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.
“On behalf of the University of Nebraska–Lincoln’s Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources, I am thrilled to welcome Dr. Janice Ciacci Zanella as the next director of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences,” said Tiffany Heng-Moss, University of Nebraska vice president and Harlan Vice Chancellor for the Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources.
“Dr. Ciacci Zanella brings impressive interdisciplinary experience and a strong history of collaboration to the role. I look forward to working alongside her, and I’m grateful to the search advisory committee for their work to identify a strong leader for this important school.”
Ciacci Zanella earned her veterinary degree from the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil and completed both her master’s and doctoral degrees at UNL.
Since then, Ciacci Zanella has served as an animal virology researcher at the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (Embrapa). Her scientific career focuses on the control and eradication of emerging swine viruses and advocating for One Health. From 2014 to 2021, she served as general director of Embrapa Swine and Poultry, where she led a large multidisciplinary team of scientists and played a key role in strengthening partnerships and securing funding from private industry and political stakeholders.
She has participated in several panels and committees of the World Organization for Animal Health (formerly known as the Office International des Epizooties), the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, the World Health Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme as a representative of Brazil. More recently, she was a visiting scientist with the United States Department of Agriculture and a postdoctoral fellow at Iowa State University in Ames.
“I’m honored to take on this role and excited to join the Nebraska community. I look forward to working for such a talented and dedicated group to build on the school’s strong foundation. We will foster collaboration, and create meaningful impact through education, research, and outreach while preparing the next generation of leaders in veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences,” said Zanella.
She will succeed Scott McVey, who has served as director of the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences since 2020.
“I would like to thank Dr. McVey for his leadership and service,” said HengMoss. “I wish him all the best as he transitions to the faculty.”
