Genomics Expert William Murphy Selected As Texas A&M University System Regents Professor

Story by Megan Bennett, VMBS Marketing & Communications

November 26, 2024

Dr. William Murphy, a faculty member in the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences’ (VMBS) Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (VIBS), is one of 18 individuals from across The Texas A&M University System to be selected as a Regents Professor during the 2023-2024 fiscal year.

Since the awards program was established in 1996, the Texas A&M System Board of Regents has recognized 323 Texas A&M System faculty members for their exemplary performance with the Regents Professor Award.

“Dr. Murphy is a highly regarded researcher and educator at the College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, and we are all excited and proud to see his hard work recognized with the Regents Professor Award,” said Dr. John R. August, the Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “He has made an extraordinary impact on our students’ education, our college’s reputation, and the scientific fields of comparative genomics and mammalian evolution.”

A Distinguished Career In Genomics

Murphy, who is also the James E. Womack University Professor of Genetics, focuses his research and classroom instruction on the field of comparative genomics, which identifies similarities and differences between the genomes of different species.

His research seeks to describe and understand evolutionary processes in mammals that result in different species, adaptations, and overall biological diversity, and his work — published through more than 170 research articles and chapters — has helped redefine the mammalian tree of life and transform scientists’ understanding of biology, especially through his research on the domestic cat genome.

“Bill has one of the most productive, internationally recognized labs, which fundamentally impacted the way we understand mammalian evolution, as well as the structure and function of genomes,” one nominator said. “His contributions to the body of knowledge on genomics and evolution is massive. As these fields are fundamental to other disciplines, it is no exaggeration to say he has made many contributions to science as a whole.”

Through his participation in the Zoonomia Project — an international consortium of scientists who use the largest mammalian genomic dataset in history to answer questions about human evolution as it relates to overall mammal evolution — Murphy has helped provide answers about the evolutionary timeline of mammals over the last 100 million years.

One of Murphy’s other areas of expertise is cat evolution and genomics, with his work supporting new medical treatments and conservation efforts that promote feline health and well-being. Some of his recent research has helped scientists better understand what makes different cat species unique, including how they have adapted to their environments.

“Texas A&M University has one of the best animal genomics faculties in the world, and Dr. Murphy is a standout amongst this group of eminent scientists,” one nominator said. “His outstanding research and selfless professional service have greatly enhanced the reputation of Texas A&M University on the world stage.”

Murphy’s work has been featured on the covers of prestigious publications like Science, Nature, Genome Research, the Journal of Heredity, and Genomics.

Leading The Way In Scientific Excellence

Outside of the laboratory, Murphy is a dedicated mentor to his students and trainees; a selfless leader within the academic community; and a strong contributor to many professional scientific organizations and publications. Most notably, he serves as editor-in-chief for the Journal of Heredity and is one of only six individuals to hold the position in the journal’s 110-year history.

“Dr. Murphy’s most admirable trait is that he treats every student and researcher with respect, fostering a collaborative and inclusive research environment characterized by mutual appreciation and support,” one nominator said. “Moreover, his commitment to academic integrity, as exemplified by his trust in the Aggie Honor Code, instilled a culture of honesty and accountability among his students.”

Earlier this year, Murphy was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors that a scientist can achieve. He is also an elected fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and has received both the Chancellor’s EDGES Fellowship and a Presidential Impact Fellowship from Texas A&M.

“Bill’s career is punctuated by a series of accolades that not only recognize his scientific prowess but also his role as a mentor and leader, shaping the future of research and inspiring the next generation of scientists,” one nominator said.

The annual selection process for the Regents Professor Awards begins when Chancellor John Sharp makes a call for nominations, which are subject to Texas A&M System-level review. The review process includes input from academic vice chancellors, past recipients of the awards, and the chief executive officer of each respective entity. The final phase of the selection process concludes with approval from Sharp and the Texas A&M System Board of Regents.

“Each of these distinguished individuals has made significant contributions to their fields and to the state of Texas,” said Bill Mahomes, chairman of the Texas A&M System Board of Regents. “Their achievements embody the A&M System’s mission of service and innovation, and I hope their dedication will motivate others.” Other VMBS faculty members designated as Regents Professors include Drs. Noah Cohen, Jörg Steiner, Glen Laine, and Stephen Safe.

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For more information about the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, please visit our website at vetmed.tamu.edu or join us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Contact Information: Jennifer Gauntt, Director of VMBS Communications, Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, jgauntt@cvm.tamu.edu, 979-862-4216

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