Bart Tarbet

Bart Tarbet is a Research Professor in the Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences department at Utah State University's College of Veterinary Medicine. With over 25 years of experience in vaccine development spanning both industry and academia, Dr. Tarbet leads research focused on evaluating experimental therapeutics for influenza virus, enterovirus, and SARS-CoV-2 virus infections. His laboratory is a vital component of Utah State University's Institute for Antiviral Research, contributing to the pre-clinical development of antiviral compounds including ribavirin (Virazole™), ganciclovir (Cytovene™), and oseltamivir (Tamiflu™).

Dr. Tarbet earned his PhD in Animal Science with specialization in experimental pathology from the University of Delaware in 2006, where his dissertation focused on Pathogenic, Antigenic, and Phylogenetic Evaluation of Chicken Infectious Anemia Virus Isolates. He completed an MS in Microbiology and Immunology from Louisiana State University Medical Center in 1995 and received his BS in Microbiology from Weber State University in 1986.

Dr. Tarbet's research interests span virology, immunology, vaccines, and antiviral chemotherapy, with particular emphasis on animal models of viral infections. His laboratory investigates treatment and prevention strategies for influenza virus, enterovirus, and SARS-CoV-2 infections using both antivirals and vaccines. His recent publications demonstrate innovative approaches to viral therapeutics including adenoviral vector vaccines, nanomaterials, and novel antiviral compounds targeting viral replication mechanisms.

Dr. Tarbet has received multiple prestigious awards recognizing his contributions to research and education:

• Faculty Researcher of the Year, 2021, Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences
• Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year, 2017, College of Agriculture and Applied Sciences
• Undergraduate Research Mentor of the Year, 2016, Department of Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Sciences
• Young Investigator Award, 2012, International Society for Antiviral Research

Dr. Tarbet teaches Veterinary Bacteriology and Mycology and the ADVS 5000 'One Health' course. Since 2017, he has served as Utah Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory Section Leader, bridging academic research with practical veterinary diagnostics. He has mentored numerous graduate students including Sara Lemon, Malena Hales, Savannah Southwick, Ashley Sheesley, Katie Swanson, Christopher Peterson, Brett Hurst, and Joseph Evans.