Dr. James Luyendyk Selected Society of Toxicology Vice President-elect for 2024-25; Continues MSU's Legacy

Dr. James Luyendyk has been selected 2024–2025 vice president-elect by members of the Society of Toxicology and becomes the tenth MSU scientist to earn this distinction.

Beginning May 1, 2024, Luyendyk will serve successive one-year terms as the vice president-elect, vice president, president, and past-president of the Society of Toxicology. The society comprises scientists from academic institutions, government, and industry—more than 8,000 members from 70 countries belong to the organization.

Luyendyk is the Albert and Lois Dehn Endowed Chair and Professor in Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation with a joint appointment in the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. He is also a member of the Institute for Integrative Toxicology at Michigan State University.

“Jim is not only an outstanding scientist and teacher, but an engaged academic citizen in every respect,” says Dr. Dalen Agnew, chairperson and professor, MSU Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation. “He serves on multiple committees here at MSU, as well as boards and committees outside of our institution. These associations impact how science is perceived by the public, government, and regulatory agencies, as well as our ability to recruit and retain students and faculty.”

An NIH-funded investigator, Luyendyk’s research involves both drug and environmental exposures with a focus on understanding the mechanisms by which blood-clotting factors contribute to liver disease and liver repair/regeneration. His research has had a meaningful impact in multiple fields.

Luyendyk will become the tenth scientist associated with MSU to serve as the society’s president; eight faculty members and two doctoral trainees.

PRIORITIES: CENTERING MEMBERS, COMMUNICATIONS, MENTORSHIP

Currently secretary of the Society of Toxicology Council, Luyendyk says his approach to leadership is to center members and draw on their expertise and passion for toxicology. His priorities include financial support for the society’s regional chapters, specialty sections, and special interest groups—all of which offer members opportunities for meaningful engagement with discipline. Luyendyk also intends to enhance support for communicating the society’s successes and members’ discoveries through multiple platforms, including the society’s journal, Toxicological Sciences.

Particularly important for Luyendyk, are diversity and providing opportunities and mentorship for trainees. He previously served as chair of the society’s Graduate Student Leadership Committee Executive Board, the Postdoctoral Assembly Board, and Committee on Diversity Initiatives.

“This resonates with me because that’s where I started, as an SOT student member,” says Luyendyk. “Assuring that mentorship is available across all membership levels is an activity I plan to prioritize.”

CONTINUITY AND LEGACY

“The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology has a long and storied history of leadership in the Society of Toxicology, and I am thrilled that Jim is continuing the tradition,” says Dr. Anne Dorrance, chairperson of the Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology and Walter F. Patenge Chair of Osteopathic Medicine.

MSU faculty members who have served in the society’s presidential line—four successive one-year terms as vice president-elect, vice president, president, and past-president—have helped shape, and fulfill, the organization’s priorities.

Dr. Patricia Ganey, the most recent society president from MSU was elected in 2015. Global outreach was one of Ganey’s priorities. She fostered the organization’s relationship with the Japanese Society of Toxicology (JSOT) and attended their 2017 meeting in Yokohama, which included a collaborative symposium hosted by the two organizations. Ganey, professor emeritus in MSU’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, now serves as chairperson of the FDA’s National Center for Toxicological Research Science Advisory Board.

“We can bring forth the unique perspectives and talents that toxicologists have to solve problems, to help people understand why we’re helpful, and why we can be better together,” said Ganey of the importance of these kinds of outreach.

Dr. Norbert Kaminski, named vice president-elect in 2014, led development of the 2015–2018 strategic plan and saw its launch before completing his four years in the presidential line. Kaminski, professor in the Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology and director of MSU’s Institute for Integrative Toxicology, led the organization as it partnered with the FDA to present a series of colloquia designed to inform FDA employees about emerging science issues in food and ingredient safety.

“As scientists, we advocate for the science. Our goal is simple—to ensure the best science is applied to protect public health and the environment,” said Kaminski at the time of Ganey’s election.

Outreach and elevating the stature of toxicology were priorities for Dr. Jay Goodman, MSU professor emeritus, who was elected to the society’s presidential line in 1997. He crafted and promoted a campaign called "Toxicology is Part of the Solution.”

“Toxicologists are not just the people who find the poisons,” says Goodman. “Toxicology plays a crucial role in helping to define the conditions under which chemicals, including medicines, can be used to benefit people and to benefit their environment.”

LUYENDYK’S COMING TENURE

Luyendyk believes the priorities he has chosen will reduce barriers to engagement for all society members.

“Our society thrives because of our diversity, and this theme must be a guidepost in our strategic vision,” says Luyendyk. “The Society of Toxicology should be home to all aspiring toxicologists, and I will continue to project and share my unrestricted optimism for all things SOT in this new role as we work together to advance the science and impact of toxicology.”

Dorrance agrees. “Anyone who knows Jim recognizes that his enthusiasm for the field of toxicology is contagious and that he will do great things as president.”

PAST MSU SOT PRESIDENTS

· Patricia Ganey (2017–2018)

· Norbert E. Kaminski (2014-2015)

· Michael P. Holsapple (2010-2011)

· Kendall B. Wallace (2005-2006)

· Jay I. Goodman (1999-2000)

· James S. Bus (1996-1997)

· James E. Gibson (1988-1989)

· Jerry B. Hook (1987-1988)

· Perry J. Gehring (1980-1981)