Peter Larsen, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences

Contact Info
Assistant Professor, Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences
PhD, Texas Tech University
MS, Texas Tech University
BS, South Dakota State University
Summary
Dr. Larsen is evolutionary biologist and his research is highly interdisciplinary. Broadly, his team utilizes innovative genomic approaches (e.g., transcriptomics, metagenomics, and genome sequencing) to advance research in the areas of Evolutionary Medicine and One Health. Current projects in the Larsen lab include: epigenetics of stress in dairy cattle, origin of mitochondrial dysfunction associated with neurodegenerative disease, and the discovery and surveillance of emerging zoonoses in small mammals.
Expertise
Genomics, Evolutionary Biology, One Health, Bioinformatics
Awards & Recognition
Research
Research Summary/Interests
Dr. Larsen leads a diverse research program that focuses on the zoonotic disease surveillance, field-based molecular diagnostics, and the origins of neurodegenerative disease. Peter has over 18 years of research experience in molecular biology, mammalogy, and genomics. Broadly, his team utilizes innovative genomic approaches (e.g., transcriptomics, metagenomics, and genome sequencing) to advance research in the areas of Evolutionary Medicine and One Health. Dr. Larsen is a faculty member of the Minnesota Agricultural Research, Education and Extension Tech Transfer program (AGREETT). He is also Co-Director of the newly established Minnesota Center for Prion Research and Outreach (MNPRO).
Research Methods/Techniques
Research Funding Grants
Current Funding Sources
- Minnesota State Legislature: Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR)
- Zoetis Inc.
- United States Department of Agriculture, Animal Plant Health Inspection Service
- Foundation funds supporting overall neurodegenerative research program
- Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station
- University of Minnesota Office of Vice President for Research: MN Futures and Research Infrastructure Program
- University of Minnesota Center for Global Health & Social Responsibility
Publications
Teaching
Teaching Areas
DVM, Graduate, and Undergraduate
Community Engagement
Since 2018, Dr. Larsen has led a public outreach campaign focused on the biology and ecology of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD), an emerging prion disease of cervids (elk, deer, moose, etc.). CWD has great potential to negatively impact multiple economic sectors in Minnesota and throughout the United States. Outreach events to members of the public and state and federal legislators include public webinars, lectures, seminars, testimonies, and one-on-one discussions organized by MNPRO and the University of Minnesota Government and Community Relations Office. Funding for these outreach activities has been generously provided by: Minnesota Extension Rapid Ag Response Fund, Center for Animal Health and Food Safety, College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Minnesota LCCMR.