The principal strength of VMRI faculty is enthusiasm and dedication to research. This strength is built upon and nurtured by an uninterrupted record of excellence since 1928. The faculty is nationally and internationally recognized in applied and basic livestock health research, especially infectious disease research. They also participate in teaching veterinary medical students and in undergraduate and graduate courses. He holds Iowa State's Frank K. Ramsey Endowed Chair in Veterinary Medicine.
Research is the major thrust of the VMRI faculty.