Leigh Anne Clark

Leigh Anne Clark is an Associate Professor in the Department of Pathology at Clemson University. Her research focuses on the genetic basis of inherited canine diseases, diagnostic tools for companion animals, and genetic epidemiology. She earned her Ph.D. in Genetics from Texas A&M University (2004) and a B.S. in Biomedical Sciences (2000). Prior to Clemson, she worked as a Research Assistant Professor in Texas A&M's Department of Pathobiology, studying dermatomyositis and merle coat genetics in dogs.

Her current studies investigate genetic determinants of canine diseases such as megaesophagus, pancreatic insufficiency, Addison’s disease, and epilepsy. She has contributed to landmark studies using genome-wide association techniques and SNP analysis to identify disease-related genes in dogs. Her work bridges basic genetics research with clinical applications for veterinary medicine.

Dr. Clark’s research group has mapped genetic traits across diverse canine populations, including studies on breed-specific mutations and epigenetic variations. She collaborates with veterinary diagnostic labs and genetic testing platforms to translate findings into practical diagnostic tools.