University of Illinois Honors Two Faculty Members with Prestigious Appointments

On January 21, 2024, the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine will host an investiture ceremony to honor two distinguished faculty members with prestigious appointments. Dr. Weiping Zhang has been named the Inaugural H. J. Detmers Chair in Veterinary Microbiology, while Dr. Ying Fang will receive the title of Inaugural Distinguished Professor in Diagnostic Test and Vaccine Development. These appointments recognize their significant contributions to veterinary medicine through research, teaching, and service.

Dr. Weiping Zhang: A Leader in Vaccine Development

Dr. Weiping Zhang has made remarkable strides in veterinary microbiology, particularly in developing a vaccine strategy against diarrheal diseases caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). For over 40 years, researchers struggled to create an effective vaccine due to the numerous strains and virulence factors of ETEC. Dr. Zhang’s innovative platform allows for the integration of multiple pathogen epitopes that stimulate the immune response, paving the way for a multivalent vaccine.

His current research aims to protect against not only ETEC but also other harmful bacteria, including Shigella spp. and Vibrio cholerae. These pathogens are responsible for over 200,000 deaths each year globally, contributing to significant public health concerns. The development of effective vaccines against these bacteria has become a priority for organizations such as the World Health Organization.

Dr. Zhang has secured nearly $27 million in research funding from reputable institutions, including the National Institutes of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He has published extensively in high-impact journals, holds multiple patents, and has played a pivotal role in advancing veterinary science. His leadership roles include serving as president of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases and being a mentor to numerous graduate students.

Dr. Ying Fang: Innovating Disease Diagnosis and Treatment

Dr. Ying Fang has dedicated nearly 25 years to unraveling the molecular mechanisms of viral diseases, with a particular focus on porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV), a critical pathogen in the global swine industry. She was the first to establish a reverse genetics system for North American PRRSV-1 in the United States, leading to significant advancements in understanding viral replication mechanisms.

Her research has directly contributed to the commercialization of effective vaccines for PRRS and diagnostic test kits for various swine viruses. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Fang adapted her lab’s technologies to study coronaviruses, helping diagnose the first case of SARS-CoV-2 in a dog in Illinois. She is currently leading a National Institutes of Health-funded project to develop a feline model for studying SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.

Dr. Fang’s extensive contributions to the field have earned her a spot in the National Academy of Inventors in 2024 due to her numerous patents and inventions. She has also published widely in esteemed journals and has been an influential figure in the PRRS research community, organizing international conferences and serving on grant review panels.

Both Dr. Zhang and Dr. Fang exemplify the spirit of excellence in veterinary medicine, making substantial contributions that impact global health and the livestock industry. Their appointments at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine not only highlight their individual achievements but also signify the institution’s commitment to advancing veterinary science for the benefit of society.