James Luyendyk, PhD has been named as an Albert C. and Lois E. Dehn Chair. He will serve alongside Dr. Linda Mansfield, who was named a Dehn Chair in 2017. These positions are funded by a $12.6 million donation, which is the College’s single largest gift in its history. The gift funds two endowed chairs in the Departments of Large Animal Clinical Sciences and Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigations, with a plan that the gift could eventually support four endowed positions.
Dr. James Luyendyk, university distinguished professor for the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, directs the Luyendyk Laboratory, which researches the intersection of blood coagulation and liver toxicity and disease. Specifically, his team focuses on mechanisms of hepatotoxicity and liver repair/regeneration, with an emphasis on how components of the blood clotting system participate in acute liver injury and chronic liver disease. He has nearly 120 peer-reviewed publications, has co-edited the Hepatic Toxicology volume of Comprehensive Toxicology, and co-authored the liver chapter in Casarett and Doull's Toxicology (8th edition).
Luyendyk earned his Bachelor of Science in biochemistry from Colorado State University and completed his PhD in pharmacology and Toxicology at MSU.
Luyendyk is a Fellow of the Academy of Toxicological Sciences and is a recipient of numerous awards from the Society of Toxicology, including the Achievement Award. He has served on numerous NIH Study Sections, including as standing member and chair of XNDA. Luyendyk holds diverse leadership roles in multiple professional societies, including as co-chair of the ISTH SSC on hemostatic management of patients with liver diseases, member of the AASLD hepatotoxicity special interest group steering committee, and as president and council member of the Society of Toxicology.
“Dr. Luyendyk’s research on liver tissue damage reversal is a fantastic example of a laboratory leader in our College doing excellent work to advance better health for animals and humans,” says Dr. Dalen Agnew, chairperson for the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation. “With this endowment, I am confident that Dr. Luyendyk will continue to conduct groundbreaking research and make significant contributions to the field.”
Luyendyk will take over the position from Jack Harkema, who recently retired. His appointment will begin on July 1, 2023.