- Dr. Janice Reis Ciacci Zanella has been appointed director of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences.
- She will begin the role on Aug. 1, 2026.
- Zanella previously served as a virology researcher at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa).
- Her research has focused on emerging swine viruses and One Health collaboration.
- She will succeed Dr. Scott McVey, who has led the school since 2020.
Dr. Janice Reis Ciacci Zanella has been named the next director of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences. She will begin her appointment on Aug. 1, 2026.
Zanella earned her veterinary degree from the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil and later completed both her master’s and doctoral degrees at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.
She has worked as an animal virology researcher with the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa), where her research has focused on the control and eradication of emerging swine viruses as well as broader One Health initiatives.
Research and International Collaboration
From 2014 to 2021, Zanella served as general director of Embrapa Swine and Poultry, where she led a multidisciplinary team of scientists and helped expand partnerships with industry and government stakeholders.
She has also contributed to international efforts focused on animal health and zoonotic disease through participation in panels and committees involving the World Organisation for Animal Health, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Environment Programme.
More recently, Zanella served as a visiting scientist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Iowa State University.
Leadership at UNL
In her new role, Zanella will lead the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences within the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
University leaders said her background in research, international collaboration, and veterinary education will support the school’s mission to advance teaching, research, and outreach in veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences.
Zanella will succeed Dr. Scott McVey, who has served as director of the school since 2020.
Information sourced from the organization’s announcement.
