AKC Canine Health Foundation Presents Dr. Kathryn Meurs with the Asa Mays Excellence in Canine Health Research Award

The AKC Canine Health Foundation (CHF) will present Dr. Kathryn Meurs of North Carolina State University with the Asa Mays Excellence in Canine Health Research Award on August 10 at the National Parent Club Canine Health Conference. Dr. Meurs was selected to receive this biennial award based on her critical contributions to understanding inherited heart disease in dogs.

CHF established the Asa Mays, DVM, Excellence in Canine Health Research Award to honor researchers who demonstrate meritorious advancements in identifying, characterizing, and treating canine disease and ailments. The late Dr. Mays was a dog breeder, judge, and founding Board member of the AKC Canine Health Foundation, and the award is a fitting tribute to his long-term dedication to canine health.

After receiving her doctorate in veterinary medicine from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Dr. Meurs earned a PhD in genetics from Texas A&M University and the Texas Heart Institute. She is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine with a subspecialty in cardiology. After several years in clinical service and teaching at The Ohio State University and Washington State University, in 2011 Dr. Meurs became the Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies at North Carolina State University. She is an avid supporter of students and fosters their interest in veterinary and translational research. 

Dr. Meurs is a leader in comparative genetics research with a special interest in inherited heart disease, cardiomyopathy, and pharmacogenomics. She is credited with the discovery of four causative mutations for inherited cardiomyopathies in dogs and cats, one of which was subsequently described in human beings with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.  The genetic tests developed by Dr. Meurs are helping to reduce the incidence of heart disease so that dogs can live longer, healthier lives. 

“The pioneering effort of researchers like Dr. Meurs is a testament to Asa Mays’ vision for conquering diseases in all dogs,” said Dr. Shila Nordone, CHF’s Chief Scientific Officer. “We are privileged to work with Dr. Meurs and we are pleased to recognize her contributions to canine health with this award.”

Dr. Meurs joins an esteemed group researchers honored with the Asa Mays Award including Dr. Elaine Ostrander (National Institutes of Health); Dr. Matthew Breen (North Carolina State University); Dr. Mark Oyama (University of Pennsylvania); and Dr. Jaime Modiano (University of Minnesota).

More information about the Asa Mays Award, including detailed recipient profiles, is available at: http://www.akcchf.org/about-us/awards-and-scholarships/asa-mays-excellence-in-canine.html.