Dr. Janice Ciacci Zanella joined the School of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in August 2026 as director of the school and associate dean of the Professional Program in Veterinary Medicine. 

Dr. Zanella’s background is as a veterinary researcher with more than 30 years of experience in animal virology, global health initiatives, and agricultural research. Throughout a distinguished career, she has participated in more than 40 research projects, received over 30 awards, published more than 80 peer-reviewed articles and 200 abstracts, advised over 60 students, and developed more than 50 products. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, she has delivered more than 250 presentations, interviews, seminars, workshops, courses, and webinars to scientific, professional, and public audiences worldwide.

Dr. Zanella has proven expertise in disease surveillance and One Health strategies, having collaborated with international organizations including WOAH, WHO, and FAO to advance animal and public health. She participated as a member of the One Health High-Level Expert Panel (OHHLEP) of FAO, WHO, WOAH, and UNEP, and has represented Brazil in the OFFLU Technical Group on Swine Influenza since 2011. She is a member of the South American Network for One Health (SANO), led by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO). Currently, she serves on several national advisory committees, including the One Health Work Group of Brazil's Ministry of Health, the One Health Advisory Committee for Embrapa's Board of Directors, and the Technical Committee for Swine Health Programs of Brazil's Ministry of Agriculture.

A strategic and globally minded leader, committed to driving positive impact through innovative research, evidence-based policy, and multidisciplinary collaboration, Dr. Zanella brings extensive experience in designing and delivering distance-based education, managing large research centers and programs, and fostering partnerships across diverse institutional and international stakeholders.