In memoriam: Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, a cherished member of the Michigan State University community and a Professor in the Departments of Microbiology, Genetics, & Immunology and Small Animal Clinical Sciences. Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan passed away last week due to medical complications related to treatment for a recently discovered cancer. Her loss is deeply felt by her colleagues, students, and friends.

Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan stands with colleagues Dr. Steph Shames and Dr. Yu Zhang. She is smiling broadly, and it is clear that they are at a party. — Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan, center, is seen here with
MGI colleagues, Drs. Steph Shames and Yu Zhang.

Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan grew up in a proud Armenian family that encouraged her academic tendencies. From an early age, she was fascinated by the fundamental mechanisms of how life works, a passion that brought her from Istanbul, Turkey to East Lansing, Michigan. As she said, “It’s hard not to be fascinated by life, because the parts that come together and function – so many of them are shared between bacteria and yeasts to make multicellular organisms. We’re not as special as we think we are.”

Despite what she said, Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan was indeed special.

She was a pioneering scientist who made significant contributions to the fields of biochemistry and genetics, determining the mechanism behind zinc-copper interactions that led to the development of the standard treatment for copper toxicosis and kickstarted the Canine Genome Project.

“It turns out there is a relationship between zinc and copper,” she said. “It’s quite complicated, but also quite elegant and simple, once you understand it.” Her work illuminated the genetic underpinnings of cancer, offering insights that have advanced both veterinary care and human cancer research.

In addition to her scientific achievements, Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan was a dedicated educator and mentor who served as the MGI Associate Chair of Graduate Studies.

Dr. Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan is seen here at the front of the weekly Work in Progress seminar which is attended by her graduate students. She is smiling at a student. — Dr. Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan was the MGI Associate Chair of Graduate Studies, and she is seen here at the front of the lecture hall during the weekly seminar.

“She is probably the best mentor I've ever seen,” said Kristen Lare, marketing and communications manager for the College of Veterinary Medicine. “She has students all over the world and I know she stayed in touch with them all.”

Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan also served as an Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Studies for the College of Veterinary Medicine for nearly a decade and directed the Comparative Medicine and Integrative Biology Program for 17 years.

“She was a skilled administrator who brought iron will, velvet compassion, and food in measures precisely as needed to her graduate leadership mission,” said Victor DiRita, Rudolph Hugh Endowed Chair and MGI Department Chair.

Vilma was known for her ability to connect with those around her, making each individual feel valued and special.

Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan's impact extended beyond the laboratory and classroom. She was a beloved colleague, a trusted friend, and a source of inspiration to all who knew her. Her warmth, generosity, and passion for her work will be remembered by everyone whose lives she touched.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Suat, and her son, Jonathan, who were the light of her life. Her lab members, Tina, Sara, Alex, and Alyssa, along with her extended academic family, will carry forward her legacy with the same dedication and spirit she exemplified.

Vilma Yuzbasiyan-Gurkan's contributions to science, education, and the MSU community are immeasurable. She will be deeply missed, but her legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

May she find eternal peace in all goodness.