The American Kennel Club is pleased to announce that Claire Wiley, VMD, DACVIM has been hired as the Executive Director of the AKC DNA Program.
The AKC has one of the oldest continuously operating canine DNA programs in the world. With nearly 1,000,000 canines profiled, nearly 300,000 canine DNA samples in storage, and more than 250,000 active breeders, the AKC remains a leader in this important field.
“Now in its third decade, the AKC DNA program is well positioned to leverage new and emerging technologies to assist dog owners and breeders better understand the health of their dogs,” said Mark Dunn, AKC Executive Vice President. “Dr. Wiley will accelerate our forward progress and enhance our ability to support academic researchers as well.”
Upon completion of her undergraduate work at Yale University, Dr. Wiley entered the University of Pennsylvania, graduating in 2013 as a VMD. Dr. Wiley was most recently a Clinician Investigator in a combined board-certified small animal internal medicine residency and PhD program at the North Carolina State University College of Veterinary Medicine. During that time, she also served as a scientific consultant for the AKC DNA Program.
In her studies at NC State, she was also able to investigate the genomic profile of canine bladder and prostate cancer, as well as using molecular diagnostics as screening tools for early diagnosis. Dr. Wiley provided expertise in clinical trials and citizen scientist engagement.
Aside from her impressive career, Dr. Wiley also has over thirty years of experience breeding, showing, and training Portuguese Water Dogs.
“I am excited to expand AKC’s DNA program to serve our fundamental mission: to help breeders breed better dogs,” Dr. Wiley said regarding her new position.
Dr. Wiley will be working out of the North Carolina AKC office.