PVM Directory / Susan M. Mendrysa
Associate Dean, Research and Graduate Programs
Interim Department Head, Basic Medical Sciences
Professor, Basic Medical Sciences
Veterinary Administration | Department of Basic Medical Sciences
Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine
625 Harrison Street
West Lafayette, IN 47907
765-494-7348
mendrysa@purdue.edu
Office of Research | Basic Medical Sciences | PVM Leadership
Dr. Susan Mendrysa is a Professor of Basic Medical Sciences at Purdue University, where she also serves as Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs and Interim Head of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine. She earned her PhD in Cancer Biology from the University of Wisconsin–Madison and completed postdoctoral training at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center. Dr. Mendrysa’s expertise spans cancer biology, graduate and veterinary medical education, and academic leadership. In her role as Associate Dean, she leads strategic initiatives to enhance research and graduate education, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and innovation across the college. A former U.S. Peace Corps Volunteer in Lesotho, Dr. Mendrysa brings a global perspective to research and education. Her commitment to inclusive excellence has been recognized through multiple awards. She continues to advance translational research and workforce development through visionary leadership, mentorship, and dedication to academic equity.
2001 - PhD | University of Wisconsin-Madison
1989 - BS | Cornell University
2025–Present | Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Programs
2024–Present | Professor and Interim Head, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University
2023–2024 | Professor and Assistant Head, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University
2012–2023 | Associate Professor, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University
2005–2012 | Assistant Professor, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Purdue University
2001–2005 | Post-doctoral Associate, Division of Basic Sciences, Eisenman Laboratory, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
1993–1996 | Associate Research Specialist, Department of Biochemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison
1992–1996 | Regional Project Coordinator, US Peace Corps Lesotho/US AID, Maseru, Lesotho, Southern Africa
1990–1992 | Volunteer, US Peace Corps, Maseru, Lesotho, Southern Africa
1989–1990 | Research Technician, Department of Plant Pathology, Cornell University
1988–1989 | Intern, Science Alliance Research Program, University of Tennessee-Knoxville
