Marina Meester

Dr. Marina Meester serves as an Assistant Professor in the Farm Animal Health department within the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Utrecht University. Her academic appointment falls under the Department of Population Health Sciences, where she focuses on understanding pathogen transmission dynamics in intensive livestock systems.

Dr. Meester holds dual qualifications as a veterinarian and epidemiologist. She earned a second master's degree in epidemiology following her veterinary studies and became a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Public Health. Her PhD research investigated hepatitis E virus dynamics and control strategies in pig herds.

• Genetic Epidemiology
• One Health frameworks connecting humans, animals, and environment
• Virus evolution and transmission pathways
• Phylodynamics for outbreak investigation
• Animal-friendly sampling methods (dust and saliva)

Her research primarily investigates three infectious disease systems: hepatitis E virus, Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS) virus, and influenza in pigs and poultry. She explores how viral recombination affects pathogen spread and how vaccination impacts viral evolution to develop better control strategies for animal populations.

Dr. Meester has received multiple research grants and prizes (4 documented), though specific award names aren't detailed in the available materials. She maintains active engagement with public media, including a 2022 appearance on Atlas TV discussing hepatitis E virus in Dutch pigs.

As an educator, she coordinates the interdisciplinary 'Healthcare and Society' bachelor course spanning Medicine, Veterinary Medicine, and Pharmacy faculties. She welcomes thesis students interested in genetic epidemiology and zoonotic disease transmission. Her research activities include 10 documented outputs and 9 professional activities, demonstrating ongoing scholarly contributions to veterinary public health.