Matthew B Wheeler

Matthew B Wheeler is a full-time Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois, College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences (ACES). He also holds professorships in Bioengineering, Biomedical and Translational Sciences, and Micro and Nanotechnology Lab, while serving as Adjunct Professor in Veterinary Clinical Medicine. A renowned figure in reproductive biology and biotechnology, he directs the Transgenic Livestock Facility and contributes to the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and Beckman Institute.

• Ph.D. in Physiology and Biophysics (Colorado State University)
• M.S. in Reproductive Physiology (University of California-Davis)
• B.S. in Animal Science (University of California-Davis)

His research spans six core areas: transgenic livestock production, stem cell differentiation, livestock gene mapping, embryo sensing technologies, stem cell therapies, and assisted reproductive technologies. He has pioneered 3-D airway splints for infants and bone replacement implants through translational research. His work integrates biotechnology with agricultural and biomedical applications.

Recent publications highlight innovations in transgenic cattle (2024), holographic imaging for embryo analysis (2024), and 3D-printed implants (2023). He holds patents in stem cell technology and embryo handling systems. Scientific awards include the International Embryo Technology Society's Distinguished Service (2015) and Mentor of the Year (2017), alongside multiple university-level recognitions.

• 1999 D.E. Becker Award
• 2001 H.H. Mitchell Award
• 2002 University Scholar
• 2012 ACES Funk Award
• 2013 Carle Foundation Friends of Research Award
• 2016 UIUC Distinguished Faculty Leadership Award

As an Honorary Lifetime Member of two major embryo transfer societies, Wheeler's interdisciplinary leadership bridges animal sciences with biomedical engineering and genomic biology.