Biography

Leslie K. Dennis, PhD, MS, is a Professor in the Department of Epidemiology & Biostatistics in the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona.

She received her PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Washington in 1993, and her MS in Biometrics in 1988 from the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center.

Dr. Dennis’ research focus is on melanoma, hepatocellular and prostate cancer etiology and prevention as related to environmental risk factors with R03, R01 and K07 funding. She has used tools such as mailed questionnaires, telephone interviews along with molecular analyses of trace elements and sexually transmitted infections to conduct this research, but also has interest in genetics. She also has expertise in conducting meta-analyses as related to risk factors for cancer. Dr. Dennis is a reviewer for several cancer and epidemiological journals. She has reviewed R03 and K07 applications for the NCI and spent 5 years as a grant reviewer for the American Cancer Society including chairing the Clinical Research, Cancer Control and Epidemiology peer grant review committee. She has served on the Diversity and Inclusiveness Committee at the College of Public Health and is currently the College’s representative on the University of Arizona’s Undergraduate Council and its Curriculum and Polices subcommittee.

Dr. Dennis believes that while the outcomes of graduate level courses will include some factual knowledge, they should be focused on increasing a student’s ability to synthesize knowledge, apply concepts, develop problem solving skills, and to think and learn independently. Thus, her goals as a teacher are to assist students in problem solving in order to prepare students and junior faculty to be independent researchers.

Cancer Focus