Ph.D. in Pathology, Michigan State University.
Research interests include studies in the following areas: The major histocompatibility complexes of man and domestic animal species. The genetic basis of disease resistance and/or susceptibility. Insulin dependant diabetes mellitus and the use of the dog as animal model are of particular interest. Mapping the genomes of domestic animal species where karyotyping is precluded. The use of DNA fingerprinting as a tool for pedigree substantiation. Current methodologies being employed include: The use of xenospecific probes to study genetic systems of several species and facilitate the isolation of homologous genes from genomic libraries. The amplification of specific regions of genes using the polymerase chain reaction. Dot blot hybridizations of amplified DNA for oligonucleotide typing and disease susceptibility/resistance screening. Clamped homogeneous electric field electrophoresis for genomic mapping. RT - PCR Cycle Sequencing. Dr. Gerlach is the Program Director for the Diagnostic Molecular Science major and is Associate Professor in the Biomedical Laboratory Diagnostics Program.