FRANK BLECHA
University Distinguished Professor of immunophysiology
Frank
Blecha is a university distinguished professor and head of the
department of anatomy and physiology in the Kansas State University
College of Veterinary Medicine. His research is focused on ways
to control the animal immune response so health and performance
are maximized. Blecha's studies evaluate the interrelationship
of immunology and physiology and the regulatory mechanisms involved
in immunity. A major interest in his lab is focused on understanding
the interactions between antimicrobial peptides, bacteria, viruses
and pattern recognition receptors.
Blecha earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Idaho and his doctorate from Washington State University. He holds four U.S. patents and has authored two dozen book chapters and monographs and nearly 300 research publications. He has made more than 100 invited presentations at regional, national and international conferences.
Blecha joined the K-State faculty in 1981. He has held leadership positions in national and international organizations, including the American Association of Immunologists and the American Association of Veterinary Immunologists. He received the faculty scholar award from Phi Kappa Phi in 1997 and was recognized with the University Distinguished Graduate Faculty Member Award in 1998. He was named a University Distinguished Professor in 2001 and was awarded K-State's Presidential Award for Outstanding Department Head in 2004.
Blecha can be reached at 785-532-2741, or by e-mail at blecha@vet.k-state.edu.