Contact Information

Email: vygsu@msu.edu

Phone: 517-884-5351

Education

• BA, Vassar College, 1978
• PhD, University of Istanbul Medical School, 1983
• Post-doctoral training, University of Michigan, Human Genetics, 1984-1988

Dr. Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan is a comparative geneticist who has pioneered the study of genetic diseases in companion animals with molecular tools, leading to the identification of the first locus with genome scanning molecular studies for any disorder in dogs; specifically of copper toxicosis in Bedlington terriers. Dr. Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan obtained her bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Vassar College in 1978, and a doctoral degree, also in biochemistry from the University of Istanbul in 1983. She received her post-doctoral training in human genetics at the University of Michigan where she studied the molecular genetics of, and novel treatments for, Wilson disease, an inherited disorder of copper accumulation in humans which led her to investigate similar disorders in other species and to study dogs and be a trailblazer in canine genomics. She was recruited to MSU in 1990 and has continued to study molecular genetics of many disorders in dogs and other species. Her focus in the last two decades has been on comparative cancer genetics and genomics. Utilizing primary cells and cell lines derived from veterinary patients, her team and collaborators continue to study the molecular basis of tumorigenesis in a variety of cancers, specifically histiocytic sarcoma, lymphoma, multiple myeloma, mammary carcinoma, and osteosarcoma. The studies employ novel approaches ranging from small molecules and nano-drugs to vaccines for treatment and prevention of diseases both for veterinary patients and for translational studies for human drug development.

Research Interests

• Comparative genetics and genomics
• Cancer genetics and genomics
• Drug and vaccine development

Honors and Awards

• 1982 Research Excellence Award: Gurson Foundation for Child Health, Istanbul
• 1983 Highest Honors: University of Istanbul Medical School
• 1996 Research Excellence Award: Scottish Terrier Club of America
• 1997 Pfizer Award for Research Excellence: College of Veterinary Medicine, MSU
• 2000 Phi Zeta Honor Society for Veterinary Scientists: elected 2005-2007 Pew Charitable Trust, Initiative on Food and Biotechnology, Steering Committee Member
• 2005-2006 Council of Independent Colleges: Veterinary Colleges Research Subcommittee Member
• 2004-2008 Center for Integration of Research, Teaching and Learning (MSU-CIRTL) and the Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (MSU-AGEP) and Steering Committee Member 2009-2011
• 2009 Howard Hughes Medical Institute: Review Panel Member Innovative Partnership in Teaching Award, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University and Merial Inc.
• 2010 Distinguished Honorary Alumnus Award, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University
• 2012- 2014 Chair, Research Committee, Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
• 2014-2018 Executive Committee Member, Research Committee, Association of American Veterinary Medical Colleges
• 2016-present NIH Special Review Panels