoral Fellow, Texas Tech Univ. Sch. Medicine Lubbock, Texas
Teaching Responsibilities
Pharm.D. Curriculum
Principles of Drug Action (PhSci3345): Pharmacodynamics, Receptor Theory, Local Anesthetics, Neuromuscular Agents, Autonomic Nervous System
Pharmacology I (PhSc4124): CNS Pharmacology, Anabolic-Androgenic Steroids, Antiandrogens, Inflammation and Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Antihistamines, Drugs Used for Asthma, Drugs Used for Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders, Antifungal Drugs, Antiviral Drugs.
Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (PhSc 4423): DNA & RNA overview, isolation, analysis and clinical applications
Chemical Addiction (PhSci5142): the development, progression, symptoms, treatment and recovery aspects of addictive diseases. The perspective is towards the patients pharmacists see as well as their colleagues within the profession. Coverage includes the problems and support available for pharmacists with addiction or dealing with an addicted family member. Students attend meetings of various self-help groups as well as present talks to public school children.
Graduate School Curricula
Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology (Pcol 5313): Animal Models of Alcoholism
Molecular & Translational Toxicology (INTX 5113): Alcohols
Clinical Toxicology (INTX 6653): Alcohols
Adult Acute Care Nursing (NUSC 5804): Addiction and recovery.
Research & Scholarly Interests
Mechanisms of damage to Purkinje neurons and cerebellar circuits resulting from third-trimester alcohol exposure. These studies are exploring the nature and extent of damage that can result from a single binge use of ethanol at specific times in the early third trimester. We have found that Purkinje neurons die within 12 hours from apoptosis proportionate to the peak BEC achieved. In addition we have identified damage to the developing Climbing Fiber innervation and alterations of cerebellar circuits that suggest possible avenues for pharmacological assistance to children with this type of alcohol-induced damage. We collaborate extensively with Abdullah Hayar, Ph.D. from the Department of Neurobiology and Developmental Sciences (http://hayar.net/cerebellum/).
Honors & Awards
Teacher of the Year,1987 Kappa Epsilon Chapter
Outstanding Professor in Biopharmaceutical Sciences, 1996 Senior Class
Named to the “OADAP Professorship on Alcohol and Drug Abuse” August 25, 1986
Honorary Pharmacist License, Arkansas State Board of Pharmacy 2006
Memberships
Research Society on Alcoholism
American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
Society for Neuroscience
Society of Forensic Toxicology
International Brain Research Organization
International Society for Biomedical Research on Alcoholism
American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy
Arkansas Pharmacists Association
Additional Activities
Executive Secretary of the Arkansas Pharmacy Support Group (ARPSG; http://arpsg.org).