University of Illinois Honors Faculty with Prestigious Chairs

The University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine will celebrate excellence in veterinary science on January 21, 2024, with an investiture ceremony honoring two esteemed faculty members. The event will officially bestow an endowed chair and a distinguished professorship, acknowledging significant contributions in research, teaching, and service.

Dr. Weiping Zhang: A Leader in Veterinary Microbiology

Dr. Weiping Zhang will be recognized as the inaugural holder of the H. J. Detmers Chair in Veterinary Microbiology. His groundbreaking work has led to a novel vaccine strategy against diarrheal diseases caused by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC), a challenge that has persisted for four decades. Dr. Zhang’s innovative approach utilizes computational and structural biological technologies to develop a multivalent protein-based vaccine that not only targets ETEC but also addresses other harmful bacteria such as Shigella spp. and Vibrio cholerae.

Each year, these pathogens contribute to over 200,000 deaths globally and result in hundreds of millions of diarrheal cases. The World Health Organization has prioritized effective vaccine development against these enteric bacteria, underscoring the importance of Dr. Zhang’s research. His work not only has implications for public health but also aims to alleviate significant economic losses in the livestock industry, particularly among weanling pigs.

Dr. Zhang has secured approximately $27 million in research funding from prestigious organizations, including the National Institutes of Health and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. His impressive record includes publications in leading journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and numerous patents. Additionally, he has played a notable role in the scientific community, serving as president of the Conference of Research Workers in Animal Diseases and mentoring 18 graduate students.

Originally from China, Dr. Zhang earned his master’s degree from Southwestern Forestry University and a Ph.D. from Iowa State University. He previously held faculty positions at South Dakota State University and Kansas State University before joining the University of Illinois in 2018.

The chair is named after Dr. Heinrich J. Detmers, the first veterinarian at the Illinois Industrial University, who established a free veterinary infirmary in 1871, providing his students practical experience in animal care.

Dr. Ying Fang: Innovating Diagnostic Testing and Vaccination

Dr. Ying Fang will be appointed as the inaugural Distinguished Professor in Diagnostic Test and Vaccine Development. With nearly 25 years of experience, Dr. Fang has significantly advanced the understanding of viral disease mechanisms, particularly focusing on the porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Her pioneering work established a reverse genetics system for North American PRRSV-1, leading to important insights into viral replication and the commercialization of effective vaccines and diagnostic kits for swine-related viruses.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Fang adapted her lab’s technologies to address the urgent need for research on coronaviruses. Notably, she played a crucial role in diagnosing the first case of SARS-CoV-2 in a dog in Illinois. Currently, she leads an NIH-funded project to establish a feline model for studying SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis.

In July 2023, Dr. Fang’s laboratory published a significant study on a monoclonal antibody-based test capable of detecting SARS-CoV-2 across different species, including humans. Her numerous patents and inventions earned her election to the National Academy of Inventors in 2024.

Dr. Fang graduated with a master’s degree from Iowa State University and a Ph.D. in microbiology from South Dakota State University. Before joining the University of Illinois in 2019, she held faculty positions at both South Dakota State University and Kansas State University. Her extensive publication record includes articles in esteemed journals such as the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and the Journal of Virology.

Together, Dr. Zhang and Dr. Fang represent a commitment to advancing veterinary medicine and improving global public health through their dedicated research and innovation.