Sonia Boender

Sonia Boender is a Visiting Fellow at the Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam's Faculty of Science, affiliated with the Health Sciences department. Her primary position is Senior Researcher & Team Lead at the Department of Infectious Diseases, Public Health Service (GGD) Amsterdam. She holds a PhD in Global Health (2013–2016) and advanced degrees in epidemiology and public health.

Education:

• Applied Epidemiology, Master (2021)
• Global Health, PhD (2013–2016)
• International Public Health, Postgraduate Certificate (2012)
• Health Sciences, Master (2011)
• Health Sciences, Bachelor (Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 2009)

Research Interests: Dr. Boender focuses on infectious diseases, HIV/AIDS treatment and drug resistance, global health policy, and pandemic response strategies. She explores digital communication tools for public health, such as vaccine emoji proposals. Her work emphasizes epidemiological analysis and the impact of interventions on disease transmission.

Research Trends: Her recent publications address infodemic management during pandemics, the societal effects of non-pharmaceutical interventions, and optimizing HIV treatment in sub-Saharan Africa. She bridges epidemiological research with practical public health communication.

Awards: No scientific awards explicitly mentioned.

Advising & Grants: No formal advisees listed, though her role as Team Lead at GGD Amsterdam involves managing research teams. Collaborations span global health institutions, with studies in Germany, Africa, and beyond.

Labs/Teams: Leads the Department of Infectious Diseases at GGD Amsterdam, focusing on outbreak investigations and public health policy.