Washington State University scientist Zhihua Jiang will join Egyptian colleagues this fall in collaborative research for more efficient livestock production, thanks to his second Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program award.

An internationally recognized expert in animal phenomics and genomics - the sciences of animal genetics and their physical expression - Jiang studies how genes, cellular processes, and the environment interact to create traits like fertility, fitness, longevity, and well-being that define animals - and humans.

In Egypt, Jiang will team up with research partners to explore ideas and tools that could aid food security and livestock production in arid regions.

"I'm especially excited to work directly with local experts and livestock populations, bringing our research to a new level of scientific and cultural exchange," Jiang said. "Despite years of productive partnerships in genome sciences, we've never had the opportunity to collaborate face to face."

Egypt's more than 60 indigenous livestock breeds, uniquely adapted to a hot, dry climate, offer novel models for fundamental research into genes and traits.

We can use our understanding of animal genes and traits to improve efficiency and breed cattle, sheep, or other livestock that thrive on less food and water.

The science is advancing quickly, and technologies such as AI are helping researchers like Jiang use genes and traits to predict livestock performance and select healthier, hardier animals.

"There's a need for more animal products to feed people but limited resources to increase production," Jiang said. "We can use our understanding of animal genes and traits to improve efficiency and breed cattle, sheep, or other livestock that thrive on less food and water."

The Fulbright Scholar Program is the U.S. government's flagship international educational exchange initiative. Jiang's upcoming six-monthresearch trip is funded by his second Fulbright Scholar award. In 2022, he worked in Australia, where he helped map the complex links between genes and traits in animals.

"Building a network of colleagues and embedding yourself alongside other global leaders is what the Fulbright system is founded on," said Gordon Murdoch, WSU Animal Sciences chair. "Dr. Jiang has made a concerted effort to be an active participant in genetic research that advances his field through discovery and implementation to practical use. I congratulate him and look forward to seeing the partnerships that emerge from his second Fulbright award."

Now in his 23rd year at WSU, Jiang is a prolific inventor whose eight U.S. patents have contributed to a core panel of genetic markers used in genomic selection for the livestock industry. He has served as principal investigator on more than 40 grants, and his students have earned prestigious national awards and WSU honors, including Fulbright awards, Goldwater Scholarships, and WSU Top Ten Senior recognition.

Fulbright experiences change their participants, and achieving two is a special honor, Jiang said.

"With each Fulbright, your perspective widens, your ability to connect across cultures deepens, and your potential to lead and make a meaningful impact - both locally and globally - grows," he said. "If you're eager to learn, there are always open doors."