Heidi Herb

Background

About Heidi Herb

I have a strong interest in the concept of One Health, which recognizes that the health of animals, people, plants, and the environment are deeply interconnected. To develop myself as a One Health professional, I am currently working as a researcher and am seeking a PhD in Ecology and Evolution and a Master of Public Health degree (MPH) at Rutgers University. I am working to combine my past education and experiences, which include over 10 years experience in animal health and vector-borne disease research, with new knowledge and experiences to gain an interdisciplinary background in areas relevant to One Health. My ultimate career aspiration is to obtain a position with a focus on improving health outcomes for multiple species, including humans as well as other animals. My current research is focused on vector-borne disease and involves a multi-faceted perspective that considers the environment, arthropod vectors, vertebrate hosts, and humans. I primarily work on tick-borne pathogens, especially protozoan pathogens including the agents of babesiosis. I have experience with fieldwork involving wildlife reservoirs, such as white-footed mice, as well as lab experience including PCR, qPCR, and tick identification. I am interested in public service positions and am also open to work in other sectors that are related to One Health science.