Dr. George C. Fahey, Jr. is Professor Emeritus of Animal Sciences and Kraft Foods Endowed Professor Emeritus of Nutritional Sciences at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. An overarching theme of his research is gastrointestinal tract health and the role of macronutrients in the digestive physiology, microbial ecology, and health of the gut. Fahey's early contributions were in the area of ruminant nutrition but since the late 1980’s, his species emphasis has been companion animals. As a result of his research, new dietary formulations and feeding strategies have been implemented by health care professionals and pet food manufacturers for animals at various physiological states and for those experiencing health problems. Most importantly, 95 postdoctoral research associates, master’s degree candidates, and doctoral degree candidates successfully completed their programs under his direction and are now serving with distinction in academia, government, and private industry.