Martha Betson

Dr. Martha Betson is an Associate Professor in Veterinary Parasitology and Head of the School of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Surrey. She holds a BSc from the University of Cambridge, a PhD in cell biology from University College London, and postdoctoral training at Harvard Medical School. Her research focuses on understanding parasitic disease transmission dynamics, particularly neglected tropical diseases and zoonotic pathogens at the wildlife-domestic animal-human interface. She advocates a One Health approach to address issues like food security and public health risks.

Her academic contributions include teaching parasitology and epidemiology on the Veterinary Medicine and Science program. Notable research areas include Cryptosporidium genetics, diagnostic test development, and the socio-economic factors influencing parasitic infections in endemic regions. She has published extensively on topics ranging from tick-borne diseases to foodborne parasite contamination.

Martha's interdisciplinary work bridges laboratory research, field epidemiology, and policy advocacy. Recent studies include investigations into antimicrobial resistance in agrifood systems and the zoonotic potential of companion animals. Her team collaborates globally, with projects in the Philippines, Pakistan, and sub-Saharan Africa.