Michael W Riggs

Dr. Michael W. Riggs is a Professor at the School of Animal and Comparative Biomedical Sciences within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, University of Arizona. He has held joint appointments in the Department of Pathology (College of Medicine) and previously in the Department of Comparative and Experimental Pathology at the University of Florida. Riggs earned a D.V.M. from Texas A&M University and a Ph.D. in Immunoparasitology from Washington State University, where he also completed a residency in Anatomic Pathology.

His research focuses on the immunobiology of cryptosporidiosis, a diarrheal disease caused by Cryptosporidium parasites. Key areas include host immune responses, development of recombinant vaccines and immunotherapeutics, molecular pathogenesis of parasite attachment/invasion, animal model refinement, and diagnostic innovations. He has pioneered the use of monoclonal antibody-based therapies and drug discovery for Cryptosporidium.

His scientific contributions include 13 issued patents (8 U.S., 5 foreign) and two pending foreign applications for anticryptosporidial technologies. His work is supported by long-term funding from the NIH, USDA, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and private industry. Riggs has developed novel antibody-biocide fusion proteins and targeted drug delivery systems, with applications for both human and veterinary medicine.

Notable awards include the SACBS Outstanding Faculty in Teaching Award (2018), CALS Outstanding Faculty in Research (2015), and multiple teaching excellence nominations. He has authored over 40 peer-reviewed publications and book chapters, contributing to advancements in apicomplexan parasite research, veterinary diagnostics, and one health therapeutic strategies.

• Education: D.V.M. (Texas A&M University), Ph.D. (Washington State University)
• Certifications: Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Pathologists; Licensure in Veterinary Medicine
• Teaching Areas: Comparative Pathology, Mechanisms of Disease, Preceptorship courses