04/25/2026
A Warm Purdue Welcome for Dr. Michael Wendt, New Head of Basic Medical Sciences
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine is pleased to welcome Dr. Michael K. Wendt, who began his new role as head of the Department of Basic Medical Sciences and professor on November 1.
The appointment marks a homecoming for Dr. Wendt, a nationally recognized cancer biologist and educator whose career has been built on excellence in research, mentorship, and leadership.
Dr. Wendt previously served at Purdue from 2014 to 2023 as a faculty member in the Borch Department of Medicinal Chemistry and Molecular Pharmacology in the Purdue College of Pharmacy of Pharmacy. During that time, he was director of the Cancer Biology Training Group in the Purdue University Life Sciences Education (PULSE) program in Purdue OIGP He returns to Purdue from the University of Iowa, where he held the Arlene Holden Professorship of Breast Cancer Research, directed the translational breast cancer research program, and co-led the Experimental Therapeutics program within the University of Iowa Health Care Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center.
“I started my first faculty position here at Purdue, within the College of Pharmacy,” Dr. Wendt said. “I love the area and really enjoy the energy of the university. I benefited greatly from the mentorship and support of a great number of people across the Purdue campus, including several from the College of Veterinary Medicine.”
Reflecting on his leadership experience, Dr. Wendt said, “Through my career, I’ve found that I gain just as much satisfaction from helping others succeed as from achieving success myself. When I learned about the opportunity to lead the Basic Medical Sciences Department, I jumped at it.”
Dr. Wendt earned his PhD in molecular genetics at the Medical College of Wisconsin after completing his undergraduate studies at St. Norbert College. He completed postdoctoral work at the University of Colorado Denver, and began his academic research career at Case Western Reserve University before being recruited to Purdue in 2014.
Dean Bret Marsh praised Dr. Wendt’s appointment, noting his proven record of collaboration and leadership. “Dr. Wendt’s research, supported by over 13 million dollars in extramural funding, reflects a deep commitment to translational science and interdisciplinary partnerships. His collaborations with the Purdue Institute for Cancer Research offer exciting opportunities to strengthen comparative oncology and One Health initiatives within our college.”
Looking ahead, Dr. Wendt said, “I am excited to work with our faculty, staff, and students to achieve their goals and to recruit new faculty members who are passionate about discovery and education. My goal is to foster a department where people feel valued, inspired, and equipped to reach their full potential.”
Dean Marsh added, “With strong institutional support and a collaborative leadership style, Dr. Wendt is well-positioned to guide the Department of Basic Medical Sciences into its next phase of excellence. We are thrilled to welcome him back to Purdue.”
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