Matthew B. Wheeler

Matthew B. Wheeler is a Professor in the Department of Animal Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, with additional affiliations at the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology, the Carle Illinois College of Medicine, The Grainger College of Engineering, and the College of Veterinary Medicine. His research focuses on enhancing global food supply and animal agriculture through biotechnology, particularly in livestock reproduction and genetics. Wheeler's work has significant implications for both animal and human health, addressing hunger and malnutrition while developing better models for studying disease.

Wheeler's research interests center on reproductive biology, transgenic animal technology, and embryo engineering. He has pioneered work in developing transgenic livestock for improved food production and biomedical applications. His current projects include creating transgenic cattle that produce human insulin in their milk as a more efficient production method for diabetes treatment, and developing tropical-adapted dairy cattle through strategic crossbreeding of Gyr and Jersey cattle to improve milk production in Tanzania. His laboratory has also made significant advances in microfluidic technologies for assisted reproduction, including the development of 3D imaging techniques for embryo evaluation.

Wheeler's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on practical applications of reproductive technologies in both developed and developing contexts. His work spans transgenic animal production, embryo imaging and selection, stem cell research, and tropical-adapted cattle development. The trend shows increasing emphasis on translational research that addresses global food security challenges while maintaining scientific rigor in reproductive biology.

Among his notable scientific achievements, Wheeler was named a 2024 Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for 'distinguished contributions to the field of reproductive biology, particularly the use of transgenic and other biotechnological approaches to improve livestock and animal models of human disease.' He also received the 2024 Campus Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Mentoring at the University of Illinois.

As a dedicated mentor, Wheeler has supervised numerous graduate students who have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry. His research has been supported by various funding sources including the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture, the National Science Foundation, and international collaborators. Wheeler leads significant international projects, most notably the Tanzania Tropical Adapted Cattle Project aimed at improving food security in the Global South through advanced reproductive technologies.

Wheeler directs laboratory facilities focused on reproductive biotechnology and transgenic animal research. His team works across multiple species including cattle, swine, and deer, developing innovative approaches to embryo production, stem cell research, and genetic improvement of livestock. Current projects include developing a 100-head herd of transgenic cattle that could potentially produce all the insulin needed for the United States, and creating high-milk-yield cattle adapted to tropical climates that could transform dairy production in developing countries.