Dr. Fabian Diaz New Faculty Spotlight

Assistant Professor, Veterinary Microbiology and Preventive Medicine
Immunology

Education
DVM, Universidad de Chile
PhD, Molecular Genetics and Microbiology, Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile

Past Experience
After graduating with his DVM, Dr. Diaz worked in small animal clinics and as a research assistant at Pontificia Universidad Catolica de Chile where he researched zoonotic tick-borne diseases.

After earning his PhD, Diaz came to Iowa State as a visiting scholar working on testing various vaccines on ruminant species. As a postdoctoral research scholar in Dr. Jodi McGill’s lab, he focused on immune responses to human and bovine respiratory viruses and the development of immune-based interventions to prevent respiratory disease.

Research
The Diaz Lab aims to understand the immune responses occurring at mucosal surfaces in response to pathogen invasion, with a focus on respiratory viruses and bacteria that are prevalent in ruminant and human populations. The lab’s goal is to develop strategies to modulate innate and adaptive immune responses to pathogens in order to increase disease resistance and resilience.

Dr. Diaz says…
“As a veterinary student, I found it challenging to understand the importance and depth of the immune system. During my graduate studies, I was fascinated by the complexity and relevance of immune responses in the context of pathogen infection and their importance in preserving the health of humans and animals. Immunology is a fascinating and ever-evolving field that offers several avenues for developing interventions that can positively impact the health of companion and food animals while helping to ensure the sustainability of the food chain for upcoming generations.”

September 2025