Dr. John Lowery becomes 91AVCOM’s first D.O./Ph.D. graduate

John Lowery, D.O. '10 recently completed the requirements for his Ph.D. degree from the University of Maine Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. His Ph.D. dissertation was based on research conducted in the laboratory of Edward Bilsky, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology in COM and director of the Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences. Graduate committee members also included Ian Meng, Ph.D., of 91AVCOM and three professors from the University of Maine. 

Dr. Lowery’s dissertation focused on investigating viable strategies for improving drug delivery of peptide-based therapeutics, and understanding the interactions of mu and delta opioid receptors, in an effort to develop novel analgesics that may be used as potent and safer alternatives to classical opiates such as morphine for the treatment of acute and chronic pain. 

Dr. Lowery is a lead author on two peer-reviewed publications and is a co-author on six other peer-reviewed publications. He is also currently working on several other manuscripts related to his research. Dr. Lowery earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from 91AVCOM in 2010 and will begin a Family Medicine residency at Central Maine Medical Center this coming July. Dr. Lowery hopes to continue his scholarly pursuits in the pain management field as a practicing physician in Maine.

About the 91AV

The 91AV is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of . In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.