Dr. John Buchweitz, PhD, MS, DABT, associate professor and Section Chief of Nutrition and Toxicology in the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, has been awarded the 2026 Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence for his work into diagnostics that protect the health of animal and people.
The award recognizes outstanding research effort and innovation. Since 1963, animal health company Zoetis has funded an annual award to recognize a researcher at each US veterinary school.
Buchweitz’s work addresses a wide variety of diagnostic needs, including:
Use of pets as sentinels for environmental lead contamination
Implications of dietary copper excesses in the development of liver disease
Identification of chemical markers that differentiate intentional from accidental poisoning incidents
Evaluation of diagnostic criteria for expected and toxic thresholds of nutrient minerals and heavy metals across species
"Dr. Buchweitz’s work exemplifies MSU’s land-grant philosophy in research, outreach, and teaching – cutting edge, yet immediately practical, addressing and solving many problems facing our environment, animals, and humans,” said Dalen Agnew, Chair of the Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation.
Buchweitz is a three-time graduate of Michigan State — he completed a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, a master’s degree in animal science with environmental toxicology, and a PhD in pharmacology and toxicology. He has also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Van Andel Research Institute in Grand Rapids, Mich. and is a diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology. He has been faculty at the College since 2012.
"From animal disease to food safety to forensic criminal investigations, John’s work is pivotal. At the risk of using a dated reference, in my mind, he is the MacGyver of diagnostics in nutrition and toxicology,” says Dr. Jim Luyendyk, Associate Dean of Research. “The scope and impact of his work demonstrates the importance of veterinary toxicology for public health, and exemplifies how the College of Veterinary Medicine is positioned to address these challenges. This award is incredibly well deserved!”
The award will be presented during MSU’s 36th annual Phi Zeta Research Day on Friday, August 14.