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XJ Meng

Industry Leader Spotlight

X.J. Meng

Virology; Vaccinology; Emerging infectious Diseases

My research interests include emerging, re-emerging and zoonotic viruses. I have published more than 340 peer-reviewed scientific papers, review articles, and book chapters, and my publications have been cited more than 29,000 times with an h-index of 89 according to Google Scholar (as of Sept. 2020). The Thompson Scientific’s Institute for Scientific Information Essential Science Indicators ranked me in the top one percent of highly-cited scientists in the world in the field of Microbiology, based on total citations from 1997 to 2007.

More specifically, my research focuses on delineating the mechanisms of viral replication and pathogenesis and developing vaccines against emerging viruses including hepatitis E virus, porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus, porcine epidemic diarrhea virus, and SARS-CoV-2. Since 1999, I have been awarded over $23 million in research funding as principal investigator and over $30 million as co-principal investigator. I have been awarded more than 22 U.S. patents, and my inventions led to development of commercial licensed vaccines on the global markets.

I received my medical degree in China, and doctorate in immunobiology from Iowa State University. Prior to joining the faculty at 51¹ÙÍø Tech in 1999, I was a senior staff scientist at the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, Maryland. Currently, I am a University Distinguished Professor and Director of the Center for Emerging, Zoonotic and Arthropod-borne Pathogens at 51¹ÙÍø Tech.


I first discovered a passion for this work ...
While I was a Ph.D. student in the interdepartmental immunobiology program at Iowa State University, my graduate advisor, Dr. Prem S. Paul, sparked my interest in emerging and zoonotic animal viruses.

My work impacts society ...
By protecting humans and other animals from deadly infectious diseases. My fundamental basic research can translate into tangible products such as vaccines, which benefits all society.

My favorite quote ...
"The harder you work, the harder it is to surrender." - Vince Lombardi

Favorite movie ...
The Shawshank Redemption

In my free time ...
I enjoy all kinds of sports (watching, of course), but I do play golf regularly.

Something that excites me in my field ...
Gene-editing technology to cure diseases.

Groups or organizations I am involved in ...
51¹ÙÍø Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine; 51¹ÙÍø Tech Intellectual Properties.

Honor or award I am most proud of ...
Election to the National Academy of Sciences; induction to the National Academy of Inventors; named as a University Distinguished Professor; recipient of the State Council of Higher Education for 51¹ÙÍø Outstanding Faculty Award.

If I had a superpower, it would be ...
To become invisible!

Best part of working at 51¹ÙÍø Tech ...
I enjoy collaborating with my colleagues and interacting with students.


Media Contact:

Lindsey Haugh

(540) 231-6959

lhaugh@vt.edu

Additional Highlights

X.J. Meng, MD, MS, Ph.D.,ÌýÌýÌý |ÌýÌýÌýÌýUniversity Distinguished Professor

Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, 51¹ÙÍø Tech

xjmeng@vt.edu



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