Threadgill Named Texas A&M University Distinguished Professor
COLLEGE STATION, Texas – The faculty and staff of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences (CVM) and the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine are pleased to honor Dr. David Threadgill, professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology and professor and holder of the Tom and Jean McMullin Chair of Genetics in the Department of Molecular & Cellular Medicine in the Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, and director of the Texas A&M Institute for Genome Sciences and Society.
“Dr. Threadgill’s contributions are recognized around the world,” said Dr. Roger Smith, interim department head for Veterinary Pathobiology. “Threadgill immediately made an impact upon his arrival at Texas A&M through the development of multiple interdisciplinary collaborations that advance the One Health concept.”Threadgill was named a University Distinguished Professor by a six-person awards committee of previously named Distinguished Professors. This title is the highest faculty honor bestowed by Texas A&M University and means the professor has made at least one seminal contribution to, is pre-eminent in, and has made a major impact on his discipline. Threadgill arrived at Texas A&M recognized as a scholar in the discipline of systems genomics-the study of the differences in the genomes of across individuals and species. An often-cited expert, his articles in the discipline clearly qualify him as one of the leaders in the field and well deserving of the honor.
Threadgill’s current research activities include focusing on colorectal and breast cancer to identify environmental factors and genetic polymorphisms contributing to differential susceptibility to the development and progression of cancer. His team developed new experimental technologies and approaches to support integrative analysis of disease etiology, and are exploiting these advances to prevent or delay cancer as well as to identify new therapies.
“Dr. Threadgill is the embodiment of a distinguished professor,” said Dr. Eleanor M. Green, the Carl B. King Dean of Veterinary Medicine. “Genomic medicine is the future pathway for discovering novel therapies and cures for diseases in both humans and animals. The impact of Dr. Threadgill’s work will be felt around the globe.”
“The innovative research led by Threadgill is leading the way in medicine to address real-world issues,” said Paul Ogden, M.D., interim dean of the College of Medicine. “Genomic medicine will blaze the trail to advancements in personalized medicine, and serve the changing needs of health care.”
Threadgill noted that “Many individuals contributed to get to this point, especially students and colleagues that provided invaluable support and stimulating discussions over the years.” He also recognized those who took their time to coordinate the nomination process for the award.
Threadgill received his PhD in genetics from Texas A&M working under the mentorship of another CVM University Distinguished Professor, James Womack.
