Yasuko Rikihisa is a University Distinguished Professor for veterinary biosciences with the College of Veterinary Medicine. She researches the molecular pathogens of emerging infectious diseases affecting both humans and animals.
Through her research, we have a better understanding of a number of diseases transmitted by ticks which affect both humans and domestic animals, including dogs. Her work led directly to the development of a fast and accurate diagnostic test used in veterinary practices around the world to identify dogs infected with Ehrlichiosis, more commonly known as canine typhus. This test has improved outcomes for dogs diagnosed with this disease along with reducing the risk of the infection being passed on to other dogs. For this innovation, she was awarded the International Prize in Canine Health from The Kennel Club.
Rikihisa is a member of the National Academy of Sciences and the National Academy of Inventors and is a fellow of AAAS. She was named Ohio State’s Innovator of the Year in 2011.