Contacts:
Tracy Ann Raef, College of Veterinary Medicine, (515) 294-4602, traef@iastate.edu
July 25, 2011
Dr. Anumantha G. Kanthasamy , Distinguished Professor and Lloyd Chair, has been named chair of the Department of Biomedical Sciences, effective July 22, 2011. He has served as associate chair of the department since July 2010. He replaces Dr. James Bloedel who returned to a faculty position earlier this summer.
Dr. Kanthasamy received his PhD in biochemistry (1989) from the University of Madras, India, and has been a faculty member and researcher at the university since Nov., 1999. He has served on numerous college and university committees, and is the founding director of the Iowa Center for Advanced Neurotoxicity at the college. His research focuses on the effects of environmental neurotoxic chemicals on the nervous system, with major emphasis on Parkinson's disease and other related neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Kanthasamy also is chair of the Interdepartmental Toxicology Graduate Program at Iowa State.
He is active in professional societies and is a highly sought-after member of prestigious review panels. Dr. Kanthasamy is vice president-elect of the Neurotoxicology Specialty Section of the Society of Toxicology. He also serves on a National Institutes of Health Study Section and is a frequent speaker at national and international meetings.
"Dr. Kanthasamy is a stellar, internationally known researcher who has the administrative experience and vision to lead the biomedical sciences department and to contribute to the college's future growth in competitiveness," said Dr. Lisa K. Nolan, Dr. Stephen G. Juelsgaard Dean of Veterinary Medicine.